Category: MLB

Meet the Mets

The Mets came from behind to walk off the Nationals in a thrilling 5-4 victory. Sean Manaea provided desperately needed length, the bullpen held firm, and the Mets mounted a ninth inning rally that culminated in a Francisco Alvarez game-tying double and a Francisco Lindor walk-off knock to win it.

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue, MLB.com, Newsday, New York Daily News, New York Post

Given the disaster the Dodgers are dealing with right now, it is increasingly looking like the Mets made the right decision when it comes to Edwin Díaz.

The Mets are evaluating their infield options for 2027, writes Will Sammon of The Athletic.

In rock bottom, perhaps the 2026 Mets have found some fun, writes Laura Albanese of Newsday.

Around the National League East

The Marlins put together a four-run eighth inning to help notch a come from behind victory over the Reds 8-4.

A seven-run fifth inning powered the Phillies’ 9-1 rout of the Twins.

The Phillies signed right-hander Casey Lawrence to a minor league contract.

It was a rough night at the office for Grant Holmes, as the Braves fell to the Diamondbacks 10-3.

Around Major League Baseball

Yesterday, Cardinals prospect Joshua Báez became the first player in baseball history to homer in his first three big league at-bats.

Mike Trout received the 2026 Heart and Hustle Award.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been placed on the 7-day concussion IL after an awkward play at third base on Friday night when George Lombard Jr. of the Yankees was reaching for a wild throw when his knee collided with the left side of Guerrero’s head. Guerrero was able to scamper home and score, but was immediately removed from the game after that.

Aaron Judge played catch yesterday, as he continues to rehab from a fractured right rib.

Shohei Ohtani, who is hitting but has not pitched since July 3, threw a bullpen on Friday as he progresses closer to a return to the mound.

Jared Greenspan of MLB.com spoke to some of the pitchers with the lowest arm angles in the game about how their unconventional motion began and how they’ve been successful with it.

Brent Maguire of MLB.com wondered if one or more notably struggling stars could turn things around and help lift his team during the stretch run.

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired Jonathan Ornelas from the Athletics yesterday for cash considerations.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1987, the Mets scored 23 runs against the Cubs with Darryl Strawberry having a huge day at the plate with 11 total bases.

Today, on August 16th, it feels like the Yankees’ offense is in such a hole that the prospect of a deep postseason run—this team’s ultimate goal—is as unlikely a proposition as one could hope for. Ultimately, though, no matter how real these issues are, we know that there is an element of a local low in a 162-game season that won’t last. In the meantime, these struggles could easily snowball into problems for the few healthy standouts in the Yankees lineup this season. Specifically speaking, Ben Rice and George Lombard Jr.

Carrying on the success of last season’s breakout campaign, Rice is now indisputably one of the more powerful hitters in the American League in 2026. Early in the year, with a fully healthy lineup, Rice was legitimately producing like one of the MVP candidates, but that has changed since the start of June. As much as we could dive into those struggles, assuming we’re confident of his long-term abilities, the focus here is on addressing a change in expectations and need.

Inadvertently suffering from the absence of Aaron Judge and the way pitchers can attack him because of it—from a psychological standpoint—Rice, for the first time in his career, is dealing with the pressure of anchoring a lineup. He is the one, in the current situation, the only one, in this lineup that opposing teams single out to create a plan of attack.

While the worst performers in this lineup seem to test the limits of this theory, frustration may only come from a place of expectation. Having seen what Rice can do at his best, a 4-for-40 run with which he starts August all of a sudden is under a microscope that it otherwise wouldn’t have been had the team not been slumping this badly, offensively.

