Category: Baseball

Good morning, baseball fans!

Another week of San Francisco Giants baseball comes to an end this weekend, so it’s time to decide who will be your Player of the Week!

There were a few strong candidates this week, but most of them were players I’ve picked fairly often this season so I’m going to go with Luis Arraez! For my purposes, I’m including everything from July 24th through today, and in that time Arraez has racked up 13 hits and six RBI. He may not have had the biggest hits of the week, but that kind of steady and consistent production is definitely worthy of a shout out! (While I can still shout him out, as I assume he will be traded soon and I will be very sad.)

Who is your pick for Player of the Week?

What time do the Giants play today?

The Giants continue this four-game road series against the Padres tonight at 5:40 p.m. PT.

Today’s Reflections

What an interesting way to end a series — consecutive extra-inning games. With the Manfred Man, the 10th inning is a toss-up, which was evident as the Cubs and Cardinals split the games in extra time (World Cup, go away!). That gave Chicago the three-games-to-one win in the series.

The MVP of the series has to be Alex Bregman, who really stepped up to be the team’s table setter, going 10-for-18 with a walk, seven runs scored, 3 RBI, a home run and six doubles. For Wednesday and Thursday, he combined for 3-for-8 with a walk, two runs scored, two doubles and an RBI, including his game-winning RBI-double on Thursday.

Nico Hoerner also had a big series, going 6-for-16 with three runs scored, six RBI, a home run and a stolen base. After having a hitless pinch-hitting appearance on Wednesday on a day-off, Hoerner went 3-for-5 with the stolen base on Thursday.

Seiya Suzuki had a solid series, also going 6-for-16 with three walks, four runs scored, two RBI and two doubles. Most of that was in the first two games as he went for 1-for-6 with two walks and a run scored in the final two.

Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ get mentions for their extra-inning contributions. PCA drove in two runs with a home run in the 10th inning on Wednesday, while on Thursday, Happ added an insurance run with an RBI-double.

The Cubs had a 5-2 roadtrip. PCA had a drastically different pair of series. Against the Pirates, he went 7-for-14 with a walk, four runs scored, five RBI, two home runs, three doubles and a triple. Meanwhile, in the Cardinals’ series, PCA went 3-for-17 with just one walk, a run scored, 3 RBI, and the home run as his only extra-base hit.

I bring that up because the Cubs took three-of-four from the Cards without much contribution from PCA. If that sinks in for the rest of the team, that has to be an extra boost for them. And I’m sure PCA noticed it for sure.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the Cubs almost wasted a pair of pitching performances — one excellent and one solid. Both kept the Cubs in the games with a chance to win in extras.

Matthew Boyd put together what I think was his best performance of the year Wednesday with seven shutout innings, stranding four hits and two walks while striking out five. That’s the first time since April that he’s pitched back-to-back homerless games.

Javier Assad also kept the ball in the ballpark as he stepped into the open spot in the Cubs rotation Thursday. He managed 4.1 innings and had to work out of some jams due to allowing six hits and two walks. Assad used his defense and six strikeouts hold the Cards to one run. His 83 pitches were the most he has thrown since June 17th.

So it was a good series and road trip with two winnable games the team dropped. But there were a lot of overall very positive performances for the team to build on heading into the dog days of August.

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Thurday’s Game Stories:

• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/30/26): Cubs 4, Cardinals 2 F/10 – Extra-Inning Win Takes Series in St. Louis. “The Cubs and Cardinals played a very tight contest at Busch Stadium Thursday afternoon that required extra innings for the second consecutive day.”

• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com): Bregman’s 10th-inning double helps Cubs take series from rival Cardinals. “With a pair of two-base hits on Thursday, Bregman finished the series with a 10-for-18 showing (.556 average) that included seven extra-base hits and seven runs scored.”

Wednesday’s Game Stories:

• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com): PCA’s tiebreaking blast can’t save Cubs from 10th-inning loss. “Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered a must-see moment for the Cubs when they needed it most, but the Cardinals found their way to three runs in the 10th inning to send Chicago to a 3-2 loss in walk-off fashion.”

• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/29/26): Cardinals 3, Cubs 2 F/10 – PCA Homer Not Enough in Extras Loss. “The Cubs and Cardinals played a full nine innings that were largely uneventful on Wednesday night, with no runs crossing the plate. ”

Down-the-Stretch Trade Deadline Stories:

• Skubal Stories:
• Paul Sullivan (Chicago Sun-Times): Column: If Tarik Skubal truly is on the Chicago Cubs’ radar, the only question is ‘How soon is now?’ “History suggests they’ll shoot for the moon, settle for a middle-of-the-road starter and keep the prospects, explaining later that the price was too exorbitant.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Cubs’ trade-deadline search for pitching includes Tarik Skubal: Sources. “Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has a close relationship with his Detroit counterpart, Scott Harris.”
• Elias Schuster (Chicago Cubs On SI): Are the Cubs Fully Back in On a Tarik Skubal Blockbuster Trade? “The Chicago Cubs were seemingly out on pursuing one of the biggest names on the market, but a new report suggests that’s not the case at all.”

• Peralta/Holmes/Mets Stories:
• Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): Mets-Twins trade confirms the easiest need Cubs can address at 2026 trade deadline. “The New York Mets’ trade with the Minnesota Twins involving A.J. Minter is a good sign for one thing the Chicago Cubs want to accomplish at the MLB trade deadline.”
• Matt Sullivan (Sporting News): Cubs predicted to trade for Mets’ 2.39 ERA starting pitcher amid dire need. “This Cubs prediction would make a lot of sense amid the team’s dire deadline need.”
• Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal, Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Cubs in deadline mix for Freddy Peralta as Mets seek top-100 prospect in trade: Sources. “Peralta was scratched from his scheduled start Friday night as his trade market heats up.”
• Garrett Kerman (ClutchPoints): Cubs must finally pull trigger on this Freddy Peralta trade with Mets. “Cubs pursue Freddy Peralta trade with Mets, offering Jefferson Rojas and Jaxon Wiggins for the proven starter’s rotation boost.”

• Angels-Related Stories:
• Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): 3 reasons why Reid Detmers makes too much sense for the Cubs at 2026 trade deadline. “Reid Detmers has emerged as a Cubs’ trade deadline fit, and it’s easy to see why.”
• Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib): Cubs may have gotten unexpected trade deadline boost from Angels-Rangers deal. “All signs point to Los Angeles being very open to moving controllable pieces.”
• Josh Davis (ClutchPoints): Next move Angels should make after Chase Silseth, Logan O’Hoppe trade. “The Los Angeles Angels should trade Reid Detmers to the Cubs for Owen Ayers after moving Logan O’Hoppe and Chase Silseth to the Rangers next.”

