The Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani looks on from the dugout during Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. (Chris Szagola / Associated Press)
Shohei Ohtani wrapped up long toss in the Citizens Bank Park outfield Wednesday afternoon, turned and headed for the two-story bullpen stairs.
Ohtani had initially been scheduled to take the mound for the Dodgers Wednesday against the Phillies. But, with the date of his next pitching start up in the air, his bullpen session still drew a lot of eyes.
Ohtani threw off a mound Wednesday for the first time since receiving an Orthovisc injection in his left knee to lubricate the joint. The side session of about 30 pitches, running through multiple pitch types, was similar to a normal between-starts bullpen, pitching coach Mark Prior said.
“It looked good,” Prior said. “Feels good. We’ll see where he’s at tomorrow.”
Asked if Ohtani said his knee was feeling 100%, Prior said they didn’t get into specifics.
“Just said, ‘How did you feel throwing?’ He said it felt great,” Prior said.
Ohtani, who was in the lineup Wednesday as the designated hitter, was not made available to comment before the game.
It’s still unclear when Ohtani will pick up pitching duties again. But manager Dave Roberts ruled out Ohtani starting on the mound this weekend against the Mets.
“It’s day by day with him,” Prior said. “We’re present today. He threw a bullpen, see where he comes in … Friday, since we’re off [Thursday]. We’ll make determinations after that.”
This bullpen session was a chance for Ohtani to test his knee, which before the injection seemed to be aggravated by pitching.
“It’s a big sign,” Roberts said. “Because the grass, the flat ground, all of that stuff is well and good, the arm is fine. So it’s more of getting down the slope, throwing over your front side. That’s kind of the big test. Usually the bullpens are right around 88 (mph), so we’ll see where he’s at.”
Ohtani has already been out long enough that the Dodgers will have to be mindful of his workload whenever he rejoins the rotation. His last start on the mound was July 3 against the Padres.
“I still think it hasn’t been so long that the equity that he’s built up with the pitch count is that much compromised,” Roberts said. “But with that, I can’t foresee him running out there and throwing 100 pitches his first outing.”
If he’s sidelined for too long, he could have to gradually build up with each start. But it’s hard to pinpoint where that delineation lies.
“I think the easy answer is to say every pitcher is different,” Roberts said.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 03: Max Fried #54 of the New York Yankees pitches during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on May 03, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees came oh-so-close to completing another late comeback, only to stall out after Ben Rice’s game-tying three-run homer and eventually lose in extras. They still have a chance to split the doubleheader and win the series as they take the field less than three hours after the final out of Game 1, and they’ll do so as Max Fried makes his long-awaited return from injury.
Max Fried last pitched on May 13th against the Orioles, and had to depart after three innings with noticeably lowered velocity on all his pitches. It was later revealed that he had suffered a bone bruise in his left elbow and was shut down for over a month. He made just one rehab assignment start last Friday for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, allowing two runs on three hits with three strikeouts and no walks on 52 pitches. Rather than make a final rehab start, the doubleheader convinced the Yankees to activate Fried off the IL to start the nightcap, where he will be on a pitch count of around 60. At the time of his injury, Fried was 4-3 in ten starts, with a 3.21 ERA (132 ERA+), 2.71 FIP, and 50 strikeouts in 61.2 innings.
Fried will face off against Pirates rookie Bubba Chandler. The 23-year-old righty isn’t very subtle, mainly trying to blow you away with a four-seamer that averages 99 mph. He backs up that heater with a slider and a changeup. Expect the Yankees to have a patient approach against the pitcher with the highest walk rate (13.1-percent) of any starter in baseball. In 18 starts, Chandler is 3-8 with a 4.77 ERA (92 ERA+), 4.59 FIP, and 85 strikeouts in 94.1 innings.
The Yankees make three changes to the line from the day game. Anthony Volpe replaces José Caballero at shortstop which should ease tensions with this umpiring crew after the incident involving his pitch clock manipulation earlier today. Paul Goldschmidt gets the start at first moving Ben Rice to DH and Spencer Jones to the bench. Ali Sánchez replaces Austin Wells behind the plate.
