When 2026 Topps Chrome Baseball officially drops on July 22, collectors across the hobby will be chasing a white whale that could shatter secondary market records.

Officially listed on the checklist as the “Back to Back Dual Gold Logoman Autograph Relics,” the flagship chase set highlights an elite tier of superstars who accomplished one of the hardest feats in modern sports: winning major awards in back-to-back seasons. The 1-of-1 redemption cards feature Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Tarik Skubal.

While all three will drive massive heat, it’s the 1/1 Shohei Ohtani that stands to become the single most coveted modern trading card on the planet.

The Power of the Kanji Ink

What elevates this specific Ohtani piece into ultra-grail territory comes down to the ink. Ohtani signed his name twice on the card: a standard English signature across the top, paired with his rare, highly coveted Kanji signature across the bottom.

Ohtani’s Kanji autographs are notoriously scarce, rarely appearing on official releases and consistently fetching astronomical premiums when they hit auction blocks. Combined with two game-worn Gold MLB Logoman patches, one from his 2024 MVP campaign and one from his 2025 repeat, the card represents the absolute apex of modern sports memorabilia.

The secondary market precedent is already staggering:

• December 2025: Ohtani’s 2025 Topps Chrome Baseball Gold MLB Logoman Autograph 1/1 sold for $3 million via Fanatics Collect.

• March 2026: A 2025 Topps Chrome Dual MLB Gold Logoman Autograph 1/1 featuring both Ohtani and Aaron Judge commanded $2.16 million.

With dual game-worn patches and dual English/Kanji signatures, this 2026 masterpiece has all the ingredients to blow past those benchmarks. Experts I spoke with believe this card this card will be Ohtani’s most expensive card ever, when, or if, it ever hits the market.

A New Level of Iconic

For Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan, creating multi-year, game-worn relics is about shifting the hobby’s paradigm to capture a player’s absolute peak.

“If you look at the trading card industry for most of the last 75 years, it’s primarily been about rookie cards,” Mahan explained. “But we saw an opportunity to get more closely aligned with established stars, particularly in their biggest moments. When you have a back-to-back MVP or a back-to-back Cy Young, those achievements are extraordinary. How do we celebrate that with a card that’s even more extraordinary? We’re just trying to really meet the moment.”

Unlike rookie cards, which rely on a player’s future potential to build long-term value, Mahan noted that these back-to-back relics carry immediate, undeniable historical weight.

“With a rookie card, you’re hoping it becomes legendary over time based on how that player performs,” Mahan said. “But with the Dual Gold Logoman, those pieces are already cemented in history. Are you still hoping that Shohei goes off and does great things? Yes, but even if he never played another inning, you’re talking about a surefire Hall of Famer and an iconic baseball card.”

What Else to Expect in 2026 Topps Chrome Baseball

While the Back to Back Dual Gold Logoman Relics headline the high-end hunt, the full 2026 Topps Chrome Baseball release delivers a stacked line-up for collectors at every level:

• Cover Athlete: New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge graces the box cover for the 2026 product.

• The Return of the MVP Buyback: Participating local hobby shops will once again offer collectors store credit in exchange for 2026 Topps Chrome cards featuring the eventual 2026 AL and NL MVPs.

• Diamond Moments: A brand-new insert set celebrating the 75 greatest moments across the 75-year history of Topps Baseball.

• Star-Studded Inserts: Highly anticipated chases including Minions (featuring Paul Skenes, Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and Anthony Volpe), Ultraviolet, and Chrome Rookie Autos.

• Deep Checklist Hits: Look out for returning and new inserts including Numbers Live Forever, Cooperstown Calls, Helix, At Night, Radiating Rookies, Shadow Etch, and Future Stars.

What part of Topps Chrome are you most excited for? Let us know on Mantel.

Game Recaps

Diamondbacks disappoint by following historic comeback with loss to struggling Athletics by Alex Weiner [Arizona Sports]

The Arizona Diamondbacks entered Monday coming off an exhilarating seven-run comeback to snatch a series win over the St. Louis Cardinals, but that energy and excitement did not carry over into a matchup with the Athletics.

The Diamondbacks scored two total runs off a starter with a 6.08 ERA (Jeffrey Springs) and a bullpen with the highest ERA in MLB (5.51), and a rare lapse from Kevin Ginkel made the difference in a 5-2 Arizona loss.

A challenge of Monday’s game was going to be bridging the gap between starter Mitch Bratt’s outing and the later innings, considering Bratt is on a pitch count and Arizona’s bullpen had a lot of work to do over the weekend. With their injuries, the Diamondbacks have had to piece together a couple spots in the rotation with rookies.

Overturned call dampens Arenado’s milestone in Diamondbacks’ loss to A’s by Nick Piecoro and José M. Romero [AZ Central]

An overturned out call at first base loaded the bases with two outs against Ginkel, and A’s pinch hitter Jeff McNeil delivered a shallow single to center field to score two runs and break a 2-2 tie. The A’s added a third run on a Ginkel wild pitch.

Those were the first earned runs Ginkel (3-3) has allowed since July 5, a span of six consecutive outings.

Earlier, the Diamondbacks (51-49) fought back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the game at 2 on Ketel Marte’s two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth. Jorge Barrosa led off with a double, and Marte launched his 18th home run of the season down the left field line.

Diamondbacks News

Nolan Arenado Strengthens Hall Of Fame Case with Milestone Hit by Alex D’Agostino [SI]

Arenado became the 297th player in major league history to reach that milestone threshold, spending the majority of his career with the Rockies and Cardinals.

He’s also only the sixth active MLB player to do so. He joins Padres third baseman Manny Machado, Yankees and former D-backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman — elite company, without a doubt.

He’s also the third Diamondbacks hitter to reach that marker while with Arizona, joining a pair of World Series-winning outfielders in Luis Gonzalez and Steve Finley.

Diamondbacks sign top MLB draft picks Ryder Helfrick, Blake Bryant by Alex Weiner [Arizona Sports]

Arizona went into the draft with a bonus pool of $13,603,100, and each pick in the first 10 rounds comes with an assigned slot value. By saving money in the top 10 rounds, teams can spend more on players they select later, such as high schoolers deciding whether to go pro or to college.

Arizona took three players right out of high school, including infielder Cody Boshell in the 11th round, who signed a $750,000 deal, according to AZCentral.com’s Nick Piecoro.

The lone draftee the Diamondbacks have not announced the signing of is 17th-rounder Rylan Alaniz, an infielder out of Trinity High School (Texas). 

