Category: MLB

I spent last weekend at Coors Field covering the San Francisco Giants-Colorado Rockies series for Purple Row, and I was glad I did because a lot happened.

President of baseball operations Paul DePodesta took questions from media, and given that preparations for the MLB draft were in full swing and the trade deadline is fast approaching, there was plenty to discuss. Hunter Goodman was announced as the Rockies representative at the All-Star Game, and he answered questions about receiving that honor for the second consecutive year.

On two days, Goodman’s father, Robert, threw batting practice to his son, who hoped to be invited to participate in the Home Run Derby on Monday. Goodman was ultimately not invited, but it was still pretty cool to watch a father-son BP. That said, you had to be at Coors Field to see it.

The clubhouse was open, and players answered questions as did manager Warren Schaeffer. Rockies’ 2022 first-round draft pick Gabriel Hughes (No. 12 PuRP) made his MLB debut.

Here’s Kyle Karros discussing his monster home run on Sunday. The controlled swagger is a beautiful thing.

Ultimately, the Rockies took the series from a struggling Giants team. They are becoming a better and even a fun baseball team. They have scored an MLB-high 132 runs in the eighth inning or later. How is that not the good stuff for baseball fans?

If the Denver Post had a reporter there to cover the series, I never saw them.

Since Patrick Saunders left The Post, a pastiche of offseason sports beat writers has been in the clubhouse finding material for some scattered feature stories. For example, Nate Peterson spent an afternoon talking with Marlins fans at Coors Field about their experiences with a losing team.

The Post now takes game recaps from the Associated Press. It’s not unusual for those recaps to go up the next day as opposed to immediately after the conclusion of a game, as they did before. I can’t speak to what happens on the road, but in Denver, the AP has two sports writers with one covering each Rockies game. When the game is over, the reporter goes to the winning clubhouse for comments.

Don’t get me wrong: I’m a big fan of The Post’s sportswriters, but writing occasional feature stories and farming out game recaps doesn’t seem like a best practice.

Besides, when the Denver Broncos report to training camp, and the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche start their early-season work, how much time will those beat writers devote to their occasional Rockies feature stories? Listen, I don’t blame them. These reporters really good at their jobs, and that involves working their beat.

When a beat writer works with a team, they spend a great deal of time with players, coaches, and front office staff developing relationships. They build trust and learn off-the-record information that allows them to write more-informed stories. But it’s in that work — so much of that tedious standing around and asking questions — that the real reporting happens.

I suspect if you were to ask a sports editor at The Post about this decision, they would tell you that the Rockies are a bad team, and they just don’t drive enough traffic. Hey, I write for a Rockies site. Believe me: The entire staff of Purple Row is very aware of how little traffic the Rockies have driven in recent years.

But that’s changing.

The Rockies are an exciting young team with stories driven by compelling players and a front office trying to rebuild connections. I can’t speak for The Post, but our site traffic is up, in part because of an improved team and in part because Purple Row is committed to covering the Rockies, even if our resources are considerably more limited than those available to The Post.

That said, even if the powers that be at the Denver Post decide that the Rockies baseball team doesn’t particularly matter, surely they would feel compelled to cover the business side of the Rockies. Like any professional sports franchise, the Rockies are a big business that navigates the uneasy relationship between taxpayer money and owner financial interests.

If nothing else, surely The Post would be interested in what will probably an MLB lockout when the season ends. Given that Rockies owner Dick Monfort is a key figure in trying to get a salary cap — something that would fundamentally change the sport — surely The Post would want someone working that story now.

It is deeply unsettling that that the Colorado Rockies may well receive less attention from The Post for the rest of the season than they will perhaps devote to some high school football programs.

I reached out to The Post for a comment on the publication’s plans for the Rockies beat, but I did not receive an answer.

So here we are.

What’s to be done?

Me, I’m going to cancel my subscription.

Believe it or not, my Denver Post subscription costs more than my subscription to the New York Times. I can read AP gamers anywhere. Better yet, I can read gamers on Purple Row, where we write our own recaps that are published at the conclusion of every game.

I hate to do it. I believe that what newspapers do in local communities is vitally important. But it’s difficult to see The Post as doing anything other than dropping the ball when it comes to covering the Rockies.

To Read: Rockpiles

• Monday:Paul DePodesta provides a Rockies mid-season progress report | Renee Dechert
• Tuesday:TJ Shook reflects on his MLB debut | Sam Bradfield
• Wednesday:TJ Rumfield deserves more Rookie of the Year attention | Skyler Timmins
• Thursday:If you need a job done, give it to Willi Castro | Cory Cohen
• Friday:Rockies red-hot offense surging since June 1 | Joelle Milholm
• Saturday:Victor Vodnik is finding outs without finding the strike zone | James Riggenbach

To Read: News

• Rockies news:Gabriel Hughes got the call. Now he’s living in the moment. | Eli Whitney
• Rockies prospects:Zac Veen named Pacific Coast League Player of the Month | Renee Dechert
• Weekly Pebble Report:The player and person Roldy Brito wants you to see | Evan Lang & Eli Whitney
• Rockies draft:Rockies select Tyler Bell with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft | James Riggenbach
• Rockies draft:Rockies select Daniel Jackson with the 37th overall pick in the 2026 draft | Cory Cohen
• Rockies draft:Rockies select Logan Reddemann with the 38th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft | James Riggenbach
• Rockies draft:Rockies first-round draft selection Tyler Bell is eager to get to work | Renee Dechert
• Rockies draft: Paul DePodesta and Tommy Tanous discuss Day 1 of the Rockies MLB Draft | Renee Dechert

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

Today’s Reflections

Well, what can you say when a pitcher, making his second start of the season and coming off a horrible season debut, is absolutely brilliant? Well, the Cubs hitters helped — 12 of the Cubs’ 16 strikeouts came with Hunter Greene on the mound. But credit is given where credit is due.

That said, the Cubs were outhit 13-4. The hot Seiya Suzuki had two of those, including a double, but with no one on base, they were for naught. And the Cubs, who have been recipients of plenty of walks of late, only managed one Friday.

Yes, Shōta Imanaga gave up yet another solo shot, but he stranded the other seven baserunners while striking out five. There is an article below that points out his big flaw, but gives him credit in every other facet of his game.

But. The bullpen. As shown below, it was easy come, easy go for Jake Woodford. He’s the reliever that turned Imanaga’s effort to dust, giving up a triple and three-run home run that turned a 1-0 game that wasn’t that close into a rout that might as well been 20-0. Thanks so much for stopping by, Jake.

Josh has done a great job covering the Cubs’ draft results. I added a few stories, including some for first-round pick Cade Townsend, below only for some variety of opinion.

