Author: MLB Baseball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

Today’s Reflections

Not only was that the Clay Holmes Friday that I expected with the deadline trade, maybe he actually exceeded my expectations. Almost to the point of placing him in a spot of expecting too much from him in the future.

But it sounds like Holmes has a great handle on his personal evaluation: “I probably wasn’t as bad as my stat line last time, and I probably wasn’t as good as my one this time. It’s just one of those things where you have to keep finding ways to get better. In between starts, there were some simple things that we worked on (and) tried to nail.”

For the second straight game, the Cubs found themselves in a fierce pitching battle. It was a little surprising, given the pair that took the mound, Holmes and Matthew Liberatore. Nevertheless, both pitchers were perfect until Nico Hoerner singled in the bottom of the fifth, and Jose Fermin singled in the top of the sixth. Holmes kept chugging along, finishing with a scoreless 6.2 innings pitched, having allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three.

The wrap-up of Liberatore’s days wasn’t as clean. Tyrone Taylor led off with a single and a stolen base. Dansby Swanson followed with a single of his own, on the way to chasing Liberatore from the game. After Swanson stole second off reliever George Soriano, Seiya Suzuki crushed a 2-1 pitch into the left field bleachers for a 3-0 lead. Ryan Rolison got the last out in the seventh, then Ryan Jeferjahn and Jacob Webb each pitched a one-hit, scoreless inning, for Webb’s ninth save and Holmes’ first win as a Cub.

Suzuki later added a double, and a total of four other Cubs singled. But no hit was bigger than Suzuki’s three-run blast.

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Friday’s Game Stories:

• Matt Carlson (Chicago Sun-Times): Cubs starter Clay Holmes shuts down Cardinals in 3-0 victory. “Cubs newcomer Clay Holmes and his sinker were back in form. And Seiya Suzuki hit his 21st homer, a three-run shot in the sixth inning, to break a scoreless tie and added a double in the eighth.”

• Andy Martinez (Chicago Tribune {$}): Arm and hammer: Clay Holmes’ stellar start in home debut and Seiya Suzuki’s 3-run HR fuel Chicago Cubs’ 3-0 win. “The loudest ovation from the 40,374 fans during Friday’s 3-0 win for the Cubs at Wrigley Field came when starter Clay Holmes walked off the mound with two outs in the seventh inning, ending a stellar home debut for the newest starter acquired at the trade deadline this month.”

• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com): Holmes takes perfect game into sixth as Cubs get glimpse of new-look rotation. “Clay Holmes has pitched on some of baseball’s biggest stages. He has handled high-leverage outs in the World Series. He has made a pair of All-Star teams. The righty has donned the uniform of both New York ballclubs, experiencing the pressure and expectations for those big-market franchises.”

Assorted Stories:

• Jeremy Tecktiel (North Side Baseball): Sweeper Usage & A Revised Sinker Were The Keys To Clay Holmes’ Brilliance On Friday. “In his second start with his new team, Clay Holmes may have put together the best start of his career. Is this success sustainable?”
• Cole Bair (Bleacher Nation): 1-2 Punch, Holmes At Home, Extension Candidates, Conrad Crushing, And Other Cubs Bullets. “After a 3-1 loss to the Dodgers last night, the Brewers NL Central lead is back to just three games. I think the majority of us weren’t counting on a serious race for the division a month or more ago.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Why Cubs traded for Clay Holmes, plus updates on Edward Cabrera, Ben Brown ahead of stretch run. “The Cubs are grappling with an issue that would have seemed unthinkable while injuries kept piling up throughout this season: too many good pitchers and not enough open spots.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Cubs’ Matt Shaw is still in the picture after trade deadline and nearing return. “Shaw might’ve been a valuable chip at the trade deadline despite being out with a sprained left wrist, but the Cubs elected to keep him.”
• Matt Carlson (Sun-Times): Matt Shaw expected to head out on rehab assignment this week
• Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): Cubs quietly offer Ben Brown update that could change postseason pitching plans. “So you’re telling me there’s a chance.”
• Elias Schuster (Chicago Cubs On SI): Cubs Rotation Due for Shake-Up as Edward Cabrera Returns This Weekend. “The Chicago Cubs are welcoming back Edward Cabrera this weekend, and he will immediately return to a starting role.”
• Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune {$}): Column: Arrival of dog days brings out the best in Chicago Cubs, who blank rivals amid the Wrigley Field buzz. “Well, actually the term (dog days) dates back several centuries and refers to the Dog Star that rises and sets with the sun at this time of the year, so it has nothing to do with players being dog-tired.”
• Scoop Jackson (Chicago Sun-Times): This year’s version of the Cubs is much more believable as a contender. “Nos. 1 through 9, no matter where Counsell puts them in lineup, these hitters can put up numbers.”

Food For Thought:

Lösekes Blues Gang is a veteran German rhythm and blues band founded on July 9, 1972, in Bad Salzdetfurth, near Hildesheim. Known for straightforward Chicago blues, rough-edged impulsive rhythms, and soulful solos, they are one of Germany’s most enduring and experienced blues groups. Despite several reshuffles and professional breaks, the gang remained a force to be reckoned with in the German blues scene. Until 2012, LBG recorded six albums, each one filled with ambitious original songs and boldly interpreted compositions by great colleagues such as Robbie Robertson, George Harrison, Sting and Randy Newman.

The sextet always knew how to blend the various influences, also from genres such as Cajun and rock. In particular, however, Löseke’s Blues Gang can be proud of having played with black originals like Memphis Slim, Champion Jack Dupree and Blind John Davis – a tribute to their talents of a special kind. The terrific atmosphere at Löseke’s rousing gigs is legendary. Whether open air at the Hildesheim Jazztime or in hot clubs like the Bischofsmühle – the fans go wild.

Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series.

When the Brewers needed him most, he vanished.

Well, actually, he struggled.

A lot.

Some may argue he never showed up.

In February 2024, the Milwaukee Brewers traded Cy Young winner, and ace of their pitching rotation, Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles in return for Joey Ortiz, DL Hall, and future considerations.

At the time, it felt like the O’s fleeced the Brewers, and for the large part they did. It was the final year of Burnes rookie contract, and it was also the final year he was 100% healthy. Burnes went on and was nominated for his fourth career all-star game appearance, and led the O’s rotation with a 3.39 ERA, as they went on to win 91 games and a runner up finish in the American League East.

Fans were no doubt left unsatisfied about the return for Burnes. Yes, it was for one season, but for as high caliber of a player Burnes was at the time, it felt like something that should’ve yielded more of a return. At the time, the O’s had infielder Coby Mayo, Jordan Westburg, Jackson Holliday, and Gunnar Henderson listed in their top 25 prospect list. Understandably, the O’s didn’t want to part ways with any of what would be their core for years to come, but for Brewers fans, getting one of those infielders would’ve felt justfied for a man who finished in the top 10 in Cy Young Award voting for the previous five years.

As Ortiz joined the Brewers, he had 15 Major League Baseball games under his belt, which had given him 33 at-bats, where he produced seven hits, one double, and four RBIs. But, in his first three months with the Crew, he was off to a blazing hot start as he batted .281, and it looked like the Brewers found their staple at the hot corner.

Then the drop off happened.

Ortiz got hurt, so he missed the first half of July and never got back to the first half version of himself, as he batted .200. He didn’t have much power in his bat while he was hot, but he certainly didn’t after his injury.

That was his first season.

Last year, which, believe it or not, was the second full season of Ortiz. The one thing he was consistent at, was staying healthy and consistently being in the lineup despite not producing. He also was one of the better defenders in the infield.

The first two months of the season were forgettable to say the least as he batted below .200 for the most of that time. Then June hit and it felt like he was starting to find his stride, until he couldn’t carry it over into July. Then it happened again in August, as statisically he was one of the better hitters during the month until an injury sidelined him for the final week of the month. He once again, couldn’t quite get back to where he was at.

Possibly one of the most frustrating aspects of Ortiz’s game, was the scenario he gound himself in time and time again, and that was hitting with bases loaded. Ortiz set a franchise record for single-season plate appearances in that specific scenario. He even led the National League with 31 total plate appearances. Although finding yourself in that specific situation is luck, he had none of that when it came to hitting in those situations. Ortiz got a hit just five times with one double, and one grand slam, driving in a total of 16 RBIs.

Fast forward to 2026, and Ortiz found himself with the Brewers first bases loaded opportunity of the season, this time it looked a little different as he singled to drive in the team’s first run of the season.

Entering this year, it felt like the leesh was going to be quite short for Ortiz. He’s reliable on defense, and is speedy, but that has been the extent of his production. With fans already looking ahead to the deadline, hoping they could find their next Willy Adames, Ortiz made the move to third base and everything changed.

Throughout April and May, Ortiz was the starting shortstop with Luis Rengifo and David Hamilton splitting the time at third base. Ortiz when batting, was one of the worst shortstops in the league, hitting .165 with one home run and 11-RBIs.

Once the calendar flipped to June, change was in the air for the left side of the infield. June 15 hit, and that mean’t any free agents signed over the offseason were now eligible to either be traded or released. Rengifo was then designated for assignment, making way for a young, fresh face, in Cooper Pratt. Once Pratt arrived, that left Ortiz and Hamilton to man third base, and Ortiz took over as that man quickly.

Maybe it was the change to third base for comfortability, or the handful of hairstyle changes we saw, but since June 15, Ortiz has batted .297 with 35 hits, five home runs, 19 RBIs, and 14 runs scored in 41 games played. While the team fared quite well without the production of Ortiz at the plate through the first half of the season, the team is staying afloat through their roughest stretch of the season because of Ortiz.

Oddly enough, of all teams for anyone to struggle against, you’d think it be the Los Angeles Dodgers, but not for Ortiz. Last night, Ortiz hit a two-run home run which put the Brewers on top against the Dodgers. Through the first three games of the series, Ortiz has four hits, one double, on home run, and four RBIs. Quietly becoming “The Dodger Whisperer.”

SIDE NOTE: For those who grind out Diamond Dynasty of MLB The Show 26, Ortiz’s efforts in the month of July earned him a July Player of the Month card, becoming one of the highest rated cards for the Brewers.

While it appeared half of the fanbase wanted Ortiz gone back in June, it has gotten to a point where the Brewers can’t afford a game without him in the lineup. With the lineup aiming to be fully healthy by the end of the month, and the bats looking like they’re turning a corner, Ortiz’s production mixed with defensive stability is quickly turning this lineup into a force to be reckoned with come October.

Triple-A: Gwinnett Stripers (Braves) 9, Norfolk Tides 6 — 10 inn.

The Tides went to extra innings in a 6-6 tie, but a three-run top of the 10th for Gwinnett spelled defeat. The rarely scored-upon lefty Andrew Magno gave up all three runs to raise his ERA to 1.26. Before that, erstwhile Orioles Dietrich Enns and Anthony Nunez each worked two scoreless innings. Starter Cade Povich was unimpressive in his first start since his demotion from the Orioles. He gave up six runs (four earned) and eight hits in five innings.