Has Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt turned a corner? by Wendy Lopez [Burn City Sports]

Pfaadt is attacking hitters early and working to keep the ball in the ballpark, something he struggled to do at the start of the season. Improved fastball command and a better mix of his secondary pitches have helped keep opponents from stringing together big innings, giving Arizona another reliable option every fifth day.

The sample size remains relatively small, and it’s still too early to say the turnaround is permanent. Before returning to the major leagues, the 27-year-old was enduring one of the toughest stretches of his career, posting a 5.94 ERA in his first three starts and a 5.91 ERA after moving to the bullpen.

However, if Pfaadt can prove he can consistently give the D-Backs quality starts, it could signal that the pitcher once expected to become a stabilizing force in the franchise’s rotation is back on track. His contributions since being recalled have helped Arizona remain in the playoff conversation while several key arms have been sidelined.

How Michael Soroka is Staying Patient With His ‘Frustrating’ Injury by Jack Sommers [SI]

Michael Soroka was relaxing in the clubhouse practicing his putting stroke on the putt return ramp that has been in the starting pitchers’ corner of the clubhouse for years. One after another, he dialed in until he figured out the slope that was causing putts to move right. Once he got it, he sank several in a row, then one after another. 

He is exercising the same level of precision and patience as he works his way back from a left glute strain that put him on the injured list back on June 20. Soroka is no stranger to the injured list. This is the tenth time in his career he has had to take time down to heal. He acknowledged some frustration.

Around the League

Sox inch closer to history with 14th straight win thanks to Durbin’s blast by Ian Browne [MLB]

Boston’s latest victory — played in front of a revved-up, packed house of 37,659 — snapped a seven-game winning streak for the Orioles.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, this was the fifth time in the Expansion Era (since 1961) that two teams faced off while each sported at least a seven-game winning streak.

Why there is only one Latino player in MLBPA player leadership – and why it matters by Jorge Castillo [ESPN]

 THERE ARE TIMES, on calls with the Major League Baseball Players Association, when Pablo López doesn’t understand what’s being said.

When that happens, the Minnesota Twins right-hander will jot down the word or phrase he didn’t fully grasp. Sometimes he’ll translate it to Spanish later, or he’ll wait until the MLBPA releases a Spanish-language press release.

López, who was born and raised in Venezuela, is fluent in English, able to communicate with teammates with ease. He conducts interviews without the slightest hiccup. But he knows his crucial duty as the Twins’ MLBPA player representative during labor negotiations is to not only absorb the information he collects from union officials, but to correctly communicate a detailed summary to his teammates. And the language used in those meetings, technical and full of legal jargon, can admittedly prove challenging.

“I didn’t know what the word ‘accrued’ was,” López said. “I’m like, ‘Accrued? What is that?'”

The Replacement-Level Killers: Designated Hitter by Jay Jaffe [FanGraphs]

Diamondbacks

After he raked at a 147 wRC+ clip in 87 plate appearances in late 2024, Adrian Del Castillo placed 30th on our preseason Top 100 Prospects list in ’25 as a 50-FV catcher, with Eric Longenhagen describing him as “a lefty-hitting Ryan Jeffers” capable of providing enough offense to offset concerns about his defense and to justify additional playing time at DH. Yet Castillo hit for just an 87 wRC+ in 131 plate appearances last year, and struggled to an even greater degree through the first two months of this season while serving as a third catcher and platoon DH against righties. Instead of getting sent to Triple-A Reno to regroup, he took just 33 plate appearances in June and early July before finally being optioned, then returned 12 days later. Overall, he’s hit just .195/.256/.325 (59 wRC+), including a 62 wRC+ in 98 plate appearances at DH. For as bad as that is, only two of the five other Diamondbacks with more than 16 plate appearances at DH have topped that wRC+, namely lineup regulars Gabriel Moreno and Ketel Marte. Of the other three, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who contributed to the team’s making my left fielders list, just landed on the injured list due to an adductor strain, while Jose Fernandez and Pavin Smith are both at Reno. Fernandez hit just .255/.289/.352 (75 wRC+) in a utility role, while Smith was outrighted off the 40-man roster after hitting an anemic .141/.236/.192 (23 wRC+).

This is a team that could use a real DH. The Reds’ JJ Bleday, the Rockies’ Mickey Moniak, and the Orioles’ Taylor Ward — if Baltimore is selling — are among those who could help while additionally contributing in left field. The Giants’ Luis Arraez has played his way back to respectability as a second baseman, but with Marte a staple at the keystone, Arraez could contribute at DH or first base — another position of need for Arizona, who also landed on my Killers list there. 

Report: Giants Have Not Discussed Extension With Luis Arraez by Darragh McDonald [MLB Trade Rumors]

Infielder Luis Arraez is a logical trade candidate but recently expressed an openness to staying in San Francisco with an extension instead. There hasn’t been any indication the Giants are looking to extend Arraez and Justice delos Santos of The Mercury News reports that there have been no formal extension talks between Arraez and the club.

A trade has always seemed the most likely outcome and this report adds to that framing. Arraez is an impending free agent, as he was signed to a one-year deal with a $12MM guarantee. He’s having arguably the best campaign of his life. His batting average has returned to a very strong .326 mark this year. He had dipped to .292 last year, still a strong figure but low for him personally.

Thanks to two important home runs from Jazz Chisholm Jr., the Yankees opened up a new week and a new series with a win. While Ryan Weathers didn’t have a great start on the mound, the Yankees offense did enough to pick up an 8-5 win over the Pirates on Monday night.

The Yankees held firm with the win, but did they manage to gain any ground in the standings? Let’s check in on last night’s action in the Rivalry Roundup.

Tampa Bay Rays (57-42) 7, Toronto Blue Jays (46-54) 1

No longer facing the random Red Sox buzzsaw, the Rays got back to winning ways on Monday night, downing the Blue Jays.

Tampa Bay was facing off against Toronto ace and AL All-Star starter (annoyingly) Dylan Cease. They picked up a couple runs off Cease (including some unearned ones), but their effort in this game was a gradual build up before they eventually pulled away.

Including a Victor Mesa Jr. home run, the Rays scored a run each in the second and third innings, before the Blue Jays answered back in the fourth. However, Tampa Bay added three more runs over the fifth and sixth, with Cedric Mullins adding a homer of his own. In the end, Cease allowed five runs — only three earned — over his six innings.