• Carson Kelly???
• Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib): Carson Kelly’s name unexpectedly pops up in latest Cubs trade deadline rumor. “Not a name I had on my ‘tradeable pieces’ bingo card.”
• Elias Schuster (Chicago Cubs On SI): A Carson Kelly Trade May Be On the Table for the Cubs – But Should It Be? “The Chicago Cubs have reportedly talked about their No. 1 catcher with teams as the deadline approaches.”

• Blocked Minor Leaguers:
• Matthew Trueblood (North Side Baseball): Why Cubs Have Talked About 3 Buy-Low Starters Mired in Minor Leagues. “Working to shore up their rotation for the balance of 2026 and to get a head start on a longer-term improvement, the Cubs have discussed controllable arms whose stock is down, sources say.”
• Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib): Cubs’ controllable starter could come from Marlins, and it’s not Sandy Alcantara. “After dumping Jameson Taillon, Chicago’s trade deadline takes on added importance.”

• Emerson Hancock Stories:
• Elias Schuster (Chicago Cubs On SI): Why Would the Cubs Ever Pay This Absurd Price for Emerson Hancock? “A new rumor has some believing the Cubs could land Emerson Hancock … but for an arm and a leg.”
• Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): Carson Kelly, Seiya Suzuki absence vs Yankees adds curiosity to looming Mariners-Cubs rumor. “Carson Kelly and Seiya Suzuki, both subject of trade rumors, are not in the Chicago Cubs’ lineup against the New York Yankees on Friday.”

• Various Other Trade Stories:
• Matthew Lenz (North Side Baseball): Should the Chicago Cubs Pursue Hunter Greene? “Multiple MLB insiders are reporting that Hunter Greene is drawing significant trade interest. Should the Chicago Cubs bite?”
• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune {$}): Coming off a series win in St. Louis, can the Chicago Cubs capitalize at the trade deadline? “Perhaps nothing embodies the state of the Chicago Cubs bullpen through four months more than this: It already set a franchise record for most pitchers to record a save in one season.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): This trade deadline is the moment that Cubs president Jed Hoyer has been waiting for. “Jed Hoyer’s personal stake in this venture is enormous.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Allowing Myself Some Silly September Bullpen Dreams. “That discussion got me thinking bigger picture about how the bullpen situation COULD look come, say, September.”
• Matthew Trueblood (North Side Baseball): Live Little Lies, Lose Big Games: Cubs Get Stern Reminder of Key Trade Deadline Need. “Chicago has a real opportunity to add a proven starter without dismantling its big-league roster.”
• Rich Eberwein (Cubbies Crib): Pedro Ramirez has forced Cubs into difficult 2026 trade deadline decision. “Pedro Ramirez’s breakout hot streak has given the Cubs a major trade deadline dilemma.”
• Paul Niemiec (North Side Baseball): Could Cubs Acquire a Platoon Partner for Ian Happ at MLB Trade Deadline? “Ian Happ has struggled all season against left-handed pitching, but his excellent defense and his status in the clubhouse put the Cubs in an awkward spot if they look for a platoon partner.”
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): As Cubs aim to upgrade pitching at trade deadline, high-scoring hitters show what’s possible in playoffs. “Pitching will be the Cubs’ obvious focus at the trade deadline, but in the days leading up to Aug. 3, the position-player group is putting up big run totals and showing the winning foundation they can be come October.”

Assorted Stories:

• Injury Updates:
• Andrew Seligman (Chicago Sun-Times): Cubs’ Justin Steele says recovery is progressing, but no timetable for his return. “Steele said he is pain-free. He has been rehabbing at the team’s facility in Mesa, Arizona, and in Chicago during homestands. He played catch on Friday and plans to throw about 20 pitches off the mound on Saturday.”
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Cubs Place Gavin Hollowell on IL, Promote Antoine Kelly. “I was a few weeks early on the idea of lefty Antoine Kelly earning a promotion, but the time has now come.”

• Bregman/PCA/Ramirez Stories:
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Big series vs. Cardinals shows what Cubs can do when Alex Bregman is hot: ‘Hopefully, I keep that rolling’ “Bregman bashed out 10 hits, seven of them extra-base knocks, in a monster four-game series in St. Louis, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what this Cubs team can do when he’s swinging a dangerous bat.”
• Andrew Wright (Yardbarker): Alex Bregman is slowly turning into exactly who Cubs paid him to be. “His recent production is a promising sign that hasn’t been prevalent at any point during the season.”
• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune {$}): Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong gets praise from Kevin Kiermaier after passing outfielder for 5-star catches. “Pete Crow-Armstrong, on his way to completing his third full big-league season, has already made his case as the best outfielder in the game.”
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Trade chip or future piece? Right now, Pedro Ramirez happy to help Cubs: ‘It’s always been a dream of mine’. “Fans are speculating that Ramirez could be the Cubs’ most attractive young trade chip as they shop for pitching ahead of the trade deadline, and his performance is backing up that idea.”

• Pitching Staff/Etc. Stories:
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com): With Cubs on search for starters at Deadline, the rotation has quietly stabilized. ““There was a time when we were like, ‘Who is going to start games for us?’” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said.“
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Ahead of expected trade-deadline pitching adds, Cubs starters rolling: ‘A lot of talent in our rotation’. “The Cubs are expected to add arms ahead of Monday’s deadline, but the starting rotation is pitching terrifically at the moment, showing what’s possible if and when more depth or big names join the party.”
• Aldo Soto (Sports Mockery): Trent Thornton Should Be Booted from the Chicago Cubs Bullpen. “If you have been paying any attention to the Chicago Cubs in recent weeks, then you weren’t surprised when Trent Thornton blew Wednesday night’s game vs. the St. Louis Cardinals.”
• Jeff Agrest (Chicago Sun-Times): Yankees making themselves at home during week in Chicago. “With four games against the White Sox at Rate Field and three against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, the Yankees are spending the week in the same hotel. They might as well get comfy.”

Food For Thought:

Joanne Shaw Taylor, discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics at the age of 16, has carved out an impressive niche for herself in the world of blues-rock. After witnessing her remarkable guitar playing, Stewart immediately invited her to join his supergroup, D.U.P., setting the wheels in motion for a flourishing musical career. Her prodigious talent on the guitar earned her accolades from several industry giants, including Jimmy Cliff, Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Wonder, and Annie Lennox.

Now in her 30s, Joanne has emerged as one of the most coveted guitarists in the rock domain. The journey over the past two decades has seen her evolve into a prolific songwriter, with each of her acclaimed albums being more successful than the last. Her 2019 album, Reckless Heart, broke into the UK Top 20 Album Chart, solidifying her standing as one of the most important British blues-rock exports.

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.

Triple A: Syracuse Mets (51 – 54)

ROCHESTER 10, SYRACUSE 1 (BOX)

Jack Weisenburger got shelled for six runs over two innings pitched, and the Mets could only muster one run. That run, driven in by domestic abuser Ji Hwan Bae, was scored by Cristian Pache. If you’re looking for a bright spot, Syracuse walked four times and stole two bases.

