Category: Baseball

The DSL Braves season has come to a close. On paper it wasn’t a good year at just 16-39, but this was the strongest DSL Braves roster we have seen in at least a decade – particularly on the hitter side of things. This article will highlight some of the successes and failures of the team’s season, as well as picking the team’s hitter and pitcher of the year.

DSL Hitter of the Year: Sherrintely Da Costa Gomez, OF

This ended up being a pretty easy choice after Sherrintely Da Costa Gomez slashed .248/.409/.440 with five homers and seven steals over 44 games played in his age-17 season. The main competitors for this were Jorwin Pulido (promoted after 22 games), Starlyn De La Cruz (injured after 16 games), and Edelson Cabral (his stat line fell off a bit towards the end of his first professional season). SDCG filled the box score all year, recording five doubles, two triples, 30 RBI, and 33 walks, which helped him be selected to the All Star Game. Really the only area of question was the fact he struck out 56 times over 164 plate appearances. He led the Braves in homers, RBI, and slugging percentage among qualified players. Sherrintely is looking like a possible steal, signing for just $250k this year – making him the 8th most expensive signing in this year’s Braves class.

DSL Pitcher of the Year: Martires Polanco, RHP

While the DSL pitching staff struggled this year, to put it mildly, Martires Polanco was a revelation. Sure he is already 19-years-old and pitching in the DSL, but this kid has potentially plus grades on both his fastball and slider, and he is only in his first professional season – so I wouldn’t look at him in the same lens as an older player who puts up big DSL stats while repeating the league. Polanco posted a 2.89 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 14.0 K/9, and 4.3 H/9 over 37.1 innings in his 10 starts and made the All Star Game. The only red flag with him is he also walked 6.8 per nine innings, suggesting that the control is going to need to be worked on as he moves up. Polanco did have some competition for this spot, as 17-year-old Cesar Navarro posted a slightly better ERA (2.47) and WHIP (1.20) over more innings (47.1) – though he only struck out 6.8 per nine. Polanco technically signed last year, but not until mid-December, for an undisclosed amount – which usually means a smaller sized bonus, while Navarro cost $80k.

Hitting

This was one of the most fun DSL lineups we have seen in a long time, though the lineup looked very different at the end of the season as injuries started to add up and a promotion occurred. Still it was a positive year for most of the Braves top international signees. We already got into Sherrintely Da Costa Gomez, but the top three signings this year were shortstop Jose Manon ($1.5M), outfielder Starlyn De La Cruz ($1.2M), and infielder Edelson Cabral ($600k). Manon slashed .302/.400/.396 with one homer, seven doubles, and 19 steals as he walked 14 times to 22 strikeouts over 125 plate appearances – but his season ended on July 16th due to injury.

Starlyn was off to an insane start, slashing .300/.500/.560 with two doubles, a triple, two homers, and nine steals to go with his 14 walks and 14 strikeouts in 64 plate appearances – but his season ended due to injury on June 23rd. Cabral made it the whole season and hit .236/.397/.344 with three doubles, four triples, two homers, 13 steals, and 39 walks to 41 strikeouts over 204 plate appearances.

Though Cabral actually saw his numbers dip from an .849 OPS on July 27th after slashing just .036/.333/.107 over his last 42 plate appearances. It’s less of a concern and probably more of a 17-year-old in hitting a wall in his first professional season, especially considering he didn’t even turn 17 until July.

Beyond the big three signees and the emergence of Sherrintely, a couple more first year guys stood out. Catcher Jorwin Pulido hit .324/.402/.437 with six doubles and a triple with 10 walks to only five strikeouts in 87 plate appearances. His time here was cut short because he earned a promotion to the FCL, something the Braves almost never do for a player in his first pro season, let alone for a 17-year-old. Then there was catcher Jose Nelo, who came on late and slashed .296/.392/.428 with 12 doubles and three homers to go with 25 walks and 37 strikeouts in his 189 plate appearances. Pulido was signed for $350k, while Nelo was a $50k signing this year.

Among the other six-figure bonus players were Osmar Torrealba ($400k), Durban Arnedo ($275k), Elioberto Mondesir ($197.5k), and Luis Fortunato ($150k). Fortunato had the best year of this group, slashing .265/.392/.302 with four extra base hits, followed by Mondesir’s .221/.345/.287 with seven extra base hits. Torrealba (.449 OPS) and Arnedo (.468 OPS) both struggled in their pro debuts, but Arnedo did reportedly have some flashes of his talent.

In terms of guys repeating the league the Braves third, fourth, and fifth most expensive signings from the 2025 class were all back. Angel Carmona, who received $447.5k last year, was the most anticipated, but he didn’t see game action as he spent the entire season on the restricted list after a .827 OPS in 20 games here last year. Outfielder Elias Reyno, a $297.5k signing, went from slashing .178/.397/.271 here last year to posting a line of .208/.406/.292 in 10 games before being promoted to the FCL. The former Yassel Garcia, now Yassel Pena, who signed for $247.5k and posted a .686 OPS here a year ago would slash .246/.424/.336 with a homer among his eight extra base hits. It is worth noting that Pena played exclusively at third last year, and this year he played mostly first base with five games at third and one in left field – though he still had the speed to steal 13 bags in 17 attempts.

Among other players who flashed something were 17-year-old outfielder Luis Consoro (.665 OPS), and 18-year-old outfielder Elisandro Ramirez, who was repeating the league. Ramirez saw his OPS jump from .663 to .836 this year, posting an OPS mark above .915 in both July and August, though he played only 20 combined games in those months. Consoro didn’t sign and make his debut until mid-July, but did show some speed and on base ability in the 19 games he spent here.

Pitching

It’s safe to say that things were a mess here, as the 23 pitchers and three position players used this year combined to pitch to an 7.41 ERA and 1.90 WHIP. Out of the 13 guys who pitched 10+ innings, only five had an ERA below 5.04 – a number that includes one 21-year-old in a league that is filled with 16-18 year-olds. Things are usually bleak in terms of the quality of DSL pitching, but this staff struggled more than most. Polanco and Navarro were the two most productive arms, but two more first year pitchers also had good seasons. Jesus Cova, an 18-year-old, pitched to a 3.07 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with 7.7 K/9 over 29.1 innings, while 17-year-old Geowin Gomez had a 3.09 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 7.9 K/9 over 32 innings.