Meanwhile, Nick Martinez was very good opposite Cease. The Rays’ starter allowed just one run in his six innings, as he scattered six hits and a walk. The Rays’ offense tacked on a couple more runs for the road, while their bullpen kept Toronto quiet.

Other Games

• Cleveland Guardians (53-48) 13, Minnesota Twins (49-52) 4: The Guardians jumped all over Twins’ ace Joe Ryan, hitting him to the tune of eight runs in four innings on route to a dominant win. Chase DeLauter led the way for Cleveland, going 4-for-5 with three RBI, while Rhys Hoskins and Petey Halpin each had two home run days. The only Minnesota pitcher to not allow a run on the day was Alex Jackson…who is a catcher by trade.

• Boston Red Sox (51-48) 6, Baltimore Orioles (49-52) 5: Our long national nightmare continued on Monday, as the Red Sox rallied past the Orioles to extend their win streak to 14. While Boston held a 3-1 lead early, Baltimore struck back and took a 5-4 lead going into the bottom of the seventh. However, the Red Sox tied the game in the seventh and took the lead for good on a Caleb Durbin homer in the eighth.

• Chicago White Sox (53-46) 10, Texas Rangers (50-50) 3: While the Rangers scored the first two runs of this one, it was all White Sox after that, as they cracked doubled digits in Arlington. Chicago got on the board in the third and then broke the game open with a four-run fifth inning. Andrew Benintendi’s bases loaded, bases clearing double gave the White Sox a lead they kept and then added onto late to seal the win.

• Seattle Mariners (51-50) 8, Cincinnati Reds (45-54) 0: George Kirby was absolutely dominant, as he threw six shutout innings to lead the Mariners to a win over the Reds. Kirby allowed just three hits and a walk over his six frames, as he struck out six batters. Seattle’s offense wasn’t half bad themselves, either. Cal Raleigh showed signs of life as he drove in five runs, including a grand slam in the seventh inning. In less good news for the M’s, Julio Rodríguez left the game after getting hit on the leg by a throw as he was running out a grounder.

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The Detroit Tigers will look to build on the recent success of Framber Valdez when they face the Chicago Cubs tonight as +101 underdogs.

My Tigers vs Cubs predictions are targeting Detroit to win this contest as the struggling David Peterson counters for the hosts. 

Read more in my MLB picks for Tuesday, July 21. 

Who will win Tigers vs Cubs today: Tigers (+101)

Framber Valdez has been reliable lately for the Detroit Tigers. The left-hander owns a 3.27 FIP across his last four appearances while holding opponents to a 5.3% barrel rate during that span.

Valdez’s primary offering, the sinker, could also give the Chicago Cubs problems. More than half of the Cubs’ starters have a Run Value of one or lower against the pitch, limiting their matchup appeal against his top weapon.

David Peterson, meanwhile, has collected an alarming 7.99 xERA over his previous three starts. He's also allowed a 46.9% hard-hit rate in those outings.

Valdez keeps Chicago at bay, and Detroit’s improving offense does enough damage off the vulnerable Peterson.

I'll play this pick up to -120.

COVERS INTEL: Valdez has pitched noticeably better on the road, compiling a 3.78 FIP compared to a 4.46 mark at home. 

Tigers vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 runs (-126)

While the series opener was high-scoring, I don't expect that to be the case again. Valdez is pitching well, and the Tigers bullpen has a solid 3.11 xERA over the last two weeks.

Peterson is clearly struggling, but one horrendous outing has inflated his numbers. Plus, the Cubs relief corps is also in respectable form, posting a 3.34 xERA over the last four games.

Both offenses are producing lately, but neither lineup is showing overwhelming power. Chicago has a .183 ISO in the last week, and the Tigers sit at .195 in the last two weeks. 

With Valdez in strong form and both bullpens looking steady, the Under has value. 

I'll play this pick up to -130.

Tigers vs Cubs weather

Tigers vs Cubs odds

• Moneyline: Tigers +104 | Cubs -108
• Run line: Tigers -1.5 (+178) | Cubs +1.5 (-186)
• Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-100) | Under 8.5 (-104)

Tigers vs Cubs trend

The Detroit Tigers have hit the game total Under in 20 of their last 30 games (+8.85 Units / 27% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Tigers vs. Cubs.

How to watch Tigers vs Cubs and game info

Tigers vs Cubs latest injuries

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

Happy Tuesday A’s fans!

The club announced yesterday that the team and its first two picks in this year’s draft, Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress and second round left-hander Mason Edwards, have agreed to their first big league contracts, with both getting above-slot signing bonuses:

The front office isn’t waiting around to get these two guys signed. They’re now ready to officially begin their pro careers, with both likely ticketed for the low minors to start. That said, with both being college guys either or both of them could be fast risers through the system. How aggressive will the organization be with their newest prospects?

Burress, as we all know, was the eighth overall pick in last week’s draft, falling right into the Athletics’ lap and instantly becoming one of the club’s top prospects. The short outfielder (he stands at 5’9”) has plenty of pop for someone his size and has enough speed to swipe an occasional base here and there. Whether he’s able to remain in center field will be a storyline to watch as he ascends the minor league ladder but if he does need to get pushed to a corner he’ll profile as a potential Gold Glover in right field with his solid speed and plus-arm.

Edwards also gets an above-slot bonus to forgo his final college year. The left-hander was a starting pitcher for the USC Trojans over the past couple of years and dominated the Big 10 this past season, posting a 2.07 ERA in 17 starts. The 21-year-old has a true feel for pitching, and he uses that to make his three-pitch repertoire play up. A little bit of deception in his delivery also helps his low to mid-90’s fastball work a lot better than others in that velocity range. Considered to have the best curveball in this year’s draft, Edwards has all the makings of a mid-rotation arm that could make an impact sooner than later.

Those weren’t the only two to sign on the dotted line today however. The team was busy with all of their draftees as they also inked supplemental second round right-handed pitcher Gabe Gaeckle…

…third round righty Jacob Dudan…

…fourth round middle infielder Jacob Martin….

… and fifth-rounder Alex Hernandez, who has been a two-way player in college but will likely focus on hitting in the pro ranks:

They also came to terms with their 6-10 picks, locking in the entire top 10 rounds:

Another game against the Diamondbacks tonight, with first pitch at 6:40 again. Until then, have a great day everyone.