Sure, Rice is the type of hitter that could go on a tear at any moment; in fact, we saw that right around the All-Star Break, but his production shined the most when inserted into a context completely different from the one he is currently in. A potential failure to raise his game even further in this moment should not be held against him, especially when you address that on paper, this lineup, even in its current construction, should not be struggling this much. Asking Helliot Ramos to mash lefties, Trent Grisham to get on base often, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. to do something are all far more reasonable requests than having Rice carry the lineup on his back. Yes, fairness is often brushed to the side in the cruel reality of high-level sports, but the healthiest course of action for this team’s success moving forward lies in acknowledging all of this.

Moving further down the lineup, another hitter who is in a separate but comparable place to Rice is George Lombard Jr. The new darling of this team, Lombard almost instantaneously made his way into the hearts of Yankees fans everywhere not only for all that he does on both sides of the ball but also in comparison with his predecessors. Already, a couple of weeks into his MLB career, Lombard probably deals with a level of expectation that’s ridiculously high even for a prospect of his caliber. As the games get more and more important, there is a balance to strike between capitalizing on what you’re receiving from this youngster and not overexposing him—not leaving the shortstop more vulnerable to the ups and downs that are natural with a rookie.

Saturday’s loss against the Jays is a good example of this, as Lombard had a fine game, reaching safely multiple times, but that didn’t generate all the action it could due to the struggles of the hitters behind him—number eight and nine in the order. There’s only so much one player, a rookie no less, can do.

Lombard will slump at points as he adjusts to major league life, and as top-flight pitchers adjust to him. Rice has more of a track record, but even he shouldn’t be expected to carry an elite offense all on his own. But the current state of the Yankee offense has shifted expectations, and it’s important to not let that blur our evaluations of two players who look like cornerstones for the Yankees.

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas says he’s thinking about changing his mind on retiring, and that it’s possible he’ll stick around for another year before he plans to enter into a hybrid coaching/front office role.

“I want to help young players," Rojas told USA TOAY Sports' Bob Nightengale, “any way I can. And one day I want to manage. I believe I can do it."

Rojas, 37, played hero for the Dodgers in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series with a game-tying home run in the ninth inning, forcing the game to extras. Los Angeles won it in the 10th inning, the team's second consecutive championship.

“No one expected Miguel Rojas to hit that home run," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says. “No one."

Said third baseman Max Muncy: “(Rojas) is one of the best teammates I ever had, and just one of the best people in baseball."

Nightengale's Notebook: Latest MLB rumors

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dodgers World Series hero Miguel Rojas questioning retirement

During the first half of the season, Justin Wrobleski was one of the most reliable pitchers in the Dodgers rotation, earning him the first All-Star selection of his career. Since the beginning of the second half of the regular season, Wrobleski has not been able to carry over the same success he had in the first half.

Over his last four starts, Wrobleski has allowed 19 earned runs over 19 2/3 innings and his ERA has shot up from 2.62 to 3.56 over that span. After allowing just eight home runs over his first 16 starts, the southpaw has allowed 11 home runs since July 28, including two consecutive starts of allowing four home runs against both the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs.

Although Wrobleski allowed another two home runs in Saturday’s loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, he was able to go a full six innings while walking just one hitter and striking out six. Despite the loss, both Wrobleski and Dave Roberts noted that the left-hander had a decent outing outside of the home run pitch to Joey Ortiz, per Joaquin Ruiz of the Los Angeles Times.

“I even told him … it was one bad pitch for me, the Ortiz pitch,” Roberts said. “I thought he did a really nice job.”

Tyler Glasnow is reaching the last legs of his rehab assignment after tossing 3 2/3 scoreless innings with Oklahoma City on Friday, and the right-hander will need just one more rehab start before he’s set to rejoin the big league squad, reports Dylan Hernandez of the California Post.

“It was a good one yesterday,” Roberts said. “I think our thought is going to do another one, five (innings) and 75 (pitches), and then he’ll join us.”

Tarik Skubal is set to make his second start at home with his new team on Sunday, and he will be facing right-hander Logan Henderson. Those same two pitchers found themselves in trade talks for each other just weeks ago, as both Sonja Chen and Adam McCalvy of MLB.com discuss the trade conversations between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Detroit Tigers that ultimately fell by the wayside.

