Category: Baseball

Well, tomorrow’s going to be a busy one! The Braves and Mets played through a little bit of rain during Monday night’s debacle and even though tonight has already been declared a washout, there’s a chance that they may have to dodge some more raindrops tomorrow as well. The weather is looking really bleak either way, so hopefully they’ll be able to complete the doubleheader just so that won’t cost Atlanta another off day down the stretch.

For now, we’ve got a rain-induced off night so what are y’all getting into? If you’re planning on watching baseball (outside of the hate-watch down in Miami) then I’d suggest tuning in to see the Yankees and White Sox since that seems like an intriguing series going on at the moment.

If you aren’t going to watch baseball and you have Apple TV then I suggest that you actually put it to use for something other than watching the Atlanta Braves. I’ve really enjoyed the Cape Fear miniseries, even if it was a head-scratcher as to why we needed a remake (2026) of a remake (1991) of a movie that originally came out in 1962. Still, it’s been pretty fun and if you enjoy extremely-messed up stories then it’s worth a watch. The finale is in a few days so you’ll be getting in at the best part.

Also, here’s a Feed post to get into as well if you want to just hang out here on Battery Power with your ol’ internet pals. We’ve got a lot going on here. Anyways, the floor is now yours!

The Diamondbacks bullpen has reverted to regular form since the All-Star break – and that’s not a good thing. Over 45 innings in the second half, they have a 4.60 ERA, which ranks them 23rd in the majors. That compared to an ERA exactly at four before the break, good enough for 13th – there hasn’t been a better ERA by the D-backs bullpen since 2018. That number was more or less in line with the peripherals: FIP 3.92, xFIP 4.12 and xERA 3.96. None of them great, but compared to what we’ve seen in previous season, mere competence from the Arizona relief corps feels like a breath of fresh air.

But since then, the peripherals have all taken a turn for the worse. Home-run rate, only marginally – up from 0.96 to 1.00 per nine innings. But the walk-rate has increased from 3.01 to 3.40, and they haven’t been striking out nearly the number of batters they were. It wasn’t great before: a K-rate of 7.86 per nine innings is tied for 25th in the majors by a bullpen. But that has plummeted to just 6.40: the Nationals (6.33) are the only other team with a K-rate below seven since the break. Kevin Ginkel has faced 26 batters with just three K’s. Taylor Clarke has faced 27 and struck out two. And Ryan Thompson? 23 batters without a single strikeout in the second half.

This matters, because fewer strikeouts = more balls in play, which will almost inevitably lead to more hits. That’s why we have a FIP of 4.56, xFIP of 4.76 and xERA of 4.56 – all up by approaching two-thirds of a run in the second half. Now, we are still in the somewhat small sample size range, but I do have to wonder if the heavy work-load in the first half for Arizona’s A-bullpen is leading to fatigue. We have six relievers with more than forty appearances (including all three of the pitchers mentioned above): no other team has more than that in 2026, with only the Yankees, Cardinals and Blue Jays having more than four such arms.

Knowing the Los Angeles Dodgers and their free-spending ways, it’s inevitable they’ll acquire pitcher Tarik Skubal or another high-priced player before the Aug. 3 trade deadline and maximize their chances to win a third straight World Series title.

Their willingness to pay top dollar for free agents is indisputable. Start with Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year contract. Or the $240 million, four-year deal Kyle Tucker got before this season. Six other players on the roster signed deals worth more than $100 million.

But do the Dodgers go all out at the trade deadline?

Of the eight highest paid players on the current roster, none were acquired at the MLB trade deadline. In fact, their past two were awfully quiet: yet Los Angeles still won the World Series in 2024 and 2025.

2024: Edman ends up playoff hero

For the Dodgers in 2024, there was no obvious splash at the trade deadline.

Los Angeles added pitchers Jack Flaherty and Michael Kopech, along with utility player Tommy Edman and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier.

The Dodgers were 63-46 (.578) before the trade deadline and 35-18 (.660) after the deadline. Flaherty and Kopech strengthened the Dodgers’ pitching in the regular season, going a combined 10-2, with Kopech taking on a high-leverage role in relief.