A’s Coverage:

• Hot Topic: Who Is The “Real Langeliers”?
• Another ‘step in the right direction’ for Lopez in hunt to regain rookie form
• Blogfather Saves The Day With Pearls Of Most Excellent Advice
• Thinking out loud: Mic’d up Cease, Langeliers work through 3-K 1st in ASG
• What will the Athletics do leading up to Trade Deadline after cold streak?
• A’s Add Next Wave of Prospects in 2026 Draft
• Athletics Get Hitting Help by Claiming Hot Bat off Waivers
• Langeliers’ 5-year journey from top prospect to All-Star starter
• Injuries Providing Cover For Some Inconvenient Truths
• Breaking Down the A’s Alarming Trends Heading into the Break
• Jamie Arnold can’t wait for the A’s future. Triple-A Vegas is another story.
• Langeliers savoring 1st All-Star start; injured Kurtz to enjoy homecoming
• Athletics Select Outfielder Drew Burress With 8th Overall Pick
• Athletics Select Left-hander Mason Edwards With 47th Overall Pick
• Athletics Select Gabe Gaeckle With 73rd Overall Pick
• A’s Select Jacob Dudan With 83rd Pick, Roman Martin With 111th Pick

MLB News and Interest:

• Dodgers to acquire flamethrowing RHP Halvorsen from Rockies (source)
• Marlins Place Max Meyer On Injured List
• Shohei Ohtani Scratched From Wednesday Start, Won’t Pitch For “Some Time”
• Trade rumors: Padres, Angels starters, Dodgers’ plans, Yanks vs. Rays
• Report: Giants Have Not Discussed Extension With Luis Arraez
• Pirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez up to 12 homers in 31 games
• Could Smith’s neck injury change Dodgers’ Trade Deadline plans?
• Mets Reinstate Luis Robert Jr. From 60-Day IL
• Padres Place Miguel Andujar On IL With Wrist Fracture
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Nick Kurtz coming back this weekend?

Who thinks Shea’s getting traded in the next two weeks?

ICYMI:

Good morning! A very fun win last night moved the Mariners back into first place in the AL West as they toppled the Cincinnati Reds 8-0. A four-hit night from Victor Robles, six shutout innings from George Kirby, an incredible Cal Raleigh grand slam, and a little chaos ball sprinkled in were all responsible for Monday’s good vibes.

Luis Castillo takes the mound tonight at 6:40 PM against Reds RHP Chase Burns for the second game of the series.

In Mariners news…

• J.P. Crawford was scratched prior to yesterday’s game with wrist soreness and is considered day-to-day, per Dan Wilson. Julio Rodriguez also exited yesterday’s game after being hit with a throw while running through first base, and we are yet to hear an update on his status.
• The Mariners have completed the signings of their college-heavy 2026 MLB Draft class.
• The Everett AquaSox exploded for 21 runs on 17 hits and six home runs in their 21-3 win over the Spokane Indians on Sunday.
• ICYMI: The Mariners promoted top prospects Jonny Farmelo and Felnin Celesten to Double-A Arkansas.

Around the league…

• Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel is being evaluated for a left ankle injury after leaving the team’s game early yesterday following an awkward play at the plate.
• The Atlanta Braves are focusing on acquiring impact bats at the trade deadline but are not limiting themselves to any positions.
• San Diego Padres utility player Miguel Andujar has been placed on the 10-day IL with a right wrist fracture but is expected to return by August.
• The Miami Marlins have placed RHP Max Meyer on the 15-day IL with a neck strain.
• There have reportedly been no formal extension talks between the San Francisco Giants and infielder Luis Arraez, arguably their best player this season.
• The Baltimore Orioles have placed catcher Adley Rutschman on the 10-day IL with left wrist inflammation.
• The New York Mets have reinstated outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the 60-day IL after recovering from a lower back injury that has kept him out since April.
• Benches cleared in the New York Yankees’ win over the Pittsburgh Pirates after a pitch timer disagreement.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired RHP Seth Halvorsen from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for minor league outfielder Landyn Vidourek and minor league RHP Nick Frasso.
• Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado has become the sixth active MLB player to reach 2,000 career hits.

Becca’s picks…

• Seattle’s pre-professional women’s soccer team, Salmon Bay FC, secured their first-ever USL W national championship on Saturday in front of a sold-out home crowd.
• On the men’s side, Ballard FC have advanced to the Western Conference Finals as Seattle’s semi-professional team competes in the USL League Two Playoffs.
• Learn more about both teams and their incredible stories here!

There are 62 games left in the 2026 MLB season for the San Diego Padres. They are one game under .500 and 2.5 games back of the last wild-card spot. The schedule features a road series with the Eastern division-leading Atlanta Braves followed by the Miami Marlins. The Marlins are in the race for the last wild-card spot but are currently tied for the third slot.

Following those two teams, the Padres are playing the Colorado Rockies and San Francisco Giants at home.

The trade deadline, Aug. 3, is two weeks away. Over these next two weeks, the fate of the 2026 season will be decided. If the Friars don’t put up enough wins to keep them in the hunt for a playoff spot, it will be up to Padres’ front office personnel to decide the future of the rest of the season.

If they win enough to get a few games above .500, the chances are good that president of baseball operations A.J. Preller and his lieutenants will keep the team intact and try to add some help to the roster.

The point is well-taken that what he has to deal with is questionable. The Padres’ prospects haven’t exactly outdone themselves to increase their value this season. Except for catcher Ethan Salas and LHP Kash Mayfield, it is fair to state that most have underperformed.

If the team plays around the same for the next couple of weeks, the chances are 50/50 that guys will leave for other organizations in an attempt to improve this team for next season. There is also a chance that Preller will decide to keep his roster mostly intact and build around it for next year

Labor strife notwithstanding

It is highly unlikely that the labor environment will influence anything at the trade deadline. No team can afford to gamble on what happens in that arena. The assumption that next year will go on as scheduled is most likely the approach all dealmakers will take. Baseball would be foolish to risk their current popularity and momentum. That is most likely the mindset for those not directly involved.

Buy or sell

That is the key question. A big run of good baseball would tip the scales toward buying, but the reality is that the pitching staff is a mess. It is difficult to imagine this group can get the team to where they want to go. Michael King provides the semblance of a dependable MLB pitcher but that’s about as far as it goes. 

The series against the Kansas City Royals might have provided a glimpse into the thinking of Padres coaches and front office. Start whichever pitcher makes sense for that particular day and then pull them after three innings or two times through the batting order, at most. Then a long reliever, who could also be a former starter, comes in for as long as he is effective. Patch together nine innings with a piggyback plus bullpen approach.

I don’t recall seeing that before, but it might be the only option available to a team that has no real starting pitchers beyond King. The rest have shown that they are really long relievers, at best.