“It’s funny how that works out,” Henderson said.

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)

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.

Joey O delivers with the bases juiced ❕ pic.twitter.com/Nlh9T9JEiJ

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) March 26, 2026

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.”

Joey Ortiz gives the Brewers an early lead 💥 pic.twitter.com/XRTDQmlda1

— MLB (@MLB) August 15, 2026

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.

MLB The Show 26 dropped a 99 OVR Brice Turang and a 97 OVR Joey Ortiz highlighting their performances in the month of July. pic.twitter.com/P4hzX3I39f

— Evan (@EvanBoller) August 5, 2026

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.

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.”

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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.”

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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.

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.

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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!

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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

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dodgers announcer Charley Steiner calls 'most meaningful game of my carer'

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."

'Build something here in Colorado'

The Rockies made it clear they want Moniak as an integral part of their future, and Moniak let them know he wants to stick around for the day that they are a winning team once again, even a playoff contender.

“If you look at the numbers, we’re one of the top five offenses in all of baseball, and have taken great strides, especially from last year [43-119] to this year [49-73]," he said. “I think we can give this thing a run in the next two years.

“Obviously, my ultimate goal is to win a World Series, and to ultimately hoist that trophy, and pop that champagne. I’ve been thinking about it over the last year, for sure. My biggest thing is to be able to build something here in Colorado, and bringing winning baseball back to the city of Denver.

“I mean, we saw it last year. We’re fighting history as one of the worst teams in the history of baseball, and the fans still showed up, they still support us, and that stuck with me."

Indeed, as bad as the Rockies have been over the years, they’ve drawn more than two million fans in all but two full seasons in their 34-year history. They’re averaging 28,000 fans a game this year and are on pace to draw nearly 2.3 million fans.

“It’s an amazing sports city with the [NHL] Avs, the [NBA] Nuggets, the [NFL] Broncos, making the playoffs all of the time." Moniak says. “Me and a few guys went to a couple of Avs playoff games, and just seeing the city of Denver rally around them, that’s something that I want for the Rockies."

It brings back memories of growing up in San Diego for Moniak, who was a San Diego Padres fan, and like every other kid in San Diego, idolized Tony Gwynn. Gwynn went to the World Series his rookie season, and then didn’t sniff the postseason again for 14 years. Gwynn was constantly asked why he didn’t want to be traded, or depart as a free agent.

Gwynn always said that he never wanted to leave, and after enduring the agony of losing, now wanted to be there when the good times returned. And it finally did in 1998 when they reached the World Series again.

“It’s the same for me, I want to be part of that group bringing playoff baseball back to Colorado," Moniak says. “The fans support they give us is incredible. It would mean the world to me to be able to be here through the worst, and ultimately, reach the best."

'Mickey went through it'

There was a time when Moniak wondered if he’d even still be playing baseball. He played in parts of three seasons with the Phillies, hit .129 with a .386 OPS, and was sent packing to the Los Angeles Angels. He played in 228 games with the Angels, hit .242 with 31 homers and a .709 OPS, they gave up on him too, on the eve of the 2025.

The Rockies, who wanted him in the 2016 draft if he had fallen to the fourth pick, pounced. He arrived in Colorado, hit .270 with a career-high 24 homers and an .824 OPS last year. This year, he is fifth in MLB with a .542 slugging percentage, and even after missing a month with right ankle tendinitis, ranks third in MLB with 11 games of multiple extra-base hits. And, oh, does he rake at Coors Field with a career .994 OPS.

Moniak’s value permeates throughout the clubhouse. There’s not a position player in the Rockies’ clubhouse who doesn’t rave about Moniak’s leadership skills. You got a problem, you’re in a slump, you go see Moniak.

“It’s easy for a lot of people to tell you how to think, how to feel, what to do," Karros said, “but they haven’t been in your shoes. Mickey, he went through it.