Norfolk looked good offensively. The Tides had 12 hits and went 6-for-17 with runners in scoring position. Leadoff man Enrique Bradfield Jr. set the table by reaching base all five times, with four hits and a walk, and also stole two bases. Now that’s the type of performance that can get EBJ in the conversation for a call-up. His OPS is up to .693. Creed Willems also had two hits.

Now here’s the bad news: the Tides’ defense was absolutely atrocious. They committed five (5!) errors in this game. At least it wasn’t any legitimate prospects making the misplays. Catcher Sam Huff had two throwing errors, and three of the four infielders — Ryan Noda, Luis Vázquez, and José Barrero — were charged with a miscue apiece.

Box score

Double-A: Chesapeake Baysox 9, Reading Fightin Phils (Phillies) 3

It’s Aron Estrada’s world, and we’re all just living in it. The Orioles’ infield prospect had the game of his life for the Baysox, going 5-for-5 and crushing two home runs to lead Chesapeake to a blowout win. Batting leadoff, Estrada set the tone for the night by smashing the first pitch of the game for a dinger, and followed with a two-run blast in the third. A double and two singles completed his superb performance. He boosted his OPS by 33 points to .823.

Estrada’s double-play partner Wehiwa Aloy also had a fine night at the plate with three hits, and Victor Figueroa and Dom Keegan both homered. Eight different batters had at least one hit as part of Chesapeake’s 15-hit outburst.

The Baysox needed just two pitchers in this game. Starter JT Quinn worked the first four innings, giving up one run and striking out six, and Trace Bright was excellent in long relief, throwing five frames and fanning seven. The only two runs Bright gave up were unearned.

Box score

High-A: Frederick Keys 8, Bowling Green Hot Rods (Rays) 3

It was a productive night at the plate for the Keys, who scored all eight of their runs on a quartet of homers. Newcomer Enddy Azocar (acquired in the Adley Rutschman trade) continued to rake, going 2-for-4 with a three-run homer. Azocar has eight extra-base hits and a 1.037 OPS in nine games since joining the O’s organization. Braylin Tavera and RJ Austin each hit a two-run homer, and Vance Honeycutt added a solo shot. Rough day for shortstop DJ Layton, who was 0-for-4 and committed two errors.

Starter Twine Palmer went two scoreless innings with four strikeouts in his return from a three-week IL stint. Bulk reliever Carson Dorsey handled the next five innings, and Braeden Sloan worked two perfect frames for the save.

Box score

Low-A: Delmarva Shorebirds 7, Salem RidgeYaks (Red Sox) 3

Just like the Baysox and Keys, the Shorebirds put together a solid game on both sides of the ball. Dare I say that Esteban Mejia showed signs of progress? Limited to three innings in this game, Mejia gave up three hits but impressively didn’t walk anybody. It was the first of his 19 starts this year without a free pass, a big step for a guy who’s been averaging more than 12 walks per nine innings.

The Shorebirds offense had a singles party, as all 11 of their hits in this game were one-basers. Jhomnardo Reyes, the Dean Kremer trade return, had two hits and an RBI, as did second baseman Elvin Garcia. Bulk reliever Brayan Orrantia notched the win with five innings of two-run ball.

Box score

Sunday’s scheduled games:

• Norfolk: vs. Gwinnett, 1:05 PM. Starter: Michael Forret (1-2, 4.78)
• Chesapeake: at Reading, 5:15 PM. Starter: Caden Hunter (1-2, 4.50)
• Frederick: vs. Bowling Green, 3:00 PM. Starter: Boston Bateman (4-3, 3.93)
• Delmarva: vs. Salem, 5:05 PM. Starter: Francisco Morao (0-0, 5.06)

The brotherhood of Major League Baseball also lost one of its own this week. Former big league outfielder Robert Leon “Butch” Huskey passed away from a pulmonary embolism at the age of 54.

If you don’t remember the name Butch Huskey, I can’t say I blame you. The seventh round pick out of Eisenhower High School in Lawton, Oklahoma was mostly known for his five seasons with the New York Mets. In 1999 he played for the Seattle Mariners before being traded to the playoff-bound Boston Red Sox. In 2000 he played the first half of the season with the Minnesota Twins.

Butch Huskey only played 45 games in a Colorado Rockies uniform, and it was the last Major League playing time of his career.

The Rockies—fighting for a playoff spot in a season full of incredible performances—wanted a bench bat and extra outfielder. They sent minor league first baseman Todd Sears to the Twins in exchange for infielder Todd Walker and Huskey himself.

Although the Rockies missed the playoffs, Huskey delivered at the plate. In 111 plate appearances he hit .348/.432/.565 with eight doubles, four home runs, and 18 RBIs. He also drew more walks with 16 than he struck out with 14. 

Huskey became a free agent after the season and ended up signing a minor league contract with Cleveland. After not making the Opening Day roster for the 2001 season he returned to Colorado and spent the final year of his baseball career with the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox. 

Over parts of seven seasons Huskey finished his career with a .267/.318/.442 line and 86 home runs. It was quietly a solid career that could have lasted much longer. He was just 29-years-old. 

Huskey is also remembered as one of the final MLB players to wear the number 42 before it was universally retired by Major League Baseball in honor of Jackie Robinson. 

“I told myself if I ever got a chance to play professional baseball, I would wear his number,” he once told the Daily News. “I think about it quite often.”

But this isn’t about the number on the uniform or on the stat sheet. This is about a young Rockies fan’s affection for a player most Rockies fans might not even remember. 