If this approach can miraculously produce some wins, then Preller can attempt to acquire some pitching to shore the group up for a playoff run. Of course, that assumes the Padres possess any players that other teams are interested in acquiring. Salas and Mayfield are likely candidates and could be his only really valuable pieces for trade. 

The subpar seasons for some of the other prospects would logically decrease their value to other teams. Preller has stated that other teams value the Padres’ prospects more than MLB and Baseball America evaluators do. If he is correct in that statement, then there could be more value than we know.

Buying could be difficult, so what about selling?

The Padres have Mason Miller.

Other teams covet him and would be willing to part with quality to acquire him. He has three more controllable years left and is inexpensive for what he provides. I doubt Preller would part with him. Someone would have to blow his socks off.

They also have Adrian Morejón, who would be a two-month rental for a contending team. He is a free agent at the end of the year. The same is true for Jason Adam, who is on the injured list. Ty France, who has been one of the most consistent players this season, would also be a short-term rental for a contending team.

Michael King would be a short-term rental if he were to exercise his opt-out at the end of this season.

That is really the list of major leaguers that are tradeable off the roster. All the players making big bucks have no-trade and partial no-trade contracts. 

Standing pat

If nothing looks good to Preller on the trade market, he could choose to play out the line and stand pat. Let these guys fight their way to the end of the season, get the new owners in place for the future, and then hit the restart button for next season.

What we don’t know at this point is whether either Joe Musgrove or Nick Pivetta will pitch any innings for the Padres this year. Both are on a throwing program that could put them on a rehab assignment by next month. There is no way for anyone to know what either will be able to contribute.

The worst-case scenario

Going into the season, the starting pitching was always the most unpredictable part of the roster for the Padres. The offense was decidedly better on paper than last year. It feels like the worst-case scenario has played out. The pitching looked tolerable for a short time, then has fallen apart. The bullpen, overused because of the starters, has faltered over the past few weeks. The offense has underperformed at a level that no one would have anticipated. 

Preller is in an unenviable position, but it is one he has largely brought upon himself. With a limited budget, he signed a lot of pitchers who were reclamation projects and then hoped to hit the jackpot. That hasn’t happened. His path going forward looks clouded with uncertainty and poor performance. The next two weeks will tell us what he has chosen to do.

This Week in the Minors is our weekly look at notable performances from all over the system, from big-name prospects and less-heralded guys alike. The mission is to answer this simple question: “Who had a good week?”

Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers (43-52, 13.5 games back)

The Storm Chasers swept their three game series against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. At the plate, Kameron Misner went 5 for 12 with a double, triple and homer, driving in three runs. Andrew Velazquez was 4 for 10 with a double and two runs batted in. Matthew Lugo was 3 for 12 with a double and a triple.

On the mound, Stephen Kolek went 2.2 innings, allowing 6 hits, 2 runs, striking out 3 before leaving with a right flexor strain. Mason Black went 5.1 innings, allowing 2 hits, 1 run, striking out 7 in his lone start of the weekend. Justin Topa threw 2 more scoreless innings in relief as well.

The Storm Chasers, winners of 4 straight, hit the road this week, taking on the Salt Lake Bees. The series runs Tuesday through Sunday.

Northwest Arkansas Naturals (38-50, 19 games back)

The Naturals took two of three from the Midland RockHounds this weekend. On the mound, Drew Beam did it again, going 6 innings, allowing 6 hits, 2 runs, walking 2 and striking out 4. Beam is on track to push for a promotion by the end of the year at this rate. And if you aren’t sure, look at who the Royals have in AAA. Dennis Colleran threw two scoreless innings in relief, Chase Jessee threw 3 scoreless innings, striking out 5. Jessee is a 27-year-old lefty who the Royals signed to a minor league deal last November from the Mexican Pacific League.

At the plate, Omar Hernandez went 5 for 10, with a double and homer, with that homer being a walk-off. Hernandez is a 24-year-old catcher from Cuba. Carson Roccaforte went 4 for 14 with a walk off hit, and two homers.

The Naturals stay home to take on the Springfield Cardinals; the series runs Tuesday through Sunday.

Quad Cities River Bandits (44-42, 7 games back)

The River Bandits swept the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, and are now winners of 11 of their last 13. On Sunday, they threw a combined no-hitter! Kendry Chourio went 5 innings, allowing 2 walks, but struck out 10 hitters. Emmanuel Reyes threw the last 4 innings, striking out 3. Congrats to those two! A lot of the excitement in Quad Cities currently goes to Chourio and David Shields and rightfully so, but Reyes is having a good season as well. The 22-year-old right hander from the Dominican Republic has pitched 82.2 innings, 16 starts, (Sunday was his first non-start of the season), with a 3.70 ERA and 69 strikeouts. Shields in his start on Saturday went 5 innings, allowing 2 hits, no runs, striking out 4.

At the plate, Blake Mitchell went 5 for 10, with two doubles and a homer. Derlin Figueroa went 4 for 13, with a triple and homer. Luke Pelzer went 5 for 13, with a double and triple.

The River Bandits stay on the road to take on the Beloit Sky Carp, the series runs Tuesday through Sunday.

Columbia Fireflies (45-45, 7.5 games back)

The Fireflies took two of three from the Charleston RiverDogs. At the plate, Josh Hammond put together a solid series, going 10 for 14, with a 5 for 5 game as well. Of those 10 hits, Hammond had 4 doubles. Yandel Ricardo went 7 for 11, with a triple and homer. Sean Gamble went 4 for 10.

On the mound, Henson Leal threw two scoreless innings in relief, striking out a pair. Leal is a 22-year-old right hander from Venezuela. Darwin Rodriguez went 6 innings, allowing 2 hits, 1 run, striking out 5. Shane Van Dam threw 4 scoreless innings out of the bullpen, striking out 4. Van Dam is a 22-year-old right hander out of North Carolina State. The Royals took him in the 9th round of the 2025 draft.

The Fireflies return home to take on the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers; the series runs Tuesday through Sunday.

Hell has frozen over, pigs have flown, and the Tampa Bay Rays held on to a lead and won a baseball game in the second half.

The never-wavering All-Star Nick Martinez, also known as “El Capitan”, proved to be the streak stopper, going six innings and only allowing one run.

I feel like Rogers Centre is somewhere the Rays offense has thrived, no matter who is on the mound, and that came to fruition tonight against All-Star Dylan Cease. Tampa Bay scored in six of the nine frames this evening.