The Pirates also make three changes to their lineup with the lefty Fried on the mound. Marcell Ozuna comes in to DH, moving Ryan O’Hearn to first and Tyler Callihan to the bench. Jared Triolo replaces Jacob Gonzalez at shortstop despite the latter homering off Gerrit Cole while Baby Bomber alum Rafael Flores Jr. subs in for Henry Davis at catcher.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 13: José Ramírez #11 of the Cleveland Guardians bats during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field on June 13, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
DENVER, CO - JULY 22: Manager Warren Schaeffer #4 of the Colorado Rockies removes Jimmy Herget #44 from the game in the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Coors Field on July 22, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A game that started as a pitcher’s duel devolved into a crushing loss as the Colorado Rockies dropped the series finale 8-0 to the Washington Nationals. The Rockies are now 3-11 with a -29 run differential in rubber matches and have also suffered their fourth shutout of the season.
Another day at the office for Hughes
There has been a lot to be impressed about when Gabriel Hughes has taken the mound this season, and he didn’t disappoint once again. Making his third start of the season, Hughes faced a tough Nationals lineup full of left-handed bats.
The day started off well for him as he retired the side in order in the first inning, including gathering a pair of strikeouts. The Nationals got their first two hits to start the second inning as CJ Abrams poked a ball up the middle and Dylan Crews blooped a ball to center field that fell for a hit. Unfazed, Hughes retired the next three batters to end the inning.
He returned with another 1-2-3 third inning, gathering his fourth strikeout of the day. The fourth inning is when he hit a bit of a snag in efficiency. Hughes had averaged about 15 pitches per inning to that point, but the Nationals ran up his pitch count with an abundance of foul balls while collecting a single and a walk. Still, he escaped without any damage to keep the game scoreless.
The seal was finally broken in the top of the fifth inning when Jorbit Vivas hit a hanging curveball to right field that banged off the out-of-town scoreboard for a triple. Hughes retired the next batter for the first out of the inning, but James Wood then hit a changeup to deep center field for a sacrifice fly and give the Nationals a 1-0 lead.
Hughes gave up a leadoff single in the sixth inning, prompting his removal with Abrams stepping up to the plate. He ended up going five innings, allowing just the one run on five hits with five strikeouts and one walk. He continued to pound the zone, throwing 60 of his 88 pitches for a strike. The Nationals were mostly taking defensive swings as Hughes’ cut fastball continued to look good, and his curveball was working as well. He kept pace with Cade Cavalli pitch for pitch to give the Rockies a chance to win.
“Gabe’s pitching great,” manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He gave us a chance to win.”
“What worked today was fastball, curveball, changeup,” Hughes said after the game. “But I think the biggest thing was attacking the zone.”
Trouble with Cavalli
Speaking of Cavalli, he baffled the Rockies offense as they couldn’t figure out a way to break through against him.
In the second inning, Kyle Karros had a single with one out and moved up to second base when the ball was bobbled in left field. Unfortunately, Willi Castro bounced into a fielder’s choice that stranded Karros between second and third for the second out of the inning. Edouard Julien then struck out to end the threat with a runner on second.
In the third inning, Jake McCarthy had a one-out double but was stranded after Mickey Moniak flew out and Hunter Goodman struck out. TJ Rumfield then led off the fourth inning with a double. However, Cavalli struck out Cole Carrigg, issued a walk to Karros, and struck out both Castro and Julien to end the inning.
Goodman got a leadoff single in the sixth, but that’s all the Rockies were able to muster against Cavalli as he tossed six shutout innings, allowing just four hits while striking out eight against two walks.
Late game bullpen mess
After Brennan Bernardino navigated the sixth inning for the Rockies to keep the game 1-0, things went off the rails for the Rockies in the seventh inning.
Jimmy Herget entered the game and struggled with his command. Daylen Lile drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on a ground ball from Keibert Ruiz. Herget then issued a walk to Vivas to put runners on first and second. Nasim Nuñez hit a sharp ground ball to left field that scored one run, but Mickey Moniak misplayed the ball, allowing a second run to score and putting Nuñez on second.
With the Rockies now trailing 3-0, Herget managed to get Wood to line out but couldn’t say the same of Luis Garcia Jr., who blasted a hanging sweeper to center field for a two-run homer. The Rockies turned to Zach Agnos out of the bullpen, and the messy inning continued.
Agnos surrendered back-to-back hits to José Tena and Abrams. Then, Crews hit a ball into center field to drive in a run. However, multiple throwing errors allowed a second run to score and made it possible for Crews to end up at third base and give the Nationals a 7-0 lead before Agnos retired Lile to end the inning.