But Edman wound up the postseason hero. He won the National League Championship Series MVP, batting .407 with 11 hits, one home run, 11 RBIs, and five runs in six games against the New York Mets and the Dodgers won the series four games to two.

In the World Series, the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in five games. Kopech made 12 postseason appearances and Flaherty started five games in the playoff run.

2025: Depth at the deadline

For the Dodgers in 2025, the club generated even less buzz at the trade deadline.

Los Angeles picked up three minor leaguers (pitcher Adam Serwinowski along with outfielders Zach Ehrhard and James Tibbs III), outfielder Alex Call, pitchers Paul Gervase and Brock Stewart and catcher Ben Rortvedt.

The Dodgers went 63-46 (.578) before the deadline and 30-23 (.566) after the deadline.

There was no Tommy Edman among this group. But the depth proved vital for the Dodgers with Rortvedt starting four playoff games as Smith dealt with injury, while Call made three starts in the outfield.

The Dodgers went on to win the World Series, prevailing over the Toronto Blue Jays with a heart-stopping fashion, extra-inning victory in Game 7.

How Dodgers do business

The Dodgers have made significant upgrades with the trade deadline over the past decade. The acquisitions included pitcher Yu Darvish in 2017, when he was a four-time All-Star; shortstop Manny Machado in 2018, when he was a four-time All-Star; pitcher Max Sherzer in 2021, when he a seven-time All-Star; and shortstop Trea Turner in 2021, who won the NL batting title that year.

But none of those additions led to World Series rings, and the Dodgers have assembled their most fruitful rosters through other methods.

The Dodgers used free agency to sign first baseman Freddie Freeman, pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, pitcher Blake Snell, Ohtani (designated hitter/pitcher) and Tucker, the outfielder.

Though winter trades, the Dodgers acquired shortstop Mookie Betts and pitcher Tyler Glasnow.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dodgers' World Series show splurging at MLB trade deadline isn't mandatory

The Cincinnati Reds dropped an up and down Game 1 of Tuesday’s doubleheader, a game rife with twists and turns that ultimately didn’t go their way. A grand slam off Chase Burns in the Top of the 1st (after an Edwin Arroyo error on a would-be inning-ending double play) set them back 4-0, but they roared back to take a 5-4 lead thanks the heroics of rookie Sal Stewart.

Not deterred, the Cleveland Guardians stole the lead right back thanks to future Hall of Famer Jose Ramirez, and Cincinnati’s bats simply couldn’t claw their way back again in an eventual 6-5 loss.

That sunk the Reds back to 7 games under .500 on a day that began with their hopes that they could climb as close to as just 4 games under. Such is life when you’re on the bubble in trade season and playing twice in the same day.

Caleb Ferguson will be the opener for the Reds in Game 2, which will start at 7:10 PM ET. Jose Franco was called up to be the 27th man on this doubleheader day, and the expectation is that he’ll end up getting the bulk of the work at some point mid-game.

Here’s how the Reds will line up for the second game of the day, with the bottom half of the lineup looking about as gross as it possibly could be:

Game 2 in a few.

Powered by @PNCBankpic.twitter.com/PxtAkHB2ey

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) July 28, 2026

The San Diego Padres have won three games in a row and will look to make that four games with a win against the Colorado Rockies who have a 2-4 record coming into the two-game series at Petco Park.

As is the case seemingly every season, the Rockies players are essentially auditioning for other teams around the league. It is understandable that the Colorado roster wants to play well.

The Padres are stuck in limbo of will they or won’t they as the trade deadline approaches. The San Diego players have made no secret that they are aware of how important the next six games are to the team and the season. The Padres have built momentum despite a 5-5 road trip and will need a win today to keep the good vibes going.

Taking the mound

Michael King (SD) v. Michael Lorenzen (COL)

Michael King came into the season as a co-ace with Nick Pivetta. He quickly became the sole ace when Pivetta went down with injury. King has not had a dominant season, but he has looked better over the last couple of outings. He is he lone pitcher in the San Diego rotation that is a threat to throw a complete game and time out.