Victor Mesa would get things started with a solo shot in the second, and his third in as many games to provide a 1-0 lead.

Jonathan Aranda doubled the lead with an RBI single in the fourth, 2-1 Rays.

The Rays’ big boys capitalized on Toronto giving them extra outs, as Yandy Diaz plated Nick Fortes on an Andres Gimenez error, and Junior Caminero brought him around to score to make it 4-1.

Cedric Mullins ambushed a hanging slider from Cease to make it 5-1, and that would end his night.

Caminero encapsulated his three-hit evening, getting Diaz to score from first on a double in the left-center field gap in the seventh, and Nick Fortes homered in the ninth to solidify getting the Rays back in the win column, 7-1.

For some, the MLB Trade Deadline can be one of the most exciting and unpredictable times of the year. It presents an opportunity for all 30 teams to improve their chances to win now or in the future. For others, it can be a daunting, tedious, repetitive grind of information that may or may not come to fruition. The Viva El Birdos comment section famously has evoked it’s displeasure with the constant trade talk of a former individual who created content for us with soup recipes of all things! So, I thought, what a funny way to both have a reasonable conversation around the upcoming trade deadline and give a hat tip and wink at the comment section.

So, if we are to create Trade Deadline Soup, we need a recipe to follow!

The 2024 Detroit Tigers finished the season at 86-76 as the final Wild Card team into the playoffs. They swept the Houston Astros in the AL Wild Card round before being eliminated in the ALDS by the Cleveland Guardians. This seems like a plausible best-case scenario for the 2026 Cardinals team that has surprised just about every corner of the baseball world this season. The 2024 Tigers sold 4 players at the players at the deadline; old friend Jack Flaherty was traded to the Dodgers, OF Mark Canha was traded to the Giants, another old friend C Carson Kelly and LHP Andrew Chafin were both traded to the Texas Rangers.

The Tigers acquired power-hitting C/1B prospect Thayron Liranzo and MLB SS Trey Sweeney, Minor league RP Eric Silva, RHP Joseph Montalvo, and C Liam Hicks.

The Cardinals could follow this “recipe” by trading impending FA Dustin May, OF Lars Nootbaar, C Pedro Pages/Jimmy Crooks, and RP JoJo Romero/Ryne Stanek. I’m slightly more optimistic about the Cardinals’ chances to get better upside in return than the Tigers were able to, given that Nootbaar and the Catchers have control remaining beyond this season.

Reinforcements for St. Louis are ready to backfill the roster if President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom chooses to execute this strategy. LHP Quinn Matthews has been on a HEATER at Memphis over the last month plus, Hunter Dobbins has already shown an ability to get big league hitters out, Memphis OF Joshua Baez has been making Triple-A pitching pay all season with his thump and prodigious right handed power, Catcher Leonardo Bernal has been a steady force behind the plate with no glaring flaws in his game as a switch hitting Catcher with a minor league gold glove to his name to boot. LHP Brycen Mautz and RHP’s Hancel Rincon and Cade Winquest offer upside out of the pen. As with the Jack Flaherty trade as the example above, don’t discount the Cardinals’ ability to get MLB-ready talent in return.

The biggest question on the roster would be what to do with All-Star Closer Riley O’Brien, and has been for this topic for some time now. The return would have to be overwhelming, but, at 31 years old, a serious case could be made that this is peak value for O’Brien, and with reliever volatility, there is no guarantee he ever performs at this level again, so the opportunity to maximize on the asset would appear to be now, despite the remaining 4 years of control. According to MLB.com, as many as 7 teams are in the primary pursuit of relief help. The Orioles, Twins, Mariners, Rangers, Nationals, Phillies, and Pirates. Among those teams exist a plethora of exciting prospect talent that the Cardinals could use to really set themselves up as they appear on the cliff’s edge of perennial contention once more.

But the approach to this year’s deadline has the potential to be more complex than we’ve seen in St. Louis. Cardinals President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom has a history of a hybrid approach to the deadline where he both buys and sells. I do believe that there could be an opportunity to add a young controllable reliever, and there are teams on the West Coast that are defined sellers that could contribute to what has evolved as the Cardinals’ biggest, most glaring weakness. Since May 1st, the Cardinals’ bullpen ranks 20th in FIP (4.26), 17th in Win Probability Added (WPA) at 0.89, and 23rd in K% at 20.5%. Those are the 3 primary stats that I look at when trying to evaluate the effectiveness of relievers. How would they perform in a defensive neutral environment? Do they positively contribute to their team’s ability to win? Do they have the capability to get a strikeout when a ball in play could dramatically swing win probability in high-leverage situations?

As I’m prone to do, I have 3 names to watch that could fit as pieces that could contribute to the next winning Cardinals team.

RHP Ryan Zeferjahn – Los Angeles Angels

The Angels ascended closer Ryan Zeferjahn since June 1st; in his last 20.1 IP has a 3.30 FIP, 40.0 K%, and +0.99 WPA. Zeferjahn comes with 5 additional years of control and 3 options remaining, and won’t be a free agent until 2031. It’s a 5-pitch mix for the Halo righty: Sweeper, 4-Seam, Sinker, Slider, Curveball. 34% Whiff rate and .160 xBA (expected batting average) are both elite performance markers. I won’t speculate on cost because it’s so hard to be predictive of what value they have internally on an emerging closer on the verge of entering a true long-term rebuild, assuming John Mozeliak can effectively persuade Arte Moreno that the good of the long-term health of the Angels organization is to take a step back, sell, and build up their pipeline.

RHP Elvis Alvarado – Athletics

Another young emerging back-end option on the West Coast, Elvis Alvarado is 6’6 253 lbs, a true mountain of a man. He throws that classic 100 MPH heat we’ve come to expect from late-inning relievers, with 5 inches above-average arm-side run. Alvarado also throws a slider and a sinker and a very scantily used Splitter. The 5.14 FIP is not all that encouraging, though the xFIP is 3.54, but that’s probably me cherry-picking, so do with that what you will. 30.4 K% on the season gets us tethered back to why he is so intriguing, and the win probability added of -0.77 isn’t all that encouraging, but also taking into account that it’s likely a combination of poor defense and ball park effects of a minor league stadium working against him, I’m willing to look past some of those struggles and would be fascinated with getting him in St. Louis, much like the George Soriano situation from the spring, to see what this big league pitching staff and development staff can get out of this really encouraging ball of clay. You have essentially 6 years of control with Alvarado, only 2 option years remaining, and Alvarado is already 27, so the player acquisition cost for Alvarado would likely be relatively low, but presents exciting upside.

