This time of the year, rumors around Major League Baseball mostly feature possible waiver trade deadline deals. But this may also be the time to report about losing teams preparing for next season or injured stars close to returning to help in the postseason race.

Hanley Ramirez to Play First Base

In a report by ESPN, the 58-69 Boston Red Sox are beginning to work out left fielder, Hanley Ramirez, at first base. New president Dave Dombrowski prefers his young outfielders, such as Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley, Jr. and Rusney Castillo, as starters.

"Hanley was receptive to it. He thought it was worth trying. And we think he should be able to get into games [at first] before the end of the year," according to Dombrowski.

As per Grantland, Ramirez is the worst left field in terms of defense this season. Baseball-Reference states that he signed with the Red Sox this offseason for a four-year, $88-million contract.

Former All-Star Closer Chris Perez Retires

First reported by Roch Kubatko on Twitter, former all-star closer Chris Perez has retired while in the middle of a 50-game suspension due to recreational drug use.

Perez was a two-time all-star with the Cleveland Indians in 2011 and 2012. He signed a minor league deal with the Baltimore Orioles this offseason as reported by NBC Sports.

He ranks third in all-time saves for the Indians franchise at 124. Perez is only 30 years old.

George Springer and Marcus Stroman Close to Returning

Houston Astros' outfielder, George Springer, is close to returning from a wrist injury sustained on July 1 against the Kansas City Royals, as reported by Chron. As preparation, he took a batting practice against the New York Yankees on Aug. 25. The Astros are leading the AL West over the Angels and the return of Springer will boost their lineup.

Marcus Stroman is also close to returning for the Toronto Blue Jays in a report by SportsNet. The 24-year-old right-hander tore his left ACL during spring training, as per NBC Sports. He started throwing simulated games and will start his rehab outing in the first week of September in Single-A and Triple-A.

Milwaukee Brewers Still Looking for a General Manager

The Milwaukee Brewers are still looking for a new general manager after Doug Melvin stepped down on Aug. 11. In a report from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the possible replacement for Melvin are Los Angeles Angels' Matt Klentak, Oakland Athletics' Dan Kantrovitz, Atlanta Braves' John Coppollela, Cleveland Indians' Mike Chernoff , Texas Rangers' Thad Levine, Tampa Bay Rays' Chaim Bloom, Boston Red Sox' Mike Hazen and New York Yankees' Billy Eppler.