"He told me about his path and his journey. He gave me a different perspective to have on the game and in life in general. To play free. To play loose. That's what he's really gotten to do here in Colorado, and that's why I think he’s had a ton of success. He works his tail off, but at the end of the day, he’s not pressing for results.

“He reminded me that once the game starts, it’s playing the same game I’ve always played. So that's been huge to me, and a lot of guys in this clubhouse to have him as a resource. He’s gone through everything. He's a great baseball player, but honestly, more of an unreal person than anything."

Moniak 'didn't have the luxury' in Philly

Moniak was barely 23 years old when he was already labeled a bust in this game. When he signed with the Phillies, they were just coming off their worst season since 1961, going 63-99. The Phillies counted on him to be a part of their core and signed Bryce Harper to a 13-year, $330 million contract in 2019 when Moniak was at Class AA. The plan was for the duo to play alongside one another in the outfield.

Moniak’s stay in Philadelphia lasted all of 47 games.

“I didn't really have the luxury, or I should say they didn't have the luxury," Moniak says, “of giving me a leash to go out there and maybe get 100 at-bats to figure it out. The most at-bats I got in a stretch was maybe 20. It was just tough to find a rhythm. But I totally understand the nature of this game and the business side of it. They put a lot of money into that organization and was in a win-now mode.

“I was trying to go 5-for-4 every game trying to do way too much. I was getting caught up in my day-to-day performance instead of being patient knowing the 162-game marathon is real. That’s why I learned to trust the ability that God has given me, and be focused more on the team winning, and as opposed to getting so caught up in your day-to-day performance.

“That’s what I’ve told these young guys. You’re going to go through a bad stretch. This game's going to knock you down. If it knocks you down three times, you get up four.’’

Moniak is living, breathing proof. He’s been knocked down, again and again, but now a decade after it all started, he’s right where he’s supposed to be.

“To be able to find my footing, and just kind of re-charge my career here," says Moniak, who’s hitting .263 with 19 homers and an .853 OPS, “it’s something that I definitely cherish. It couldn’t have been a better fit.’’

Colorado is no longer just a place where he’s employed during the summer.

It’s about to become a second home with a soon-to-be expanded family.

Moniak got married a year ago in San Diego and purchased a place in Encinitas, California, which just so happened to be the former home of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ in-laws.

“I saw three of his jerseys hanging in their house," Moniak said, “and I was wondering, ‘Man they must really be huge Dave Roberts fans."

And now that his wife, Sophia, is pregnant with their first baby, a girl due in January, they’re now in the market to buy a home in Denver, where his mother-in-law was born and raised.

“Pretty cool, right?’’ Moniak said.

It was a journey that Moniak never could have imagined, but now that he looks back, it was meant to be this way.

“I believe everything happens for a reason,’’ Moniak says, “and you know what, I wouldn’t change a thing.’’

Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mickey Moniak rewrites MLB draft bust narrative with Colorado Rockies

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)

Player	G	IP	K%	BB%	GB%	FIP	fWAR
Anderson	42	71.1	26.8	8.8	47.4	3.91	0.5
Burke	24	135.2	27.6	7.1	34.7	3.32	3.1

ANDERSON

BURKE

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.

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.

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!

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.

– Dave Dombrowski, Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations, may be under fire by fans and segments of the Philadelphia media, but his job is not only safe, high-ranking officials say, but that he also will receive a contract extension this winter.

Dombrowski is in such good standing with the Phillies and owner John Middleton that when he received his last contact extension in 2022, he wanted a two-year deal. He was offered a four-year deal. They split the difference and Dombrowski received a three-year deal extension through 2027.

This time, it’s likely Dombrowski’s call again how long of a deal he desires.

– While if Mark Walter is no longer the controlling partner of the Dodgers, a person close to Shohei Ohtani said that even if Walter changes his mind and sells the franchise, Ohtani is definitely staying put.