Michael Lorenzen has had a down year, but that does not automatically mean the San Diego offense will have success against the Colorado right-hander. Lorenzen sits at 3-9 on the year and carries a 6.53 ERA. The Padres will have to jump on Lorenzen early and often to give King a chance to pitch with a lead.

Batter up!

The San Diego offense has been clicking and there is no reason to make massive changes to the order. The top five had a productive road trip and despite an 0-for-5 from Fernando Tatis Jr. on Sunday, they keep collecting hits. As the saying goes, ride the hot hand. Bogaerts has fallen into one of those cold spells we have come to know in San Diego, but he did hit the ball hard out of the eighth spot in the lineup. He should remain in that spot to give the lineup some length and limit the number of opportunities he has to roll into a double play. Rengifo has been too good to sit and Sheets showed signs of getting back on track. Campy should start for his offense but his defensive blunder on Sunday could mean he sits in place of Freddy Fermin and is used later in the game as a pinch-hit threat off the bench.

1. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
2. Jake Cronenworth, 2B
3. Manny Machado, 3B
4. Ty France, 1B
5. Jackson Merrill, CF
6. Luis Rengifo, LF
7. Gavin Sheets DH, 2B
8. Xander Bogaerts, SS
9. Luis Campusano, C

Cronenworth has been much better since returning from the IL and Sunday may have been his best game at the plate this season. If he can continue to set the table for Machado, France and Merrill he could help to extend the San Diego win streak with a win over the Rockies.

Relief corps

The San Diego bullpen has seen a lot of work this season and saw even more over their 10-game road trip. The Padres have reverted to an 11-man ‘pen, which means there are plenty of arms should Padres manager Craig Stammen need to go to that group early. The hope is that King can give the team some length in his outing, but if he is unable to do so, everyone should be available to cover the remaining innings after the off day on Monday.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, July 28, 2026, 6:40 p.m. ET

The Pittsburgh Pirates are in the second matchup of a three-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park.

The Pirates will have Bubba Chandler in the spotlight tonight as he makes his 21st start of the season for the team. His record is 3-8, but he is coming off a strong showing in his last appearance against the New York Yankees on the road. Chandler pitched 6.1 innings, giving up two hits and no earned runs. The Yanks scored a pair of runs in the seventh inning off of reliever Brandon Eisert, resulting in a 2-0 loss.

The Diamondbacks are handing the ball to Brandon Pfaadt, who has won each of his last five starts after going winless for his first 13 appearances of the season. In the second half of the season, Pfaadt has only made two starts, both of which were against the St. Louis Cardinals. In his last start on July 23, he pitched six innings, giving up seven hits and two runs in a 10-6 victory at Busch Stadium.

With the calendar slowly moving from July to August, the Pirates are moving into the final stretch of the season, so they need to make the most of each game, especially at home.

Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA

Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh

Pitching Matchup: Brandon Pfaadt (5-1, 4.43 ERA) vs. Bubba Chandler (3-8, 4.47 ERA)

BD community, chime off in the comments section below.

Texas Rangers @ Tampa Bay Rays

Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 5:40 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

Tropicana Field

RHP Cal Quantrill vs. RHP Griffin Jax

Go Rangers!

Tuesday notes…

• MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS: This is the Cubs’ 27th series of at least four games at St. Louis since the National League’s Expansion Era began in 1962. With their win last night, they are 13-14 in first games but 6-4 in the last 10, since 2007. They are 5-4 in second games since then and 11-15 overall. They have won the first two games four times: 1976 (finished 2-2), 1992 (3-1), 2014 (2-2) and 2023 (3-1). The last of those is the only time they won the first three. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
• STREAKING, PART 1: The Cubs have hit at least one home run in nine consecutive games, a season high. Their last nine-game streak was in 2024. They had streaks of 10 and 13 games in 2023, and in 2021 they homered in 16 straight, one short of their team-record 17 in 1998. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
• STREAKING, PART 2: Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki both have 15-game on-base streaks. Nico Hoerner had a streak end at 15 earlier this year. Suzuki had one of 16; Michael Busch, 19 and 27; Pete Crow-Armstrong, 28; and Happ, 30. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
• TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Manny Trillo’s three-run homer in the 11th inning gives the Cubs a 5-2 win over the Phillies in Philadelphia. It happened 50 years ago today, Wednesday, July 28, 1976.