*means autoplay on, (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome). {$} means paywall. {$} means limited views. Italics are often used on this page as sarcasm font. The powers that be have enabled real sarcasm font in the comments.

Friday’s Game Stories:

• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/10/26): Reds 4, Cubs 0 – Greene Great in Shutout. “Newly returned ace Hunter Greene dominated the road team from the opening pitch and it was never much of a game.”

• Sean Sears (Chicago Cubs On SI): 3 Takeaways After Cubs’ Offense Flops, New Bullpen Arm Crumbles in Loss to Reds. “Hunter Greene baffled the Cubs bats for 12 strikeouts in tonight’s shutout.”

Cubs Analysis of the first four picks of the draft (although none are better than Josh’s, but this is just for some variety of opinion):

• Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): Cubs’ 2026 first-round draft pick confirms Jed Hoyer wasn’t blind to crippling need. “Cubs might not be allergic to pitching.”
• Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib): Cubs 2026 first-round pick could immediately rocket up team’s prospect rankings. “Cade Townsend is a huge addition to the organization’s pitching ranks.”
• Jason Ross (North Side Baseball): Chicago Cubs Select Cade Townsend with the 23rd Pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, “Cade Townsend’s strength lies directly in his stuff.”
• Andrew Wright (North Side Baseball): Chicago Cubs Select Caden Sorrell with No. 62 Overall Pick In 2026 MLB Draft. “With their second pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Chicago Cubs grabbed Caden Sorrell, a college outfielder with some impressive pedigree.”
• Jason Ross (North Side Baseball): Chicago Cubs Select Myles Bailey with the 75th Pick In 2026 MLB Draft. “With the 75th pick in the MLB Draft, the Chicago Cubs selected FSU first baseman, Myles Bailey.”
• Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib): Cubs embrace love of pitchers with spin with third round pick in 2026 MLB Draft. “In his breakout 2026 campaign, it was spin or bust for this Nebraska right-hander.”
• Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): Cubs undercut by Royals as they provide early shockwaves in 2026 MLB Draft. “Wow.”

Trade Talk:

• Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): Cubs trade deadline plans turned upside down thanks to Twins-Blue Jays trade. “Not ideal for our hopes.”
• Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): Cubs trade deadline mailbag: Priorities, prospects and the ‘Pitch Lab’. “Who might the Cubs move ahead of the deadline?”
• Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib): Cubs have a dark horse trade candidate that absolutely nobody is talking about. “I wouldn’t say it’s likely, but don’t know if we can completely rule this one out.”

Assorted Stories:

• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Shota Imanaga has given up more home runs than just about anyone, but Cubs thankful for what he’s given them. “Imanaga’s 22 home runs allowed are the second most in the sport. But despite that, the Cubs are happy he’s been able to pitch well, otherwise, and make 19 starts, helping out a pitching staff hammered by injuries.”
• Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune {$}): Column: Despite lackluster 4-0 loss to Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs should be satisfied with their first half. “Who are the real Chicago Cubs? We’re still asking ourselves that question nearly four months…”
• Charlie Wright (MLBRumors): Cubs Designate Jake Woodford For Assignment. “Right-hander Jake Woodford has been designated for assignment by the Cubs, the team announced. Reliever Phil Maton is back from the injured list to take Woodford’s spot in the bullpen.”
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Michael Conforto bouncing back with best offensive season in years as Cubs laud veteran’s ‘selflessness’. “Conforto is hitting well this season, all while impressing his teammates with his willingness to fill any role after signing up as a former All Star and veteran of 10 big league seasons knowing he’s likely be a part-timer.”
• Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune {$}): Column: Chicago Cubs reliever Phil Maton hopes to erase troubles, and Craig Counsell recalls his draft-day bonus. “How much of Maton’s first-half struggles were due to his knee issues?”
• Joey Ricotta (OnTapSportsNet): Who Can the Cubs Trust in the Bullpen Right Now? “The Chicago Cubs have a bullpen problem; there is no other way to put it. Where they stand and how they can improve the situation.”
• Tyler Courtney (LastWordOnSports): What Are the Biggest Cubs Weaknesses That Could Derail Chicago’s Season? “While Chicago has rebounded from its early-season slump, some of the biggest Cubs’ weaknesses have been revealed.”
• Joey Ricotta (OnTapSportsNet): Pete Crow-Armstrong Pacing To Do What No Cubs Player Has Ever Done. “What Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is doing is remarkable, and he is on a path no other Cub has ever taken.”
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): How dazzling defense has helped Cubs survive injury barrage: ‘Best defensive team I’ve ever been a part of’. “The Cubs have not crumbled under the weight of an avalanche of pitching injuries, thanks in no small part to their excellent leather-wielding and cadre of Gold Glove defenders.”

Food For Thought:

Christian Willisohn (born January 22, 1962 in Munich ) is a German blues pianist and singer.
His musical career began in 1980 in Munich clubs; In 1986 he gave up his profession as a stonemason and sculptor. In 1987 he played with Zora Young for the first time in the US. Since then he has played with many international blues musicians. Today he performs throughout Europe with classics and original compositions with texts by his wife, Alexandra Mayer.

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 Braves have certainly put fans through the ringer after the hottest first two months ever. A June swoon has somewhat leveled off into a 5-6 July with JR Ritchie set to finish off the first half. The team is reeling after several injuries. We asked internally if the team could use the time off. I don’t know about the Braves, but I know I need a break.

I am ready for a break from the starting rotation, which consists of Chris Sale and the giant The Price is Right wheel. I am ready to be away from the ugly side of the bullpen. I am tired of Walt Weiss consistently placing games at the mercy of the ugly side of the bullpen. I am ready for a break from this offense and its fits and starts. And I’m definitely tired of this fanbase and their fits and drive-by not-so-very-hot takes.

So are you ready for a break? Will you be ready to jump back in and play starter roulette and the Tim Hyers Batting Approach of the Day on Friday? Well sure, if we must. What else are we gonna do? We want to keep up with college football and track all 105 perma-free-agents on your favorite team’s roster? Are we following the Falcons eternal drive to 8-9? Any CFL weirdos in here? Don’t mind me, I’ll be over here playing Mario Kart with my kiddo until we get back.

The Guardians beat the Marlins and selected four players in the first four rounds of the 2026 major league draft.