They say to never underestimate the feelings a kid has for a random ballplayer. It’s something I’ve grown somewhat famous for throughout my life (Please ask me about my Garrett Hampson collection). I was nine when Huskey was traded to the Rockies and I immediately latched on. 

I thought his name was cool and I loved watching him hit. I went out of my way to make sure he was in a Rockies uniform when I played Triple Play 2000 on my dad’s computer. I was incredibly sad when he wasn’t a member of the 2001 Rockies roster. 

26 years later, I still remember Butch Huskey with immense fondness. When I heard of his passing, I mourned a part of my childhood.

Following his death, I’ve started to learn more about the man himself. From an outpouring of statements from those that knew him or from fans like me, I have seen only positivity and fondness. Huskey also worked with the Player’s Alliance and promoted youth baseball in his Native Oklahoma.

Huskey’s passing is another reminder that our childhood heroes are with us here forever. However, they exist forever so long as they are remembered with fondness and joy. I feel like this is especially important when it comes to the rank and file members of Major League Baseball. For every superstar making $400 million with their faces everywhere, there are dozens of everyday players that will escape the memories of most fans. 

I think what I’m trying to say is how important I think it is to remember those players that made your childhood special even if they weren’t the face of the franchise or the national superstar. Support those players of today on and off the field. Remember and support the Butch Huskeys of the game.

To Read: Rockpiles

• Monday: How Rockies TV set up Jordan Romano’s closer entrance | Renee Dechert
• Tuesday: Nick Frasso reflects on his MLB debut | Sam Bradfield
• Wednesday: Jake McCarthy has stabilized the Rockies’ leadoff spot | Skyler Timmins
• Thursday: Reasons to watch the end of another Rockies losing season | Cory Cohen
• Friday: Lessons in organic chemistry: Meet Rockies performance dietitian Sam Hawkins | Joelle Milholm
• Saturday: Connor Norby could raise the bar at second base | James Riggenbach

To Read: PuRPs

Full Stream | Jeff Aberle

• Single-Ballot Players
• 2-5 Ballot Players
• Nos. 43-36
• Honorable Mentions
• Nos. 30-26

To Read: News

• Prospect News: Zac Veen named PCL Player of the Week | Evan Lang
• Rockies News: Jake McCarthy named NL Player of the Week | Skyler Timmins
• Rockies Roster: Colorado Rockies recall Connor Norby, place Tyler Freeman on the IL | Renee Dechert & Sam Bradfield
• Weekly Pebble Report: Starting Lanes: Jake Brooks on learning to pitch in Albuquerque | Eli Whitney
• Rockies Roster: According to reports, Rockies recall Zac Veen, DFA Edouard Julien | Renee Dechert
• Prospect News: Veen feels “really blessed” to be back with the Rockies | Renee Dechert
• Rockies Roster: Kyle Karros placed on concussion injured list, Adael Amador recalled | Evan Lang
• Staff Feature: My personal Field of Dreams | Skyler Timmins
• Prospect News: Francis Rivera is pitching his way through the Rockies minor league system | Renee Dechert

Weekly Discussion Topics

Who was a baseball player who made your childhood special? Who was your first favorite Rockie? Let us know in the comments!

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Charley Steiner, who has been in the business for 59 years, called Saturday night’s broadcast of the Dodgers-Milwaukee Brewers game “the most meaningful game of my career."

It was the first time that Steiner called all nine innings of a game since Oct. 11, 2023 when the Diamondbacks were the last team to beat the Dodgers in a postseason.

Steiner, who has been battling cancer, began the season broadcasting just three innings in the first game of a home series this season, gradually building up to six innings, and now his first complete game.

“It means the world to me," Steiner told USA TODAY Sports.

Steiner was diagnosed with multiple myeloma blood cancer in January 2024 and was unable to work any games that season, but returned to the booth in 2025.

He has been calling Dodgers games since 2005 and was one of ESPN's most beloved SportsCenter anchors in the 1990s.

Nightengale's Notebook: Latest MLB rumors

PHOENIX — Colorado Rockies rookie third baseman Kyle Karros, struggling early in the season, sat slumped in front of his locker, his mind soul filled with self-doubt, wondering if he even belonged in the big leagues.

“I remember sitting alone," Karros said, “and I was like, “It's just so frustrating. I know I can play here. I know I'm capable. I just haven't seen any results at this level.’

Rockies teammate Mickey Moniak walked over, put his arm on Karros’ shoulder, and Karros innocently asked him if he ever felt that way.

“He’s like, 'Dude, you know who you're talking to?'" Karros said.

You want to hear about self-doubt? Pain and embarrassment? Failure.

Well, Moniak says, pull up a chair.

Nightengale's Notebook: Latest MLB rumors

Moniak was once was regarded as the finest amateur ballplayer in the land, selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB draft 10 years ago by the Philadelphia Phillies.

It took only a couple of years to then be considered one of baseball’s draft busts, the rare 1-1 pick who was a total flop.

“This road is a tough winding road, and everybody’s journey is different," Moniak tells USA TODAY Sports. “You never know what’s going to happen. I’ve gone through a lot of ups. I’ve gone through a lot of downs. And ultimately, it’s gotten me to where I am today."

Moniak, 28, is now a fixture of the Colorado Rockies lineup, electing to stay put and part of the Rockies’ rebuild instead of being traded to a contender, agreeing to a two-year, $16.25 million contract extension the same day of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

Moniak, who experienced the highest of highs on Draft Day, and then the lowest of lows when he was dumped less than six years later by the Phillies, has finally found a home.

“You know, ever since I got here, I made it pretty clear that I love it here," Moniak says. “I love this organization. I love the people in this organization. I love where the organization is headed. It’s something I want to be a part of.