Gomez was actually a reliever who only made two starts among his 11 appearances, but based on his innings total might get a shot at starting in the future. The fifth guy with a strong year was Charlis Medina, who while also in his first year is a 21-year-old. Medina put up a 3.76 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 10.6 K/9 over 40.2 innings.

Among the other players who posted a strikeout rate of better than 9.0 per nine were three relievers in 17-year-old Giovanni Medina (6.08 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, 10.6 K/9), 17-year-old Diego Ramirez (9.49 ERA, 2.51 WHIP, 9.5 K/9), and 18-year-old league repeater Ernesto Meza (5.04 ERA, 1.76 WHIP, 9.4 K/9).

The only two pitchers who signed for $100K+ this year were Jonathan Hechavarria and Efrailin Caminero, and neither was able to do much. Hechavarria, who signed for $340k, didn’t pitch at all this year due to injury, while Caminero, who got $150k, went 0.2 innings over three relief appearances and walked eight guys.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers picked up high-scoring victories in each of their first two games against the Colorado Rockies, and I'm expecting a similar formula from the -200 favorites tonight.

Their offense is well-positioned to score early and often against Kyle Freeland, which is why I'm targeting the road team to win by a margin with my Dodgers vs. Rockies predictions and MLB picks on Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Who will win Dodgers vs Rockies today: Dodgers -1.5 (-125)

Roki Sasaki has posted a 3.5 xERA or better in six of his last seven starts, with the lone exception coming against the league-leading Milwaukee Brewers.

His strikeouts are up, his hard-hit rate is down, and he’s held opponents to a 28.6% fly-ball rate over the last month. That will play well at Coors, where keeping the ball on the ground is crucial.

The Los Angeles Dodgers scored 18 runs over the first two games of this series, and should provide Sasaki with all the support needed against Kyle Freeland and a bad Colorado Rockies bullpen.

Play the RL to -135.

COVERS INTEL:Freeland sits in the ninth percentile in barrel rate, which is a recipe for disaster in favorable hitting conditions at Coors.

Dodgers vs Rockies Over/Under pick: Over 11.5 (+105)

The Dodgers have averaged nine runs over the first two games of the series, and I trust them to do some serious lifting for the total in this one.

Freeland has gotten crushed by quality offenses all season long. He has posted an abysmal 10.85 ERA and allowed 2.91 HR/9 over seven starts vs. Top-10 offenses in ISO against left-handed pitching.

The Colorado Rockies are a very good offense at home — it’s hard not to be — and they won’t need to score much to push this total Over.

Play to -115.

Dodgers vs Rockies home run prediction: Andy Pages (+365)

Andy Pages is a beast against left-handed pitching, hitting .288 with a .252 ISO and eye-popping .911 OPS in the split.

He not only draws a lefty tonight, but a poor one at that. Freeland has bled power to righties, ranking in the fifth percentile in xSLG and 11th percentile in HR/9. The matchup is about as good as it gets.

When you factor in that this game will be played at Coors, with the environment projected to provide a 26% boost to homers, and it’s hard not to get excited about Pages in this spot.

I’d back him to +340.

Dodgers vs Rockies weather

With temperatures comfortably in the 80s, the hitting conditions will be very favorable at Coors.

Dodgers vs Rockies odds

• Moneyline: Dodgers -200 | Rockies +165
• Run line: Dodgers -1.5 (-125) | Rockies +1.5 (+105)
• Over/Under: Over 11 (-120) | Under 11 (+100)

Dodgers vs Rockies trend

Colorado has hit the Game Total Over in 14 of the last 21 games (+6.10 units, 26% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. Rockies.

How to watch Dodgers vs Rockies and game info

Dodgers vs Rockies latest injuries

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The Seattle Mariners were one game away from a trip to the World Series last season. This year, everything has fallen apart. Catcher Cal Raleigh went from baseball’s best power hitter with 60 home runs to someone with a .570 OPS this year. Raleigh’s struggles are emblematic of an entire team that just can’t seem to get right. Seattle is dead-last in baseball in runs per game (3.88), and no amount of pitching skill is going to save a team when the offense is that bad.

The Mariners were already out of the playoff race when they came to Milwaukee for a three-game series this week, but Tuesday night will be remembered as the low-point in their lost season. The mighty Brewers pounded Seattle, 22-0, in a game that was actually more embarrassing than the final score.

Seattle was only down 13-0 when third baseman Leo Rivas came on to pitch the eighth inning. He gave up nine runs in his one inning of work, but only seven of them were earned. Star outfielder Julio Rodriguez contributed the most humiliating error possible in baseball when he caught a long fly ball for the second out of the inning, and tossed it in the stands like it was the third out. Watch the video here:

If that doesn’t sum up the Mariners’ season from hell perfectly, I don’t know what does.

This is the worst mistake you can make on a baseball field, I think. There’s no excuse for not knowing how many outs there are. Obviously, Seattle was already getting blown out when this happened, and maybe it’s understandable in this situation for Rodriguez to let his mind wander. It immediately went viral, and made an awful game even worse. This is no way to be a professional, and someone as good as Rodriguez simply can’t make this error.

Larry Walker did this in 1994, and it’s still talked about.

This season has reached “sim to end” status for the Mariners. When fans think back to the disappointment of the 2026 campaign, Rodriguez throwing the ball into the stands with two outs, down 19-0 in Milwaukee, will be one of their first and worst flashbacks.

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Here are my MLB moneyline predictions for tonight's slate, which include the Tigers at plus money on the road against Paul Skenes

Before we dive in, be sure to check out all of our MLB picks for Wednesday, Aug. 19.