Cubs lineup:

Back for more baseball.

Watch the game live on @WatchMarquee. pic.twitter.com/0JHOqwT96J

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 28, 2026

Cardinals lineup:

🎼 On a long hot summer day pic.twitter.com/bNtEoDh3YR

— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 28, 2026

Colin Rea, RHP vs. Michael McGreevy, RHP

Colin Rea keeps plugging along, eating up five or six innings a start, allowing three or four runs.

That’s okay, but… the Cubs need better. He has not faced the Cardinals this year. Current Cardinals are batting .119 (7-for-59) against him with no home runs and 17 strikeouts.

Keep that up, Colin.

Michael McGreevy has been the Cardinals’ most consistent starter all year. He has allowed two or fewer runs in 13 of his 20 starts.

He doesn’t walk many or strike out many, so the Cubs should look to put the ball in play tonight.

Last year he made three starts against the Cubs and posted a 4.70 ERA in 15.1 innings, with three home runs allowed (one by Seiya Suzuki, two by Michael Busch). He’s allowed 15 home runs this year in 114.1 innings.

Here is the weather forecast for the area around Busch Stadium.

Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network. It’s also on TBS (outside the Cubs and Cardinals market territories).

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Please visit our SB Nation Cardinals site Viva el Birdos. If you do go there to interact with Cardinals 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.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

The Guardians have been good at starting pitching in 2026. They should do something to get even better.

In today’s start against the Reds, Slade Cecconi fell apart in the fourth inning, which comes as no surprise to anyone who has been following Cecconi’s travails as a starter for the Guardians. Since he arrived in Cleveland, Cecconi has a 2.62 ERA first-time-through-the-order and a 3.28 FIP. He has a 3.96 ERA/4.52 FIP second-time-through and an 8.39 ERA/7.26 FIP third-time through. These numbers don’t include today’s game against the Reds, which would further inflate these stats. It’s not unusual to see a back-end-of-the-rotation guy struggle second and third time through orders, and Cecconi has improved his numbers from 2025 to 2026 slightly in turn number two (third time is still awful). But, I think it’s time for the Guardians to recalibrate and move Cecconi to the bullpen.

There should be a fair few starting pitchers available at this deadline, somewhat of an unusual occurrence. From the Angels’ Reid Detmers and Jose Soriano, to the Royals’ Seth Lugo or Michael Wacha, the Diamondbacks’ Eduardo Rodriguez or Merrill Kelly, the Mets’ Freddy Peralta or Clay Holmes, the Reds’ Brady Singer, the Giants’ Tyler Mahle or Robbie Ray, the Orioles’ Trevor Rogers, or the Mariners’ Emerson Hancock, the options who should be potentially available are plentiful. Unlike the pursuit of a proven hitter (especially a right-handed one) for the lineup, the saturated market for pitchers can provide the Guardians a reasonable bargain option. Unlike the pursuit of a reliever – everyone wants two and paying for their volatile value is always a huge risk – going after a starter looks to be a realistic quest this deadline.

As usual, I’d like the Guardians to take a big swing and go for Reid Detmers or Jose Soriano. If the Angels are serious about a rebuild for once in their lives, I’d gladly give up a top five prospect to see what the Guardians’ pitch coaching can do with the meat left on the bone in both of those cases by an Angels’ pitching group notorious for not getting the most out of their arms. Detmers has a 4.05 ERA and a 3.28 FIP with a 10.2/3.3 K/BB/9 and Soriano has a 3.29 ERA and a 3.80 FIP with a 9.3/4.2 K/BB/9, with both players under arbitration team control through 2028. I have long been salivating to see either one of them in a Guardians’ uniform, convinced the team could maximize their talent. But, even if Cleveland finds those prices prohibitive, getting a rental option like Clay Holmes or Robbie Ray would make a huge difference in enabling them to add a real weapon to their pen in Cecconi while offering much improved production in his current rotation spot.