“I’ve always been a loyal guy, so I think that if you show loyalty in me and confidence in me, I just want to give it right back."

Certainly, it would have been easy for the Rockies to ship Moniak out at the trade deadline, bringing in more prospects.

It would have been easy for Moniak to want out, too playing for a franchise that has lost 100 or more games three consecutive years, finishing last the past four years, a combined 171 games out of first place, with the worst record in the National League once again.

Moniak, a hot commodity deadline, could have ignored the offer and tabled the discussions this winter, but also knows that if he had not signed the extension, he’d likely be wearing a different uniform today.

“I think that there was a good possibility that I would have been traded if I didn’t sign it," Moniak says. “From the business side of the game, there was obviously always a possibility that I would have been on the move. Obviously, my name was one that was getting thrown around a lot.

“So, to able to ink that deal right before the deadline, and kind of solidify myself here for at least the next two years was something that I was very excited about."

Hello, friends.

It remains tough to know just what to say about these Orioles. Often over the course of this season, this has been bad, because the depth of their struggle almost defies explanation. Very nearly as often, this has been good, because you think you know what they are based on all of the bad games and then they remind you that, actually, despite of all the problems they have had, they can play some good games and beat some good teams. Sometimes, they even do this for multiple games in a row.

The Orioles pulled together another good win last night. Or maybe they didn’t pull together a good win, and in fact they stole a game they should have lost – something that they also could really stand to do more often. Either way, after blowing a one-run lead in the ninth inning, rather than just rolling over and dying in the tenth inning, they scored their zombie runner in the very first at-bat to re-take the lead and then out-of-nowhere Oriole Cam Sanders collected another save to finish off a 4-3 win over the Rays. Sure, why not? Check out Stacey’s recap of the game for more of the lovely totals.

For a short time on Saturday night, after some games had finished but not others, there was a five-way tie for the third wild card spot in the American League. The Orioles were right there as one of those five teams. By the time I sat down to write up this article, this was down to a four-way tie because the Twins lost. These wild card contenders just keep losing! That’s why the Orioles are still in the race, no matter how bad some people think they are and no matter how bad they prove themselves to be at times.

Depending on what happened as Texas finished its game out in Sacramento after I was doing this writing, it’s either going to be a half-game deficit for the Orioles (Texas wins) or the Orioles now in a three-way tie (Texas loses) with the Blue Jays and Tigers. These teams are all three games below .500.

I know, it’s absurd to have a playoff team below .500 at this point. There are 39 games left and this condition persists. Ridiculous. Yet, that’s what it is. The whiners are going to have to get it through their heads that this Orioles team, for all of its faults, has a chance. Rejecting this reality is going to lead to a person saying stupid things. The O’s just have to play good baseball for a while! Like, another month and a half. They’re not incapable of doing this. The only thing about it is they haven’t really done it this season, for a variety of reasons.

The series continues on Sunday afternoon, with the Orioles looking to make it three straight wins over the Rays. Take note that this game will be on Peacock or NBC Sports, so if you don’t have that streamer or that channel, you’ll just have to listen on the radio instead. There will be no MASN feed at all and it won’t be on MLB.tv. Trevor Rogers and Freddy Peralta are the scheduled starting pitchers for the 12:15 game. Peralta had a bad season with the Mets before getting traded; he was lit up in his first Rays start in Coors Field but then pitched a decent game. It’ll be annoying if Rays magic fixes this guy.

Orioles stuff you might have missed

Samuel Basallo to begin rehab assignment today, with MLB return nearing (The Baltimore Banner)
Not only is Basallo near the end of the path to a return, Blaze Alexander is said to be not far behind. There’s even a note in here about Félix Bautista continuing his bullpen session progression.

Pete Alonso addresses hobbling in win over Rays: ‘No concern’ (The Baltimore Sun)
The Polar Bear dealt with some calf cramping yesterday. Nobody involved with the team seems to be too worried about it.

There’s a new No. 1 on the Orioles Top 30 list (Orioles.com)
Jake Rill with a little update on MLB Pipeline’s new best Orioles prospect – this year’s first round pick, Eric Booth Jr.

Birthdays and Orioles anniversaries

Today in 1969, Boog Powell hit an inside-the-park home run in the ninth inning of a 15-3 win over the then-Seattle Pilots in Seattle. I would like to have seen that. The homer was hit off former Oriole Steve Barber. Powell’s reward was getting the bottom of the ninth off: He was replaced in the field for the last half-inning by Elrod Hendricks.

In 1998, Eric Davis’s franchise-leading hitting streak of 30 straight games came to an end as Davis went hitless during a 5-3 loss to the then-Guardians. In the last 20 years, the best an Oriole has done is a 20-game streak by Cedric Mullins in 2021.

There are a few former Orioles who were born on this day. They are: 1995 infielder Bret Barberie, 1966-68 pitcher Gene Brabender, and 1955/58-60 outfielder Gene Woodling.

Is today your birthday? Happy birthday to you! Your birthday buddies for today include: diplomat and later movie subject T. E. Lawrence (1888), author Diana Wynne Jones (1934), singer-songwriter Madonna (1958), and actor Steve Carell (1962).

On this day in history…

In 1858, a new transatlantic telegraph cable was symbolically introduced by having President James Buchanan and UK’s Queen Victoria send greetings to one another. The cable was abandoned within weeks because it didn’t work; it took eight years for a permanent connection to be made.

In 1896, three men including one named Skookum Jim Mason, discovered gold in the area of the Klondike River in Canada, sparking a gold rush once news of this discovery reached American west coast towns like Seattle and San Francisco.