MLB moneyline picks for Aug. 19

Matchup	Pick
Tigers vs Pirates	+147
Padres vs Mets	-127
Braves vs Twins	-104
White Sox vs Cubs	-141
Diamondbacks vs Red Sox	+153
Marlins vs Phillies	+117
Yankees vs Orioles	+113
Giants vs Guardians	-208
Cardinals vs Reds	+133
Blue Jays vs Rays	-194
Athletics vs Royals	-135
Mariners vs Brewers	+117
Nationals vs Rangers	+122
Angels vs Astros	+144
Dodgers vs Rockies	-186

Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of 8-19.

Expert MLB moneyline picks for Aug. 19

Tigers vs Pirates: Tigers (+147)

Tigers win probability: 60%

With how terrible right-hander Paul Skenes has been over his last five starts, and with the books continuing to give us the "Skenes Tax," the Tigers are the play.

The Tigers' offense has been fantastic across the last few weeks, sporting a 130 wRC+, .354 wOBA and .804 OPS over their last 21 games. Meanwhile, the Pirates' bats have gone cold, just like their star pitcher.

Padres vs Mets: Padres (-127)

Padres win probability: 56%

Michael King takes the mound for the Padres this evening, owning a 3.72 ERA over his last five outings while limiting opposing hitters to just a 29% hard-hit rate. The Padres' offense has been scorching hot over the last month, posting a 122 wRC+, .340 wOBA, and .767 OPS.

The Mets' bats have gone cold across their last six games, with just a 96 wRC+, .303 wOBA, and .682 OPS. Additionally, Robert Stock is on the mound for them, and he's posted a 6.57 ERA through three outings this season.

At -127, taking the Padres is a great price.

Braves vs Twins: Braves (-104)

Braves win probability: 51%

Minnesota Twins starter Taj Bradley has been great this season at Target Field. But he's fallen off a cliff over his last three starts. The right-hander owns a 6.60 ERA and 1.93 WHIP during that stretch while walking hitters at a 13.33% clip. Bradley looked like he was turning a new leaf, until he wasn't.

Atlanta's bats are still cold, but taking on a pitcher who relies heavily on his fastball could be exactly what the lineup needs to get back on track.

White Sox vs Cubs: Cubs (-141)

Cubs win probability: 58%

The Cubs just have the White Sox's number in this series. It's clear the Cubs are looking to get their revenge after losing the initial series a few months back.

The White Sox send out Jose Urquidy, who owns an 8.10 ERA this season. He owns a 14.40 ERA and a 3.00 WHIP over his last three appearances. His arm won't instill much confidence in this White Sox team.

The only way the White Sox have a chance is if they pounce on Clay Holmes early and get to the Cubs' bullpen. That seems like an unlikely scenario given how well Holmes has been pitching.

Diamondbacks vs Red Sox: Diamondbacks (+153)

Diamondbacks win probability: 40%

The Red Sox at $1.50 doesn't feel like an attractive price to pay when the Diamondbacks have been just as good. Arizona sends out Brandon Pfaadt, who looks as good as he did during the 2023 postseason. The young right-hander has posted a 0.00 ERA over his last three starts while limiting hard contact and barrels.

The Diamondbacks have been maintaining a 117 wRC+, .779 OPS, and .190 ISO over their last 12 games.

On the other side, Boston left-hander Payton Tolle is on the mound, and he's been unbelievable. The club's bats look great as well, but with how well both sides have been performing, the dog carries more value.

Marlins vs Phillies: Marlins (+117)

Marlins win probability: 46%

Aaron Nola has looked better in his last few starts, but Sandy Alcantara has been lights out. The Marlins' right-hander owns a 1.59 ERA and 0.94 WHIP over his last five outings while allowing minimal hard contact and barrels.

The bats have been hot for the Fightin' Fish, and they're well worth trusting against a skittish arm.

Yankees vs Orioles: Orioles (+113)

Orioles win probability: 47%

The Yankees own a 73 wRC+ over their last six games, while the Orioles have posted a 139 wRC+ during that same stretch. It's extremely hard to overlook how poorly the Yankees' offense has been, and getting a team this hot at the dish as an underdog is a gift.

Will Warren has been struggling too, producing a 6.41 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP over his last three starts. Orioles right-hander Chris Bassitt at least has a 3.77 ERA in the same span.

Take the dog!

Giants vs Guardians: Guardians (-208)

Giants win probability: 68%

No chance we try to back the Giants against a left-handed arm, especially one as good as Parker Messick. San Francisco against left-handed arms owns just a 91 wRC+, .294 wOBA and .661 OPS.

Of course, the price is horrible, but Messick has been nearly untouchable, posting a 2.82 ERA and 1.12 WHIP at home this season. Meanwhile, Adrian Houser has an expected road ERA of 5.06.

Guardians or nothing here.

Cardinals vs Reds: Cardinals (+133)

Cardinals win probability: 43%

Snagging the Cardinals as a +133 underdog with how poorly the Reds' bats have been is a gift. Sure, right-hander Chase Burns has been unhittable, but the Reds still have to manage to score runs. Matthew Liberatore has been very solid in his most recent outings, owning a 2.80 xERA and 0.98 ERA over his last three.

The Cardinals have a 116 wRC+, .182 ISO and .334 wOBA over their last six games, while the Reds have an 88 wRC+, .678 OPS and a 25% strikeout rate.

Give me the dog!

Blue Jays vs Reds: Rays (-194)

Rays win probability: 66%

This is written every day here: HOW CAN WE TRUST THE BLUE JAYS? You can't!

The Blue Jays are ice-cold offensively, while the Rays have posted a .807 OPS, .174 ISO, and 132 wRC+ over their last 12 games. Max Scherzer has looked solid in his last few outings, but Father Time is on his tail. Plus, Drew Rasmussen has been nails, owning a 1.20 ERA across his last five starts while allowing little to no hard contact.

Rays or nothing.

Athletics vs Royals: Royals (-135)

Royals win probability: 57%

Death. Taxes. Fading Jeffrey Springs on the mound.

Even after the walk-off win last night, the Royals are the play here. Springs has posted a 9.00 ERA, 6.09 xERA, and 2.15 WHIP over his last five outings. Royals right-hander Seth Lugo hasn't been much better, but he owns a 3.70 xERA over his last five.

Kansas City's bats have been slightly cold, but Springs can bring that offense to life.