• 2B Ji Hwan Bae: 1-5, 2B, RBI, K, SB
• CF Nick Morabito: 0-5, K
• DH Ronny Mauricio: 1-4, K, SB
• RF Ryan Clifford: 0-4, 3 K
• 3B Christopher Morel: 1-4
• LF MJ Melendez: 0-1, BB, K
• LF Cristian Pache: 0-1, R, BB, K
• 1B Christian Arroyo: 1-4, K
• C Ben Rortvedt: 1-3, BB, K
• SS Zack Short: 2-3, BB, K
• P Jack Weisenburger: 2.0 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
• P Dan Hammer: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
• P Matt Seelinger: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
• P Joe Jacques: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
• P Ofreidy Gómez: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Double-A: Binghamton Rumble Ponies (36 – 63)

READING 6, BINGHAMTON 5 (BOX)

Chris Suero, Nick Lorusso, and JT Schwartz all homered in a walk-off loss to Reading. R.J. Gordon went seven innings, striking out seven while giving up three earned runs. The newly called up Mitch voit with two for four with walk.

• 2B Mitch Voit: 2-4, BB
• DH Chris Suero: 2-5, 2 R, HR, RBI, K
• 3B Nick Lorusso: 2-5, R, HR, RBI, 2 K
• RF Jose Ramos: 1-5, R, 2 K
• CF D’Andre Smith: 1-4, BB, K, SB
• C Kevin Parada: 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI, K
• 1B JT Schwartz: 1-4, R, HR, RBI, 2 K
• LF Matt Rudick: 0-4, 2 K
• SS Wyatt Young: 1-2, 2 BB
• P R.J. Gordon: 7.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
• P Saul Garcia: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
• P Garrett Stratton: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

High-A: Brooklyn Cyclones (41 – 57)

WINSTON-SALEM 14, BROOKLYN 4 (BOX)

The Cyclones got shellacked behind a series of poor pitching performances, including both Frank Camarillo and Josh Blum giving up four earned runs. Blum managed to do so in just two-thirds of an inning.

• CF Yonatan Henriquez: 1-5, R, HR, RBI, 2 K
• RF JT Benson: 1-5, R, 3B, 3 K
• LF Randy Guzman: 2-4, RBI, K
• DH Ronald Hernandez: 0-3, R, K
• 3B Jamari Baylor: 1-2, 2 BB, SB
• SS Antonio Jimenez: 0-3, R, K
• 2B Colin Houck: 1-4, RBI, E
• 1B Trace Willhoite: 0-3, BB, 2 K
• C Chase Meggers: 0-3, RBI, BB, K, E
• P Frank Camarillo: 1.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
• P Juan Arnaud: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
• P Austin Warren: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
• P Joel Díaz: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
• P Calvin Ziegler: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
• P Cristofer Gomez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
• P Josh Blum: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
• P Ryan Dollar: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 1 K

Low-A: St. Lucie Mets (45 – 54)

DUNDEIN 5, ST. LUCIE 0 (BOX)

St. Lucie was blanked, and wasted a good start from Ethan Lanthier, who went four innings of one-hit ball before Christian Rodriguez coughed up five runs in the bottom of the eighth in just a disaster of an inning.

• 2B Branny De Oleo: 0-3, BB, 2 K
• SS Marco Vargas: 0-4, 2 K
• RF Aiden Robbins: 1-2, BB
• 1B Cole Mathis: 1-4
• C Yovanny Rodriguez: 1-4, K
• DH Simon Juan: 1-4, 3B, K
• LF Kuhio Aloy: 0-3, 2 K
• CF Bohan Adderley: 1-4, 2 K, E
• 3B Dylan Carey: 0-4, 2 K
• P Ethan Lanthier: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
• P Christian Rodriguez: 4.0 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K

Rookie: FCL Mets (24-32)

NO GAME

Rookie: DSL Mets Orange (22 – 22)

DSL METS ORANGE 9, DSL TIGERS 2 (BOX)

• DH Wandy Asigen: 0-3, 2 R, BB, K
• LF Jonnhan Sanchez: 1-4, R, HR, 2 RBI
• 1B Cesar Acosta: 2-3, 3 R, HR, 2 RBI, BB
• 3B Sebastian Toro: 2-3, R
• 2B Roni Garcia: 0-0
• CF Jhonael Cuello: 1-4, 2B, RBI
• C Yadier Fuentes: 1-2, RBI, 2 BB, K
• SS Johnderis Sanchez: 0-4, K
• 2B-3B Jose Padilla: 1-3, R, BB, 2 K, E
• RF Aiberson Blanco: 1-3, R, HR, 2 RBI, K
• P Abner Meza: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
• P Bigey Santana: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
• P Derlin Rojas: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

Rookie: DSL Mets Blue (16 – 27)

DSL MARLINS 10, DSL METS BLUE 6 (BOX)

• LF Royner Bravo: 3-4, R
• CF Henry Manrique: 0-3, R, BB, K
• 3B Dayron Oramas: 2-4, 2 R, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, E
• SS Michalle Mercedes: 1-4, RBI, 2 K, E
• 1B Adrian La Rosa: 0-0, BB
• 1B Cristopher Jaquez: 1-2, R, 2B, RBI, K
• 2B Oscar Pena: 0-3, R, BB, K
• DH Elvis Teran: 0-3, K
• C Adrian Silva: 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, K
• C Frank Moreno: 0-0
• RF Yeremy Reyes: 0-3, 2 K
• P Leyvi Rodriguez: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 1 K
• P Cristopher Hernandez: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
• P Arnaldo Tejed

STAR OF THE NIGHT

Ethan Lanthier

GOAT OF THE NIGHT

Christian Rodriguez

Two days out from the 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline and things are still quiet, but the impending move of back-to-back Cy Young winner has the league on the edge of its seat.

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal appears likely to be traded in the 48 hours to come, a deal that could potentially shift power with just two months until the playoffs begin. Other big names said to be on the trading block include the New York Mets' Freddy Peralta, San Francisco Giants' Luis Arraez and perhaps All-Star closer Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres.

The trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. ET on Monday, August 3.

Stay with USA TODAY Sports as the deadline draws near for the latest rumors, news and deals:

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Saturday is upon us, and that means we have a full, 15-game MLB slate to attack.

I've scoured the MLB odds and have found a nice mix of underdogs and short favorites that will hopefully help you increase your bankrolls. 

Read on for our MLB moneyline predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, August 1. 

MLB moneyline picks for August 1

Matchup	Pick
Cardinals vs Blue Jays	-127
Marlins vs Mets	-122
White Sox vs Rays	-144
Twins vs Mariners	+144
Pirates vs Reds	-117
Phillies vs Orioles	-127
Rangers vs Astros	-113
Diamondbacks vs Guardians	-138
Nationals vs Braves	+178
Yankees vs Cubs	+104
Royals vs Rockies	-108
Giants vs Padres	-122
Red Sox vs Dodgers	+156
Brewers vs Angels	-122
Tigers vs Athletics	-122

Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of August 1.

