KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 04: Orion Kerkering #50 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws against the Kansas City Royals in the eighth inning at Kauffman Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Listen, we all knew that the Phillies had to get another reliever at the trade deadline. Somehow, some way, they had to make sure that the bullpen was fortified with someone else that could be used for high leverage situations since what they had wasn’t cutting it.
Then Brad Keller got hurt.
Now, it looks like they might need more than one reliever if they plan on getting someone from the outside. However, they also have other needs that might have to be addressed from outside of the organization. That makes our question of the day a little more complex.
Does the injury to Keller change your opinion on how the Phillies should be attacking this trade deadline?
Maybe you had another outfielder atop your wishlist when it came to spending prospect capital in a deal. Maybe you weren’t too sure of how the rotation would hold up even these last two months of the regular season. If they need more than one reliever, should they be focusing everything they have on that spot of the roster and let the other ones play out?
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 11: Coby Mayo #16 of the Baltimore Orioles high fives teammates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Saturday, July 11, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Alyssa Piazza/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Orioles fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
One of the Orioles storylines as the second half begins is that they’re going to have to find a way to replace the production they were getting from their surprisingly good starting third baseman, Blaze Alexander. The most optimistic timeline for his return might be somewhere around Labor Day. That’s a lot of games to get through without a solid defender and one of the team’s better hitters at the hot corner.
In this week’s survey, I asked Orioles fans how the team should go about trying to fill in for Alexander. How people feel about that one probably has a lot to do with whether they’re willing to give another chance for Coby Mayo to keep the job. Here’s how the results came out on this week’s survey:
That’s a sizable plurality willing to give Mayo the first shot here, though not an outright majority. I’m on Team Mayo, which isn’t to say I think he’s guaranteed to work out. This is an opportunity to find out if he can still be something after all, even if he’s disappointed so far across multiple chances in multiple seasons. Will he be able to adjust? Maybe we’re going to find out, as Mayo was in as the starter for the first game coming out of the break.
The second choice might get some play as well. The Orioles pulled infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand up from the minors as the corresponding roster move for Alexander going on the injured list. He is notionally capable of playing third base, and demonstrated in a 63-game sample three years ago that he can hit major league pitching. He has not demonstrated it since. We may find out more about this over the next six weeks or so too.
May 1965; Unknown location, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Mets second baseman Ron hunt in action during the 1965 season. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images
The Marlins went to extra innings in Milwaukee, failed to score the ghost runner in the tenth inning, and then surrendered a walk-off single to fall to the Brewers 2-1.
Andrés Chaparro hit two homers and tallied eight RBIs as part of an offensive barrage from the Nationals to propel them to a 23-4 victory over the Athletics.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MAY 13: Max Fried #54 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 13, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
MOOSIC, Pa. — Max Fried had two goals for his first rehab start on Friday night: Get in all his pitches and come away feeling good.
Mission accomplished.
The New York Yankees’ left-hander, who has not pitched in a game since May 13th due to a bone bruise in his pitching elbow, worked the first three innings for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders in their 7-6 victory against the Worcester Red Sox at PNC Field. He overcame a lengthy first inning and allowed two runs and five hits — including a home run — with no walks, three strikeouts, and one wild pitch. He threw 52 pitches, 32 for strikes, and topped out at 95.4 mph.
“Mixing my pitches, some of my shapes. I felt like I was executing some good areas, especially outside that first inning and obviously the home run,” Fried said. “I felt like I was putting it where I wanted to and able to do what I wanted today, which was go out, try some new things, get through all my pitches, build up, and be healthy at the end.”
RailRiders manager Shelley Duncan felt Fried’s outing was solid.
“We didn’t have the best defense tonight behind him. He gave up a couple hits that could have been turned into outs. Tough plays for the fielders, I believe in those guys,” Duncan said. “But overall it was fun watching him. He had a long inning in the first and then a really efficient one in the second, which was a good bounce-back inning for him.
“He’s a hard guy to hit when he’s in the strike zone. He’s got a really loaded arsenal that makes it hard for hitters. It’s fun watching him out there.”
While Fried began his comeback from injury, George Lombard Jr. returned from an IL stint of his own. The Yankees’ No. 1 prospect — sidelined since June 16th with sprained fingers on his left (glove) hand that he suffered when reaching into a sliding Columbus Clippers runner while attempting to field a throw on a stolen base attempt — went 2-for-3 with a home run, walk, one RBI, and two runs. He handled five chances (four assists, one putout) at shortstop, but did have one throwing error.
“I’ve been kind of antsy to get back,” Lombard said. “It’s been about a month now, so I was ready to get back. My body feels good and I’m excited to get back with the team and hopefully keep helping the guys win games.”
Fried threw 28 pitches in two simulated innings June 29th, then threw 36 pitches in a live bullpen session July 11th. So coming into Friday night’s game, he was scheduled to throw about 50 pitches. He used up half that total in a six-batter top of the first inning.
Fried allowed a line-drive single on his second pitch to leadoff batter Nick Sogard, then wild-pitched him to second. After striking out Nate Eaton on five pitches, Mickey Gasper singled on a 2-0 count. He fanned Mikey Romero on seven pitches for the second out, but Andrew Knizner lined a 2-1 pitch through second baseman Marco Luciano to score Sogard and give Worcester a 1-0 lead. The lefty got Brett Harris to ground a 2-1 pitch to Lombard to end the inning.
“Just trying to get the feel of a game setting again. I’ve had a lot of BPs,” Fried said. “Trying to throw the ball over the plate, not walk guys, force action and they were ready. Ready to come out of the break.”
However, Fried rebounded in the second inning, throwing just nine pitches and getting a strikeout and ground out and a lineout.
But with one out in the third, Eaton jumped on a 2-1 pitch and sent it over the left-field fence for a home run.
“It was a slider, a pitch that I don’t really throw a ton,” Fried said. “But I wanted to try a bunch of different things today and see how it works. I guess that one didn’t.”
Gasper followed with a high chopper for an infield single. But Fried got Romero to ground out to second. Knizner then hit a grounder to third baseman Tyler Hardman that ricocheted off him and right to Lombard, who barehanded the ball and threw to first in time for the out to end the inning.
“That was one of those plays that rarely ever happen, but you’re looking for them when they do,” Lombard said. “It just kind of took a lucky bounce over to me and I was ready for it and I was able to make a good throw to first. It helped Max get out of that inning.”
After the lengthy first inning, Fried was glad to go three innings and hit his pitch limit.
“Twenty-five pitches after the first inning, I wanted to try to be able to make it through three, hopefully four,” Fried said. “When you get put behind the 8-ball like that, you just try to go out there and get a quick inning. It was nice to do that. I was able to get my three full innings, 50 pitches, and feeling good, so that’s the most important thing.”