Mariners vs Brewers: Mariners (+117)

Mariners win probability: 46%

With how weak the Brewers' bats have become over their last 12 games and how hot the Mariners have been over the last week, snagging Seattle at +117 feels like the move.

The Mariners have a 121 wRC+, .338 wOBA, and .766 OPS over the last week, while owning a walk rate of almost 11%. On the other hand, the Brewers have a wRC+ under 80, .282 wOBA, and .082 ISO over their last six games.

Logan Gilbert has been great on the road this season, with just a 2.25 ERA and 0.98 WHIP. Dustin May has been solid as well, but with how cold Milwaukee has been at the dish, the Mariners offer some value as road underdogs.

Nationals vs Rangers: Nationals (+122)

Nationals win probability: 45%

Are the Nationals as an underdog one of the biggest mispriced teams of the day? Kumar Rocker has gone back to his old ways, posting an 8.10 ERA, 2.25 WHIP, and 12.86% walk rate over his last three starts.

On top of that, Cade Cavalli has been soaring over his last five starts, owning a 1.97 ERA and 1.03 WHIP while allowing just an 8% barrel rate.

At +122, trust the Nationals.

Angels vs Astros: Angels (+144)

Angels win probability: 41%

The Los Angeles Angels offer a lot of value tonight against the Astros, especially with how well Walbert Urena has been pitching over his last few starts. He's put up a 2.05 ERA and 1.06 WHIP across his last five outings. The right-hander is allowing just a 2.9% barrel rate.

Sadly, neither offense has been instilling much confidence, so we'll lean heavily into Urena to get the job done at +144.

Dodgers vs Rockies: Dodgers (-186)

Dodgers win probability: 65%

Kyle Freeland has been reliable recently, but the Dodgers will surely turn it up once the Rockies go to the bullpen. Additionally, the Rockies' offense has been lifeless, posting just a 78 wRC+, .299 wOBA, and .670 OPS over their last six games. The Dodgers own a 107 wRC+, .319 wOBA, and .214 ISO during the same stretch.

It's the Dodgers or nothing here with how cold the Rockies have been.

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The Mets are placing designated hitter Jorge Polanco back on the 10-day IL due to left ankle bursitis -- an injury that cost him significant time earlier this season and will now require season-ending surgery.

Interim manager Andy Green said the surgery will happen in the "near-term," adding that a recent MRI on Polanco showed it was necessary.  

"It's gotten to the point where he just can't get freedom from the pain," Green noted, adding that it's his belief that playing through the injury impacted Polanco mechanically at the plate. 

Polanco had struggled badly since returning from the IL in July, slashing .127/.169/.190 with one home run and two doubles in 84 plate appearances while being limited to designated hitter duties due to the lingering bursitis.

Before that, he spent roughly three months on the IL because of the issue, which resulted in a slow recovery and led to his rehab assignment being shut down at one point as it became a matter of pain tolerance.

As Polanco was working his way back, and shortly after he received a PRP injection, he said he wanted to get to a point where he had "more good days than the days I don't feel so good." That was in the middle of May.

After being activated from the IL on July 7, Polanco talked about how he was feeling.

"I was getting more consistent days feeling good," he said. "I think that's what I needed."

But Polanco added that he was expecting to have to manage the issue for the rest of the season, noting at the time that he wasn't sure if he would require surgery after the season.

Overall this year, Polanco hit .148/.201/.230 in 145 plate appearances over 37 games.

A deeper dive into Polanco's numbers doesn't really reveal anything positive to grasp onto, with him near the bottom of the league in xwOBA, xBA, xSLG, average exit velocity, hard hit percentage, barrel percentage, walk rate, and bat speed.

Polanco is under contract through 2027, when he'll earn $23 million and count for $20 million toward the luxury tax payroll. 

Another day of minor league baseball is in the books. See the results below.

AAA: Sugar Land Space Cowboys (63-57) lost 6-3 (BOX SCORE)

Hendrickson started for Sugar Land and went 5 innings allowing 5 runs while striking out 7. The offense got on the board in the 3rd inning on a Salazar solo home run. They got 2 more runs in the 7th inning on a Cole 2 run home run. Santa allowed a run in the 8th and the offense was unable to get anything else going as Sugar Land fell 6-3.

Note: Ferreras is hitting .327 in Triple-A.

• Pascanel Ferreras, SS: 1-for-4, 2B
• Jake Meyers, CF: 2-for-4, R
• Zach Cole, RF: 1-for-4, R, HR, 2 RBI
• Cesar Salazar, C: 1-for-3, R, HR, RBI, BB

• Josh Hendrickson, LHP: 5.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
• Christian Roa, RHP: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
• Alimber Santa, RHP: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
• Logan VanWey, RHP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

AA: Corpus Christi Hooks (54-61) lost 3-2 (BOX SCORE)

Dombroski started for the Hooks and allowed 2 runs over 3.1 innings. He was relieved by Torres who allowed a run. Leach pitched in relief and was solid tossing 2 scoreless innings. The Hooks got on the board in the 8th inning on an Austin solo home run. The offense got a run in the 9th on a Thomas sac fly but that was it as the Hooks fell 3-2.

Note: Austin has 16 home runs this season.

• Justin Thomas, CF: 0-for-3, RBI, BB
• Trevor Austin, LF: 1-for-4, R, HR, RBI, BB
• Walker Janek, DH: 4-for-5, SB
• Max Holy, SS: 0-for-3, R, BB
• Alejandro Nunez, 3B: 2-for-4

• Trey Dombroski, LHP: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
• Alejandro Torres, RHP: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
• Hudson Leach, RHP: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
• Ramsey David, RHP: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
• Andrew Marrero, RHP: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

A+: Asheville Tourists (39-74) lost 9-1 (BOX SCORE)

Potter started for Asheville and allowed one run over 2.1 innings while striking out 6 batters. Asheville got on the board in the 2nd inning on an error. Santos relieved Potter and allowed 3 runs over 4.1 innings. Cruz allowed 4 runs in relief as the Cyclones extended their lead. The offense was unable to score again as they fell 9-1.

Note: Newman is hitting .433 in High-A.