Patrick Bailey doubled in some key insurance runs late yesterday. Since June 1st, Guardians catchers have had a 118 wRC+ which is crazy. Bailey has a 120 wRC+ in high leverage spots for his career (44 in mid-leverage, 75 in low leverage). That shouldn’t be sustainable but, hey, I won’t complain if it is. Steven Kwan is closing in on a month’s of 110 wRC+ play, so let’s hope that continues. However, his defense is just always good and Travis Bazzana and Kwan combined on an insanely high baseball IQ play yesterday:

The Guardians have drafted so far:

19. Liam Peterson, RHP, Florida

Baseball America said:

“6-foot-5, 225 pounds and throws from a steep vertical arm slot. He throws a high-carry four-seam fastball that averages around 96 mph and has been up to 100. His fastball has clear plus traits and power, but he needs to improve his command to avoid throwing middle-middle heaters that get hit hard. All three of his secondaries are standout swing-and-miss pitches. A high-spin slider in the upper-80s is his go-to secondary and a clear plus offering with sharp biting action that helped him generate a 51% miss rate. He throws the pitch nearly half the time against righties. Against lefties, Peterson will mix in a mid-80s changeup and a curveball around 80 mph. While Peterson has less confidence and feel for his changeup and curveball, they are also potential plus pitches that vex hitters when he can consistently put them over the plate. Peterson has tinkered with his arm slot over the years and is a below-average strike-thrower. He has obvious upside potential as a starter, but will need to make strides with his control and command to stick in that role.”

59. Logan Schmidt, LHP, Ganesha HS

Baseball America said:

“Schmidt has a 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame and an easy, repeatable delivery that features a three-quarters slot and a consistently balanced finish. He has a starter’s operation and advanced feel to spot a three-pitch mix. After touching 97 mph on the 2025 circuit, Schmidt pushed his fastball up to 98 during his senior spring season and was consistently throwing the pitch in the mid 90s. He attacks the zone with his fastball and can locate it to both sides of the plate to get ahead in counts and set up his secondaries. Schmidt’s 78-82 mph breaking ball is his go-to secondary and a slurvy in-between offering that varies between a curveball and slider. He throws it with solid movement and shape to build on, and scouts believe he’ll be able to add a harder true slider in the future. Against righties, Schmidt is confident in a mid-to-upper-80s changeup that he sells with great arm speed and has above-average potential.”

95. Tre Broussard, LHH CF, Houston

Baseball America said;

“He’s a 6-foot, 190-pound outfielder with dynamic speed and one of the best center field gloves in the class. Broussard missed time early in 2026 with a hamstring injury but hit .344/.436/.472 in 44 games while stealing 25 bases. Broussard has an old-school leadoff skill set, with a hit-over-power profile and plenty of speed. He added a bit of strength and traded some contact for power in 2026 but still profiles as a 50-55 pure hitter with below-average game power. Broussard has an upright and open setup, with a leg kick to get his swing going. He makes solid swing decisions, keeps his strikeouts in check and has a downhill bat path that is more conducive to groundballs and low line drives. That approach and swing should work for his tool set, because Broussard is a 70-grade runner who creates pressure on infield defenses and opposing batteries. He’s a high-volume and efficient basestealer who went 56-for-64 (88%) in two years at Houston. Broussard is one of the better center field defenders in the class.”

131. Kade Lewis, LHH 1B/3B, Wake Forest

Baseball America said:

 “He’s a 6-foot-2, 220-pound lefthanded hitter with a buttery smooth lefthanded swing and sound approach. He has a quiet setup and a low-maintenance swing with a slight uphill path but an all-fields approach and a knack for the barrel. He can drive the ball with solid power to both gaps and has gotten to consistent pullside home run power with metal bats, but his wood bat track record is more limited, and his raw power could be more conducive to a hit-over-power profile. That could make his defensive profile a challenge, as Lewis is a below-average runner and more of a first base defender than a third baseman. He was Wake Forest’s primary first baseman in 2026, and might be able to handle an outfield corner, but his value will primarily come from the damage he’s able to do in the batter’s box.”

You can read Baseball America scouting reports here. You can also listen to their post draft podcast and at the very end of it, minute 56, they rave about the Guardians’ draft. So, that’s good!

Rounds 5-20 resume today at 1PM ET on MLB Network and the Guardians wrap up pre-All-Star Game play at 1:40 PM ET, looking for a sweep of the Marlins.

AROUND MLB:

The Twins and White Sox won and Tigers and Royals lost.

Syracuse Mets (46 – 46)

NORFOLK 3, SYRACUSE 2 (BOX)

• RF Nick Morabito: 0-4
• SS Ronny Mauricio: 0-4, K
• LF MJ Melendez: 1-2, R, 2B, 2 BB, K
• 1B Christian Arroyo: 1-4, R, 2B
• DH Yonny Hernández: 1-4, RBI
• 3B Christopher Morel: 2-4, 2B, RBI, K
• C Hayden Senger: 0-4, K
• CF Cristian Pache: 0-4, 3 K
• 2B Vidal Bruján: 1-3
• RHP Jack Weisenburger: 4.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K, L (1-4)
• RHP Ryan Lambert: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
• RHP Joey Gerber: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
• REHAB ALERT: RHP Dedniel Núñez: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Binghamton Rumble Ponies (32 – 54)

BINGHAMTON 9, HARTFORD 2 (BOX)

• C Chris Suero: 1-5, R, RBI, 3 K
• 3B Nick Lorusso: 1-4, R, 2B, RBI, BB
• 1B JT Schwartz: 0-2, R, 2 BB, 2 K
• DH Kevin Parada: 1-5, R, K
• RF Matt Rudick: 0-1, R, 2 BB, CS (1)
• 2B Wyatt Young: 1-3, R, 2B, RBI, BB, 2 K
• LF Nick Lucky: 1-4, R, RBI, K
• SS Kevin Villavicencio: 1-4, R, HR (2), RBI, 2 K
• CF Jaylen Palmer: 1-3, R, 2B, 3 RBI, BB, K
• LHP Jonathan Santucci: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, E (3)
• RHP Garrett Stratton: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, W (1-1)
• RHP Brian Metoyer: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Brooklyn Cyclones (35 – 49)

BROOKLYN 3, WILMINGTON 1 (BOX)

• SS Mitch Voit: 0-4
• CF John Bay: 0-4
• DH Ronald Hernandez: 1-2, R, 2B, BB, K
• 1B Corey Collins: 1-3, BB
• RF JT Benson: 1-4, K, SB (9)
• C Daiverson Gutierrez: 1-4, RBI
• 3B Colin Houck: 0-3, 2 K
• 2B Jamari Baylor: 1-2, R, 2B, BB
• LF Sam Biller: 1-3, RBI, SB (7)
• LHP Daviel Hurtado: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
• RHP Juan Arnaud: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
• RHP Cristofer Gomez: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
• RHP Ryan Dollar: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, W (1-0)

St. Lucie Mets (38 – 46)

ST. LUCIE 4, JUPITER 1 (BOX)