What is next for Fried remains to be seen. Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters in New York that he expects Fried to make another rehab start Wednesday.
“I’ll just go wherever they want me to for the next one. It’s more about whatever the team needs,” Fried said. “If they want me to come and keep building up and have another outing, great. Whenever they feel like I’m ready to go and help the team, I’ll be there.”
Watching the Yankees struggle while he, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Carlos Rodón have been sidelined has been frustrating, but Fried believes the team will right itself.
“We’re a confident group. You’re not going to play your best baseball the whole year, all 162,” Fried said. “It’s been not as consistent as we’ve wanted it to, but we’re pretty motivated to come out of the break and play some of our best baseball, especially when it matters most.
“We definitely have some guys down that aren’t playing. But we also have a really deep team that’s really good. The guys filling in are more than capable of going out there and win baseball games. I’m just trying to give them as much support as I can and do what I need to make sure when I’m back that I’m contributing.”
Prior to his injury, Lombard certainly was contributing for the RailRiders, riding a nine-game hitting streak. It didn’t take him long to extend that to 10 games. He led off the the bottom of the first by crushing a 1-2 pitch from WooSox starter Raymond Burgos off the signage beyond the walkway above the bullpens in left field for his fifth Triple-A home run, tying the game at 1-1.
In two rehab appearances earlier this week with the Florida Coast League Yankees, he homered in each game.
“I was able to get some at-bats down in Tampa while I was rehabbing, so I was feeling good,” Lombard said. “I was looking for a good pitch to start off the game and put a good swing on it.”
With one out in the second, after Kenedy Corona hit a three-run home run to put the RailRiders in front, 4-1, Lombard walked and scored on a two-out double by No. 6 prospect Spencer Jones to make it 5-1. In the fourth, he singled with two outs and easily advanced to third on a single by J.C. Escarra. He struck out in his final at-bat leading off the top of the sixth and exited the game after seven innings.
“He made his presence felt right from the get-go,” Duncan said. “The thing that stood out was on Spencer’s double he put his head down and really busted it to score easy on that play. A lot of guys might watch the ball to see if it was a homer or not. It’s the little things — the plays he’s making on defense. Even though they gave him a throwing error on the one that got under (first baseman) Ernesto (Martinez Jr.’s) glove, it was a great play. He’s fun to watch, but it’s the little things that really stand out to me.”
Duncan said the plan is for Lombard to serve as DH on Saturday and play nine innings at shortstop Sunday.
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 8, 2026: Injured Dodgers catcher Will Smith in the dugout during the game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on July 8, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Either Saturday or Sunday, whenever Dalton Rushing starts behind the plate again, he will pass Will Smith for the Dodgers lead in innings caught this season. Rushing has started 45 games and caught 389 1/3 innings this season. Smith, who started 44 games, is at 393 innings.
Smith was a starter on three championship teams in his first six full major league seasons, and the three-time All-Star last October and November set a record by catching all 73 innings in the World Series, in which he hit the championship-winning home run in Game 7.
The Yankees nearly scored the tying run in the eighth inning, but they erased Trent Grisham at the plate on a double off the wall by a throw by Andy Pages to a ranging Mookie Betts, who through home to Rushing, who reached to his right then swiped left for the game-saving out.
“It was just off line a little bit. But it was a strong throw,” Betts said of the throw from Pages. “That’s the main thing. It wasn’t just a lollipop in there. He gave us a good strong throw and at some point you’ve got to do something cool.”
Roki Sasaki was sharp on Friday, allowing only an unearned run in his 5 2/3 innings, with five strikeouts. He also topped 100 mph 21 times on Friday, more than his major league totals to date. From Jack Harris of the California Post:
“It’s one game, so I can’t say anything declarative,” Sasaki said in Japanese. “But it’s the lower body. I reviewed how I use that part, and I think that went well.”
This is what the Dodgers had expected to see when they signed the much-hyped Sasaki out of Japan last year. This is what they’d been waiting to see over his turbulent transition to the majors in the season and a half since.
I wondered what articles would be out there on the Internet today, thinking it would be rather limited or of one voice.
Turns out there’s quite the variety, shown by the number of sections below. Therefore, it becomes difficult choosing who or what to talk about. But let’s start where there’s major interest.
It’s not a surprise, but Matt Shaw is most likely to be the hottest commodity for the Cubs when it comes time to make big trades. I like his game and I like the improvement that he has shown this season before he got hurt. However, he is blocked in the infield for the future, so he at best is an alternative for the outfield in 2027. But if he is the big kicker to make a big trade, the Cubs have to be willing to let him go.
An article below mentions Shaw for Tanner Bibee of Cleveland. Bibee has struggled often this season, but his last outing against the hot Marlins shows the type of pitcher he can be. And he would be under team control through the 2029 season with a team option for 2030. He’s not a TOR guy, but he would be a big boost to the rotation. Straight up for Shaw? Um, that would leave a lot of available pieces for the Cubs to use in other trades, and there’s only a small handful of very good pitchers out there to trade Shaw straight up, so that type of deal could work out very well. I would have to think Cleveland would want more, though.
Ben Brown and Shota Imanaga were the top two of the Cubs’ rotation, and trade talk looked heavily into either a TOR pitcher or rotational depth to complement them. But it is unknown when Brown will return, and if he does, how long will it take for him to return to the rotation. Smaller pieces, like Michael Wacha mentioned below for example, should be the type of targets the Cubs should look at. Yes, ideally the Cubs would acquire a TOR guy for the playoffs. But they have to get there first. Colin Rea has been extremely solid for the Cubs, but they can’t depend on him as a No. 2 for the playoffs, and he needs help getting the team there.
And that’s just among the first section of articles! There more PCA stories, Second-Half stories, next-year stories, post-Draft stories, a surprise 2016 World Series twist that could’ve changed Cubs history — just go look, okay? 🙂
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Joey Ricotta (OnTapSportsNet): The Cubs Can’t Afford to Waste Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Historic Season. “Pete Crow-Armstrong is having an MVP-caliber season for the Cubs and is on pace for consecutive 30-30 years. With free agents looming, Chicago can’t afford to waste this championship window.”
Casey McAleer (Da Windy City): Pete Crow-Armstrong was the Cubs first half MVP. “The Gold Glove winner became the heartbeat of Chicago and could be the player who leads the Cubs back to the top of the NL Central.”
Sam Householder (Windy City Gridiron): Pete Crow-Armstrong is one of us. “Cubs star PCA is a Chicago Bears fan and still watches a Hall of Famers highlights.”
Troy Andracki (Bleacher Nation): Five Cubs Storylines to Watch in the Second Half. “The All-Star Break is a perfect time to catch your breath — to contextualize the season that has already transpired and think about what’s to come.”