Cleveland does one thing especially well and it’s get the most out of pitchers. I think it makes sense given the current situation with Cecconi to leverage their greatest skill to provide Carl Willis the opportunity to make the most out of this trade deadline in terms of improving the major league team. Use the depth of your farm system in hitters to improve the unit that will obviously have to carry you in any playoff run. Make it so!

Potential trade target Sandy Alcantara shackles punchless Phillies originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

MIAMI – All over baseball Tuesday night, pitchers who could be on the move before next week’s trade deadline were on the mound, showing their wares for potential suitors.

Shane Bieber pitched for Toronto, Seth Lugo for Kansas City, Luis Castillo for Seattle, Michael King for San Diego and Reid Detmers for the Los Angeles Angels.

And, right there in front of the Phillies’ eyes, Sandy Alcantara got the assignment for the Miami Marlins.

The 2022 National League Cy Young award winner proved to be a handful for the Phils. He pitched seven shutout innings as the Marlins beat the Phillies, 1-0, under the Big Top in Little Havana. It was the Marlins’ second win in as many nights over the Phillies. Miami entered the series having lost 12 in a row. 

The Phillies, meanwhile, have lost eight of 11 since coming back from the All-Star break. They have been shut out twice in that span and held to one run four times. They have played four series since the break and now have lost ’em all. They had just four hits Tuesday night.

Pete Fairbanks, another Miami trade candidate, got the save with a 1-2-3 ninth.

Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, is looking to make a deal before the trade deadline. The offense’s recent struggles suggest strongly that he needs to acquire a hitter. But the Phils need pitching, as well, as they are just 5-21 in the fifth spot in their rotation. Someone like Alcantara would provide the Phils with a huge lift, but the price will be high for the right-hander, who is eligible for free agency after the season. Whether it’s a top arm like Alcantara or a lesser available talent, the Phils are expected to add a pitcher before the deadline.

Pitching was not the issue Tuesday night as Aaron Nola held the Marlins to just one run over 5 2/3 innings. He allowed a solo homer to Kyle Stowers in the first inning for the game’s only run.

The Phillies’ lineup was not full force. Kyle Schwarber, the NL’s home run leader with 33, was supposed to start at first base with Bryce Harper getting the DH assignment. But Schwarber came down with the stomach bug that has recently plagued the clubhouse and did not play. Catcher J.T. Realmuto, hitting .387 (12 for 31) since the All-Star break, got a night off as Garrett Stubbs came off the IL.

Without Schwarber, Alec Bohm started at first base and Edmundo Sosa at third. Right-handed hitting Bryan De La Cruz got the start in right field over lefty-hitting Gabriel Rincones Jr.

The Phils had a couple of good scoring chances against Alcantara, but both times were thwarted by the veteran pitcher. They had runners at second and third with no outs in the second, but came away empty when Edmundo Sosa struck out, Justin Crawford grounded out and De La Cruz popped out.

In the sixth, Harper and Bohm both singled with two outs before Alcantara struck out Brandon Marsh looking. Marsh was leading the majors in hitting at .338 on June 8. He’s down to .280.

The Phils did hit some balls hard against Alcantara. Harper lined out to the wall in center in the fourth and Sosa hit a scorching liner to third in the seventh.

(More coming…)

The Dodgers do not have to do anything. They’re in on everything, including Tarik Skubal.

With one week left before baseball’s trade deadline, the Dodgers are doing what the Dodgers always do. When you are flush with money and prospects, you can invite yourself into just about every conversation, from checking in on a star player to sniffing around for a three-way deal in which you trade away major league depth to acquire even more prospects.

“Not having an acute need at this time of year is very helpful,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Tuesday.

It ain’t bragging if you can back it up. The Dodgers boast baseball’s best record, with seven key players expected to return from significant injuries over the next two months. Then comes the quest for a three-peat: the chance to become the first team in National League history to win three consecutive World Series championships.

Read more:Tarik Skubal blockbuster deal likely isn't part of Dodgers' trade-deadline plans

To me, that should be the most compelling element of the Dodgers’ trade deadline strategy.

Friedman repeatedly has said he would like this era to be remembered as “the golden age of Dodger baseball,” and nothing says legacy like doing something that never has been done.

And, if major league owners get their way, something that might never be done again.