Expert MLB moneyline picks for August 1

Cardinals vs Blue Jays: Blue Jays (-127)

Blue Jays win probability: 55.9%

St. Louis enters cold, dead last in MLB over the past 14 days with a paltry 67 wRC+ and .588 OPS. Kevin Gausman gives Toronto the edge on the mound over Quinn Mathews, while Toronto’s 3.49 SIERA bullpen should suppress the recently anemic Cardinals lineup.

Marlins vs New York Mets: Mets (-122)

Mets win probability: 55%

The Mets hold a distinct advantage across overall run creation and run prevention. New York’s pitching staff ranks eighth in SIERA (3.40) while posting a sparkling 2.00 ERA recently. Miami’s lineup remains stagnant (84 wRC+), giving Zac Thornton and the Mets bullpen the edge over Tyler Phillips.

White Sox vs Rays: Rays (-144)

Rays win probability: 59%

Drew Rasmussen and the Rays bullpen continue to stifle opposing bats, carrying a dominant 0.85 WHIP and 2.17 ERA over their last two weeks. While Chicago’s offense has lagged at an 89 wRC+, Tampa Bay’s elite run suppression creates strong value on the home team. 

Twins vs Mariners: Twins (+144)

Twins win probability: 41%

The Twins are undervalued here. While Logan Gilbert presents a tough matchup, Minnesota offers prime plus-money value. Connor Prielipp can keep this game close against a Mariners offense that ranks 17th in wRC+ (94) with a subpar .295 OBP.

Pirates vs Reds: Pirates (-117)

Pirates win probability: 53.9%

Pittsburgh’s pitching efficiency carries the day here, posting a sixth-ranked 3.10 SIERA alongside a robust 19.7% K-BB% rate. Braxton Ashcraft matches up against Andrew Abbott, where Cincinnati’s offensive struggles (83 wRC+) and high strikeout tendency (26.4% K%) over the past 14 days make the Pirates a strong road target.

Phillies vs Orioles: Phillies (-127)

Phillies win probability: 55.9%

Cristopher Sánchez gives Philadelphia a steady starting baseline against Shane Baz. Baltimore’s pitching results look highly fraudulent; despite a 2.18 ERA, their 4.91 FIP and 4.40 SIERA point toward massive regression. Philadelphia’s league-average bats (99 wRC+) across the past 14 days should capitalize on Baltimore’s flawed bullpen.

Rangers vs Astros: Rangers (-113)

Rangers win probability: 53%

Jacob deGrom on the mound at close-to-pick-'em odds is prime MLB moneyline value. Texas features a surging offense over the past two weeks, ranking sixth in MLB with a 112 wRC+ and .453 SLG. Expect deGrom to outperform Ronel Blanco in this divisional clash.

Diamondbacks vs Guardians: Guardians (-138)

Guardians win probability: 58%

Cleveland’s pitching staff remains lethal, missing bats at a league-leading 31.8% strikeout rate alongside a 3.01 SIERA. Parker Messick gets a favorable home environment to neutralize Arizona’s hot bats, making Cleveland a solid choice at reasonable juice below the -150 threshold.

Nationals vs Braves: Nationals (+178)

Nationals win probability: 36%

Atlanta’s heavy -186 line automatically rules them out, but Washington is a live dog regardless. The Nationals represent MLB’s top offense over the last 14 days, pounding out a 143 wRC+, .369 OBP, and .893 OPS. Miles Mikolas needs only a modest outing to cash this prediction.

Yankees vs Cubs: Cubs (+104)

Cubs win probability: 49%

The Cubs offer exceptional home underdog value against a reeling Yankees squad. Chicago ranks third in MLB hitting over the last two weeks (127 wRC+, .814 OPS), whereas New York’s offense has collapsed to a .206 average and 70 wRC+. Back David Peterson and Chicago’s bats.

Royals vs Rockies: Royals (-108)

Royals win probability: 52%

Coors Field games carry variance, but Colorado remains one of the coldest lineups in baseball (73 wRC+, 28th). Luinder Avila and Kansas City get a fair price against Ryan Feltner and a Rockies pitching unit surrendering a 1.60 WHIP and .346 BABIP over their last two weeks.

Giants vs Padres: Padres (-122)

Padres win probability: 55%

San Diego is clicking on all cylinders, boasting the second-best offense (138 wRC+, .856 OPS) and second-best bullpen (2.82 SIERA) over the past 14 days. Walker Buehler gets prime run support against Tyler Mahle and a Giants lineup operating below league average (98 wRC+).

Red Sox vs Dodgers: Red Sox (+156)

Red Sox win probability: 39%

With Los Angeles priced at -163, market discipline forces a play on Boston. However, the Red Sox present real analytical value: their pitching staff boasts an MLB-best 1.63 ERA and 3.02 SIERA over the last two weeks. Expect prospect Payton Tolle to compete and beat the Dodgers. 

Brewers vs Angels: Brewers (-122)

Brewers win probability: 55%

Milwaukee’s lineup is in form, producing a 110 wRC+ with high-level plate discipline (10.3% BB%). Robert Gasser takes the mound against Jose Soriano and an Angels lineup generating just an 84 wRC+ and a .330 SLG. The Brewers hold the clear edge, and should get over the line. 

Tigers vs Athletics: Tigers (-122)

Tigers win probability: 55%

Framber Valdez gives Detroit a major starting pitcher advantage over Jack Perkins. While Detroit’s staff carries regression warnings (4.50 SIERA), the Athletics feature the second-worst underlying pitching profile in MLB with a 4.71 SIERA, 1.88 WHIP, and an 8.19 ERA over their last two weeks.

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.

The trade deadline draws nearer and it feels like we are all in a holding pattern talking about anything else in regards to the team. We want to see what the roster looks like post deadline as soon as possible, so let’s just get it over with.

On to the links.

Phillies news:

• Andrew Painter was showing some improvement in Lehigh Valley, so the team brought him back up to the majors.
• Brandon Marsh was slumping badly this year already, but pulled himself out of it. He’s hoping those lessons can carry over to this slump as well ($).

MLB news:

• If the Brewers were to acquire Tarik Skubal, they are completely fine with having to pay the entirety of his remaining salary ($).
• Speaking of the Tigers, they are promoting Max Clark, their top prospect. Is this a signal of their future plans?
• Freddy Peralta was scratched from his start last night with the Mets. Might a trade be coming closer to fruition?

The Little League Softball World Series isn’t just about the talented athletes on the field – it’s also about strategy.Every Little League softball manager must juggle rosters, creating a batting order, knowing pitching restrictions and making crucial decisions while the game is going on. That delicate balance requires a deep understanding of the Little League rulebook and also quick instincts on when try something – or not – in a game.