In 1920, Ray Chapman of the then-Cleveland Indians was hit in the head by a pitch. He died the next day. This was the second time a player was killed from an injury suffered during an MLB game.

**

And that’s the way it is in Birdland on August 16. Have a safe Sunday. Go O’s!

Alec Bohm getting five hits on the day that Marvel does another trailer for “Avengers: Doomsday” confirms my theory that there are multiverses in real life and we are in one if he is having success like that.

On to the links.

Phillies news:

• The team’s top thirty prospects have been updated lately to include the newest draftees. Where do they rank?
• Trea Turner had to leave the game last night after fouling a ball off his knee. Sounds like he is going to be fine.
• There are under 40 games to go on the season. Answering some questions about the team seems like a good thing to do ($).

MLB news:

• With the CBS negotiations looming, team valuations are going to be a talking point. With the Yankees getting a $10 billion number, where does that put the game ($)?
• How about Joshua Baez yesterday? His three home run MLB debut is one that is going into the record books.
• CJ Abrams is heading to second base in the same season in which he was an All-Star at shortstop. Alrighty then.

The radio broadcasters reminded listeners of the final score, invited them to tune in again the next day, and signed off. The Dodgers had lost Saturday, so the sounds of “California Stars” wafted through Dodger Stadium.

“Well,” Charley Steiner said to his colleagues in the broadcast booth, “they’re still playing this song.”

The little things can be the ones we remember the most. On Saturday, for the first time in three years, Steiner called all nine innings of a Dodgers game.

In 2024, he beat cancer into remission. The first sign was back pain. He later suffered three back fractures, and to this day the pain is still there.

“It’s gone from intolerable to tolerable,” Steiner said.

He left Dodger Stadium in a wheelchair Saturday. He can walk, but the trek from the broadcast booth to the parking lot is too much, at least for now.

Read more:Jacob Misiorowski outduels Justin Wrobleski as Brewers send Dodgers to frustrating loss

Yet he was in the booth, and on the air for nine innings, so Saturday was a very good day indeed.

Steiner returned for opening day in 2025, but he wore down and left midway through the game. He has called a few games this season, for a few innings each time, building up his workload as if he were a pitcher in spring training.

On Thursday, after Steiner called six innings, he said he would like to try seven the next time. Duane McDonald, the Dodgers’ radio producer, encouraged him to try the full nine.

And so Steiner did, his voice sounding raspy and rusty in the early innings but getting stronger with each successive inning.

He called the statistics put up by Milwaukee Brewers prodigy Jacob Misiorowski “Koufaxian numbers.” He translated an infield single with an exit velocity of 37 mph into everyday language: “That’s driving in the school zone.”

And, on an afternoon Dodgers starter Justin Wrobleski gave up two home runs — that’s 11 homers surrendered in his last 19⅔ innings — Steiner did not miss a beat when reading an advertisement: “Toyota dealers: they make it easy. Wrobleski makes it hard.”

The Dodgers have consistently and graciously told Steiner to take all the time he needed to get better, but recovery is slow, uneven and ongoing.

Read more:Edwin Díaz feels he's 'going in a good direction' after escaping jam in Dodgers' win

“Who would have ever thought that sitting could be painful?” Steiner said.

“I get home after a game, and I’m sitting with three ice packs on my back. It’s like I’ve completed playing.”

In the broadcast booth, he sometimes alternates between standing and sitting, or puts his feet up on a table, anything to avoid sitting for hours on end.

The happiest person next to Steiner on Saturday was the one who has been next to Steiner for two decades in the booth: Rick Monday, who checked on Steiner almost every day the past three years and who teased him unmercifully on Saturday, at times using words best left out of a family newspaper.

“You can’t invent chemistry,” Steiner said.

You also can’t invent what is now a lifelong bond.

“I had fun watching him, because I know he has gone through hell,” Monday said. “His world shrunk. We’re used to 50,000 people and you saw, what, one or two a day?”

Steiner nodded.

“Housebound,” Monday said.

“The last three years have been P.T. [physical therapy],” Steiner said. “Every day. Social life? Scratch that.

“If I want to go out to eat, it’s not necessarily where, but what’s the seating like? I can’t sit in a wooden chair.”

It’s too uncomfortable, he said, without cushion or support for his back.

Read more:Plaschke: 'He’s gone through hell.' Charley Steiner’s brutal but winning battle with cancer

Steiner is 77. He does not have to endure discomfort in the booth. He does not have to be here.

Or, perhaps, he does.

“It’s just nice being back at the park,” he said.

“It’s home.”

He is still building back his strength, no pun intended. His next goal: call a game on consecutive days, just as a relief pitcher has to prove he can pitch on consecutive days.

“But there ain’t going to be no Timmy Trumpet for me,” Steiner said.

That second consecutive day won’t be Sunday. From his home, he’ll do a segment with Monday for the pregame show.

And when might he be back in the broadcast booth on a regular basis? He had a twinkle in his eye, and seven of the most famous words in Dodgers broadcasting lore at the ready.

“Day to day,” he said, “but aren’t we all?”

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

The Detroit Tigers dropped the second of a three-game home series against the American League Central-leading Chicago White Sox on Saturday afternoon, 4-3. Troy Melton’s run of dominance finally came to an end while Eduardo Valencia’s offensive output was not enough to give the home team enough firepower to prevail.