We’re not just talking about the owners of teams tired of getting beaten by the Dodgers. We’re talking about Friedman’s boss, Mark Walter.

“We can’t win all the time,” Walter told me this spring.

The owners are prepared to shut down the sport until they get a salary cap, but even a compromise with the players’ union would almost certainly involve some kind of spending restraints intended to make Friedman’s job tougher.

Act now, even in a way that might make you feel uncomfortable, because this chance might never come again.

“We feel this current team is as talented and tight-knit of a group as we’ve had,” Friedman said, “and we’ve been extremely aggressive over the past offseasons to try to put that group together.

“To the extent we can add to it, we’ve shown in the past that we’ll be aggressive on that front as well, but it’s good going into this last week feeling as good as we do about this group.”

On the one hand, Friedman himself, and Walter himself, and Dave Roberts and Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts and a cast of heroes talked up a three-peat at last year’s championship celebration.

Read more:Dodgers' strong road trip finishes with bullpen meltdown in loss to Mets

Walter: “All I have to say to you is, we’ll be back next year.”

Friedman: “How about we do it again?”

Betts: “Three-peat ain’t never sounded so sweet.”

On the other hand, well, the Dodgers won the World Series last year without trading for the outfielder and closer the world said they needed, then committed $309 million to outfielder Kyle Tucker and closer Edwin Díaz in the winter.

“We don’t really think of the 2026 World Series as a three-peat,” Friedman said Tuesday. “ ‘24 and ‘25 are in the bank. As soon as you get into the offseason and into spring training, it’s all about winning in ‘26.

“That is somewhat semantics, but the context is that it’s no different than in any other year, in the sense of doing everything we can to win the last game of the year. I would think the aggressiveness last offseason would fully demonstrate that.”

On Tuesday, Fangraphs projected the Dodgers had a 25% chance to win the World Series, more than twice as high as any other team. A third catcher would help, and a reliever might too, but neither would lift that percentage in any meaningful way so much as provide insurance should Will Smith’s recovery from his neck injury stall or the bullpen implode.

Skubal might not lift that percentage much, either, in place of Ohtani or Blake Snell or Tyler Glasnow in the starting rotation. The Dodgers project all three to be healthy in October and, if not, they have All-Star Justin Wrobleski.

But Wrobleski already has set a professional high for innings pitched, and Skubal would provide a big lift to the teams most likely to keep the Dodgers from returning to the World Series: the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs.

And, although the Dodgers pride themselves on running a team whose championship window never closes, they already field the oldest lineup in the majors. In the NHL, owners shut down an entire season to get a salary cap.

Let’s say the 2027 baseball season starts late. By the end of the season, the Dodgers could field a lineup in which every position player besides Andy Pages was at least 30 years old, including Freddie Freeman at 38, Max Muncy at 37, Betts at 34 and Ohtani at 33.

Read more:Kyle Tucker homers again, shows flashes of his past form in Dodgers' win over Mets

Friedman called it “a fool’s errand” to try to predict the outcome of collective bargaining negotiations and disputed the thought that the Dodgers might miss a window by not maximizing whatever chance they have this year.

“I just think this is a really, really talented team,” he said. “If we had an acute need and it was like, ‘Oh, you didn’t address that,’ then, yeah, we missed an opportunity.

“In this game, there’s just no guarantees of anything. You just make the smartest decisions you can and hope it plays out in a way where you have some good fortune and you win the last game of the year.”

Perhaps “three-peat” should not be the word of the week. Perhaps we should substitute “three-peat-maxxing.”

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

The Braves have had their game with the New York Mets rained out. Does that mean they’re standing pat today? No, sir or madam. Do you think they’re out there actively trying to improve the team? In theory.

The #Braves today selected RHP Elieser Hernández to the major league roster after optioning LHP Connor Thomas to Triple-A Gwinnett following yesterday’s game.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 28, 2026

The Atlanta Braves, who hold a five and a half game lead in the NL East and hold a 97.5 percent chance at making the playoff per Fangraphs, have selected RHP Elieser Hernández to the major league roster after optioning LHP Connor Thomas to Triple-A Gwinnett following yesterday’s game. The last time we all saw Elieser was way back on Friday. He pitched three innings of one-hit ball and grabbed the win against the Baltimore Orioles. The .125 BABIP wasn’t fully lucky, as he picked up at least three pop-ups in that game. The Braves might have to cover two games on Wednesday depending on the weather, and Elieser will likely be a part of that.