Cory Sparks (North Side Baseball): At Least Alex Bregman Has Nowhere To Go But Up. “Alex Bregman struggled in the first half at the plate, starting his expensive contract with the Cubs on an off-key note. Better days should be ahead, so long as he makes the proper adjustments.”
Born and raised in Dallas, Stevie Ray Vaughan began playing guitar at age 7, inspired by older brother Jimmie. By age 12 he was playing in garage bands, and within a few years he joined semi-professional bands that occasionally landed gigs in local nightclubs. At 17 he dropped out of high school to concentrate on playing music. In 1970 Stevie was playing in a nine-piece horn band and then formed his first blues band, Blackbird, a year later. Blackbird moved to Austin and after a few more stints in various bands Vaughan joined Paul Ray and the Cobras in 1975. The Cobras were Austin’s Band of the Year in 1976. After paying his dues as a sideman Stevie formed Triple Threat Revue in 1977. Triple Threat also featured bassist W.C. Clark, and vocalist Lou Ann Barton. Barton left the band in 1979 and the group became Double Trouble, the name inspired by the Otis Rush song. Double Trouble featured Jack Newhouse on bass, Chris Layton on drums and Vaughan became the band’s lead singer. In 1981 Tommy Shannon joined on bass and the power trio was set.
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.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JUNE 25: General sky view of Oracle Park before a MLB game between the Athletics and the San Francisco Giants on June 25, 2026 at Oracle Park in San Francisco, CA. (Photo by Trinity Machan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!
It’s another weekend of San Francisco Giants baseball. Normally on the weekends I like to pick the player of the week and the highlight of the week. However, most of the Giants have not played any baseball games this week due to the All-Star Game. So it’s kind of hard to pick those things without any games being played.
Instead, I thought it would be a good time to do a temp check, since it’s been a few weeks (if not longer) since we’ve weighed in on how we’re feeling about this season on the whole.
I can’t say that anything has changed, from my perspective. I’m mildly surprised that they managed to keep themselves from falling down to last place in the division. Not that picking up three of four against the Colorado Rockies means much, but they did manage to keep themselves from being overtaken by them. For now. I feel like there’s still plenty of time for that.
At this point in the season, playoffs are off the table entirely and I would expect a fire sale at the trade deadline if we were talking about a rational and well-operated franchise. But we are not.
Instead, I think I’m adopting the outlook I had in the disastrous second-half of the 2016 season when it seemed like everything that could possibly go wrong did go wrong, and they kept finding new and demoralizing ways to lose. Sometimes you can find a lot of fun in the suffering. And goodness knows there’s very little that is fun about this team to me right now, so I guess I’ll find it where I can.
I’m still absolutely furious at the organization for never actually handling the Pride Night situation, then telling us to stick to sports, and then being terrible at that too.
I think Buster Posey needs to go, if he wants to salvage any of his reputation within the fanbase and the larger baseball world. But I don’t think that is going to happen. Despite it seeming like a glaring conflict of interest for an owner of the team to also be the president of baseball operations, I think that’s exactly what the ownership group wants. Which means I can only assume that this is the on-field product they want too. I hope they’re enjoying it, at least, even if I’m not.
But that’s enough from me. How are you all feeling about this season thus far? What are you hoping to see the team do at the trade deadline? What are you still looking forward to in a seemingly lost season?
What time do the Giants play this weekend?
The Giants continue this weekend road series against the Seattle Mariners, with both Saturday and Sunday’s games scheduled to begin at 1:05 p.m. PT.
Jul 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Cam Sanders (73) reacts after the third out of the seventh inning with the bases loaded against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Good morning Birdland,
The All-Star break is over, and the Orioles got right back into the action with a 3-2 win on Friday night in Houston. It wasn’t the most dominant performance you’ll ever see. The six pitchers that O’s manager Craig Albernaz deployed really had to battle, and the offense was rather quiet until the eighth inning. But it all added up to the team’s fifth straight win, which kept them within two games of the AL’s final wild card spot.
The pitching staff had to tip toe around danger all night, walking nine Astros and giving them seven at-bats with runners in scoring position. But they managed to wiggle out of those predicaments time and time again, including a key first-inning double play. Cam Sanders came out of the bullpen to make his Orioles debut with the bases loaded and just one out. He got a huge strikeout and a ground out to escape unscathed. Hopefully Grant Wolfram bought him dinner, or at least gave him a big hug for that.
Through the first seven innings of the night, the Orioles scored just one run on three hits. That changed in the eighth, when Adley Rutschman led off with a double and then came in to score on a go-ahead homer from Taylor Ward. The O’s outfielder now has five homers between June and July after hitting just two long balls through the end of May. He’s not going to match his 36 home runs from 2025, but the O’s would love to see him get hot and flirt with the 20 mark by season’s end.
This series continues today with a first pitch of 4:10. Trevor Rogers (6-7, 4.48 ERA) will look to stay hot. He has a 0.82 ERA this month, even better than his 2.05 ERA from June. The Orioles have won each of the lefty’s last four starts.
Links
Orioles Acquire Rudy Martin Jr. From Royals | MLB Trade Rumors Martin is 30 years old, has never appeared in the majors, and has spent most of this season in Double-A. This trade earns him his first ever spot on a 40-man roster. That’s pretty cool for him! How much does it actually help the Orioles? Eh, let’s try to stay positive here.
Sanders’ bases-loaded escape in O’s debut makes comeback win possible | MLB.com You look at the stuff Sanders has, and you can understand why the Orioles were interested in adding him. Of course, his top level stats as a major leaguer have not been good, and this isn’t some kid here. He’s 29. But the Orioles need bullpen help wherever they can find it, and for now Sanders is an interesting as any other option.
Because You Asked – Endgame | Roch Kubatko Featuring a theoretical lineup and rotation made up entirely of…Muppets! And that’s not in the derogatory, British way. No. The actual Muppets.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
Ryan Helsley turns 32 today. Signed to be the team’s closer this past offseason, he is on his second IL stint of the season with elbow issues. That contract came with a player option for 2027, which at this point seems likely to be picked up.
The late Rudy May (b. 1944, d. 2024) was born on this day. The southpaw played 16 season in the majors, which included a two-season run in Baltimore from 1976-77.
This day in O’s history
1959 – In the nightcap of a double-header, Orioles catcher Joe Ginsberg ties an American League record by allowing four passed balls while receiving knuckleballer Hoyt Wilhelm. The Orioles lose the game 2-0 to the Tigers.
2001 – The second game of a double-header between the Orioles and Rangers is postponed when a train carrying toxic substances derails in Baltimore.
2002 – Melvin Mora ties a major league record by being hit by a pitch three times in one game. Despite this, the Orioles lose 5-4 to the Blue Jays.
2015 – Chris Tillman allows a single to the first batter of the game, and then walks one other later in the first inning. But from there he retires 23 consecutive Tigers and combines with Zach Britton for a one-hitter as the O’s win 3-0.