• SS Elian Peña: 1-5, R, 2 K, E (20)
• REHAB ALERT: LF Mike Tauchman: 1-3, R, 2B, RBI, BB
• LF Taylor Darden: 0-1, K
• 2B Trey Snyder: 2-4, R, HR (1), 2 RBI, K
• 1B Julio Zayas: 1-4, R, HR (4), RBI, 2 K
• C Chase Meggers: 0-3, BB, E (11)
• RF Branny De Oleo: 1-4, SB (8)
• CF Simon Juan: 0-2, 2 BB, 2 K, SB (7)
• 3B Jeremy Rodriguez: 0-4
• DH Francisco Toledo: 0-3, BB
• RHP Emilio Obispo: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, W (4-2)
• RHP Calvin Ziegler: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
• RHP Zack Mack: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, H (2)
• RHP Elwis Mijares: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, S (2)

FCL Mets (20 – 27)

FCL CARDINALS 3, FCL METS 0 (BOX)

• CF Bohan Adderley: 0-3, 2 K
• 2B Anthony Frobose: 0-3, 2 K
• C Yovanny Rodriguez: 1-2, CS (2)
• RF Randy Guzman: 0-3, 2 K
• 1B Josmir Reyes: 1-3
• 3B Roybert Herrera: 0-3, K
• DH Heriberto Rincon: 1-3, K
• SS Yorber Semprun: 1-2, E (2)
• LF Adolfo Miranda: 1-2, SB (5)
• RHP Jean Brito: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, L (2-3)
• LHP Wilmer Lugo: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
• RHP Yoralbert Cadiz: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
• RHP Jun-Seok Shim: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

DSL Mets Orange (16 – 15)

DSL METS ORANGE 10, DSL GIANTS BLACK 6 (BOX)

• DH Cleiner Ramirez: 1-3, 2 R, 2B, 2 BB, SB (10)
• SS Sebastian Toro: 1-3, 2 R, 2 BB
• C Cesar Acosta: 1-1, R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, E (3)
• C Jesus Griman: 0-0, RBI
• RF Jhonael Cuello: 1-4, 2 R, RBI, BB, K
• CF Ryan Rudas: 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI, BB
• 1B Yadier Fuentes: 2-4, R, RBI, K
• 3B Oscar Pena: 1-4, RBI, K
• LF Elvis Teran: 0-1, K
• PR-2B Jose Padilla: 1-1, R, 2B, BB, SB (3)
• 2B-LF Roni Garcia: 0-2, R, RBI, 2 BB, K
• RHP Oscar Montero: 3.0 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
• RHP Olmedo Barria: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, W (4-0)
• LHP Jodarlin Perez: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
• RHP Aurelvys Batista: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
• RHP Frandy Lora: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

DSL Mets Blue (12 – 18)

DSL MARLINS 5, DSL METS BLUE 0 (BOX)

• 2B Johnderis Sanchez: 0-2
• 2B Angel Ozuna: 0-1, K
• SS Dayron Oramas: 0-3
• LF Henry Manrique: 1-3, K
• 1B Jonnhan Sanchez: 0-1, 2 BB, CS (4)
• 3B Michalle Mercedes: 0-3
• DH Royner Bravo: 0-3, 2 K
• RF Emerson Estevez: 0-1, SB (5)
• CF Aiberson Blanco: 0-2, K
• C Adrian Silva: 0-2, K
• LHP Eduardo Pina: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, L (0-1)
• RHP Enmanuel Feliz: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 1 K, E (1)
• RHP Arnaldo Tejeda: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

STAR OF THE NIGHT

Jonathan Santucci

GOAT OF THE NIGHT

Ryan Lambert

The Detroit Tigers’ six-game win streak came to an end on Saturday evening at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-2, inside Comerica Park. Casey Mize just did not have it this time around, and while Eduardo Valencia continued to prove that he belongs in the big leagues, the offense just could not get anything going against Cristopher Sánchez,

On Sunday afternoon, the Old English D looks to seize its fourth-straight series win heading into the All-Star break with perennial All-Star left-hander Tarik Skubal taking the mound. The 29-year-old has posted a 1.64 ERA and 3.02 FIP over his last two starts, including a five-inning, one-run effort last time out at home against the Athletics, which resulted in his fifth win of the season in a 6-2 final.

The Tigers will once again have their hands full as the Phillies send another tough pitcher, right-hander Zack Wheeler, to the bump seeking a series win of their own. The 36-year-old’s last outing at the Cincinnati Reds earned him his 10th quality start of 2026, throwing seven frames of one-run ball on four hits (one home run) while striking out a season-high 14 batters en route to his ninth win in a 4-1 final.

Here is how the two top-tier pitchers match up on Sunday.

Detroit Tigers (44-51) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (53-43)

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

Game 96: LHP Tarik Skubal (5-4, 3.06 ERA) vs. RHP Zack Wheeler (9-1, 2.28 ERA)

SKUBAL

WHEELER

Bryce Harper snapped his out of his funk last night, collecting two hits after looking rather disinterested in doing so the past few games. Good thing too as he has a busy week ahead of him.

On to the links.

Phillies news:

• Zack Wheeler declined an All-Star invitation after feeling disrespected by the whole process ($). Good for him.
• What makes Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber All-Stars? Who better to ask than the pair about each other ($).

MLB news:

• Catch up on all the MLB draft picks that were made and some analysis that goes with it all.
• Jacob Misiorowski will miss today’s start with arm fatigue, maybe not making his appearance on Tuesday’s All-Star Game.
• Another Brewers pitcher, Kyle Harrison, will miss some time with forearm tightness. He doesn’t seem too concerned.

The 2026 MLB Draft has dominated headlines in what’s been a full day of action around the league. The Yankees have the four newest members of their organization pending their signings with the team, and even managed to grind out another comeback victory against the Nationals thanks to eighth-inning home runs from Ryan McMahon, Trent Grisham, and Paul Goldschmidt. It means they are riding a modest three-game winning streak, which comes at an important time given the results elsewhere around the AL.

Tampa Bay Rays (56-37) 6, Seattle Mariners (47-49) 1

The Rays somehow worked their magic to secure the second pick in this year’s draft and wasted no time in using it on consensus top-two draft prospect Grady Emerson. They had to feel pretty gleeful about how the day went for them as a whole as they rolled over the Mariners for the second straight day and achieved a coup in the Draft. They handed Logan Gilbert one of his heavier defeats of the year, scoring four runs on nine hits and two walks off the Seattle starter, while Griffin Jax gave them five innings of one-run ball, that lone run a Cole Emerson sack fly to open the scoring after Cole Young led off the second with a double.

