In NCiB Boyfriend news, Salvador Perez is having a career year, Franmil Reyes proves his boyfriend cred, and Ian Happ flashes some potential. Veteran Gregory Polanco is released by the Pirates to make room for Pottymouth’s bf Cole Tucker, and Will Smith credits his batting tear on no fear of failing. We take “not afraid to fail” to heart and present an edit-free episode. 

The COVID report is back with a vengeance. A positive test for Zach Eflin distracts the Phillies from his knee trouble, and takes out two more vaxxed teammates leading to Bryce Harper offering to serve as emergency back-up catcher. Kiké Hernadez and Christian Arroyo are out for the Red Sox, joined by a flock of Cardinals, and a boatload of Rangers including several starting pitchers. The Nationals and Astros announce vaccine requirements for all non-player staff -- player vaccination requirements are subject to collective bargaining.

The investigation into Angel’s pitcher Tyler Scaggs’ death is alluding to a larger drug ring within the team, including former communications staffer Eric Kay using an app to arrange for delivery of opiates to the ballpark, in return for game tickets and in once case a Mike Trout autographed ball. The Pasadena police have turned over the results of the Trevor Bauer investigation to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office so that  the DA can determine if charges will be filed.

Alcides Escobar builds a boyfriend case by bringing his son’s little league team to a Nats game in Miami. NCiB patron saint Sean Doolittle heads to the wrong Washington. Chris Sale throws an immaculate inning and changes his shirt. The Atlantic League lab rats have some sore lats and not much difference in batting stats three weeks into the experiment of moving the pitching mound back a foot. Congrats to ​​Diamilette Quiles, the first woman in beísbol femenino de PR to reach 100 hits. We say colonies, condom clown, and first day of school.

Get vaxxed, fight the man, and find us on Twitter @ncibpodcast, on Facebook @nocryinginbball, Instagram @nocryinginbball and on the Interweb at nocryinginbball.com. Please take a moment to subscribe to the show, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to NCiB. Become a supporter at Patreon to help us keep doing what we do. Say goodnight, Pottymouth.