Making his fifth start of the season in the series finale for the Motor City Kitties is right-hander Drew Anderson, who has served more as a long opener than a true starter over his last two outings. Stretching across 7 2/3 innings, the 32-year-old has posted a microscopic 1.17 ERA but a much less impressive 4.91 FIP, allowing seven hits — including a solo homer for his only run allowed — and three walks against four strikeouts.

Anderson has faced Chicago thrice this summer in relief, getting tagged with a blown save twice at the end of May, allowing a pair of runs in 2/3 inning in both appearances with just one K between the two. The third time saw him vulture a win after tossing 1 1/3 innings of scoreless ball on a hit and three strikeouts.

For the White Sox, fellow righty Sean Burke toes the rubber for his 21st start in 25 appearances in 2026, having thrown quality starts in seven of his last nine outings. Over his last 10 games — which includes a 7 1/3 inning effort in relief — the 26-year-old has put up a sparkling 1.60 ERA along with an impressive 2.47 FIP, allowing 43 hits (six home runs) and 11 walks while striking out 79 over 62 innings of work; he also threw five wild pitches, hit three batters and was called for a balk over that stretch.

Burke saw Detroit earlier this season at Rate Field on May 31, throwing 5 1/3 frames of one-run ball on three hits and two walks while striking out six, not figuring in the decision as the White Sox went on to win, 2-1.

Here is a look at how the two match up on Sunday afternoon in the D as the Tigers try to salvage one win this weekend.

Detroit Tigers (60-63) vs. Chicago White Sox (64-58)

Time (ET): 1:40 p.m.
Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
SB Nation Site:South Side Sox
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Game 124: RHP Drew Anderson (4-4, 3.91 ERA) vs. RHP Sean Burke (7-6, 2.99 ERA)

ANDERSON

BURKE

It not only is shaping up as a frantic National League wild-card race these final six weeks, with three teams (the Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks) fighting for the final two wild-card berths, but it could also determine the fate of three managers.

The contender among the trio that misses the postseason likely will also be looking for a new skipper.

– Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, barring a dramatic change, likely must make the playoffs to keep his job. He’s in the final year of his contact, and there have been no talks about an extension.

He was saved once before by GM Mike Hazen, who is close friends with Lovullo, but Hazen may be unable to stop a firing this time if the D-backs miss the playoffs for the eighth time in the past nine years with a franchise-high payroll.

– Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly, who took over for Rob Thomson on April 28, not only must lead the Phillies to the postseason, but likely to the World Series or even win it to be asked back. Alex Cora, who turned down the job when Thomson was fired, is expected to be the Phillies’ next manager barring a World Series berth or title.

– Craig Stammen, who’s in his first season as manager, may have the best job security of the trio. He signed a three-year contract in November. Yet, if the Padres miss the playoffs, someone needs to be the fall guy, and Stammen is A.J. Preller’s seventh manager in 12 years since becoming GM and president of baseball operations.

– In the American League, Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson is expected to be fired if the Mariners miss the playoffs, and the same goes for Houston Astros manager Joe Espada.

For a long time, Americans thought baseball started around the middle of the 18th century near Cooperstown, New York, but in recent times, baseball historians have pushed the origins back to England, perhaps as early as 1744.

It has been documented in the United States since at least the 1830s, although not in the form we currently enjoy.

The National League was founded in 1876, and the American League in 1901.

More than 25,000 players have gone through the Majors, and we’re not sure if that counts the Negro Leagues, so it seems reasonable to add at least 5-10,000 to that.

With all those players, and in all those years, you’d think baseball would have seen it all by now, but it has not. Because no one has ever done what Joshua Baez did Saturday.

In his first at-bat in the majors – shoot, in his first pitch – Baez launched a home run. Then he did it again in his second at-bat, and again in his third.

He could become a footnote. He could flame out like Raleigh native Josh Hamilton, who lost much of his career to cocaine and alcohol. Any number of things might keep him from reaching his potential.

Whatever happens, though, he will leave the game doing something that Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ty Cobb, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Mickey Mantle, Jackie Robinson, Joe DiMaggio, and thousands upon thousands of other players never did. And that’s pretty cool.

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We've got a full Sunday slate of MLB action to parse through, and whether you're looking to parlay every game or are searching for one best bet to make, my MLB moneyline picks are here to help.

See why my MLB picks for August 16 are topped by the San Diego Padres.

MLB moneyline picks for August 16

Matchup	Pick
Orioles vs Rays	-144
Diamondbacks vs Braves	+122
Red Sox vs Pirates	+100
Yankees vs Blue Jays	-108
White Sox vs Tigers	+104
Marlins vs Reds	-113
Padres vs Guardians	-104
Nationals vs Mets	-156
Phillies vs Twins	-104
Cardinals vs Cubs	-156
Rockies vs Giants	-122
Rangers vs A's	-127
Royals vs Angels	-117
Brewers vs Dodgers	+144
Mariners vs Astros	-127

Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of 8-16.

Expert MLB moneyline picks for August 16

Orioles vs Rays: Rays (-144)

Rays win probability: 59%

Rays SP Freddy Peralta rebounded with a quality start vs. the A's after getting roughed up by the Rockies at Coors Field in his Tampa debut. 

Orioles SP Trevor Rogers coughed up seven earned runs over 3 2/3 innings in his lone 2026 outing vs. the Rays, who are swinging it as well as anyone right now (third in OPS in August).

Diamondbacks vs Braves: Diamondbacks (+122)

Diamondbacks win probability: 45%

I'm more interested in playing the Over 8.5 in a battle of two mediocre starters with xERAs above 4.00, but I'll give the nod to the Diamondbacks. Their lineup has simply been better in August, ranking fifth in OPS vs. the Braves' 11th.