A Ben Williamson RBI double in the bottom of the frame leveled the score, and back-to-back doubles by Yandy Díaz and Jonathan Aranda to open the third gave them the lead. Gilbert managed to right the ship from there, but was left in a batter too long, an Aranda two-out double in the seventh knocking him from the game. An intentional walk of Junior Caminero put a pair on for pinch-hitter Ryan Vilade, who crushed the first pitch he saw for a three-run blast to put the game out of reach, a Nick Fortes RBI single an inning later wrapping up the scoring. The Rays maintained their four-game lead in the AL East.

Other Games

Chicago White Sox (49-45) 1, The Athletics (41-54) 0

Despite speculation that they might throw a curveball, the White Sox used the first overall pick on the player many consider to be the top college prospect: shortstop Roch Cholowsky of UCLA. He joins an organization that ascending well ahead of schedule, their win over the Athletics allowing them to stay tied atop the AL Central. A bullpen day that included four scoreless innings from bulk reliever Erick Fedde limited the A’s to four-hits, two apiece for Jacob Wilson and Joshua Kuroda-Grauer. The lone run of the contest came in the sixth, Colson Montgomery drawing a two-out walk and scoring all the way from first on a Chase Meidroth double. They remain in a virtual tie with Cleveland atop the AL Central.

Cleveland Guardians (50-46) 4, Miami Marlins (52-44) 1

With wins in the first two games, the Guardians have put themselves in pole position to sweep the hottest team in baseball since the start of June. It began with 6.2 innings of one-run ball from Tanner Bibee, a Liam Hicks RBI single in the seventh representing the lone damage. Cleveland did all of their scoring on a pair of two-run doubles from their eight and nine hitters. The first came from Steven Kwan with two outs in the fourth and the second was courtesy of Patrick Bailey with two outs in the eighth.

Houston Astros (47-50) 9, Texas Rangers (48-47) 3

Kumar Rocker was simply no match for the firepower in the Astros lineup, allowing seven runs on eight hits including three home runs. Peter Lambert meanwhile continues to be a revelation in the Astros rotation after joining on a minor league contract following a season with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. He allowed a run on just three hits and a walk with seven strikeouts in six innings to lower his season ERA to 3.14 in 15 starts after having pitched to a 6.28 ERA in his previous four season stint with the Rockies.

A day after crushing the 200th home run of his career, Yordan Alvarez kicked things off with a two-run blast after Jeremy Peña led off the first with a single, extending his lead atop the MLB HR leaderboard to 31. The big blast of the game arrive in the third after Alvarez doubled, Isaac Paredes walked, and Jose Altuve singled to load the bases. LaMonte Wade Jr. demolished a hanging 1-1 slider from Rocker for a no-doubter grand slam to right, and just like that it was 6-0, Astros.

Christian Vásquez scored their seventh unanswered run with a solo shot in the fourth, though Ezequiel Duran responded in the bottom half with a solo homer of his own. Things settled down until the ninth inning, Houston scoring their eighth and ninth runs on a Christian Walker RBI double and Cam Smith sac fly while Duran chipped in his second home run of the afternoon, a two-run shot this time after Cam Cauley led off with a single.

After two season in Baton Rouge, Deven Sheerin will head to professional baseball after being selected #128 overall in the 4th round of the MLB Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. He was the first LSU pitcher to be selected and third player overall, following Derek Curiel and Jake Brown.

While Sheerin was a Tiger for multiple season, he only played for one of them. Soon after transferring to LSU in the summer of 2024, he tore his ACL and missed the entire 2025 National Championship season. This past year was his first on the field and he made up for lost time.

In 37.2 innings pitched, Sheerin held a 4.78 ERA. He struck out a whopping 58 batters, averaging over 1.5 Ks per inning. Pumping in fastballs up to 97-98 mph and following them with a wicked slider, the redshirt-sophomore’s most important quality during the 2026 season was his ability to throw strikes. LSU’s pitching staff led the SEC in walks allowed, so his command, along with his dominant stuff, led Sheerin to being LSU’s most consistent pitcher throughout the season.

With a 3/4 arm slot delivery, paired with a stretch in which he steps way across his body, he is a nightmare for right-handed hitters. He very well could become a dominant Major League bullpen arm, especially considering how fresh he is. With only 107.2 innings pitched across three seasons in college, Sheerin is delivering a massive amount of promise to the Phillies organization.

Slot value for the 128th pick is $597,400, so it will be interesting to see the final singing bonus that Philadelphia gives him.

Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders:L, 2-5 (7) and L, 1-3 (7) vs. Norfolk Tides — yeah, they had a … less enjoyable doubleheader than the A-ball team

Game 1

C J.C. Escarra 0-3, BB, fielding error
DH Spencer Jones 3-4, HR, RBI, K, SB — .960 OPS at Triple-A after 14th homer in 48 games (109.1 mph off the bat on a hanging slider, 412 feet to the opposite field)
2B Marco Luciano 1-4, K
RF Yanquiel Fernández 0-4
3B Oswaldo Cabrera 2-3
1B Tyler Hardman 1-3, fielding error
SS Jonathan Ornelas 1-2, 2B, BB, K
CF Duke Ellis 0-3, K
LF Kenedy Corona 1-3, HR, RBI, 2 K — actually outdrove Jones on his homer, 421 feet

Kyle Carr 4 IP, 8 H, 5 R (4 ER), 2 BB, 5 K, 2 HR, WP (loss)
Yerry De los Santos 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Eric Reyzelman 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

Game 2

DH J.C. Escarra 0-4, K — hitless day in seven at-bats
CF Spencer Jones 0-2, 2 BB
2B Oswaldo Cabrera 0-2, 2 K
RF Yanquiel Fernández 1-3
3B Tyler Hardman 2-2, BB — only good game from the nightcap
1B Ernesto Martinez Jr. 0-3, K, GIDP
SS Jonathan Ornelas 1-3, fielding error
LF Cole Gabrielson 0-3
C Abrahan Gutierrez 1-2
PH Marco Luciano 0-1

Adam Kloffenstein 4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R (2 ER), 1 BB, 5 K, HR, WP (loss)
Will Brian 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
Kervin Castro 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Double-A Somerset Patriots:L, 2-5 vs. Hartford Yard Goats

LF Jackson Castillo 1-4, K
CF Jace Avina 1-3, 3B, BB, RBI — triple in the first
RF DJ Gladney 0-4, 3 K
3B Coby Morales 1-4, RBI, 2 K
2B Connor McGinnis 0-4, 2 K
DH Miguel Palma 1-4, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan 1-4, 2 K
C Manuel Palencia 0-4, K
SS Owen Cobb 0-2, BB