Matters didn’t necessarily improve in the eighth inning for Agnos as he surrendered another run on three straight hits to give the Nationals an 8-0 lead before getting a crucial double play and a ground out.
He then stayed out there for the ninth and, although he gave up a double and hit a batter, he prevented any further damage.
“Sloppy,” Schaeffer said of the Rockies defensive efforts.
RIP with RISP
The Rockies offense as a whole struggled as they had just six hits compared to Washington’s 14. Between facing Cavalli and the Nationals bullpen, the Rockies struck out 10 times with four walks and went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position. The Nationals, on the other hand, went 5-for-17 with RISP and were led by Abrams four-hit day.
Up next
The Rockies will head to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers for a three-game series. Tomoyuki Sugano (9-4, 4.76 ERA) will make the start for the Rockies while left-hander Shane Drohan (5-3, 3.20 ERA) will start for the Brewers.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 22: Houston Astros first-round draft picks Logan Hughes (L) and Jack Radel (R) pose for a portrait session after signing their contracts at Daikin Park on July 22, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Houston Astros have officially signed both of their first-round picks from the 2026 MLB Draft. The Astros selected OF Logan Hughes from Texas Tech with 17th overall selection and RHP Jack Radel from the University of Notre Dame with the 28th overall pick. The announcement was made by Astros Director of Amateur Scouting Cam Pendino.
Hughes, 21, a left-handed hitting outfielder, batted .375 (75×200) with 68 runs, 16 doubles, one triple, 18 home runs, 70 RBI and a 1.245 OPS in 55 games with the Red Raiders this season. Hughes was a First-Team All-Big 12 selection and a 2026 Baseball America Second Team All-American. He spent two seasons at Texas Tech, recording a combined .350 (144×411) batting average with 120 runs, 29 doubles, five triples, 37 HR, 128 RBI and a 1.176 OPS in 107 games. Prior to Texas Tech, Hughes spent one season at Stetson, where he batted .292 (50×171) with 49 runs, 10 doubles, two triples, eight home runs, 34 RBI and a .913 OPS as a freshman.
Radel, 21, went 8-3 with a 3.29 ERA (32ER/87.2IP) in his junior season at Notre Dame. He also recorded 116 strikeouts, a .206 opponent batting average and a 1.03 WHIP in 15 starts for the Fighting Irish, including two complete games and one shutout. Radel was a First-Team All-ACC selection and was named to the 2026 ACC Championship All-Tournament Team. In three seasons at Notre Dame, Radel combined to record a 3.71 ERA (87ER/211IP) with 215 strikeouts and a 1.12 WHIP.
The deadline for teams to sign their draft picks is July 27.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Salvador Perez tied the franchise home run record and Lane Thomas hit a tiebreaking, two-run single in the seventh to lift the Kansas City Royals to a 5-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday.
Kansas City right-hander Seth Lugo (4-6) held the Giants scoreless till the sixth inning, when he gave up a leadoff walk and hit the next batter. Runners advanced on a sacrifice bunt from Drew Cavanhaugh, and Luis Arraez knocked the game’s first run across with a sacrifice fly to center.
The Giants struck again in the seventh with an RBI triple from Jung Hoo Lee and RBI double from Willy Adames to extend the lead. Lugo exited after the inning, giving up three hits and two walks. He also had five strikeouts.
Vinnie Pasquantino extended his hitting streak to 17 games with a double in the seventh inning. He was called safe after sliding past the bag. The call was confirmed and Giants manager Joey Vitello was ejected after arguing the call.
On the next at bat, Perez hit his 14th home run of the season and 317th of his career to tie the Royals’ franchise record. That signaled the end of right-hander Landen Roupp’s day. He allowed four hits and two runs and struck out seven.
The Royals pieced together the tying run with three straight singles, the third coming from pinch hitter Nick Loftin. The Royals loaded the bases with two outs and two scored on Thomas’ single to right center.
Royals closer Steven Cruz gave up a two-out home run, but popped out the final batter to earn his first career save. San Francisco lefty Sam Hentges (1-3) took the loss.
Up next
Giants RHP Grayson Rodriguez (3-3, 8.23) will face Angels RHP Logan Webb (5-7, 3.87) on Thursday. The Royals and Tigers have not announced starters for Thursday’s series opener.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 21: Members of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Trevor Hayes/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Eric Lauer faces Aaron Nola as the Dodgers wrap things up against the Phillies.