Before the first pitch of the Little League Softball World Series, here are some basic rules that every softball fan should know as you are watching – or streaming – the games this year.

I’m not going to act as though I’m extremely impressed by the Yankees belting a couple solo homers and winning yesterday by a slim 2-0 margin. OK, that’s half-untrue. I was impressed by Will Warren’s best start of the season, which helped keep the game scoreless for 6.2 innings against a pretty good Cubs lineup. Credit goes out to him and the bullpen for making tha nrrow margin stand up. But they have to do more with the bats. I’m really glad that it worked out yesterday! It’s a tough road to hoe though, and the bar is higher than “solo shots and pray for minimal resistance.”

Today on the site, Nick and Sam will cover a couple late potential trade targets with Angels starter José Soriano and Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar. Matt will tackle the Rivalry Roundup and he’ll also cover a near-literal giant of his time for Yankees Birthdays: 6-foot-7 Deadball Era pitcher Slim Love. Peter will run our monthly GM poll, and Sam will look back at the Yankees’ best defensive plays of July.

Today’s Matchup:

New York Yankees at Chicago Cubs

Time: 7:15 p.m. EST

TV: FOX

Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL

Questions/Prompts:

1. Who is the first big name of relative notoriety dealt today by any MLB team? (Yes, this is guesswork, just go for it!)

2. Do you think the Cubs will make the playoffs? If so, how far do you think they will make it?

Columbus Clippers 9, Toledo Mud Hens 4 (box)

Lael Lockhart Jr. and Beau Brieske were both hit hard in this one and the deficit was too much to overcome.

Max Anderson walked, stole second for his fourth swipe of the year, and scored on a Corey Julks single in the top of the first. Lockhart then gave up two in the bottom half, and three more in the third.

It was 6-1 Columbus in the top of the eighth when the Hens finally made a push. Trei Cruz led off with a swinging bunt single. Jace Jung singled and Anderson walked to load the bases. Once again, Julks came through with a single that scored two runs. A double play ball from Gage Workman got Anderson home, and it was 6-4 Clippers.

Unfortunately, Brieske gave up two homers in the bottom half, one a two-run shot, to snuff the momentum, and the Hens went quietly in the ninth.

Julks: 2-4, 3 RBI, CS

Cruz: 2-4, R, K

Anderson: 0-0, 2 R, 4 BB, SB

Lockhart (L, 2-2): 3.0 IP, 5 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 2 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 7:05 p.m. ET start on Saturday.

Erie SeaWolves 3, Akron RubberDucks 2 (box)

After a close, well pitched game, Thayron Liranzo came though with a solo shot in the eighth that was the difference in this one.

The SeaWolves took an early lead in this one when Andrew Jenkins singled in the bottom of the second and then rode home on yet another homer from E.J. Exposito. That was the utility infielder’s 18th long ball of the season already.

Andrew Sears got the start, and he spun four strong innings before getting jumped for two runs in the fifth after issuing a leadoff walk to Alex Mooney.

The SeaWolves had extra base hits in the fifth and sixth, but couldn’t score the runs. Finally, leading off the eighth inning, Liranzo got a first pitch heater batting right-handed and torched a deep drive to left center field that flew deep into the night for his 10th homer of the season.

Yosber Sanchez and Wandisson Charles were excellent in relief, allowing just two baserunners in 3.2 combined innings. Trevin Michael closed it out for his sixth save.

Exposito: 2-4, R, 2 RBI, HR, K

Graham: 2-4, 2B, K, SB

Liranzo: 1-4, R, RBI, HR, 3 K

Sears: 4.1 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 4 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 6:05 p.m. ET start on Saturday.

West Michigan Whitecaps 4, Beloit Sky Carp 3 (box)

Lefty Joe Miller was knocked around in a rehab outing, but the Whitecaps bullpen was sharp as they fought back to take this one on Friday night.

Miller allowed a two-run homer and got a little wild, allowing another run before Eliseo Mota took over. The Whitecaps answered right back in the third though.

Juan Hernandez got them started with a leadoff single, and Woody Hadeen and Bryce Rainer drew one-out walks to load the bases. An Edian Espinal ground out scored Hernandez, and Clayton Campbell came through with a two-run single to tie the game.

Mota did a nice job and turned things over to Win Scott in the fourth. He got into a jam, but escaped and then settled into his outing.

In the bottom of the fourth, Cristian Santana was hit by a pitch and then balked to second with one out. Hernandez singled him to third, but Santana was cut down at home trying to score on a Caleb Shpur ground out. Woody Hadeen took care of that by cracking an automatic double to right center to score Hernandez.

That was all they got, but Scott, Luke Stofel, and Zack Lee each fired two scoreless innings to lock it down with Lee earning his fourth save.

Hernandez: 2-3, 2 R

Hadeen: 1-3, R, RBI, 2B, BB, K

Rainer: 1-3, R, BB, K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 7:05 p.m. ET start at LMCU Park on Saturday.

Tampa Tarpons 8, Lakeland Flying Tigers 2 (box)

Cash Kuiper put together a pretty good start, but the bullpen was shelled in this one as Tampa took a 3-1 lead in the series.

The Flying Tigers jumped out to an early lead when Jordan Yost and Michael Oliveto started the game with singles. Nick Dumesnil singled in Yost for a 1-0 lead. Kuiper allowed a solo home run in the bottom half, but then tossed three scoreless frames while his team took another slim lead.

With two outs in the top of the third, Dumesnil doubled, and Ronald Ramirez smashed a drive to the center field wall for an RBI triple. 2-1 Lakeland.

Unfortunately, Pedro Garcia gave up five runs in relief, and Jan Carabello surrendered two more.

Dumesnil: 2-4, R, RBI, 2B

Ramirez: 1-3, RBI, 3B, BB, K

Oliveto: 2-4, 2B, K

Kuiper: 4.0 IP, ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 3 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 6:30 p.m. ET start on Saturday.

MLB Trade Rumors | Darragh McDonald: It’s no secret the Yankees want another bat, and Ken Rosenthal and Jayson Stark of The Athletic reported yesterday that New York is among the teams interested in Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward. Suitors for Ward reportedly include the Yankees, the Phillies, the Rangers and the Guardians, but it’s unclear whether Baltimore intends to deal the impending free agent.

Thanks to a remarkably soft American League, the disappointing O’s are just 1.5 games back of a playoff spot, which means that Ward could be staying put this deadline no matter how badly the Yankees want him. They did trade stumbling fifth starter Dean Kremer to the Twins, but they also affirmed that reliever Yennier Cano wasn’t going anywhere, extending him through 2028 with a club option for 2029.

New York Post | Greg Joyce: The Yankees had another injury concern pop up on Thursday, Jazz Chisholm Jr. dealing with what was described as hamstring cramps. The infielder sat out Friday’s game against the Cubs, but Aaron Boone and the team still weren’t too concerned. “He is OK,” Boone said in Chicago. “I think just felt like wanting to be a little cautious dealing with it, but it does seem like it was just cramps. He gave me the thumbs up today. With a lefty going, the turnaround for a day game, I just didn’t want to risk anything.”