Cade Smith 4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R (3 ER), 2 BB, 7 K, HR, WP (loss)
Kelly Austin 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 2 K, HR
Matt Keating 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Geoffrey Gilbert 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 2 K, HR

High-A Hudson Valley Renegades:W, 7-1 vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks

3B Roderick Arias 1-4, 2B, BB, 3 K, 2 SB, throwing error
SS Core Jackson 1-3, BB, 2 K, SB
DH Eric Genther 1-3, HR, 2 RBI, K, SF — solo shot in the third
1B Kyle West 1-4, K
LF Wilson Rodriguez 1-2, 2B, 2 BB, SB
2B Enmanuel Tejeda 1-3, RBI, K, SF, CS
C Josue Gonzalez 1-2, 2B, BB, RBI, SF, passed ball
CF Camden Troyer 1-4, RBI, 2 K
RF Luis Durango 1-4, 2B, RBI, 2 K — very egalitarian day for Tampa, everyone had at least one hit, no one had more than one

Rory Fox 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 9 K, 2 WP, HBP (win) — personal career-high with nine strikeouts
Thomas Balboni Jr. 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, HBP
Wilmy Sanchez 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Kevin Stevens 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Low-A Tampa Tarpons:W, 8-6 (7) and W, 5-3 (7) at St. Lucie Mets

Game 1

SS Jackson Lovich 1-3, BB, SB, CS
2B Hans Montero 1-2, HR, 2 BB, 2 RBI, 3 SB — 25-for-28 on steals
C Luis Puello 1-3, 2B, BB, RBI
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek 0-2, 2 BB, fielding error
DH David McCann 2-4, HR, BB, 4 RBI — go-ahead three-run bomb in the fourth
LF Brando Mayea 1-4, GIDP
RF Willy Montero 1-4, K
1B Christofer Reyes 1-3, K
CF Isael Arias 0-3, K, SB

Sabier Marte 1.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R (3 ER), 1 BB, 3 K, HR — first start above Rookie ball was tough, left in a 6-1 deficit
Parker Seay 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (win)
Brian Hendry 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K — rehab assignment
Austin Breedlove 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (save) — A-ball debut as well

Game 2

3B Jackson Lovich 3-4, 2B, HR, RBI — #atripleshy (homer went 417 feet at least, 107.8 mph off the bat)
2B Hans Montero 2-4, K, SB, throwing error
SS Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek 0-2, BB, RBI, K, SF
1B David McCann 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, K, HBP — two-run double in the fifth to make it 3-0
RF Brando Mayea 0-2, BB
DH Engelth Urena 0-3, 2 K
LF Gabriel Lara 1-2, 2B, BB, K
C Ediel Rivera 1-3, RBI, K, throwing error
CF Isael Arias 1-2, 2B, BB, SB

Tyler Boudreau 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 4 K, HR (win)
Greysen Carter 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R (2 ER), 3 BB, 1 K

Florida Complex League Yankees:W, 3-2 (7) vs. FCL Phillies

3B Richard Matic 0-2, BB
LF Wilberson De Pena 1-3
C Queni Pineda 1-3, 2B, RBI, K, SB
SS Leni Done 0-3, throwing error
CF Jose Castro 0-3, 2 K
DH Francisco Vilorio 0-2, K
2B Dexters Peralta 1-2, K
RF Estivenzon Montero 1-2, HR, 2 RBI — go-ahead two-run shot in the fifth was the decisive blow
1B Justin Capellan 0-2, K

Edinzo Marquez 3.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 7 K
Alexander Almonte 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, HBP (win)
Jorge Luna 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 0 K (save)

Dominican Summer League Yankees:W, 8-6 at DSL Phillies

CF Isaias Castillo 0-4, 3 K, HBP
SS Stiven Marinez 2-4, BB, RBI, K, 2 SB
RF Yostin Pena 0-5, RBI
2B Juan Torres 2-5, K
C Juan Martinez 2-3, 2B, 2 BB, 2 RBI, 2 SB, 2 passed balls — go-ahead two-run double in the sixth
1B Jose Peralta 0-4, BB, 3 K, SB
DH Abrahan Pichardo 0-5, 3 K
LF Eliezer Adames 2-4, K, fielding error
3B Adrian Feliz 1-3, HBP — scored tying run on a wild pitch in the four-run sixth

Jhon Beltre 3 IP, 4 H, 6 R (6 ER), 3 BB, 0 K, 2 HBP, WP
Yunior Jerez 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K, WP (win) — pretty nice work
Emanuel Vargas 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 2 WP

Dominican Summer League Bombers:L, 5-11 vs. DSL Colorado

2B Dariel Santana 1-5, 2B, 2 K, SB, picked off
SS Mani Cedeno 0-2, 2 BB, 2 K, 2 SB, fielding error
3B Alfred Ciriaco 0-1
C Alessandro Rodriguez 1-3, RBI, K, SF
DH Carlos Bello 1-2, 2 BB, picked off
CF David Carrera 1-4, RBI — tied game in the eighth on an RBI grounder
3B-SS Germayhoni Beltre 0-4
RF Sebastian Pinto 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, GIDP — second career homer
1B Jesus Guerrero 1-3, BB
LF Eddison Charles 0-2, 2 BB, 2 K

Argenis Veloz 3 IP, 5 H, 3 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 3 K, HBP, WP — pro debut
Brandy Luis 3 IP, 6 H, 2 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 2 K
Ronald Tejada 2.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R (3 ER), 1 BB, 2 K (loss)
Diego Carrillo 0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R (3 ER), 1 BB, 0 K, HBP — Tejada got the loss, but Carrillo got smoked in the go-ahead six-run ninth

PHILADELPHIA — Three months and 16 days have passed since opening day, and now that the All-Star break is here, do we really know anything more now than we did back in March?

The Los Angeles Dodgers still are the best team in baseball and, with a 61-34 record entering Saturday, could realistically pop the champagne corks in August, running away from everyone in the National League West.

The Colorado Rockies, even with a new front office, still stink at 39-57, and are on their way to their fourth consecutive 100-loss season.

The Milwaukee Brewers continue to embarrass every prognosticator and algorithm that predicted this would be the year they’d be sitting home in October, and now watch them sit with a 7 ½-game lead in the NL Central entering Saturday.

And as far as everyone else, welcome to the land mediocrity, where 24 teams are within six games of a playoff berth, putting the Aug. 3 trade deadline into chaos.

Toledo Mud Hens 4, Indianapolis Indians 3 (box)

The Hens got really pretty good pitching in this one despite a dire lack of offense considering they drew 12 walks in this game. They can split the series now with a victory on Sunday.