Red Sox vs Pirates: Red Sox (+100)

Red Sox win probability: 50%

Both bullpens should get plenty of work in, with Paul Skenes getting scratched late by the Pirates and Patrick Sandoval toeing the rubber for the Red Sox. Each relief corps is Top 5 by xERA in August, so the Under is worth a look.

The lineups will make the difference for moneyline bettors. Boston is second in OPS this month, while Pittsburgh is 21st.

Yankees vs Blue Jays: Blue Jays (-108)

Blue Jays win probability: 52%

Both the Yankees and the Blue Jays are struggling at the dish right now, but only one team has a Cy Young odds candidate on the hill, and that's Toronto and Dylan Cease.

The Jays also have the bullpen advantage based on August xERA, so roll with the home side.

White Sox vs Tigers: White Sox (+104)

White Sox win probability: 49%

This is a tough one, but Chicago gets the call behind the arm of Sean Burke. He's authored a 2.47 FIP over his last 10 starts.

Marlins vs Reds: Marlins (-113)

Marlins win probability: 53%

The gulf in xERA between Eury Perez (3.65) vs. Nick Lodolo (6.18) is too large to ignore. Back the Marlins in a battle of two fairly punchless offenses.

Padres vs Guardians: Padres (-104)

Padres win probability: 51%

Tanner Bibee has a 6.00 ERA through two starts in August, and the Padres are batting .423 against him as a team all-time (65 at-bats). Casey Mize exits his first quality start in a San Diego uniform, and has both a terrific bullpen and a red-hot offense to back him up.

Nationals vs Mets: Mets (-156)

Mets win probability: 61%

Jake Irvin's ERA is 5.79 and climbing because teams are barreling him up early and often (third percentile). The Mets (sixth in barrel rate) will tee off on him and Washington's dismal bullpen, which ranks dead-last by xERA this month. 

Phillies vs Twins: Phillies (-104)

Phillies win probability: 51%

Both Andrew Painter and Dean Kremer are due for some positive regression based on xERA, but I don't like Kremer's chances on Sunday afternoon. He faces a Phillies lineup that's Top 10 in both OPS in fewest Ks in August, and Kremer is reliant on fanning the opposition.

Cardinals vs Cubs: Cubs (-156)

Cubs win probability: 61%

I don't like the starting pitching matchup for the Cubs given Edward Cabrera's issues with hard-hit balls, but Chicago's got the edge in August OPS (sixth vs. 12th) as well as bullpen xERA (13th vs. 23rd). 

Rockies vs Giants: Giants (-122)

Giants win probability: 55%

The Giants' lineup is nothing to write home about, but they should figure out Gabriel Hughes seeing him for the second time this season. Hughes sports an 11.57 ERA in August.

Rangers vs A's: Rangers (-127)

Rangers win probability: 56%

Jacob Lopez has been brutal for the A's this season, and the Rangers are seventh in OPS vs. lefties in 2026. Texas will also get a crack at the A's bullpen, which ranks 27th in xERA this month.

Royals vs Angels: Royals (-117)

Royals win probability: 54%

Ryan Johnson's Baseball Savant page is bluer than a Andrew Dice Clay standup routine, and the Angels are dead-last by OPS this month. Fade!

Brewers vs Dodgers: Brewers (+144)

Brewers win probability: 41%

The Dodgers' lineup is in rough shape right now (17th by OPS this month), and Logan Henderson and his 96th percentile K-rate and walk-rate is not what the doctor ordered. 

Back the Brewers and their third-ranked bullpen by xERA in August to lock down an upset win over Tarik Skubal.

Mariners vs Astros: Astros (-127)

Astros win probability: 56%

I think both Bryan Woo and Hunter Brown will have their way with the offenses early. However, the Astros have a huge edge in the bullpen battle (sixth vs. 24th in xERA in August) and at the plate (seventh in OPS vs. 28th). 

Roll with the home team in the nightcap.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Ever wonder why the Little League World Series games feel so fast-paced?

Well, unlike Major League Baseball games − which are typically nine innings long − Little League World Series games are normally six innings in duration for a regulation game.

This makes every single pitch, hit and defensive play count as a game can have a dramatic turn of events at any moment. A game could be cut short due to the "run-rule" and a game can most certainly go to extra innings (if still tied after six regulation innings).

In the Little League World Series, an opponent must advance after each game leading up to the overall championship game. So there is plenty of drama to see if you love watching youth baseball players give it their all on each play.

While you are watching the Little League World Series games, here are some basic rules that every youth baseball fan should know.

Watch LLWS games with Fubo

The Yankees’ ten-run outburst from Wednesday night is already feeling like a distant memory. The team’s moribund bats have gone back to sleep, registering three consecutive woeful efforts that have returned just two runs total. Their obstacle today as they attempt to avoid a sweep at the hands of the suddenly surging Blue Jays? A date with Dylan Cease, the Toronto ace locked in a battle with Cam Schlittler for the AL Cy Young award.

On the site today, Matt will get you caught up with this morning’s Rivalry Roundup, while Maximo will opine on the deleterious effects of unreasonable expectations on Ben Rice and George Lombard Jr. Later, John will recognize Gene Woodling, an unheralded figure from the Yankees’ golden years, before running the through the week in Yankee social media.

Today’s Matchup:

New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays

Time: 1:37 p.m. EST

TV: YES Network, Sportsnet, TVA Sports

Venue: Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON

Questions/Prompts:

1. Can Ryan Weathers keep up his stellar run of form today?

2. Joshua Báez hit a home run in the first three plate appearances of his MLB career yesterday. Can you think of any comparable debuts in any sport?