Jon Heyman via X/Twitter: Jon Heyman reported yesterday that the Yankees remain interested in Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman, but that a deal is still viewed as unlikely. Goodman’s price just may be too much for any acquiring team to stomach; the 26-year-old has been one of the game’s better catchers the last two years and has three years of arbitration remaining, meaning the Rockies can hold the line unless they’re blown away by an offer.

MLB Trade Rumors | Anthony Franco: Also on the docket, we saw some actual movement on the trade market that’s at least worth nothing. The Mets started their sale, sending reliever A.J. Minter to the Twins early Friday morning in exchange for prospect Bruin Agbayani, the son of former Met Benny Agbayani. That takes one pitcher off the market, and also strongly signals the Twins’ intent to stay in the race, decreasing the odds the Yankees or anyone else will be able to plumb the Minnesota roster for upgrades. The Mets also scratched Freddy Peralta from his scheduled start last night, indicating that the market for the starting pitcher is heating up.

Benny Agbayani was shocked.

He did not expect his 19-year-old son, Bruin, would be traded by the Twins ahead of Monday’s deadline, and the former Met couldn’t even conceive that a prospective trade would be to the team and city to which he endeared himself a quarter century ago.

“It means a lot,” said the 54-year-old on a conference call Friday, hours after his youngest of three children — and the only boy — was dealt to the Mets in Minnesota’s trade for reliever A.J. Minter. “He wanted to get drafted by the Mets when he was first coming out of high school. That’s all he knew, and that’s all we talked about. It’s a great opportunity for him. I’m just going to support him as much as I can.

“I’m going to tell him the ins and outs of playing in New York because it’s tough.”

The elder Agbayani couldn’t be more proud of his son potentially continuing his Mets legacy, one cemented by the home run he hit in the 13th inning of Game 3 in the 2000 NL Division Series against the Giants.

The Mets had scouted Bruin a bit during his draft year, including at an organizationally run workout in California, according to his dad.

Ultimately, the Twins selected him last year in the sixth round out of St. Louis School in Honolulu.

Benny’s support of his son’s dream reached new heights when he began a taxing job as a ramp agent at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in 2014. The unlimited free flights he received from his company helped fund his children’s athletic pursuits. He still works there to this day.

(https://nypost.com/2024/10/07/sports/mets-hero-benny-agbayani-now-works-in-hawaii-coaches-his-kids)

“They started playing ball in the mainland, and we wanted them to get exposed,” Benny said of his job. “Just experience the growing up and just competing. I told them that’s what they needed. They needed to know how to compete. I’m glad it paid off.”

Just the thought of his son taking the field in a Mets jersey made Agbayani emotional.

Though he inherited his dad’s power hitting, Bruin is a left-handed infielder rather than a right-handed outfielder like his father. Benny believes he’s “growing into his swing” and is “a better hitter than me.”

Considering Agbayani hit .282 with an .833 OPS over 322 games with the Mets, the organization sure hopes his assessment of his son — who was named the Hawaii Gatorade Player of the Year prior to being drafted — is accurate.

While the family surely is enjoying this moment, the prospect has been limited to only 10 games this season due to a right shoulder injury. His dad assured on Friday that he’s “on his way back.”

Until then, the famous “Hawaiian Punch” has plenty of advice to share with his son from his days playing in Flushing.

“He couldn’t believe how the Mets fans treated me and things like that,” Benny said of his son’s perception of his time as a Met. “I was like, ‘Sonny, you just got to play good.’ The Mets fans want to win, and that’s what you go out there for. You’re going to lose some; you’re going to win some. Just as long as you know that you’re giving your best effort out there every day.”

Hello and welcome to Lookout Landing. If you’re new here and/or don’t hang out in the game threads, well, I can’t blame you, because this team is zero fun right now. Tonight the Mariners showed that home cooking isn’t any better and carried their miserable 2-6 road trip back to a long homestand, starting it off with a loss to the Twins where the Mariners scored all three of their runs in the first two innings of the game and then did nothing else. But for as much fun as watching this team is not, hanging out in the game threads can be quite fun, especially when the organic energy (read: specific kind of madness induced by watching hundreds or thousands of games of Mariners baseball) takes over and we get themed threads like the Night of 1000 Fart Jars or tonight, LL’s Poetry Corner.

Tonight’s game – and subsequently the game thread – started out well. Bryce Miller did what other Mariners pitchers have not been able to do lately, and spun a scoreless first inning. The Mariners hitters then did what the Mariners offense has not been able to do lately, and scored in the first inning. The Mariners were able to get some traffic early against Twins starter Zebby Matthews; after Cole Young struck out chasing after a slider, Randy Arozarena worked a four-pitch walk, punishing Matthews for refusing to put a fastball on the plate against him. Dom Canzone followed up with a sharp ground-ball double down the right field line, pulling a cutter at the top of the zone 106.7 mph, but Julio Rodríguez got too aggressive on the same slider that got Young and struck out, chasing after three pitches not in the zone. Matthews also seemed unwilling to give Josh Naylor anything on the plate, walking him on three pitches to load the bases, bringing up Cal Raleigh, who had one of his best plate appearances of the year: a nine-pitch battle where he fell down 0-2, fouled off a bunch of pitches on the plate, spat on the same slider that gave his teammates trouble as well as some high heat, and eventually got a changeup dead red that he almost hit out of the park, settling instead for a two-run ground rule double.

Historians tell us the Poem Thread of 2026 began with JPSG’s pair of poems early in the game:

It’s always threading a needle to do a bit here on LL. Many people overcorrect and think the best way to get everyone on a certain train is to hammer the bit home. But we are not a Netflix series being second-screened against TikTok dances (although many of us might have had the Mariners relegated to a second screen lately), needing every beat sounded out. The best bits emerge organically, sweeping up some of the thread energy and encapsulating it, providing a baseline for other players to riff on.

Sorry, that poem should have come with a spoiler alert, as unfortunately, Miller gave those runs right back: one that was not his fault, as Josh Bell managed a weak-contact base hit on a splitter that was an infuriating at-bat to witness, and one that was: with two outs (argh), Miller suddenly started spiking balls up to seven-hole hitter Brooks Lee, falling behind 3-1 before grooving an absolutely awful cutter dead-red for a game-tying home run.

“The worst cutter I’ve thrown all year, down the middle” said the always-honest Miller, who also said he was working a lot on his splitter shapes trying to get it back below the zone, which might have explained all the balls in dirt (“bounce passes”) early on. Miller also said he woke up this morning with his back locked up on him, which might have explained why he took a little while to settle in.