• Anthony Huezo, DH: 1-for-4, R, SB
• DJ Newman, LF: 2-for-4

• Nick Potter, RHP: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
• Yeriel Santos, RHP: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
• Anthony Cruz, RHP: 1.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
• Jackson Wells, RHP: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

A: Fayetteville Woodpeckers (58-53) won 10-7 (BOX SCORE)

The Woodpeckers got on the board in the second inning on a Sierra 3 run home run. Smith got the start and went 3.2 innings allowing 4 runs, all in the 4th, as the Pelicans took the lead. The offense responded in the 6th scoring 4 runs on a Piasecki RBI single, Hughes 2 run double and Alvarez sac fly. After the Pelicans scored a couple in the bottom of the 6th, the Woodpeckers grabbed another run in the 8th on an Alvarez groundout. The Woodpeckers got 2 more runs in the 9th inning on a Sierra 2 run single. Butler allowed a run in the 9th but held on for the 10-7 win.

Note: Nowak is hitting .381 in Single-A.

• Kam Durnin, SS: 0-for-4, 2 R, 2 BB
• Logan Hughes, DH: 2-for-5, R, 2B, 2 RBI, BB
• Kevin Alvarez, CF: 0-for-3, 2 RBI, SB
• Waner Luciano, 3B: 0-for-3, 2 BB
• Ben Tryon, 1B: 0-for-4, R, BB
• Luis De Leon, C: 1-for-4, 2 R, BB
• Owen Nowak, LF: 3-for-4, 2 R, 2B
• Juan Sierra, RF: 2-for-5, R, HR, 5 RBI
• Aaron Piasecki, 2B: 3-for-5, R, RBI, 3 SB

• Aubrey Smith, RHP: 3.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
• Brandon Cassedy, RHP: 2.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K (WIN)
• Mick Uebelhor, RHP: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
• Taz Butler, RHP: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K (SAVE)

Today’s minor league starters:

SL: Jason Alexander – 7:05 CT

CC: Cole Hertzler – 6:35 CT

AV: Javier Perez – 5:35 CT

FV: TBD – 6:05 CT

The San Diego Padres may have won tonight, but it was Fernando Tatis Jr. who stole the show. The superstar outfielder has majorly turned things around after his historic home-run outage to begin the season. The right fielder hit his 14th homer to lead off the game before hitting his 15th to increase the Friars lead. If that weren’t enough, he robbed Francisco Lindor of a grand slam in the second inning. It would have won the New York Mets the game.

Instead, it was Tatis who got the flowers in the Padres’ victory. Hopefully, that momentum will push them forward into a series win in this afternoon’s rubber match against New York. The Friars will need their offense to continue marching forward in order to stay in the playoff hunt.

Taking the mound

Robert Stock (NYM) v. Michael King (SD)

Stock doesn’t have much to go off of in 2026. The former Padre has been working out of the Mets bullpen lately and hasn’t been particularly effective. The righty owns a 6.57 ERA through 12 1/3 innings pitched. The strikeout numbers are sold but he has been ineffective at limiting baserunners (1.86 WHIP).

It’s likely that New York is planning to have a bullpen game, rather than have Stock as the primary starter. It’s possible that someone could pitch in bulk relief, with Stock as an opener. Though that won’t be made clear until after the game begins Wednesday afternoon.

King has continued to be the guy that the Padres need him to be day in and day out. The 3.41 ERA isn’t exactly awe-inspiring, but King has done much more than prevent runs. He has served to stabilize a rotation that has so desperately needed it.

That being said, there was a point in which King looked shaky. He’s regrouped since then, turning in a 3.15 ERA in his last seven games. The right-hander will seek to do the same against a Mets team that roughed him up the last time they faced off (4 ER, 6.0 IP).

Batter up!

If the stars look like this, there’s no stopping San Diego. Manny Machado went 3-for-4 with a walk in yesterday’s game while Tatis looked every bit the star that the Friar Faithful have grown to love. The right fielder went 2-for-5 with two homers. Not to mention his incredible robbery of Lindor’s grand slam.

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

Bowen had a productive day at the plate after pinch-running for Luis Rengifo late in the game. The young outfielder went 1-for-1 and scored a run for the Friars. He could give Rengifo a break in the outfield after the recent addition to the Padres has been without rest for some time.

Relief corps

The bullpen was mostly solid in yesterday’s win over the Mets. After Robbie Ray went six solid innings, Bradgley Rodriguez, Adrian Morejon and Mason Miller locked it down. Rodriguez and Morejon struggled a bit, though the former could have been allowed to work through the trouble a little more than he was.

Morejon pitched the second-longest outing of his 2026, throwing 38 pitches across 1 2/3 innings. He allowed a run, but got it back when Machado homered in the ninth inning. That set the stage for Miller to close it out with his 31st save of the year. That leaves Griffin Canning, Jeremiah Estrada, Kyle Hart, Yuki Matsui and Wandy Peralta available for tonight.

Dixon Williams recorded an inside-the-park home run for the Emperors in their win, giving his a ridiculous stretch of six home runs in his past three games. However, it was not hitting that carried the weight on the farm. At every level the pitching showed out for Braves prospects, notably with incredible outings from Cam Caminiti and Luke Sinnard.

(60-59) Gwinnett Stripers, (54-65) Durham Bulls PPD

(53-57) Columbus Clingstones 4, (61-54) Montgomery Biscuits 10

Box Score

• John Gil, 2B: 2-5, .320/.407/.440
• Eric Hartman, LF: 1-4, .245/.393/.265
• Alex Lodise, SS: 0-3, BB, .000/.250/.000
• Owen Carey, LF: 1-4, RBI, .220/.304/.420
• Cam Caminiti, SP: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 2.51 ERA

The Double-A debut of Alex Lodise and the dominant start from Cam Caminiti is unfortunately lost to time for those not in attendance due to streaming difficulties from the Clingstones. After a hugely disappointing first half of the season Lodise got himself back on track with a torrid stretch in High-A and deservedly is getting a chance to close the season with Columbus. His first at bat didn’t got well as he was struck out quickly, but he did end up getting on base with a walk in the sixth inning. That up-the-middle combination with John Gil makes a talented team, and Gil may have taken over Lodise’s place as the hottest hitters among the top prospects in the system. Gil netted two more singles in thi game to extend his hitting streak to eight games, and he is far and away the player who has made the quickest adjustments among those that were part of the wave of movement. Gil’s swing decisions have been terrific, even a step above what he was doing in High-A, and he hasn’t yet had any major issue handling the increase in pitch quality at the level.