May 23, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Colorado Rockies infielder TJ Rumfield (7) reacts while running the bases after hitting a one run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images | Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
The Colorado Rockies are a team in the midst of a rebuild. With this in mind, the staff at Purple Row thought it would be useful to revisit the “State of the Position” series that we ran in March to see where things stand. We’ve asked authors of the spring articles to re-evaluate their earlier remarks with an eye toward the August 3 trade deadline.
What I said in March
First base was one of the bigger question marks heading into the 2026 season. After Michael Toglia and Warming Bernabel were jettisoned from the organization, the Rockies spent the offseason stocking up on some talent to hold open tryouts in spring training.
Here is what I wrote about the position in March:
The Rockies hoped to raise the floor of competition at several positions in spring training, and that’s what has happened at first base. It seemed like a foregone conclusion early that [Blaine] Crim and [Troy]Johnston would hold the fort until [Charlie] Condon was ready, but the addition of [TJ] Rumfield has made it an even more compelling race.
As spring training unfolded, the competition was as intriguing as I had expected it to be, albeit with a few wrinkles. Crim sustained an oblique injury early in camp that caused him to start the year in Triple-A Albuquerque. He played well enough once healthy, but was eventually designated for assignment and claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers, and was released not long after to pursue an opportunity in the KBO.
Meanwhile, Johnston and Edouard Julien made the Opening Day roster but serve mostly in the outfield and second base, respectively. This left the matter of first base in the hands of two rookies as the season drew closer. Despite the incredible play of Condon, he was sent to Triple-A to continue developing, while Rumfield was granted the opportunity to start at first base.
And boy, what a fantastic decision that turned out to be for the Rockies.
A Rookie of the Year candidate
The Rockies were trying to figure out how best to utilize the roster over the first month of the season. While Rumfield would play nearly every day at first base, he would also split some of his time as the designated hitter to allow Johnston or Julien to start at first base. On occasion, the Rockies even used Willi Castro at the position for the first time in his career.
Despite mixing up the role a bit, Rumfield proved he was more than capable as a big league hitter over his first month of play. In his first 32 games, Rumfield slashed .263/.331/.412 with three home runs, six doubles, and 16 RBI. The early returns were promising, and it turned out that Rumfield was just getting started.
He put the pedal to the metal in May as he gave the Rockies no choice but to leave him at first base every day. In 25 games, he batted .310/.400/.483 with four home runs and 12 RBI. For his efforts, he was named the National League Rookie of the Month, the ninth player to win the award in Rockies history.
For an encore, Rumfield decided to one-up himself and proceeded to slash .316/.400/.589 with five home runs, nine doubles, and 17 RBI in June to earn NL Rookie of the Month honors again. In the 34-year history of the Rockies, Rumfield is the first player to win multiple Rookie of the Month awards in a season, let alone in back-to-back months. He also became just the second player in franchise history to hit 10 home runs before the All-Star break in his debut season, and just the fourth to have 10 home runs and at least 50 hits, and now owns the franchise record for most hits by a rookie before the All-Star break with 99.
Rumfield continues to check every box as the player the Rockies hoped he could be. Defensively, he is one of the best in the league at first base. Offensively, he is one of the best contact bats in the league while maintaining an elite eye at the plate. He could stand to tap into his power more often and hit the ball harder, but overall, he has solidified the position in a way that hasn’t been done since Todd Helton retired.
There is an argument to be made that he should have been an All-Star, considering he batted .296/.380/.475 heading into the All-Star break and is among the rookie leaders, if not the leader, in most offensive categories. However, one thing is clear: Rumfield deserves more recognition as a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate.
Rumfield has shown no indications that he won’t be able to replicate his success in the second half of the season and it will be entertaining to see where he ends up in the awards voting when all is said and done.
How long until Condon?
Rumfield’s performance provided the Rockies with something they hadn’t had in previous years: development time. The major flaw of 2025 was that prospects were rushed to the big leagues out of desperation, a trend the new front office wasn’t going to repeat.
As great as it would have been to see Charlie Condon (No. 1 PuRP) win a spot out of spring training, it was apparent he needed to get more time for development in the minors. Condon hit the ground running in his first couple of games to start the 2026 season, but then suffered a bit of a slump that lasted about a month. Condon was showing excellent plate discipline, but the hits weren’t coming and the power was nowhere to be seen. Adjustments needed to be made and he was ready for it.
He hit four home runs through his first 10 games of the season, but then didn’t hit his fifth until his 42nd game on May 23. That seemed to finally open the floodgates as Condon tapped into his power on the regular, slugging 16 home runs over the next month and a half. Entering the All-Star break, Condon was slashing .289/.414/.584 with 20 home runs and 60 RBI with 87 strikeouts and 53 walks. He was named the starting first baseman in the Futures Game.
It’s only a matter of time until Condon gets the call to the big leagues, and the Rockies have gotten out in front of the position problem. When drafted in 2024, the Rockies seemed to have settled on Condon as a first baseman because that was a position of need.
However, the new front office values versatility and creating opportunities for players to earn a spot, meaning Condon would need to continue learning other positions. He has nearly split his time evenly between first base and right field with Albuquerque this season, growing ever more comfortable at both positions. So far, he has proven he is more than capable of handling either spot at the big league level should the opportunity arise, which could be soon.
The farm depth
Beyond Condon, first base continues to be a thin spot in the system, but there are still intriguing options in the pipeline.
Aidan Longwell has continued his progression through the system after being a 17th-round draft pick in 2023. Starting the year in Double-A Hartford, Longwell has embraced the challenge in the difficult offensive environment and hit a respectable .243/.301/.421 with 10 home runs in 79 games so far.
Also in Double-A is Jack O’Dowd, who has rapidly ascended to the Yard Goats since signing as a free agent in January. While he has mainly served as a DH this season, O’Dowd has gotten reps at first base as well as catcher. It’s hard to ignore a .344/.419/.660 batting line with 18 home runs across three levels.
In High-A Spokane, Tanner Thach represents the most notable piece in the lower levels of the minors. Drafted in the eighth round in 2025, Thach impressed in his brief sample size with Low-A Fresno. He began the 2026 season in Fresno once again and crushed opposing pitchers to the tune of a .339/.414/.541 slash with 11 home runs and 70 RBI over 73 games. He has struggled in his 11 games since moving up to Spokane, but there is plenty of time for him to get comfortable and get the bat swinging hot once again.
Conclusion
The purpose of the 2026 season for the Rockies was to assess needs, improve talent, and get answers for the near future. First base was a riddle that the team hasn’t quite been able to solve for 13 years, but now the future feels a bit brighter thanks to TJ Rumfield. He has solidified the position with a style of play that harkens back to the days of Todd Helton and could be a legitimate piece to plug into a new core of the Rockies moving forward.