Returning to Gwinnett after three games in The Show is Connor Thomas. He picked up eight outs in last night’s game versus the Mets. Connor will return to Triple-A and continue what he does well, getting dudes out in Gwinnett at a 1.98/3.64/4.17 clip. That’s good for a 41 ERA-, 76 FIP-, and a 85 xFIP-. He’ll be back, probably.

The crown jewel of the 2026 MLB trade deadline is undoubtedly two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. The Tigers' lefty has missed some time due to injury this season, but still boasts a remarkable 2.70 ERA on the season while striking out 11 batters per nine innings pitched.

In a sense, this has been Skubal's best season. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is the highest it's ever been at 8.46. His FIP (2.68) is still elite and below where his ERA currently stands. All that to say that every team in position to contend for a World Series this year should be dialing the Tigers' number and trying to get their paws on Skubal.

Of course, not all trade destinations are built the same. Here are the five best landing spots for Skubal. Rankings are listed with consideration for which teams would most benefit from adding Skubal and which teams would have the best World Series opportunity with the addition of Skubal.

Tarik Skubal trade landing spots

5) Milwaukee Brewers

Between Jacob Misiorowski, Kyle Harrison, and Shane Drohan, the Brewers already have a very solid top-three for their playoff rotation, and could turn to guys like Chad Patrick or Logan Henderson as a fourth starter if need be. While adding Skubal would give the Brewers the greatest 1-2 punch we've seen since Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee on the Phillies in 2010.

Milwaukee should focus more on offensive depth or a legitimate shutdown closer. If they were to snag one of the league's top trade targets at this year's deadline, Mason Miller would be better suited for Brew City than Skubal.

4) Los Angeles Dodgers

While the Los Angeles Dodgers have the money and the prospects to do whatever they want, they don't NEED to add Tarik Skubal. Still, that might just happen.

After injuries to Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, the Dodgers are lacking in pitching depth. While both Snell and Glasnow are expected to be back well before the postseason, the Dodgers have a history of struggling with pitcher injuries and could just opt to grab someone like Skubal as insurance. Crazy to think that a two-time Cy Young Award winner could be an insurance policy for a team already at the top of World Series oddsboards.

While Skubal would certainly widen the gap between the Dodgers and the rest of the league, the Dodgers would be better served going for a reliable innings eater who wouldn't cost as many prospects like Kevin Gausman or Robbie Ray.

3) Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves may already have an ace in Chris Sale, but the team could certainly use some more elite starting pitching. The Braves don't really have a No. 2. They have four No. 3's, so adding Skubal would make make their rotation much more fleshed out and sound for the postseason.

That said, the Braves will have some pitchers returning from injury soon. Guys like AJ Smith-Shawver, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Spencer Strider. Adding Skubal would give them more pitchers than they need, but would likely be enough to hold off the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL East crown for the rest of the regular season. There are upsides and downsides, and there is potential that any of those three pitchers named earlier suffers setbacks in their recovery process.

2) Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays aren't normally a team that is willing to take a big swing at the trade deadline, but in recent years, they've sure tried to be that team. In the final year of Shohei Ohtani's deal with the Angels, the Rays made a play for him, offering two great prospects in Junior Caminero and Carson Williams for Ohtani. That didn't happen obviously, but it's evidence that the Rays are willing to offer.

While the Rays would probably be best served going after some consistency at the top of their lineup with a guy like Luis Arraez, the addition of Skubal would elevate an already solid pitching staff into elite status. With how weak the American League has been this year, adding Skubal would all but put the Rays in the ALCS as is.

1) Chicago Cubs

With how great the Cubs' lineup has been all year, the Cubbies should focus solely on adding starting pitching at the deadline. While every other team on this list has at least one pitcher you could consider an ace, the Cubs lack much at all from their rotation. Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga have been the best pitchers for the team and neither boasts an ERA under 3.70.