It’s taken just three starts and already Cam Caminiti has a breakthrough outing at Double-A. It’s unfortunate that there isn’t much to go off of in terms of breaking down exactly what made him click in this game, but even in his first two Double-A appearances Caminiti was showing signs of being ready for the level. Caminiti had some struggles with consistency, which has been somewhat of an issue for him in the early stages of his development, but showed the ability to miss the bats of even the most talented of Double-A hitters and he put together a full outing in this one. Almost all of Caminiti’s trouble came in the second inning when he walked two batters and allowed a hit over a four batter stretch, and from there the Biscuits were unable to muster any sort of success against him. The moment Caminiti left the game Montgomery started putting it on Columbus, scoring four runs in the seventh inning and then five more in the ninth inning.

Swing and Misses

Cam Caminiti – 17

Shay Schanaman – 3

(54-57) Rome Emperors 5, (52-62) Hub City Spartanburgers 4

Box Score

• Carter Beck, CF: 2-4, RBI, .500/.500/.500
• Conor Essenburg, RF: 0-2, 2 BB, .227/.460/.341
• Luis Guanipa, LF: 0-4, .200/.212/.308
• Dixon Williams, 2B: 1-3, HR, BB, 2 RBI, .235/.338/.474
• Luke Sinnard, SP: 4 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 2.73 ERA

Luke Sinnard is regaining his form as he is finally making starts down the stretch, and if he can only stay healthy he should have a ton of fun starts ahead of himself at this level. For the first couple of innings Sinnard was basically untouchable even with a few flaws in his game. His fastball was popping and sat in the low-to-mid 90’s throughout his outing, and he did a good job of elevating the pitch to keep it off of the barrel of Hub City hitters. As the game dragged he had more of a tendency to spray the pitch and miss out of the strike zone which led to a couple of walks late in the game, but even the run he allowed didn’t come on a solidly hit ball. He utilized both the slider and the curveball in this game during strikeout situations, but both had different effects. He had some sliders that slipped out glove side and did not look good at all, but for the most part when he went to that pitch with two strikes he was able to retire the batter. They tried to implement his curveball more earlier in the game, but even though he got some whiffs with the pitch and the shape and change of pace serves his arsenal well he didn’t have the best command of the pitch. Sinnard wasn’t able to consistently bury the curveball and it led to him extending at bats and not getting strikeouts efficiently, which hurt him until they made near full switch to using the slider for strikeout situations. He only had a couple of cutters early in the game that he didn’t really land. This outing was as good as Sinnard looked all season even with the command slips late in the game, but there hasn’t really been a single point at which his quality has been in question. Sinnard is too good for this level, but he really needs to finish the year on a stretch of healthy outings.

Carter Beck had two singles in his High-A debut, and looked solid patrolling center field in the limited action he had out there. Beck has been ultra-aggressive on fastballs in the zone and got both of his hits off of fastballs this game, and that’s not a bad trait at all as long as it’s paired with some discretion on other pitchers. Beck has shown the ability to spit on secondary offerings out of the zone, which is a great sign early on for a player whose profile will be driven by his on-base ability, though in this game he didn’t get many looks at non-fastballs. Beck has been impressive in the early going with his ability to make contact, though he does seem to struggle on pitches that are outside of his natural swing path. Beck is a bit stiff in his swing and with his current mechanics I expect him to only be able to produce consistent pop on the pull side, though he does have the ability to shoot line drives in all directions. He still hasn’t been challenged yet, but High-A will be a step up for him and will be more of a test of his patience once pitchers start feeding him breaking balls. Conor Essenburg looked good at the plate as he has the entire time he has been in Rome, and even the strikeout in this game I wouldn’t pin on him. Essenburg got rung up on a fastball that did not catch the corner despite the call of the umpire, and this has ben an incredible run for him. He has 13 walks in a five game streak with walks, and I’m honestly anxious to see him swing more and actually face more breaking balls. He has been ahead in the count so often he isn’t really being challenged much. We’ll skip over the Luis Guanipa at bats other than to say they were mostly ugly, which is unfortunate because I felt he looked better late last week. He did have a singular at bat when he got a third look at the same pitcher and was able to adjust to and handle his slider, and even if it ended in a fly out I liked the process behind his approach that time up. Dixon Williams had a home run for a third straight game, though this one wasn’t as happy an affair as his recent work. Williams hit the ball hard on the pull side, and the defender made a great play to track the ball down but crashed into the wall. Upon hitting the wall he lost the ball and stayed down on the track, giving Williams time to come around for an inside-the-park home run. You absolutely can’t take away that Williams smoked that ball, and fortunately the right fielder was able to get up and walk off of the field under his own power though he seemed shaky.

Swing and Misses 

Luke Sinnard – 12

Jacob Kroeger – 4

Tanner Bauman – 4

(61-52) Augusta GreenJackets 5, (56-57) Columbia Fireflies 3

Box Score

• Manuel Campos, SS: 2-3, HR, BB, .167/.211/.306
• Parker Brosius, RF: 0-3, .273/.390/.485
• Derek Vartanian, SP: 7 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 4.12 ERA

(62-52) Augusta GreenJackets 3, (56-58) Columbia Fireflies 0

Box Score

• Juan Mateo, SS: 1-3, 2B, .255/.332/.358
• Parker Brosius, RF: 1-2, 3B, BB, RBI, .273/.390/.485
• Daniel Brooks, SP: 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K, 0.65 ERA