Add in the bright future of Charlie Condon and the possibilities of other solid depth pieces and you have a position of weakness turning into a position of strength. While the quantity of first basemen isn’t large, the quality of those first basemen has improved, and that’s a crucial factor for the rebuilding Rockies.
Jul 17, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Victor Mederos (58) celebrates with catcher Joey Bart (16) after a victory over the Texas Rangers at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Braves opened up the second half of the 2026 season on a high note, defeating the Texas Rangers 15-1. Chris Sale got the start and was magnificent, going seven innings and allowing just two hits. He also recorded his 2,700th career strikeout.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 13: Willson Contreras #40 of the Boston Red Sox reacts before competing during the semifinals of the 2026 Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on July 13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
PHILADELPHIA — The MLB All-Star Game had not been as close to Boston as this season since Washington D.C. hosted in 2018, which was also known as a year to remember for Red Sox Nation.
Given the uncertainty of when Fenway Park will next host and the America 250 historical angle of this year’s Midsummer Classic, I decided to make the trip down I-95 to take in the festivities for the first time. Not at the game, but at FanFest and a watch party across from Citizens Bank Park.
Here are the Red Sox-related takeaways from the Philadelphia visit:n
1. JERSEY WATCH
There were plenty of Red Sox fans strolling around the South Philadelphia Sports Complex before Tuesday’s contest, which is understandable given the relatively close proximity between the two cities.
The best Red Sox spotted jerseys in the wild?
Red Nomar Garciaparra Jersey
Navy Dustin Pedroia Jersey
2008 All-Star Game (Old Yankee Stadium), believe it was David Ortiz?
2. ANDREW MILLER IS STILL REALLY TALL
Boston’s former reliever, most notably traded for Eduardo Rodriguez at the 2014 trade deadline, made the trip with the MLBPA, strolling around the block four hours before first pitch. You’ll always remember his extension in his delivery, but he certainly stuck out at six-foot-seven.
3. THE RED SOX RETURN TO HOME RUN DERBY
Willson Contreras knows how to work a crowd and perform while doing it. The Red Sox have seen it all year long in his first season with the team. A whole new audience got that during the Home Run Derby when he slugged 21 total homers, including a 490-foot titantic blast, that left him just short of a trip to the finals.
Given that the Red Sox hadn’t produced any derby participants since David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez in 2011, Boston’s return to the event came in refreshing fashion thanks to the team’s undisputed first-half MVP.
Oh, and he did all of that with a suspension to finish serving Friday.
4. LET CHAPMAN CLOSE!
Aroldis Chapman got the ball for the ninth inning to lock down the American League’s shutout win, though he did not get the final out. AL and Blue Jays manager John Schneider came to get Chapman with two outs in the ninth to get Rays reliever Bryan Baker into the game to give another pitcher a chance to participate as an All-Star.
I get the gesture and respect it, but just let Chapman finish it.
As Major League Baseball trade deadlines go, this might be the Jaguars-Cardinals Super Bowl of the genre.
With at least 21 teams in contention, the uncertainty of a looming lockout and a tepid pool of tentatively available players, the annual trade bonanza is more like celebrating America 250 with a pack of damp Sparklers.
Alas, the trade deadline industrial complex must be filled, even as the pool of available players will recede and fill with every three-game sweep, and every calamitous injury. With that, here are the top 25 potentially targetable talents, based on their possible impact, the likelihood of their availability and the fit of their contracts:
There he is, the perfect trade deadline candidate: A man on an expiring contract playing for a terrible team and enjoying a career year – what’s not to love? While Arraez noted he would not like to move off second base after doggedly improving to Gold Glove caliber this year, his tune might change once he realizes he has plenty of equity to take into the offseason. The three-time batting champ has, thanks to his viability at second, amassed 3.1 WAR and has a 136 adjusted OPS despite just four homers. Immediate lineup punch for a team in need.
2. Luke Weaver, RP, Mets
Since June 1, Weaver has given up two hits and zero earned runs across 14 appearances, with a 19-3 strikeout walk ratio. He served as Yankees closer all the way through the 2024 World Series and can fill any role in a club’s bullpen. At $8 million this year and $11 million in 2027, he’s a reasonable get. The only question is whether the Mets will want to hang on to him for their hoped-for 2027 renaissance.
3. Robbie Ray, SP, Giants
It’s been five years since Ray struck out 248 and won the AL Cy Young Award; now, he’s averaging just 7.6 strikeouts per nine innings. But the man posted a 3.38 first-half ERA and had two starts of eight scoreless innings. And a 41-55 team went 12-7 in his starts. Perfect lefty starter rental.
4. Michael Wacha, SP, Royals
If not for his limited no-trade protection, Wacha might top this list, given the Royals’ 38-59 record and his All-Star season. Simply, no one’s getting deeper into games – and with a 1.19 WHIP – than Wacha, who is guaranteed a reasonable $15 million in 2027.
5. Mason Miller, RP, Padres
Volatile one, this. The Padres remain a sellout machine and are just 3½ games out of a wild card spot. And a pending sale of the club should be finalized soon. From an “optics” standpoint, not the best time to trade the most dominant closer in baseball. But AJ Preller usually has five or six next steps in mind when he does a deal, and Miller would still fetch a significant return – perhaps better than the Padres having to deal top prospect Leo DeVries to the A’s to get him.
6. Tyler Stephenson, C, Reds
Definitely checks the "his team will be sellers" and "he’s a pending free agent" boxes. Ty Steve has just six homers and an 88 adjusted OPS this season but did smack 19 homers last year and would bring far more offensive upside than your typical catcher on the move at the deadline.
7. Foster Griffin, SP, Nationals
Another tricky one. Griffin has been the biggest coup for the new-look Nationals front office, unleashing his eight-pitch mix on hitters after three years in Japan and winning 10 games with a 2.77 ERA, earning a most unlikely All-Star nod. Even more surprising: The Nationals were near or above .500 most of the first half, generating some buzz that they might actually buy at the deadline. But they hit the break coming off a sweep at the hands of the Yankees, and reality might further intrude these next three weeks. Trading Griffin would allow the Nats to split the baby, in a sense: Getting back a potentially very good return for a difference-making lefty, while holding on to All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams and not further depressing a fan base that’s lived through six consecutive losing seasons.
8. Jake McCarthy, OF, Rockies
Dealing McCarthy would fulfill a successful first stage for the Paul DePodesta Regime: Collecting veterans, pumping their trade value and getting assets in return. Never mind Coors Field, McCarthy’s adjusted OPS is 23% above league average and offers significant value as a lefty bat who’s manned all three outfield spots this season.