In what was a close game until the last out, New York had plenty of chances to get Soto into the game at some point but opted to give him the full day off heading into a scheduled off day on Thursday to allow the outfielder/designated hitter two full days to be off his feet and recover from the minor calf flare-up, which arose following the All-Star break.
“We were just gonna stay away from him, try to give him 48 hours to get the calf thing completely behind him,” interim manager Andy Green said after the game. “He’s been able to be out there on it, but it has continued to be something that he’s dealt with on a minor level.”
The Mets are hoping this extended break will be enough to have Soto, who played in the All-Star Game as the starting left fielder during the break, healthy for the rest of the second half.
Soto initially missed around two weeks in April with a mild calf strain and since he returned, New York has been splitting his time between left field and DH.
The injury has not affected his production at the plate this season as he’s slashing .283/.404/.539 with 21 home runs and 52 RBI, although he’s cooled off in his last seven games with just three hits in 24 at-bats and no home runs.
And despite a lost season, the Mets want a fully healthy Soto to close out the year. That starts on Friday night when New York hosts the Los Angeles Dodgers for a three-game weekend series at Citi Field to kick off a 10-game homestand.
“At this point in time, [Soto] playing the rest of the season as healthy as possible is really important to us,” Green said.
Jul 22, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop Colt Emerson (4) jumps off the bag to catch a throw as Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers (17) slides into second base during the fourth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Reds 5, Mariners 3
Silver lining: Luke Raley, +0.20 WPA
Pain, sadness, things of that nature: Eduard Bazardo, -0.52 WPA
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 21: Mason Miller #22 of the San Diego Padres reacts with Luis Campusano #12 following the 8-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres (50-51) at Atlanta Braves (58-42), July 22, 2026, 4:15 p.m. PST
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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 11: Bubba Chandler #36 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first inning of game two of a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on July 11, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates are facing off against the New York Yankees in the middle matchup of their three-game series at Yankee Stadium.
Chandler is making his first start in 10 days for the Buccos fresh off the All-Star break. Chandler pitched 4.2 innings, giving up five hits and two earned runs while striking out six in his last start against the Milwaukee Brewers on July 11. Chandler was a no-decision, leaving the game in a 2-2 tie, but the Pirates added another run in the sixth inning to get themselves across the finish line with a victory.
For the Yankees, Will Warren is making his 20th start of the season. He has not picked up a win on his record since May 31, so he is long overdue. Warren has not finished the sixth inning in any of his starts in June or July, but the added rest from the All-Star break could give him the stamina to go deeper into the contest. The Yankees are 13-6 in games in which he pitches this year. In his last start on July 12, Warren pitched five innings, giving up four hits and one earned run against the Washington Nationals.
Location: Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, NY
Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh
Pitching Matchup: Bubba Chandler (3-8, 4.77 ERA) vs. Will Warren (7-4, 4.03 ERA)
BD community, this is your gameday thread for today. Chime off in the comments section below.
José Caballero and the Yankees are furious with Major League Baseball for reemphasizing a rule without addressing it with them during a frustrating 10-inning, 5-3 loss to the Pirates in the opener of a split doubleheader in The Bronx on Wednesday afternoon.
With two outs and a runner on first base in the sixth inning, Caballero was called for an automatic strike on a pitch-clock violation. It was the second strike of the at-bat that would end with the shortstop striking out.
Caballero routinely waits until the last moment on the clock to engage with the pitcher, looking down for several seconds as he steps into the batter’s box and gets ready to take his at-bat. It is a stalling tactic that sometimes forces pitchers to hold their delivery and has resulted in pitch-clock violations against them on occasion.
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By rule, Caballero has to make eye contact with the pitcher when there are 8 seconds left on the timer. He was called for this violation with 9 seconds to go.
“Major League Baseball came out with something new, so we have to go change,” manager Aaron Boone said.
There is a rule that says if a hitter deceives the pitcher it is considered circumventing the aforementioned rule, and the umpire can assess a pitch-clock violation to the batter. There was a call between the league office and the umpiring crew about enforcing this rule prior to the doubleheader, but that didn’t involve the Yankees. It was news to them.
Asked if he was frustrated that the Yankees weren’t contacted about this ahead of time, Boone replied: “Very, very — embarrassing.”
“It says something about deceiving the pitcher, which [to] my understanding is trying to trick the pitcher,” Caballero said. “I’m not trying to trick anyone.”