Thankfully, Cole Young – Dutiful Young Man – read our series preview where Jake talked about how Zebby Matthews is grooving too many fastballs to be successful, and in the very next inning, pounced on a first-pitch fastball for what has to be one of the lowest home runs at T-Mobile Park by launch angle, at just 16 degrees. But ball hit low does not matter when ball absolutely scalded (110.2 EV).

The only other good thing that can be said about the Mariners offense over the next seven innings was that they put some pitches on Matthews and by “they” I mostly mean Cole Young, who made sure Matthews ended the fifth at 93 pitches with a nine-pitch at-bat which unfortunately ended on a called strike three that also cost the Mariners their second challenge (it was a close one, to be fair to the Young Master). Unfortunately, Bryce Miller had pitch count issues of his own and pitched to only one batter in the sixth before being lifted for the lefty Jose Ferrer to face Kody Clemens, who promptly grounded out. Josh Bell turned around to bat righty (I always forget Bell is a switch hitter) and Ferrer made Bell—who is below replacement level when hitting as a righty—look very silly on a changeup, so that was fun. That would be all that was left of fun.

In the game, at least. Over in the game thread, we were still having fun.

Matthews came back out for the sixth and promptly gave up a broken-bat single to Julio, prompting Derek Shelton to go to the bullpen for Kody Funderburk, which is the most left-handed reliever name of all time, to pitch to Josh Naylor. Naylor, who is legitimately the smartest Mariner, went to bunt, getting in catcher Ryan Jeffers’s eyeline just enough for Julio to swipe second without a throw. Naylor then grounded out, meaning Julio got essentially two bases on one out, which is a tradeoff we’ll make every time. Unfortunately, with the lefty up, now it was the Mariners’ turn to have their switch hitter turn around, and while Cal Raleigh has been rough in all forms this season, he is historically not as good from his right side as his left, popping up on the infield rather than getting the necessary sac fly. Weston Wilson wasn’t able to get the job done either even with the handedness advantage, and the Mariners let a golden opportunity for an insurance run pass them by.

The would come to hurt the Mariners when Ferrer, out for another inning, grooved a sinker right into righty Royce Lewis’s go zone for a game-tying no-doubt homer. Ferrer then gave up an infield hit to lefty Alan Roden before getting Brooks Lee to fly out harmlessly. Wilson went to Eduard Bazardo to deal with Luke Keaschall, a new member of Kate’s Least Favorite Batting Stances club, who dunked in a double to left field to give the Twins the go-ahead run.

Here is a very quick poem I like quite a bit, called “Motto” by Bertolt Brecht. “In the dark times,/will there also be singing?/Yes, there will be singing/about the dark times.” Here, then, some singing:

The hole got deeper in the eighth when Bazardo, out there for another inning, allowed a leadoff home run to Jeffers, making the score 5-3 and getting up human white flag Michael Rucker. To his credit, Rucker actually pitched well, helped out by another Gold Glove level play by Cole Young, who was the bright spot of this game as well as the season. The Mariners don’t win any games on that road trip without Dom Canzone, but they possibly don’t win any games this season without Cole Young (shhh this is hyperbole let me have this).

But the Mariners were punchless again, going down in the ninth with no more of a fight than back-to-back walks from Cal Raleigh and Weston Wilson. If we’re looking for bright spots Cal’s night is one of them. Cal and Cole. And although the energy went pear-shaped at the end, Cal and Cole and the game thread where people wrote silly poems all night are the things I’ll be thinking about tonight instead of this dreadful game.

I am not a poet, or at least not a good one despite multiple attempts, but I read a lot of poetry. I like poetry because, despite being made of language, it exists in a space that language alone can’t quite touch, getting its arms around emotions that feel too big for words. Sadness, sure, and maybe most famously. But also beauty, and joy, and – tonight, in a game thread about a bad baseball team playing a bad game in a bad season, with silly limericks and haiku and people generally trying to find a response to this team that isn’t just disappointed sadness – community. A community of 42,000-plus at the ballpark, still on their feet in the ninth as the Mariners tried to make those two walks turn into an improbable, but still possible, win; and a community here, and the threads that bind us in a world that often feels unfriendly or indifferent – a silly poem for a silly game for a very real reason.

The Minnesota Twins took another step in their desire to contend this week.

One day after acquiring A.J. Minter from the New York Mets, the Twins added Dean Kremer from the Baltimore Orioles, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Rosenthal noted that Kremer is owed about $1.7 million the rest of the 2026 MLB season.

The Twins also had agreed to take on approximately $3.37 million of Minter’s salary.

Dan Hayes of The Athletic notes that 18-year-old prospect Jhonmardo Reyes is going back to Baltimore in the deal.

MLB Pipeline rated Reyes as the No. 24 prospect in their farm system before the deal.

Kremer, 30, has made just seven starts this season because he has battled a right quad strain.

In his seven starts, Kremer has posted a 6.50 ERA, allowing 26 runs in just 36 innings.

Kremer, who has been with the Orioles for the entirety of his pro career, has a lifetime 4.37 ERA in the majors across seven seasons of pro baseball.

The Stockton, California native started in 29 of his 31 appearances last season, finishing with 4.19 ERA, striking out 142 hitters in 171 innings pitched.a

Reyes, while at the Rookie Ball level for the Twins in the Florida Complex League, posted a .950 OPS with seven home runs and 44 RBIs in just 49 games.

The Dominican outfielder has also played six A-ball level games this season, though he has gone just 2-for-19 in those games.

At 56-55, the Twins aren’t exactly juggernauts, but they’re just three games behind the Chicago White Sox for the Al Central lead. The Twins are tied with the Guardians for the final AL wild-card spot.

The Orioles, at 54-56, are still in the hunt, too, and remain just 1.5 games out of a playoff spot.

The Dodgers (69-41) dropped the series opener 9-4 to the Red Sox (58-51) Friday night at Dodger Stadium. 

Failed scoring opportunities and shoddy defensive and base running doomed the Dodgers in this one. Boston’s explosive offense surged past the Dodgers 9-4. The Dodgers utilized Edgardo Henriquez as an opener for a designated bullpen game, and Dave Roberts leaned on Cole Irvin to eat the majority of the innings and make over 100 pitches in his first MLB appearance since 2024.

Nine of the first 20 batters reached base safely for Boston. The Red Sox lineup aggressively put pressure on the Dodgers bullpen from the start of the game and series.

Boston got on the board first in the top of the second inning against Will Klein. Boston cashed in a walk to Caleb Durbin and throwing error on Klein on a pickoff attempt that went awry. Jarren Duran drove in Durbin with the big RBI single to put the Red Sox ahead first.

Klein got further into trouble in the third when he loaded the bases with one out. Nick Sogard and Ceddanne Rafaela hit consecutive singles, and then Klein beaned Willson Contreras in the side of the helmet. Contreras did come out of the game, but stayed in under his own accord at first.

Irvin was thrown into the fire for his Dodger debut and first MLB appearance since Sept. 2024 with the Minnesota Twins. Another defensive blunder, this time on Freddie Freeman at first base, allowed two runs to come in on a Masataka Yoshida chopper.