Max Clark led off the game with a walk and took second on a Gage Workman single. Corey Julks reached on a comebacker to the pitcher, and a Trei Cruz sac fly scored Clark. That was all they got out of the bases loaded, no outs setup, however.

Dylan File gave up a run in the bottom half, and then another one in the second inning, but managed to avoid blowing up.

In the third, Workman and Julks walked to start the inning, and Brett Callahan doubled them home for a 3-2 lead. Trei Cruz then walked, and Jace Jung as well. A Cal Stevenson sac fly scored Callahan for a 4-2 lead, but that was all they’d get out it.

File gave up a solo shot to open the bottom of the third, so it was 4-3 Hens at that point. Despite the parade of walks, the Hens couldn’t score again, going 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

Fortunately, Ricky Vanasco gave them 1.2 scoreless innings of relief and Tyler Mattison and Nick Sandlin took it the rest of the way.

Callahan: 1-4, R, 2 RBI, 2B, BB, 3 K, 2 SB

Clark: 0-3, R, 2 BB, K

File: 4.1 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 1:35 p.m ET start on Sunday. The minor league calendar will result next Friday after All-Star week concludes.

Erie SeaWolves 6, Harrisburg Senators 0 (box)

The SeaWolves, in Moon Mammoths gear, got themselves into position to split this homestand on Sunday with good pitching and the offense taking advantage of seven walks issued by Harrisburg.

Hayden Minton got the start, and he was really good in a short outing. The right-hander fired four scoreless with two hits and a walk allowed against five strikeouts.

The offense was a little quiet early on but in the bottom of the third, Viandel Pena and Bennett Lee drew one-out walks. Seth Stephenson popped out, but Peyton Graham drilled a single up the middle to score Pena. Justice Bigbie went oppo for a single to score Lee, and then Bigbie stole second base. Andrew Jenkins line a single to right fielder Johnathon Thomas, scoring Graham, but Bigbie was cut down on a good throw to the plate. 3-0 Erie.

In the fourth, E.J. Exposito walked, and two batters later Pena mashed his first homer since signing with the Tigers last week. 5-0 Erie.

Tyler Owens took over from Minton after the latter walked the leadoff man in the fifth. Owens escaped that situation, and lefty Carlos Peña took over from there. He fired four scoreless and pounded the zone, avoiding walks and generally smothering the Senators.

Max Burt added a solo shot in the sixth to put this one away.

Pena: 1-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR, BB, 2 K

Burt: 1-3, R, RBI, HR, BB, K

Minton: 4.0 IP, 0 R, 2 H, BB, 5 K

Coming Up Next: First pitch is set for 1:35 p.m. ET on Sunday.

West Michigan Whitecaps 4, Fort Wayne TinCaps 2 (box)

Charlie Christensen spun a gem and the Whitecaps pounded out 10 hits to outlast Fort Wayne on Saturday. They took a 4-1 lead in the best of six series in the process.

Christensen’s huge extension, funky angle, and quality secondary stuff overwhelmed the TinCaps. He no-hit them for 4.2 innings, walking two and striking out five. He threw 46 of 75 pitches for strikes along the way.

Clayton Campbell got the ‘Caps offense going with a leadoff double in the bottom of the second. Juan Hernandez singled him home with two outs for an early lead. That was well as they had trouble with Fort Wayne pitching early on.

Juanmi Vasquez allowed a pair of runs in the top of the sixth as the TinCaps fought back to take the lead, but in the bottom half the Whitecaps bounced right back.

Jackson Strong greeted new reliever Nick Falter with a double down the right field line and then stole third base. Campbell singled him in and then was balked to second. Hernandez would single him in with two outs.

In the seventh, Bryce Rainer smoked an opposite field double and stole third. A Campbell sacrifice fly brought him home to make it 4-2 Whitecaps.

Jalen Evans, Eliseo Mota, and Logan Berrier each spun a scoreless inning to shut the door.

Campbell: 2-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, K

Hernandez: 3-4, 2 RBI, K

Rainer: 1-4, R, 2B, 3 K, SB

Christensen: 4.2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 2 BB, 5 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 2:00 p.m. ET start on Sunday at LMCU Park.

Dunedin Blue Jays 7, Lakeland Flying Tigers 3 (Gm1) (box)

The Flying Tigers bullpen crumbled in the seventh to lose this game, which was suspended on Friday due to rain.

On the plus side, Cale Wetwiska is healthy and looked great. The hard-throwing right-hander has good extension and plenty of life on his mid-90’s heater, and the Blue Jays had no luck against him. Wetwiska fired four scoreless, punching out six and allowing just two hits. His slider was sharp, and he mixed in a pretty solid changeup a couple of times to left-handed hitters.

They got him an early lead when Edian Espinal singled with one out and Jesus Pinto reached on an error. Carson Rucker walked to load the bases, but Anibal Salas grounded into a force, scoring Espinal. That was all they’d get as Jack Goodman grounded out, but they had a 1-0 lead.

The rains rolled in to stay in the fifth inning, causing a delay and cutting Wetwiska’s start short.

Marco Jimenez handled the bottom of the fifth when play eventually resumed on Saturday.

In the top of the sixth, Jude Warwick was hit by a pitch leading off the inning, and then stole second base. Beau Ankeney singled him to third and Hunter Dobbins doubled in Warwick. Somewhat frustratingly, that was all they got as Nick Dumesnil struck out, Espinal grounded into a force of Ankeney and home, and Pinto grounded out as well.

Marco Jimenez walked the leadoff man in the bottom half, and Xiomer Guacache took over, allowing a run to score after issuing a pair of walks of his own. After escaping that mess, Guacache got into trouble in the bottom half of the seventh. Yendy Gomez then gave up a grand slam. 6-2 Dunedin.

Jude Warwick stayed hot of late, mashing a solo shot to center for his seventh homer of the season. Gomez allowed a run in the bottom of the eighth, and that was all she wrote.

Warwick: 1-3, 2 R, RBI, HR, SB

Pinto: 1-4, 2B, K

Wetwiska: 4.0 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 6 K

Dunedin Blue Jays 6, Lakeland Flying Tigers 5 (F/8)(Gm2)(box)

Paul Wilson’s second start for Lakeland this year went poorly, and a late rally fell just short in this one, scheduled for seven innings, and the Blue Jays walked them off in the eighth.

Wilson was a little wild to start the game, but escaped the first unscathed. Not so the second inning, where he was knocked around a little but was just as much a victim of his own poor fielding in giving up four runs. The long inning cut his outing short due to pitch count concerns.

The Flying Tigers struggled early on but the bats got hotter as the game progressed. In the top of the fourth, Jordan Yost single the opposite way, and with two outs, Nick Dumesnil singled him to third. Edian Espinal sprayed an RBI single to left to make it a 4-1 game.