Caballero wasn’t in the lineup for Game 2, replaced at shortstop by Anthony Volpe.
Yankees shortstop José Caballero (72) reacts after he is called out on strikes during the sixth inning in Game 1 of a doubleheader Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Jose Caballero continued his usual pitch clock antics at the plate today.
This time the umpires gave him a violation and told the Yankees that MLB called them before the game and changed the rule.
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) July 22, 2026
Home plate umpire Quinn Wolcott could be heard on mics telling Caballero, “You don’t get to do the 3 or 4 seconds thing in the box anymore,” after the two engaged in a conversation after the violation was issued. Caballero responded by telling Wolcott, “you’re picking on me,” multiple times. Hitting coach James Rowson was ejected shortly after Boone came out to defend Caballero.
“He’s been warned all season,” crew chief Adrian Johnson told a pool reporter. “We were instructed not to warn him. We were instructed to violate him. That’s what it is. It’s a violation.
On Monday, Caballero and Pirates pitcher Dennis Santana exchanged words related to his pre-pitch antics that led to both benches clearing. At the time, Caballero insisted he’s merely taking his time and following his routine.
“If you get frustrated, I’m winning. For me, it’s a battle in the box, and I’m trying to win the battle,” he said. “If you are not concentrating 100 percent, I think I’m winning.”
But now, Caballero is going to have to change his routine. He’s not happy about it.
“I’ve seen other guys do other things and they don’t call anything on them,” Caballero said. “I can name players I’ve seen deceiving the pitchers, but they don’t call it on them. They just call it on me. Like I said, they’re just picking on me.”
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) argues with a umpire after New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero (72) is called out on strikes during the sixth inning. Robert Sabo for NY Post
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He later added: “They’re the ones who invented this clock thing. They don’t know what to do with their rule now.’’
That wasn’t the only call the Yankees objected to. Starting pitcher Gerrit Cole was called for a balk as he attempted to tell the umpires the pitch clock wasn’t working. He broke his hands and stepped off at the same time. There was one out at the time, and the balk sent Jake Mangum to second base. Cole was able to get out of the jam.
“They were not aware the clock went off,” Cole said. “I was startled that it was off. I was tracking the clock and holding the runner.”
The pitch clock caused all kinds of problems Wednesday afternoon for the Yankees.
Former Major League Baseball executive Jim Bowden appeared as a guest on Foul Territory on Wednesday afternoon and took a shot at the team for mortgaging their future on Soto.
“It’s too painful watching James Wood and CJ Abrams rake every single night, to sit there and trade your next guy,” Bowden said.
"It's too painful watching James Wood and CJ Abrams rake to trade your next guy."
The Padres should listen to offers for Mason Miller and Michael King in an attempt to "quickly try to reboot this thing," says @JimBowdenGM. pic.twitter.com/ijJ35dELmB
Before the 2022 season, the Padres had one of the best farm systems in baseball, headlined by MacKenzie Gore, Abrams, and Wood.
At the time, the trade looked like the perfect move for San Diego, which was making a push to win their first World Series in franchise history by pairing him to play alongside Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr.
Former MLB executive Jim Bowden urges the Padres be sellers at the MLB trade deadline. Getty Images
When the trade deadline came around that season, the team was second in the National League West with a 58-46 record. General Manager A.J. Preller swung for the fences and traded the three of them, along with Robert Hassell III, for Soto.
Unfortunately for San Diego, things did not pan out. The team just missed the World Series that season when they were eliminated by the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Championship Series and missed the playoffs the next year.
In December, 2023, Soto was traded by San Diego to the New York Yankees with Trent Grisham. The move allowed the Padres to replenish the farm to some degree, acquiring Michael King, along with four other players.
Last year, though, history repeated itself in San Diego when they traded away now No. 2 overall prospect Leo De Vries for Mason Miller at the deadline.
San Diego Padres pitcher Mason Miller taking the pitcher’s mound. Getty Images
Fast forward a year later, the Padres farm system is considered the worst in baseball and enters Wednesday third in the National League West with a 50-51 record. Meanwhile, Abrams and Wood have turned into promising young players who were selected as All-Stars in 2026.
“I can’t trade anymore of these top prospects here,” Bowden said. “The farm system is so much different than it was, and you’ve got a problem.”
With the future not looking too bright in San Diego, Bowden is now urging the Padres to be sellers at this year’s deadline.