Skubal elevates the Cubs more than any other team in the league, and if the Cubs have been able to get to 14 games over .500 with mediocre starting pitching, adding someone like Skubal who could pretty much guarantee them three wins every four starts would be a huge addition, brining the Cubs up to the level of the Dodgers, Brewers, and Braves in the National League. It might even be enough to lift the team into NL Central title contention.

When is the MLB trade deadline?

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

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Will Tigers trade Tarik Skubal? Ranking five best deadline destinations

How could any Cubs fan forget one of the most memorable wins of an otherwise forgettable season in 2014 when backup catcher John Baker threw a scoreless 16th inning against the Colorado Rockies before scoring the winning run [VIDEO].

Local fans may recall that Danny Rockett organized a night with the support of John Baker where local bloggers would come together for an evening of Cubs content, raffles and a fundraiser to benefit a local charity. Great news for 2026, John Baker Day is back! This Thursday, July 30 at 7:00 p.m. CT, former Cubs catcher, mental skills coach, and Cubs folk hero John Baker will join fans live for John Baker Day, streaming on YouTube, Facebook, and X.

Since the first John Baker Day a decade ago, the event hosted by Danny Rockett and the Son Ranto Ranter community, has raised thousands of dollars for causes ranging from women’s shelters to youth baseball organizations like Lost Boyz Inc.

This year, Cubs fans have the opportunity to help launch something entirely new: Trap Door Theatre’s world premiere production of The Game, an original baseball backdropped musical farce written by Danny Rockett and scheduled for Summer 2027.

The live show will feature stories from John’s playing career, memories from that legendary July night at Wrigley, updates on his new mental performance company Intentional Performance, Cubs guests, live music, trivia, giveaways, and plenty of surprises throughout the evening.

Cubs fans can join in the fun by:

• Watching the live broadcast on July 30 at 7:00 p.m. CT.
• Bidding in the John Baker Day Auction, with winners announced live during the show.
• Purchasing raffle tickets for chances to win Cubs memorabilia and experiences
• Donating to the tax-deductible John Baker Day – The Game GoFundMe, where every dollar donated will be matched up to $5,000 thanks to a generous matching gift.

Auction Highlights Include:

• 12 weeks of mental performance coaching from John Baker’s Intentional Performance.
• An Anthony Rizzo autographed bat.
• Original Cubs artwork and memorabilia from Danny Rockett’s personal collection, including pieces by beloved Cubs artist Matt Kammerer.
• The chance to sit with Cubs superfan Bleacher Jeff in his legendary Section 504 seats, complete with lunch at the historic site of the Battle of Wrigleyville Dogs.

Raffle Prizes Include:

• An unopened bottle of 2016 World Series Championship Champagne.
• A signed Patrick Wisdom baseball and artwork by Matt Kammerer.
• Gift certificates from Penguin Imprints and In The Clutch Shirts.
• Wrigley Field giveaways.
• Jewelry from Wrigleyville favorite Ballhawk Dave.
• And more prizes still to be announced.

Fans can also purchase a limited-edition John Baker Day Obvious shirt, with proceeds benefiting Trap Door Theatre.

Whether you’ve celebrated every John Baker Day or are just discovering one of the Cubs community’s most beloved traditions, this year’s event promises laughs, stories, incredible memorabilia, and another opportunity for Cubs fans to rally around a great cause. After all, John Baker Day has never really been about one baseball game. It’s about the friendships, generosity, and community that make being a Cubs fan unlike anything else
in sports.

Texas Rangers lineup for July 28, 2026 against the Tampa Bay Rays: starting pitchers are Cal Quantrill for the Rangers and Griffin Jax for the Rays.

The first place Texas Rangers take on the first place Tampa Bay Rays in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida, this afternoon/evening. It is the start of a six game road trip leading us up to the trade deadline, two series against playoff contenders that could significantly impact which direction the Rangers will go.

No pressure.

The lineup:

Pederson — DH

Langford — LF

Duran — SS

Nimmo — RF

Carter — CF

Burger — 1B

Lopez — 2B

Smith — 3B

Wynns — C

5:40 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are +150 underdogs.