9. Tarik Skubal, SP, Tigers
Here’s how the Tigers start the second half: At Angels, at Cubs, Royals, Orioles and then a trip to Yolo County to face the Athletics just before the deadline. A nice formula to jump right back in the race and thus decrease the likelihood Skubal gets dealt. It doesn’t hurt that the Tigers have a pair of races to attack – the AL Central (6½ out) and wild card (3½ out).
A few hurdles here: Arizona must further fade from contention. Rodriguez, fresh off an All-Star appearance, can block trades to 10 teams. And he’s had a good first half yet is still owed $19 million in 2027, and a $17 million 2028 option can vest after just 36 more innings pitched this year. A lot of what-ifs for a pitcher often wracked by injury, but Rodriguez is throwing the ball very well right now and could make a postseason difference for somebody, perhaps if Arizona kicks in a little cash for ‘27.
11. Dustin May, SP, Cardinals
A pretty low-risk add for a contender, May nearly no-hit the Padres, then had a pair of blow-up starts, but he’s essentially providing a quality start (4.55 ERA) out of his spot in St. Louis’ rotation. Not the flame-throwing prodigy once in the Dodgers’ system, but May is more reliable now and is owed only a $500,000 buyout after this season.
12. Devin Williams, RP, Mets
He hasn’t been great this year but performed serviceably of late, with six saves in his past eight chances and a 3.07 ERA. Not great, and then he’s owed $30 million the next two seasons. Yet just imagine how many clubs will be seeking competent bullpen help.
13. Mickey Moniak, OF, Rockies
The Rockies’ 1A outfield trade chip behind McCarthy, Moniak offers less defense but decent pop from the left side, with 15 homers in just 209 at-bats.
14. Lars Nootbaar, OF, Cardinals
Nootbaar wasn’t a part of the Cardinals’ surprise early season surge in this supposed rebuilding year, missing the first 60 games after offseason surgery on his heels. And he’s been fine in his return, OPS-ing .778 as he gets up to speed. But Nootbaar already doesn’t play against lefties, and as a free agent after 2027, he doesn’t necessarily fit the Cardinals’ timeline for earnest contention. He’d be a nice clubhouse and on-field addition for a club seeking a lefty-swinging outfielder, and the Cardinals could both open up plate appearances for younger players and still try to contend by dealing him.
15. Bo Bichette, INF, Mets
Let’s be up front about this: Bichette has a full no-trade clause, giving him control over basically every lever in the three-year, $142 million deal he signed with New York, a pact that includes opt-outs in 2027 and 2028. Yep, he’s in a great spot: Hit the market again next winter or collect $42 million after a season in which he’s produced an 88 adjusted OPS and a .300 OBP. So why would a team acquire him? Well, the dude can still rake and given a fresh start could go win someone a World Series. But so many what-ifs: Bichette green-lighting a deal, and a team willing to take on a potentially huge salary the following two seasons. The upside: Bichette’s still a really great hitter in a league with few of them.
16. Spencer Steer, 1B, Reds
After an uneven first half (he batted .159 with a .629 OPS in June), Steer has surged nicely to bump his home run total to 14 and OPS to .749. The Reds are one of just a few sellers and Steer’s multi-positional magic will be a nice selling point to contenders.
17. Peter Lambert, SP, Astros
A really nice find for the Astros after Lambert spent 2025 in Tokyo with the Yakult Swallows, he kept their rotation afloat the entire first half, with a 3.14 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 15 starts. For now, Houston is intent on adding but come Aug. 3, the Astros could be staring at too high a climb for either division or wild card. Lambert can help someone immediately.
18. Luis Garcia, 1B-2B-DH, Nationals
The above caveats with Griffin largely also apply to Garcia, though he has one more year before free agency, potentially enhancing his value. Garcia’s slow rise with the Nationals finally gave way to a career year, with 20 homers and an .871 OPS, justifying his move to first base. Would be a nice stealthy power bat for a contender to add, and a great sell-high scenario for Washington.
19. Isaac Collins, OF, Royals
He was a nice cog in the Brewers’ NLCS club last year and then got dealt to the Royals, where he’s been perfectly fine (five homers, .345 OBP, 103 adjusted OPS). Yeah, that’s kind of what you get with Collins, but a competent switch-hitting outfielder should have several teams (Phillies, anyone?) interested.
20. Jonathan Loaisiga, RP, Diamondbacks
The former Yankee late-inning guy has, after three injury-wracked seasons, found his groove again in the desert, posting a 0.99 WHIP even as his strikeouts per nine innings (6.3) is far off his 2021 peak (8.8) If the D-backs collapse, closer Paul Sewald should be available too, but his 4.34 FIP is far inferior to Loaisiga’s 2.78.
21. JJ Bleday, OF, Reds
Does Cincinnati buy Bleday’s breakout and view him as a key part of their future? He has two more seasons before free agency, and perhaps the Reds believe in his massive jump in OBP (.294 to .350) and slimmed-down strikeout rate (36.9% to 28%). Conversely, after Bleday hit 16 first-half homers, perhaps this is the ultimate sell-high scenario.
22. Jack Flaherty, SP, Tigers
The usual qualifiers that apply to Skubal play here, too. Flaherty didn’t look like he’d have much trade value, his ERA at 5.81 through 12 starts, but he’s figured it out, with a 2.12 ERA and 34-10 strikeout-walk ratio in his past six outings.
23. JT Brubaker, RP, Giants
Hard to believe there’s anything redeemable from the rancid Giants bullpen, but Brubaker has a 2.87 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, though he doesn’t miss many bats. Club could silently score PR points with its base by dealing one of the No-Pride Four.
24. Michael Soroka, SP, Diamondbacks
He hasn’t made more than 17 starts since 2019, but perhaps Soroka’s major health issues are finally behind him. He was just fine through 15 starts in Arizona, posting a 1.09 WHIP. Making just $7.5 million on an expiring contract, so he’s far more easily tradeable than the All-Star Rodriguez.
25. Ty France, 1B, Padres
Signed just as free agency began, France has once again emerged as a handy right-handed bat, with 11 homers and an .815 OPS. He won’t play much else than first these days – he’s logged five innings at third base this season – but got a touch of World Series experience with Toronto last season.
President Trump greets two-way star Shohei Ohtani last year during the Dodgers' visit to the White House in celebration of their 2024 World Series title. (Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images)
It is difficult to find words to express my disgust for the coming White House visit. Like the man they are going to see, the Dodgers are without honor.
Rico Gardiner San Diego
Sports do not transcend or evade association with politics, especially in the current period of America’s decline under President Trump. It’s disgraceful that the Dodgers would again honor a rank authoritarian, a brazenly corrupt kleptocrat, criminal, malignant narcissist and wrecker of our democracy and rule of law.
Trump is not honoring the Dodgers; he’s using their presence to honor him and give him a bit more gaslight glory. The organization has smeared itself with the dishonor, serving the PR agenda of our vainglorious tyrant. If they cared about the optics, their civic duty and the good of the country, they would decline.