The GreenJackets got Manuel Campos back from the injured list and he immediately had the best game he has had this season at any level. Prior to hitting the injured list Campos was really struggling at the plate, but he looked absolutely terrific in the first game of the double header. He started by slicing a single the other way, then in the third inning mashed a low fly ball out to right field for a home run. He drew a four pitch walk the next time up and ended his day with a solidly hit fly ball to give him three well-hit balls this game. Campos has struggled and the approach is worth questioning, but he is a young player that clearly has enough pop in his bat to be a legit big leaguer and has plenty of room to add strength to his frame without needing to move out of the middle infield. Campos has a good swing, smooth and quick with the athleticism to make adjustments where needed, though he is a low ball hitter and probably always will be without major swing changes. It’s nice to see him finally look good enough at the plate to feel like we’re seeing the best of him. The pitching staff also brought it in both halves of the double header. It’s been awhile since Derek Vartanian really put together a complete outing, and it wasn’t entirely clear he was going to do so early on. He cruised through the first inning but he could not buy an out in the second. Vartanian allowed some solidly hit singles on pitches left a bit too far over the play, but also had a potential inning-ending double play dropped by the third baseman on what should have been a routine turn along with some soft contact that found a gap in the defense. Vartanian has struggled at times this season to avoid runaway innings and he couldn’t keep this inning from getting out of hand, but he was magnificent the whole rest of the way. The game could have spiraled further in the second with two runners on and no outs with three already in, but Vartanian closed out the inning with no further damage. Vartanian kept that momentum rolling and ended his day by retiring 18 straight hitters. In the eighth inning Lewis Sifontes broke the streak by issuing a walk, but got a huge strikeout of the second batter of the inning and was able to prevent Columbia from scoring and close out the comeback win.

Daniel Brooks may just deserve a full time starting role at this point, because even with the increase in workload this month he has only continued to set an already lofty ball even higher. Brooks struck out the first batter he faced in the game and that was a preview of what was to come as he cruised to a career-high 10 strikeouts and never really blinked. The carry on Brooks’s fastball is as explosive as I’ve seen a pitch look even if the velocity is below average, and mixed with a hammer slider hitters at this level just have no chance. Brooks finished the day off with three consecutive swinging strikeouts all on sliders, and it only took him 58 pitches. He pounded the zone all game and the Fireflies had absolutely zero chance against him, but that’s been the story of the entire league this season. Augusta put up a run on a sacrifice fly in the first inning, and given how well Brooks pitched that was all they needed. Parker Brosius added on with his lone hit of the double header in the third inning, though it was a huge swing. Brosius officially has an RBI triple, but that was 100% a two-run home run to the opposite field that hit off of the fence above the wall that counts as a home run at this park. In the end Brosius would score on a sacrifice fly so it all turned out the same, and the GreenJackets need for hitting is really the only thing even driving Brosius being in Single-A. Brosius has had quite a lot of strikeouts so far but he’s not swinging and missing enough to sustain a near 30% K mark, and given his age and how well he has hit the ball he has nothing to really prove at Augusta.

Swing and Misses

Daniel Brooks – 17

Derek Vartanian – 13

Logan Forsythe – 3

Lewis Sifontes – 2

Happy Wednesday A’s Fans!

Yesterday, the Athletics dropped a second straight game against the Kansas City Royals, giving up three runs in the bottom of the ninth to cement their status as the worst team in the league. Left-hander Hogan Harris fits as a late-inning left-handed reliever, but his command issues would prevent him from being a closer on most other teams. At least the A’s fared better than the Seattle Mariners, who lost to the Milwaukee Brewers 22-0.

Injuries have played a big part in the team’s rapid fall from grace. The A’s are currently trotting out lineups without injured designated hitter Brent Rooker, catcher Shea Langeliers, first baseman Nick Kurtz or left fielder Tyler Soderstrom. Meanwhile, Opening Day starter Luis Severino suffered a season-ending shoulder injury at the end of May.

Starting shortstop Jacob Wilson could join them on the season-ending injured list if his shoulder soreness does not subside sooner than later. Then there is rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, who got his MLB career off to a hot start before fouling a ball off his balls and rupturing his testicle.

Entering the season, an extreme number of injuries was the last thing the A’s could afford, given the team’s limited depth. However, injuries are not the only factor contributing to the Green and Gold’s fifth straight losing season.

Even before players began dropping like flies, the A’s pitching staff was struggling, allowing opposing teams to seemingly score runs in bunches every night. As a result, it was not surprising when the losses started piling up in June and July, every defeat dragging the Athletics further away from contending in a wide-open mediocre division.

While Jacob Lopez’s second-half resurgence has been a bright spot, the opposite can be said of right-hander Luis Morales, whose regression has been arguably the team’s biggest disappointment this season, especially after he broke preseason camp with a spot in the rotation.

It will be up to the team’s next general manager to assemble an improved pitching staff capable of keeping the Athletics in more games and preventing the blowout defeats that have happened far too often this season. The bullpen, in particular, should be a priority after its league-worst performance.

Whoever succeeds David Forst will also need more investment from A’s owner John Fisher, particularly in the analytics and strategy departments. The A’s are one of the few MLB teams yet to obtain the Trajekt Sports Arc pitching machine. The Trajekt analyzes extensive data to mimic any pitcher’s delivery and replicate their pitches from the same arm angle. In contrast to the A’s, the Los Angeles Dodgers own multiple Trajekt machines.

Additionally, according to The Athletic reporter Ken Rosenthal, the depth of the A’s analytic and research department pales in comparison to other small-market teams like the Cleveland Guardians and Milwaukee Brewers. Ultimately, Fisher’s cheapness is holding the team back, something that is nothing new to longtime fans of this historic franchise.

What should the A’s do moving forward to build a consistent contender?