– The San Diego Padres’ sale will become official Monday when MLB owners vote on the  transfer of ownership to a group led by José E. Feliciano and his wife, Kwanza Jones. The vote will be conducted by a conference call.

– Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas says he’s thinking about changing his mind about retiring, and that it’s possible he’ll stick around for another year before he goes into a hybrid coaching/front office role.

“I want to help young players," he said, “any way I can. And one day I want to manage. I believe I can do it.’’

– MLB and the players union are meeting nearly weekly these days, but they are not discussing core-economic issues since their opening proposals. The serious talks will commence in November before the CBA expires on Dec. 1.

– Kudos to Doug Drabek, the former Cy Young winner and Arizona Diamondbacks Triple-A Reno pitching coach, who has helped turn starter Brandon Pfaadt into one the best pitchers in the game.

Pfaadt lost his rotation spot with the D-backs after three starts, was demoted to the bullpen, and was optioned to Reno on June 3 with a 5.92 ERA.

Pfaadt spent 3 ½ weeks in the minors with Drabek, returned to the Diamondbacks on June 30, and has become the hottest pitcher on the planet, tossing 32 ⅔ consecutive innings without allowing an earned run, outdueling Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Chris Sale in his last two outings.

Pfaadt has made nine starts since his return, and is 7-1 with a 1.15 ERA, yielding a .203 batting average. He became only the third pitcher in franchise history to pitch seven shutout innings in consecutive starts while yielding two or fewer hits after his latest gem Friday night in the D-backs’ 2-0 victory over Atlanta.

– 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.

– It will be the one-year anniversary Monday, Aug. 17, of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s last home run at Rogers Centre in Toronto, if you can believe it.

Guerrero, entering Saturday, has now gone 329 plate appearances at home without hitting a single homer.

– The Dodgers anticipate that Shohei Ohtani will be pitching again in September, barring any setbacks, which should also clinch his fifth MVP award as he returns to being a two-way player.

– There have been 10 instances in which a player hit at least 60 homers in a season.

No one has hit fewer than 32 the following season.

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has 12, while hitting .158.

It would be the lowest batting average by a qualifying player in modern-day baseball history, eclipsing Chris Davis’ .168 batting average in 2018 for the Baltimore Orioles.

– The Phillies’ prized starting trio of Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler and Jesus Luzardo is certainly capable of leading the Phillies to the World Series.

Yet, they have made 15 starts since the All-Star break, and the Phillies have lost seven of them. Wheeler has particularly had his struggles, going 0-3 with a 6.04 ERA since the All-Star break, with the Phillies losing four of his five starts.

– You think the folks on the South side of Chicago appreciate a winner?

The White Sox have already drawn more fans (1,501,495) this season than all of last year (1,445,738). They’ve drawing nearly 7,000 more fans a game, outdrawing the 2025 team by 412,994 at this point a year ago.

– Dodgers two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal is saying all of the right things about his upcoming free agency, even revealing his interest about a potential return to Detroit.

The cold-hearted truth is that there will be only two teams who will make serious bids for his services:

The Dodgers and New York Mets.

That’s it.

– If the trade deadline was Aug. 15 like GMs desire, the Tigers never would have traded away Skubal or Casey Mize, and the Pittsburgh Pirates wouldn’t have aggressively added four relievers. The Tigers are still alive in the weak AL Central, and the Pirates have spiraled out of contention.

– Tim Leveque is the Angels’ sixth pitching coach in seven years after the dismissal of Mike Maddux, who has been a big-league pitching coach the past 24 years.

– It could be quite the day on Oct. 11 with the NFL rival Bears and Packers playing at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and a scheduled Game 1 of the NLCS that could feature the Cubs and the Brewers in Milwaukee.

Get your tailgate parties ready.