T.R. Jahns Hemet
Dodgers, you are out. Out of our house. In normal times, a White House visit is a grand honor for a championship club. I get that. These are NOT normal times. For you to pretend they are and honor this man with your presence is unforgivable. Spineless. A statement that makes the wrong statement. We will not be watching or rooting for you this season. You are out at home. Our home.
William Lewis Burbank
Ever since the Dodgers accepted their World Series visit to the White House, they’ve been error-prone on the field, and losing most games. In the All-Star Game, the players were hitless and the pitcher served up the only home run. To add more insult, their former player received the MVP award! Most importantly, is the disappointment and loss of respect from the fans. Karma has a way to haunt.
Robert Torres Torrance
Your letters to the editor section regarding the Dodgers’ planned visit to the White House continues the left bias of the L.A. Times. Four letters were published praising the article and one was published critical of the article. I doubt that the 4-to-1 ratio reflects the opinions of the L.A. population, but it may reflect the opinions of readers that your left-leaning paper attracts. I read the paper only to see what the lefties are up to.
Larry Hart Tarzana
Turning blue
As a contrarian to the widely held view that the Dodgers’ Andrew Friedman is some sort of baseball savant, I offer some data that suggests otherwise. Four recent free-agent signings: Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Edwin Díaz and Kyle Tucker have a total annual salary of $130 million not including signing bonuses. The payoff? Abysmal with the most compelling being the pitchers who have been injured almost their entire time on the team. I don’t see the genius here but rather an open checkbook with very dubious results.
David Bialis San Diego
The Dodgers don’t need Tarik Skubal to complete their pitching staff but they should get him to keep him away from playoff opponents. If he teams up with Jacob Misiorowski or Chris Sale in a five-game divisional round they could face three games against aces. In a year the Dodgers are going for a three-peat, they can’t afford to take that chance.
Russell Hosaka Torrance
Halo help
As an avid fan of the Angels going back 41 years to my arrival in Anaheim, I watched this year’s All-Star Game with great frustration. It was not from envy of teams like the Dodgers with their cast of superstars-for-hire, but from envy of the teams showcasing their budding young homegrown stars.
The lone Angel representative this year was aged superstar Mike Trout, five years past his prime. Watching the team this year is like watching a minor league game, with a mixture of mediocre young players, mediocre Band-Aid veterans, and Trout. Sadly, I don’t see that the recent change at the GM level is the answer either. Sell the team please.
John Knox Costa Mesa
Wouldn’t it be great if future Hall of Famer Mike Trout was traded to a team where he could participate in the World Series? The ball is in the Dodgers’ court. Trout would look great in Dodger blue.
Patrick Kelley Los Angeles
Let’s review
To VAR or not to VAR? That is the question. In the world of high stakes sporting events where everything and everyone hangs in the balance on outcome and fair play, video replay is essential to getting calls right. For everyone who extols the virtues of sports (and soccer in this case) as art, imagine a world where outcomes are decided incorrectly without technological advances such as VAR. FIFA should keep going and add more on-field referees like most competitive sports. One referee for a soccer pitch is not enough.
Andy Hui Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Times welcomes expressions of all views. Letters should be brief and become the property of The Times. They may be edited and republished in any format. Each must include a valid mailing address and telephone number. Pseudonyms will not be used.
The All-Star break is officially over, and we have 15 MLB games on Saturday's card to attack.
I've scoured the MLB odds and the data and have found a 15-game card with several plus-money underdogs and solid favorites to keep us busy throughout the day.
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Expert MLB moneyline picks for July 18
Twins vs Cubs: Twins (+138)
Twins win probability: 42%
At +138, backing the Minnesota Twins is a strict price-first play. Over the last 14 days, Minnesota's bullpen (4.00 SIERA) matches up well against the overpriced Chicago Cubs, making the Twinkies moneyline the only viable way to look on a hot afternoon.
White Sox vs Blue Jays: White Sox (+108)
White Sox win probability: 48%
The Toronto Blue Jays offense has underachieved to a 73 wRC+ over the last 14 days. Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox carry an elite, highly underrated bullpen (3.46 SIERA, 27.7% K% over the last two weeks) that provides a massive late-game edge.
Reds vs Rockies: Rockies (+108)
Rockies win probability: 48%
The Colorado Rockies have been the slightly better offense over the last 14 days (102 vs. 95 wRC+). With both bullpens' SIERAs virtually identical over the last two weeks, getting plus-money on the home underdog with the hotter bats against the Cincinnati Reds is the clear value play.
Mets vs Phillies: Mets (+144)
Mets win probability: 41%
The Philadelphia Phillies are heavily overvalued despite a weak 93 wRC+ over the last two weeks. The New York Mets actually possess the superior lineup over the last 14 days (107 wRC+). Grabbing this number on New York’s hotter bats is the way to go today.
Orioles vs Astros: Orioles (+113)
Orioles win probability: 47%
While the Houston Astros have the starting pitching edge with Spencer Arrighetti on the bump, the Baltimore Orioles bullpen (3.66 SIERA over the last 14 days) is a major weapon. Facing an Astros offense with a mediocre 105 wRC+ over the last two weeks, the Orioles are live dogs.
Pirates vs Guardians: Pirates (+100)
Pirates win probability: 50%
The Pittsburgh Pirates boast a significant offensive advantage over the Cleveland Guardians over the last 14 days (135 wRC+ vs. 95 wRC+). With Braxton Ashcraft starting and a massive gap in the team's recent hitting, getting even money on the far superior offense is the play.
Padres vs Royals: Padres (+100)
Padres win probability: 50%
The Kansas City Royals bullpen is a disaster, ranking dead last with a 4.94 SIERA over the last 14 days. The San Diego Padres offense (106 wRC+ over the last two weeks) should be able to exploit this late-game weakness. At even money, back the Padres.
Cardinals vs Diamondbacks: Diamondbacks (-122)
Diamondbacks win probability: 55%
The Arizona Diamondbacks hold a massive edge in relief, posting a league-best 2.93 SIERA over the last 14 days. The St. Louis Cardinals are highly vulnerable late with their anemic 82 wRC+ offense over the last two weeks, making Arizona the better side.
Rays vs Red Sox: Rays (+108)
Rays win probability: 48%
The Tampa Bay Rays bullpen has been elite over the last 14 days, posting a 2.80 SIERA and 28% K% compared to the Boston Red Sox' 3.80 SIERA is leaking oil. Getting plus-money on the Rays' superior bullpen over the last two weeks makes them a solid underdog choice.
Rangers vs Braves: Rangers (+133)
Rangers win probability: 43%
The Texas Rangers possess a top-5 offense over the last 14 days (118 wRC+), while the Atlanta Braves have fallen to an average 103 wRC+. Backing the better bats over the last two weeks at +133 is a textbook mathematical play.