“The right play here isn’t for them to go for it this year; the right play is to do the exact opposite,” Bowden said. “Listen in on Mason Miller, listen on Michael King, and be very open to trying to see if you can get six or seven players back and quickly try to reboot this thing.”
Padres Xander Bogaerts taking the field in San Diego Getty Images
The MLB trade deadline is Aug. 3, and no one knows which way the wind will blow in Southern California.
SPLITTING THE DIFFERENCE: This is the 17th of the Cubs’ 33 series in which they split the first two games. They are 8-7 in third games, with one postponed by rain. After losing, then winning, they are 6-4, including 1-2 at home. The win was last Sunday vs. the Twins. They had lost to the Nationals on March 29 and to the Giants on June 7. The Cubs are 8-1-1 in their last 10 series and 16-14-2 for the year. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
RUN DIFFERENTIAL: The Cubs have outscored their opponents by 20 runs, 33-13, in their last four games, boosting their run differential to +69, a season high. They were +56 on May 8, after the last of their second streak of 10 straight wins, 7-1, at Texas. They were -2 after a 3-2 loss at Colorado on June 10, +63 after a 23-3 demolition of the Padres at home on July 1, then +44 after a 3-0 loss at home to the Cardinals on July 4. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
THE HITS JUST KEEP ON COMING: The Cubs have made 11, 12, 11 and 11 hits in their last four games. They had not had double-digit hits in more than three consecutive games since they had four in a row April 21-24. Last night’s game was their 75th since then. They did it in five straight games April 12-17. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Sammy Sosa’s three-run homer highlighted a six-run eighth that broke open a 3-3 tie, and the Cubs went on to defeat the Expos 9-5 at Wrigley Field. It happened 28 years ago today, Wednesday, July 22, 1998.
Colin Rea wound up with a “quality start,” three earned runs in six innings, in his last outing last Friday vs. the Twins. That’s due to an error that made one run unearned — but really, the outing was pretty good, marred by one bad pitch that went for a three-run homer by Ryan Jeffers.
Rea hasn’t faced the Tigers since April 24, 2023 and that’s so long ago that Phil Maton’s brother Nick was batting cleanup for Detroit, and his opponent was … Matthew Boyd.
Thus Rea has only faced a handful of Tigers and only for a couple of PA each. Maybe that’ll be to his advantage.
Rea has been much better at Wrigley (2.94 ERA in nine games, eight starts) than on the road (6.45 ERA in 11 games, eight starts).
Keider Montero was in the Tigers rotation until the end of June and was doing reasonably well, but has been throwing in relief since then. This will be his first start since June 28. He hasn’t thrown more than 59 pitches in an outing since then.
Last year he allowed four runs to the Cubs in 5.2 innings as the “bulk guy” after an opener, June 7, 2025 in Detroit. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch and Matt Shaw homered off him.
Please visit our SB Nation Tigers site Bless You Boys. If you do go there to interact with Tigers fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 22: Willson Contreras #40 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with Ceddanne Rafaela #3 at home after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles during game one of a doubleheader at Fenway Park on July 22, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The last and only other time the Red Sox won 15 games in a row was in the spring of 1946. Ted Williams had just returned from World War II and was off to a scalding start in what would become his first MVP season (it should have been his second). Harry S. Truman was a year into his presidency, there were only 48 states, and Louis Armstrong, Helen Keller, Dwight Eisenhower, Albert Einstein, Walt Disney, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Agatha Christie weren’t just alive, but still had important work to do in the coming years.
Tonight, after yet another victory this afternoon, the 2026 Red Sox could stand alone. Yes, the same 2026 Red Sox that as of a month ago didn’t have a single winning streak longer than three games.
On the mound to help them get there will be Eduardo Rivera, who is likely to be followed by a bunch of Brayan Bello given the current state of the pitching staff. Further complicating matters on that side of the ball is Justin Slaten, Garrett Whitlock and Aroldis Chapman all pitching in the first game of the double header today. In other words, outside of an offensive explosion, the Sox probably need Bello to be good and good for a while if they’re going to pull out yet another win. (And let’s hope for Bello’s sake that happens, because if Brayan Bello is the guy to wreck this winning streak, the pitchforks will be out all across Boston for him.)
The theme of this run however has been just finding a way to win against all odds. If these Sox do it just one more time tonight, they’ll stand alone in the franchise record book — A record book that goes back twelve and a half decades!