LHP Erik Miller – San Francisco Giants

This one admittedly is the most far-fetched; however, there likely wouldnt be a more impactful and immediate boost to the Cardinals bullpen than Erik Miller. It’s a 4-pitch mix, primarily Sinker/Slider, which he throws about 85% of the time. He will mix in a 4-Seam and Changeup against right-handed hitters. At 6’5 269 lbs, another gigantic human, I guess, emerging closers is the true theme of these guys, as well. 32.3 k%, 3.42 FIP, and a +0.10 WPA. Miller comes with 4 additional years of control and would be the true lefty weapon the bullpen is missing to pair with Riley O’Brien at the back end of games to give them a legitimate back end of games that would create heartburn for the opposition who would have the misfortune of facing them on any given night. This cost would likely be for players that the Cardinals wouldnt want to part with. More of a dream than a reality, I surmise, but Miller is 100% the ideal trade acquisition for the Cardinals at the 2026 deadline.

Ultimately, the Cardinals’ roster has 2 weeks to make its case not to engage in a significant sell-off. Things have been trending in the wrong direction for some time now, and the NL Wild Card race has muddied itself to the point that “clear and convincing evidence” against following through on the initial plan coming into the season becomes harder and harder to justify. That’s not to suggest that a Cardinals team that has been spiteful in the face of adversity wouldnt be capable of sneaking their way into the final spot even if they sell off short-term players and promote from within more exciting upside talent from this percolating Cardinals farm system. Key ingredients are missing from this recipe before it takes its final and most flavorful form of “deadline soup.” The Cardinals are running out of time, and Chef Bloom is ready to cook. What comes to boil could still be anyone’s guess, but our appetites for answers continue to increase with each passing day. I, for one, with spoon and bowl in hand, am ready to eat it up!

Let me know in the comments your thoughts on the direction you think the Cardinals will go. Who would you like to see them acquire? Who would you try to move out to try and extract value from? I’m eager to see where everyone’s palate for change is driving their craving!

-Thanks for reading

Phillies News:

• Phillies “Field of Dreams” Game uniforms just dropped and they’re spectacular
• Apparently, the Phillies are lusting after Mets’ reliever Luke Weaver
• Who can the Phillies turn to to figure out the 5th starter dilemma? Casey Mize? Ryan Yarbrough?

MLB News:

• Dodgers acquire Rockies RHP Seth Halvorsen
• A look at Baseball Savant’s new player comp tool
• MLB Trade Deadline Buyers and Sellers Guide for all 30 teams

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Welcome back to the Minor League Roundup!

None of the Brewers’ minor league affiliates played more than three games this week because of the All-Star break, so this week’s roundup is going to look a little different. Rather than breaking down each affiliate individually, I’ve grouped together this week’s standout performances to highlight everything that happened around the farm over the last few games without getting repetitive. Let’s get into it.

Standout Performances:

Coleman Crow: 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Tyson Hardin: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Josiah Ragsdale: 4-for-11, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 4 K
Blake Burke: 4-for-12, 2 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 6 K
Jesús Made: 3-for-11, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 3 BB, 1 K
Bishop Letson: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Travis Smith: 4.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Josh Adamczewski: 5-for-12, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K
Luis Peña: 3-for-10, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 3 K
Braylon Payne: 3-for-13, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 0 BB, 6 K
Brady Ebel: 3-for-9, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 0 BB, 2 K

Biloxi (AA) was the only Brewers affiliate to have a winning record this week, while the other three affiliates combined for just one win. That win came from the Nashville Sounds (AAA), who scored just eight runs in three games against the Norfolk Tides but pulled one out in the finale after Coleman Crow delivered a gem.

Crow, making his first non-rehab start in Triple-A since suffering a right forearm flexor strain over a month ago, certainly looked healthy, tossing six shutout innings while striking out six and allowing just one hit. Tyson Hardin didn’t quite match Crow this week, but he put together a quality outing of his own, allowing three hits and one earned run through six innings.

While no Nashville hitter had enough plate appearances to produce eye-popping numbers, the Sounds received contributions from a variety of players. Luke Adams, Jeferson Quero, and Brock Wilken homered, while Tyler Black, Jacob Hurtubise, and Darrien Miller chipped in with extra-base hits. Black led the Sounds with four hits in twelve at-bats.

Down in Biloxi, the Shuckers put together their 2-1 week largely thanks to the offense. Biloxi scored 21 runs in three games and still managed six runs in its only loss. The offense was led by Josiah Ragsdale, who reached base seven times in fourteen plate appearances and homered. He’s hitting .322 this year and .298 in fourteen games since being promoted to Double-A, although his 1.037 OPS with Biloxi is actually higher than it was with the Timber Rattlers.

Ragsdale, a seventh-round pick last year who has played himself into legitimate prospect status, just continues to stack good week after good week at the plate. He also has a solid glove and 70-grade speed. This is what 70-grade speed looks like:

Blake Burke continued to do what he’s done for almost a full year now: hit for extra bases. Burke collected three extra-base hits this week, including another home run, although six strikeouts in twelve at-bats isn’t exactly what the Brewers organization wants to see. Still, like with Andrew Fischer, it’s hard to complain too much as long as Burke remains one of Biloxi’s most productive middle-of-the-order bats.

Josh Adamczewski rounded out another productive week, leading the Shuckers with five hits. Since earning his promotion to Double-A earlier this summer, he’s done little to slow the momentum that’s made him one of the fastest-rising prospects in the Brewers’ system. Also — I didn’t include this video last week, but it’s worth watching:

Although Adamczewski led the Shuckers in hits, Jesús Made was probably the offensive standout, homering on the way to a six-RBI week. Baseball’s top prospect also walked three times while striking out only once, another reminder of just how advanced his approach is for a player his age.

Unlike most of the Brewers’ prospects, Made didn’t get much of a break, either. He and Luis Peña also represented the organization at the 2026 All-Star Futures Game, where Made went 1-for-3 with a single and drove in the National League’s lone run.

The pitching was just as encouraging. Bishop Letson tossed five scoreless innings, allowing only two hits while striking out four. Overall, Letson has now been pitching well for the better part of two months, which is great to see from the Brewers’ super-talented No. 9 prospect. Travis Smith also turned in a solid outing, allowing three hits and one run over four innings.

Neither High-A Wisconsin nor Single-A Wilson won a game this week, but a few of their top prospects are still worth highlighting. Braylon Payne struck out six times in thirteen at-bats, but he also added another home run, giving him eighteen on the season.