Shohei Ohtani led off the bottom of the fourth against Suárez with a double, the first base hit of the game for the Dodgers. Freeman drove in Ohtani with two outs to make it 3-1 to make up for his error.

The Dodgers got the tying run aboard in the sixth after Suárez gave up a leadoff walk to Tucker and Kiké Hernández single.

Eliezer Alfonzo reached for a breaking ball and dumped it into center field to bring in the second run of the night for the Dodgers. Kiké Hernández was thrown out at second base on the play after too aggressive of a turn. That proved to be costly, erasing the man at second base with Ohtani up to bat.

The Dodgers offense went 3-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base.

Jovani Morán came out of the Boston bullpen to face Ohtani and served up a rocket of a 112-mph two-run home run. The Dodgers took a 4-3 lead.

The Dodgers opened the sixth with back-to-back hits from Freeman and Mookie Betts. An intentional walk to pinch-hitter Max Muncy loaded the bases with two outs for Alfonzo. With Ohtani lurking on deck, Alfonzo grounded out to leave the bases loaded.

The Red Sox took back the lead in the seventh when Ceddanne Rafaela hit a two-run home run off Irvin.

Andruw Monasterio doubled in another two runs to give the Red Sox a commanding lead. Boston scored their fifth run of the inning on a scoring Duran ground ball to make it 8-4. Monasterio also made a couple of outstanding defensive plays to save runs for the Red Sox.

Freeman led off the eighth inning with his third hit of the night. Tucker managed a single as well, but the Dodgers stranded another couple of runners.

The Red Sox added a ninth run in the ninth on a Carlos Narváez sac fly.

Friday particulars

Home runs: Shohei Ohtani (24); Ceddanne Rafaela (12)

WP — Brayan Bello (3-6): 4 IP, 3 hits, 1 run, no walks, 3 strikeouts (58 pitches)

LP — Cole Irvin (0-1): 6 IP, 8 hits, 6 runs, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts (102 pitches)

Up next

Yoshinobu Yamamoto ( 10-6, 2.78 ERA, 0.88 WHIP) makes his first career start against the Red Sox Saturday (6:10 p.m., SportsNet LA). Left-hander Payton Tolle (6-6, 3.32 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) counters for Boston.

The trade deadline is Monday. Tonight was about winning a baseball game in Los Angeles against the best lineup in the National League. Mission accomplished.

Ranger Suarez was decent enough. He went 4.2 innings, got into a jam, and left, not completely unscathed but with two down. Not a disaster—the kind of start where a pitcher does what he can and trusts the bullpen to handle the rest. Well, at least that’s the hope.

Oh, Jovani Morán. He came in with men on, and the Sox actually caught a break first—Rafaela wisely nabbed Kiké Hernández overthinking things at second base, the Dodgers challenged, and the call stood. Very nice gift. Two down and one less base runner. Then Shohei Ohtani, the most dangerous hitter on the planet, doing what Ohtani does, scorched a two-run shot off him. The inning was spiraling, Boston on the wrong end of a 4-3 deficit in the fifth inning in Dodger Stadium with a murderer’s row still raring to go. The Dodgers lineup is definitely intimidating on paper.

Then Brayan Bello walked out of the bullpen.

Four innings. Three hits. Zero earned runs. Fifty-eight pitches. Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Kyle Tucker—the whole parade came through and Bello held every single one of them. The “saving the bullpen” angle alone is a story: Weissert didn’t throw a pitch. Whitlock didn’t throw a pitch. Chapman didn’t throw a pitch. Bello went out and protected the entire relief corps on a west coast late-night road game before the deadline. Bullpen Bello has been a revelation.

The seventh inning showed the Dodgers what the 2026 Red Sox have been all about.

Five runs. The Sox batted around. Rafaela hit the go-ahead bomb—a beautiful shot into the left-field bullpen, and at this point Rafaela coming up in giant moments is just in his DNA. Yoshida followed with a silly backspinning single that hugged the third base line. Durbin dropped a perfect bunt and left Max Muncy to eat his throw. Bases loaded, Andruw Monasterio—who has quietly become an extra base hit machine in this lineup—drove in two more with a double to the left-field corner. A 4-3 deficit swiftly became an 8-4 lead and Dodger Stadium had nothing to say about it.

The small ball was part of the story, but it isn’t the only thread. Go back to the third inning—Yoshida brings home two runs on a bouncer that Freddie Freeman completely misread, caught in that in-between hop and just not having an answer for it. Boston cashed those runs immediately. This team doesn’t need you to hand them something twice.

Down a run in the fifth in LA, Morán just fell victim to the monster that is Shohei Ohtani, and instead of any sign of panic the Red Sox methodically put up five in the seventh and salted the rest away. They will not die. They will not quit.

One more note: we hope Willson Contreras is okay after being pulled as a precaution after getting beaned by Will Klein in the third inning. That news hangs over what was otherwise a perfect night.

July is over. Boston went 21-4. Best month by win percentage in Red Sox history. A franchise playing baseball since 1901. 125 years! This July was the best of all of them.

Studs

Brayan Bello (4.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K)

The whole story. Morán gave the game away with the Ohtani shot and Bello came in and gave it right back. Four innings against the Dodgers, not a single run, and the high-leverage relievers didn’t throw a pitch. Every one of those arms is fresh going into a stretch run. On a night the Sox needed someone to eat innings, a starter who’d been pitching out of the bullpen stepped up and delivered exactly that. Whatever the front office decides before Monday, Bello made his case tonight.

Ceddanne Rafaela (3-for-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R)

Three hits in Dodger Stadium, a go-ahead homer in the seventh that broke the Dodgers’ back, a baserunning play that killed a Toronto threat before it could breathe. He’s been this good on both sides of the ball all season. The Gold Glove defense was already there. The bat has ascended to match it. The most clutch player on this roster right now, and it’s not particularly close.

The Seventh Inning

Not just Rafaela’s homer. Yoshida’s backspinning single hugging the line. Durbin’s perfect bunt. Monasterio’s double to left-center when the bases were loaded. Five runs don’t just happen. They’re built.

Masataka Yoshida (2-for-5, 1 RBI, 1 R)

Two hits and the Freeman third-inning gift that became Boston’s early cushion. Quietly steady through this entire stretch.

Duds

Jovani Morán (0.1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER)

One out. Ohtani homer. Three hits. The moment Morán came in and the game started unraveling, it genuinely felt like it was slipping away. Credit to everything that came after for making this a footnote in a blowout win rather than the reason for a loss.

Carlos Narváez (0-for-3, 3 K, 1 RBI)

Three strikeouts. A garbage-time sac fly in the ninth, sure, but not his night. The catcher position keeps producing these quiet offensive games and it’s part of why deadline chatter about adding behind the plate never fully went away.

Play of the Game

Come on. It has to be Ceddanne.