Win Scott took over from Wilson and got them through the fourth. Luke Hoskins took over from there and tossed two scoreless frames.

Beau Ankeney continued to mash, crushing his 15th homer in the top of the sixth to make it a 4-2 Blue Jays lead. Josue Briceño singled next, but was forced by a Dumesnil ground ball. Espinal and Pinto walked, and then Zach MacDonald was hit by a pitch to force in a run. Unfortunately, Jack Goodman struck to strand the bases loaded.

In the seventh, Yost singled with one out and Ankeney reached on an error. Briceño hammered a double to right center field, scoring Yost, but Ankeney was thrown out at the plate, and the inning ended in a 4-4 tie after Antonio Florida preserved the tie and sent it to extras with a 1-2-3 bottom of the seventh.

In the eighth, with Dumesnil starting on second, Espinal lined out to right field, allowing the runner to take third. A Pinto sacrifice fly made it 5-4, but that was all they’d get.

Florida popped up the first batter in the bottom half, but the runner on second, Angel Guzman stole third despite it looking like Espinal threw him out in time. a passed ball walked the next hitter and allowed Guzman to race home, as Espinal collected the ball and fired to Florida for the tag. He was called safe, and Florida didn’t like it, spiking the baseball and getting ejected. Then manager Salvador Paniagua took umbrage and got himself tossed as well.

Pedro Garcia loosened up to come into a tense spot, but couldn’t snuff the momentum as the Blue Jays got a walkoff single to win it.

Briceno: 2-4, RBI, 2B

Yost: 2-4, 2 R, K

Wilson: 1.2 IP, 4 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 2 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a noon start on Sunday.

FCL Blue Jays 7, FCL Tigers 4 (box)

Owen Hall couldn’t find the strikezone and was mauled for four runs as a result. The offense didn’t swing the bats too well either, and the Blue Jays pulled away to win.

Aguilera: 1-3, RBI, BB, CS

Hall: 2.1 IP, 4 R, 2 ER, 4 H, 6 BB, K

Good morning! If you are reading this, know that I am quite tired from a day of helping coordinate Yankees MLB Draft coverage — which was splended, in my opinion — as well as a stirring 4-2 comeback win by New York in DC. Oh and there’s always the undisclosed personal stuff too, which was fulfilling! But yes, I am tired. So that’s the vibe. By the time Day 2 of the draft begins though, I’ll be caffeinated and ready.

Today on the site, it’s a big ol’ Draft Dump Day! Rounds 5 through 20 are today, so Madison, Jake, and I will have coverage on all those picks, grouped into three different posts (Rounds 5-10, 11-15, and 16-20). Additionally, Scott will discuss erstwhile Yankees prospect Carson Coleman’s return to the organization this year after a couple years of injury as a Rule 5 Rangers pick, Peter will write up the latest Rivalry Roundup, and John will celebrate the birthday of a former Yankees reliever whose career seemingly just ended within the past couple years: lefty Chasen Shreve.

Today’s Matchup:

New York Yankees vs. Washington Nationals

Time: 1:35 p.m. EST

TV: YES Network, Nationals.TV

Venue: Nationals Park, Washington, DC

Questions/Prompts:

1. Which of the Yankees’ eighth-inning homers yesterday encouraged you the most: Ryan McMahon’s, Trent Grisham’s, or Paul Goldschmidt’s?

2. Who do you think was the best player taken on Day 1 of the MLB Draft? Was it No. 1 overall pick Roch Cholowsky, or do you think Grady Emerson or Vahn Lackey was the real prize at No. 2 or 3?

After day 1 of the MLB Draft wrapped up, RHP Coleton Brady made the decision to join Jay Johnson in Baton Rouge.

Brady was ranked as high as #71 by The Athletic, but was generally a bit higher by most other publications. The next highest was #134 by ESPN, while MLB.com, Perfect Game, and Prep Baseball Report each had him between #173 and #183. That range falls out between the competitive balance round B (following round 2) and round 6.

Coming out of TNXL Academy in Florida, Brady is very young, not turning 18 until the fall. He stands at 6’5, 215 pounds, making for an extremely projectable frame. He deploys a 3-pitch mix, including a fastball in the low 90s, a slider, and a changeup.

That’s four members of Jay Johnson’s 2026 recruiting class that have officially announced their intentions to enroll at LSU. Brady follows Braxton Beaty, Nathaneal Davis, and Lucas Nawrocki. More are expected to follow.

CBS Sports | Dayn Perry: We noted yesterday that Brian Cashman was taking a close look at the Yankees’ catching situation, the club’s catchers putting in an absolutely putrid offensive performance in 2026. New York is reportedly scouting Twins backstop Ryan Jeffers, the 29-year-old impending free agent having a career year, posting a .294/.408/.540 slash line. Jeffers recently returned from a hamate bone injury, and though teams are usually loath to add a new player to their catcher’s room midseason, the Yankees might just be the kind of team that’s desperate enough to change things up behind the plate.

New York Daily News | Gary Phillips: The Yankees’ top prospect, George Lombard Jr., is nearing a return from a hand injury. If Yankee brass is to be believed, he also could be nearing a call-up to the majors. “He’s certainly close to pushing himself into the mix, for sure,” Aaron Boone said Friday. “I’ve loved his trajectory, his development. This year, he’s continued to get better.” The 21-year-old struggled upon promotion to Triple-A this year, but was heating up before getting hurt, posting a .923 OPS in his 27 most recent games.

New York Post | Greg Joyce: Aaron Boone challenged Jasson Domínguez earlier this week. “I expect more,” Boone said. “I feel like really all year he’s giving solid at-bats every day, but hasn’t had that breakthrough yet. His on-base percentage should not be whatever it is (.276). He’s so much more than that.” Domínguez responded well on Friday night in Washington D.C., hitting a home run from the left side and a single from the right. In spite of a serious of injuries that have impacted his development the last few years, offensive expectations for Domínguez are high. Domínguez’s batting line has mostly hovered around average in the majors, with the Yankees surely hoping for a bit more from his talented, switch-hitting bat.

I’d also be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge all the excellent work that was done here yesterday regarding the Yankees’ first day of MLB Draft activity! Here’s the linked rundown from PSA:

• Round 1: LHP Hunter Dietz (Madison Pavich)
• Round 2: LHP Sean Duncan (Michael Zeno)
• Round 3: C Brendan Brock (Peter Brody)
• Round 4: OF Paul Gutierrez-Contreras II (Andrew Mearns)
• Full Day 1 analysis (Jonathan Farrar)
• How to follow the draft, including info for Day 2 today (Andrew Mearns)