Luis Peña, the Brewers’ No. 2 prospect, went 0-for-3 in the Futures Game, but 3-for-10 with a pair of doubles this week. It’s great to see him back on the field — and producing — after the health scares that interrupted his season. Also, I wasn’t going to name a Play of the Week this week, but this is such an awesome play from Peña that it wins anyway.

Brady Ebel, the Brewers’ 2025 first-round pick, hit two home runs in one game on the way to a 3-for-9 week in Single-A. If you like meaningless stats, Ebel is hitting .348 with a 1.239 OPS since the Brewers drafted his brother. Jarrette Bonet (5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K) turned in the best start of the week for the Warbirds.

Happy Tuesday, Camden Chatters! Did you watch last night’s baseball game between the Orioles and the Red Sox? It was pretty dumb. It’s not that the Orioles lost, which was disappointing but not that surprising. It was the way in which they lost. They made four errors!

A Jeremiah Jackson throwing error allowed a baserunner in the third inning, who later came around to score. Gunnar Henderson also made an error in the inning and didn’t catch a line drive that he probably should have gotten. Shane Baz pitched pretty well, but in the sixth inning, his throwing error allowed a runner to reach second. That runner ended up scoring. Taylor Ward made an error in the seventh inning that didn’t result in a run, but did cause Jim Palmer to exclaim disgustingly that they were playing terrible baseball.

The sloppy play aided in the loss, which actually saw some pretty good offense from the Orioles. They outhit the Red Sox, 11-10. Henderson doubled thrice. Tyler O’Neill had two hits and two RBI. The new guy, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, had a home run and an RBI single. The biggest disappointment on offense was so-called lefty killer Coby Mayo. Mayo managed to strike out three times against lefty starter Payton Tolle. Come on, Coby! That’s supposed to be the one thing you can do!

Probably the dumbest thing on the basepaths was when Pete Alonso was hit by a pitch and immediately got thrown out trying to steal second base with Henderson on deck. Henderson has his troubles, but he’s already doubled twice against Tolle in the game.

It’s a credit to the lineup that they were able to score five runs without Blaze Alexander, Adley Rutschman, or Samuel Basallo. But since the defense didn’t do its job and the relief pitching wasn’t perfect, it just wasn’t quite enough.

One thing I’ll say is that over the last year I had forgotten what it was like to care so much about baseball game. I like caring, even if it backfired on account of the Orioles playing dumb baseball. I will care again tonight, when the Red Sox try to win their 15th game in a row and the Orioles try to start a new streak.

The newly extended Kyle Bradish is pitching tomorrow for the Orioles. For the Red Sox, it’ll be another tough lefty in Ranger Suarez. Gulp. Game time is 7:10

Links

Orioles battle against red-hot Red Sox, but their 4 errors prove costly – The Baltimore Banner
This is what I’m saying!

Jon Meoli: Kyle Bradish’s extension adds to the good vibes around the Orioles – The Baltimore Banner
I sure hope Bradish brings those good vibes to the ballpark tomorrow.

Orioles place Rutschman on injured list with wrist injury, Basallo day-to-day – Baltimore Baseball
Rutschman is on his third trip to the IL and Basallo is day-to-day with a sore shoulder. Not great, Bob!

AL East Notes: Bassitt, Rodon, Scherzer, Santander – MLB Trade Rumors
I’ll be honest, I forgot Chris Bassitt was on the team. He could be back in mid-August. Great?

Birthdays and History

Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have five Orioles birthday buddies, including Wei-Yin Chen, who turns 41. Chen was signed to a four-year contract after pitching in seven seasons with the Chunichi Dragons in Japan. He made 117 regular-season starts with the Orioles from 2012-2015 and got a very memorable win against the Yankees in game two of the 2012 ALDS.

Also born on this day in history are former Orioles Willie Eyre (48), Mike Bordick (61), Mark Williamson (67), and Moe Drabowsky (b. 1935, d. 2006).

On this day in 1990, Ben McDonald made his first major league start, and did so in style. Big Ben pitched a complete-game shutout against the Chicago White Sox. He allowed just four hits and struck out five. The Orioles won 2-0. It wasn’t his Major League debut; McDonald started his career with 12 games in the bullpen.

On this day in 1996, the Orioles traded Kent Mercker to Cleveland in exchange for Eddie Murray. Murray returned to Baltimore with 491 career home runs. He hit #500 on September 6th. It would have been cool if he ended his career in Baltimore, but he played in 55 games in 1997 for the Angels and Dodgers.

In 2000, the Orioles beat the Blue Jays, 8-5, in Toronto. Per Baseball Reference, this ended a 20-game Canadian losing streak for the Orioles in games against both the Blue Jays and Expos. Their last win in Canada came in June 1998.

One year ago today, the Orioles lost to the Guardians 10-5. Tomoyuki Sugano got knocked out in the fourth inning after allowing four runs, and relief pitcher Grant Wolfram later let things get out of hand. He gave up four runs in the seventh to make it a blowout. Ramón Laureano had two hits, including a home run, and four RBI.

The Detroit Tigers opened up their three-game road series against the Chicago Cubs on Monday night with a nail-biting 8-6 victory in 10 innings. It began with a half-hour rain delay and ended in extra frames, and in between the two was plenty of action and zaniness. But what’s important is that the good guys won.

With a chance to clinch the series, left-hander Framber Valdez gets the start looking to build upon his last outing before the All-Star break. The 32-year-old earned his 10th quality start of the 2026 campaign against the Athletics, matching his season high with seven innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out nine — another season high — en route to his fifth win in a 4-1 final at Comerica Park.

Opposite him is Ethan Roberts, who gets his first start in his 24th appearance of the season after putting up sub-replacement player numbers as a reliever. This will also be the 29-year-old’s first outing of July after a brutal June that saw him post an 8.38 ERA and an 8.27 FIP over 11 games stretching across 9 2/3 innings, serving up 13 hits (three home runs) and seven walks while striking out five plus a hit-by-pitch.

Here is a summary of both pitchers’ stats ahead of Game 2 of the series in the Windy City.

Detroit Tigers (47-53) vs. Chicago Cubs (56-44)

Time (ET): 8:05 p.m.
Place: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
SB Nation Site:Bleed Cubbie Blue
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Game 101: LHP Framber Valdez (5-6, 4.10 ERA) vs. RHP Ethan Roberts (0-2, 4.21 ERA)

VALDEZ

ROBERTS