Marlins vs Brewers: Marlins (+122)
Marlins win probability: 45%
The Miami Marlins boast the absolute best offense on the slate over the last 14 days (149 wRC+), making them a mandatory play. You cannot lay chalk on the Milwaukee Brewers and starter Shane Drohan against a lineup that has been this incredibly lethal over the last two weeks.
Giants vs Mariners: Giants (+117)
Giants win probability: 46%
The Seattle Mariners bullpen is a major regression candidate (4.83 SIERA over the last 14 days despite a 2.70 ERA), and their offense struck out 26.2% of the time over the last two weeks. The disciplined San Francisco Giants (108 wRC+) are the perfect underdog play.
Dodgers vs Yankees: Dodgers (-108)
Dodgers win probability: 52%
The New York Yankees offense has sunk to a bottom-five 89 wRC+ with a bloated 29.2% strikeout rate over the last 14 days. Backing the far more consistent and powerful Los Angeles Dodgers lineup over the last two weeks at near even-money is the logical play.
Nationals vs Athletics: Nationals (+100)
Nationals win probability: 50%
The Washington Nationals have a top-2 offense over the last 14 days (142 wRC+), while the Athletics' pitching is a disaster zone (4.22 bullpen SIERA, 2.03 HR/9 over the last two weeks). Getting even money on one of the league's hottest lineups is hard to let slide by.
Tigers vs Angels: Angels (+133)
Angels win probability: 43%
Even with Detroit Tigers ace Tariq Skubal pitching, the Los Angeles Angels own the best bullpen in baseball over the last 14 days (2.61 SIERA, 31.2% K%). At +133, backing the elite LAA relief core over the last two weeks at home is pure value.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders:W, 7-6 vs. Worcester Red Sox
SS George Lombard Jr. 2-3, HR, BB, RBI, K, throwing error — Welcome back, George! Last played at Triple-A on June 16th, when he suffered the finger sprain LF Duke Ellis 0-0 C J.C. Escarra 1-4, SB CF Spencer Jones 1-4, 2B, RBI 2B Marco Luciano 2-4, 2B, K DH Yanquiel Fernández 1-4, 2 K LF-SS Oswaldo Cabrera 2-4, K, GIDP, picked off 3B Tyler Hardman 0-2, 2 BB, 2 K 1B Ernesto Martinez Jr. 1-4, 3B, 2 RBI, 2 K RF Kenedy Corona 1-4, HR, 3 RBI, K — big three-run bomb
Max Fried 3 IP, 5 H, 2 R (2 ER), 0 BB, 3 K, HR, WP — rehab start, first appearance on the mound since May 13th in Baltimore (for more on Fried, including comments from the man himself, check out Scott’s article) Yerry De los Santos 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 1 K (Win) Kyle Carr 4 IP, 6 H, 3 R (3 ER), 2 BB, 1 K, 2 HR, pickoff Kervin Castro 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (save) — nice conclusion
Double-A Somerset Patriots:W, 7-2 at Portland Sea Dogs
LF Jackson Castillo 1-3, BB, RBI, K, HBP CF Jace Avina 2-5, 2 2B, RBI, SB RF DJ Gladney 0-4, 2 K, HBP 3B Coby Morales 0-3, 2 BB, K, SB DH Miguel Palma 1-4, BB, K 2B Connor McGinnis 2-5, HR, 3 RBI, K, GIDP, SB — drove in first three runs of the game, first with a two-run hit and then a solo shot C Manuel Palencia 1-5, K 1B Josh Moylan 1-4 SS Owen Cobb 1-2, 2 BB, 2 SB
High-A Hudson Valley Renegades: L, 0-4 at Brooklyn Cyclones — shut out on two hits
3B Roderick Arias 0-2, 2 BB, K, SB, fielding error SS Core Jackson 0-3, BB, K C Eric Genther 0-3, SB, HBP 1B Kyle West 0-4, K CF Wilson Rodriguez 0-3, BB, K 2B Enmanuel Tejeda 0-4 DH Josue Gonzalez 0-3, K RF Camden Troyer 0-3, 2 K LF Luis Durango 2-3, K, SB, CS — hey look, it’s the offense!
Bryce Cunningham 5.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 4 K (loss) Brady Kirtner 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 0 K Tanner Bauman 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 2 K Jack Sokol 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Low-A Tampa Tarpons:W, 8-5 vs. Bradenton Marauders
SS Jackson Lovich 1-5, HR, RBI, K — 432 feet and 111.2 mph off the bat 2B Hans Montero 2-3, 2B, 2 BB, RBI, 2 SB — put Tarpons ahead in fourth with RBI knock C Luis Puello 1-3, 2B, 2 BB, K, CS 3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek 1-4, 2 RBI, SF LF Willy Montero 3-4, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, K — 10th homer, 406 feet; three-run shot in the first CF Brando Mayea 1-4, K 1B David McCann 0-3, RBI, 2 K, SF DH Engelth Urena 2-4, 2B, K RF Gabriel Lara 1-4, K, SB, outfield assist
Justin West 5 IP, 7 H, 5 R (5 ER), 2 BB, 3 K (win) Jose Martinez 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K — fanned five of six batters faced Jose M. Rodriguez 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K (save)
3B Richard Matic 0-1, K, HBP SS Dax Kilby 0-1, BB, K — first rehab game since May 28th, when the 2025 first-rounder suffered a setback 2B Diego Flores 0-0 LF Wilberson De Pena 1-2, 2B, 2 RBI, K — just keeps raking C Queni Pineda 1-2, 3B, K CF Jose Castro 0-2, RBI, CS DH Francisco Vilorio 2-2, 2B 2B-SS Dexters Peralta 0-2, K RF Estivenzon Montero 1-2, 2B, RBI, K 1B Justin Capellan 0-2, K, fielding error
Chalniel Arias 0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R (2 ER), 0 BB, 1 K, balk — season debut, hadn’t pitched since 2024 due to injury Mack Estrada 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 1 K, pickoff error Jorge Luna 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K Jerson Alejandro 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 3 K, 2 HBP
Dominican Summer League Yankees:L, 7-9 at DSL Bombers — Civil War!
CF Isaias Castillo 0-4, BB, 2 K, SB PH Emmanuel Orozco 0-1, K SS Stiven Marinez 2-4, BB, SB RF Yostin Pena 2-4, BB, RBI, picked off 2B Juan Torres 1-3, BB, throwing error C Juan Martinez 0-4, K, GIDP, throwing error PH Jose Peralta 0-1 DH Cesar Lopez 2-4 PH Eliezer Adames 0-1, K 1B Edgar Jimenez 4-5, 2B, HR, 3 RBI — a valiant effort 3B Adrian Feliz 1-4, BB, RBI, SB LF Kendry Diaz 3-5, 2 RBI
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