– Freddy Peralta has hardly made a good first impression with his struggles in his first two starts with the Tampa Bay Rays (9.31 ERA, 15 hits and 10 earned runs in 9 2/3 innings) but his two starts also have been in the high altitude of Colorado and the launching pad in Sacramento.

– The New York Mets made a $20 million blunder taking center fielder Luis Robert off the Chicago White Sox’s hands, but with another $20 million club option coming up, the Mets have learned their lesson.

They won’t be touching this option with Robert playing in just 44 games this season after missing 289 games in his last five years with the White Sox.

– The last six World Series champions have all finished among the top four in home run totals during the regular season.

The Milwaukee Brewers, who have the league’s best record, are last.

– The Seattle Mariners (57-66) are in a complete freefall, losing 21 of their last 31 games since July 7, scoring the second-fewest runs in MLB, and dropping a season-high six games behind the Houston Astros.

It’s going to be long dreary winter in Seattle, with heads rolling, if they don’t turn this around quickly.

– Congratulations to future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer, who not only moved into the top 10 in strikeouts, but became just the 18^th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to have 3,000 strikeouts and pitch 3,000 innings.

– Remember when those in the industry believed that Hunter Greene’s six-year, $53 million contract extension was club-friendly, and could come back and cost him plenty.

Well, Greene just underwent his second Tommy John surgery, will be out until 2028, making just 13 starts since June 3, 2025, with seven stints on the injured list. He will be paid $15 million in 2027 and $16 million in the final year of his contract in 2028.

– Considering how barren the free-agent market is this winter, little surprise that MLB teams have been heavily scouting Japan this summer for talent.

Hiromi Itoh of the Nippon Ham Fighters, along with pitcher Hiroto Takahashi of the Chunichi Dragons, and third baseman Teruaki Sato and pitcher Hiroto Saiki of the Hanshin Tigers, are attracting the most interest.

– Astros closer Josh Hader has helped his club turn its season completely around since his season debut June 3. The bullpen is yielding a 2.67 ERA and they have the second-highest strikeout rate in baseball, as the Astros have gone 36-25 and vaulted into first place.

– Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz’s struggles may explain why the Mets were so lackadaisical trying to re-sign him as a free agent, and instead turning to Devin Williams. Diaz is yielding a 10.66 ERA while opponents are slashing .376/.462/.643 off him. He blew more saves in four games last week than he did all last season for the Mets.

– The Milwaukee Brewers paid infielder Luis Rengifo $3.5 million to become their everyday third baseman, only to give up on him after 57 games, and release him in June when he was slashing .205/280/.254 with no homers and 19 RBI.

The Padres decided to give him a shot, and now he’s become a vital part of their turnaround, slashing .318/.414/.447 with three homers and 12 RBI in 25 games.

“It’s part of baseball,” Rengifo said.

– Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll has quietly produced 100 homers and 56 triples in 606 career games, with only immortals Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio accomplishing the feat in their first 610 career games. Carroll also has 139 career stolen bases and is the only player in major league history with at least 100 homers, 50 triples and 100 steals in fewer than 650 games.

– San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill made himself a cool $5 million by reaching his 500^th plate appearance on Friday, which adds $1 million to the next five years of his contract.

It increases his original nine-year deal from $135 million to a minimum of $140 million.

– Remember when the Yankees brought in San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos at the deadline to pick up their struggling offense?

Well, he’s fallen into that dark hole that has ensnared most of the Yankees this year.

He is an ugly 2-for-28 with two doubles and 10 strikeouts in his first nine games with the Yankees.

– MLB is about to set a new record for fewest complete games in a season.

There have been only 15 complete games entering Saturday, with the record-low of 28 set in 2024. With only two complete games all of July, starting pitchers are averaging a record-low 5.03 innings per game.

Incredible, considering there were 302 complete games as recently as 1998.

“Can you imagine what it would be like with expansion, and adding 26 more pitchers?" one veteran NL executive said. “It will be ugly."

Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nightengale's Notebook: MLB managers on hot seat as playoff race heats up