A’s Coverage:

• A’s Blow Late Lead, Fall To Royals 4-3
• A’s Drop Road Trip Opener 9-5
• A’s Take Series Against Rangers, Win 5-2
• A’s place Soderstrom on 10-day IL with left hip impingement; Hernaiz recalled
• Where Each A’s Player’s Contract Stands Entering Offseason
• Red-hot Bolte looking to build on lessons from rookie season
• A’s prospect Winkler thriving in ‘fresh start’ with Aviators
• Late Blast Lifts Rangers Over Athletics
• Why The New GM Needs To “Clean House”
• 111 games, zero errors: Wilson sets MLB record at shortstop
• A Seemingly Rock Bottomless Glass
• MLB Trade Grades: A’s Have Quiet Trade Deadline
• A’s Top Prospect Jamie Arnold Sets Career High in One of His Best Double-A Starts
• Fustercluck 2026: The Real Reasons For A Disappointing Season
• Signs Of Hope And Signs Of Hopeless
• Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko says feeling in his legs returning
• Cuban’s investment group purchases minority stake in Athletics
• Could last-minute buyer purchase rights to Bally’s project around A’s Las Vegas ballpark?
• Chan Ho Park joins A’s group; 1st Korean to buy stake in MLB club
• Blogfather Saves The Day With Pearls Of Most Excellent Advice

MLB News and Interest:

• After two inspirational comebacks, Mancini announces retirement
• Padres minor league catching coordinator detained by ICE
• Why Tommy John’s legacy will forever live on across baseball
• Marte heading for MRI on knee after placement on restricted list (source)
• Dodgers closer Díaz heading back to IL (reports)
• MLB unanimously approves sale of San Diego Padres
• Yankees activate Carlos Rodon, place Max Fried on 15-day IL
• Cubs Place Edward Cabrera, Dansby Swanson On Injured List
• PCA 1st since 2010 with leadoff, walk-off home runs
• AL, NL Cy Young races seem all but decided as Schlittler, Miz dominate latest poll
• Two straight runners tested him at home. He fired 99 mph, 103 mph to nail them both!
• Mariners, Andy Ibáñez Agree To Minor League Deal
• Here are the current top prospects at each position
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

The Athletics’ offense takes another hit. Hopefully, Tyler Soderstrom returns next season fully healthy and with this hip issue behind him.

This podcast is worth a listen:

A’s Opening Day center fielder Denzel Clarke, who has been on the injured list since April, is finally nearing a return to the majors.

Heading into the Toronto Blue Jays series, the Nationals were 54-52 and only one game back of a Wild Card spot. They were coming off a thrilling series win against a fellow playoff hopeful in the D-Backs. However, things have come off the rails since then with trades, injuries and position changes causing the season to spiral. The Nats are 6-15 since the start of that Blue Jays series.

It really feels like the air has come out of this team and the once trademark resilience has vanished. Last night’s 5-0 loss to a mediocre Rangers team was their most lifeless of the season in my opinion. That looked like what we saw towards the end of the Davey Martinez era and for much of Miguel Cairo’s tenure last season. It was a team that was ready for the season to be over.

To come out like that after being swept by a divisional opponent was very alarming to me. The Nats had some bad series and some agonizing losses. However, one thing that you could count on was that they would come back the next game and do whatever it took to win.

That push back has disappeared, and there are a couple potential reasons for this. One that is being discussed a lot right now is the trade deadline. I am seeing a narrative going around that Paul Toboni quit on the team at the deadline and in turn the team has thrown in the towel for the season.

That take is a bit extreme in my view, but it is easy to see where those folks are coming from. With the Nats firmly in the hunt, Toboni traded his best right handed bat for an injured pitcher that has yet to return. Connelly Early is very talented and this could easily look like a great move in a year or two. However, Mead clearly meant a lot to the clubhouse and losing him was a big blow.

At the deadline, two of the team’s leaders got moved in Luis Garcia Jr. and Foster Griffin. With Abimelec Ortiz on the way and the team’s need for pitching depth, the Garcia move made a lot of sense in a vacuum. However, his presence was crucial in keeping the locker room loose and is needed now more than ever. I still like the trade, but it certainly hurt the vibes for this season.

From an on field perspective, the Griffin trade was the most damaging in my opinion. The Nats had a 17-5 record with Griffin on the mound this season. He consistently gave the team quality starts and his wisdom really helped the young pitchers. Now those starts are gone and have been replaced by Jackson Kent, who has not looked ready so far.

This is not meant to necessarily pile on Paul Toboni. The moves make sense, but they essentially stuck a fork in the 2026 Nats in ways that he did not even anticipate. This team was never built to make a deep run so looking to the future is smart. However, it really deflated this clubhouse.

The group had already gone through so much and has had to be so resilient. After all the bullpen meltdowns, the Nats always got off the deck and kept on chugging. With a historically inept bullpen, this team had to be strong, but the deadline sell-off was the one of the dominos that caused this team to fall apart.

Another factor in this team’s collapse has been the loss of their best player James Wood. For a little while, the offense kept humming, but his absence has really been felt lately. Wood’s presence in the lineup makes others around him better. With teams circling CJ Abrams in the lineup, his production has slipped. Dylan Crews has also been unable to step up at all. Lately, the only thing the Nats offense has going for them is that first base platoon.

The offense has been the lifeblood of this team all season. However, with Mead and Wood no longer in the lineup, this team is a lot easier to pitch to. Those two consistently worked counts and did not chase. Now, the Nats have a lot of players with similar chase-happy profiles.

It has put so much pressure on CJ Abrams, who now is suddenly dealing with a position change. With all this going on, it really feels like this was not the right time to move Abrams off shortstop. The move had to happen eventually, but this is just an odd moment to unsettle your best healthy player. It is yet another move that has hurt the vibes of this clubhouse.

The Nats dismal showings against divisional opponents are a final thing that has doomed them. They are 2-16 in their last 18 divisional matchups and 11-27 on the season. Getting owned by your rivals takes a toll. Along with all the other drama, that has helped sink the 2026 Nats.

There is always a chance that this team can emerge from their slumber, but it does not feel likely. I expect a limp to the finish of what was once a promising season. It is a real shame but I do think this is still a successful season. However, it could have been so much more. Nats fans got a taste of competitive baseball. Now it is up to the front office to deliver that on a consistent basis.

Good morning friends. The Mariners dropped a stinker of all stinkers last night, with a 22-0 blowout loss at the hands of the Brewers. If you’re brave enough to watch the next adventure of this runaway train, first pitch is slated for 4:40pm PT.

In Mariners news…

• The Mariners are inviting fans to leave a farewell message for broadcaster Rick Rizzs in what they’re calling the “Holy Smokes” Hotline.
• The Lookout Landing staff discussed the possible ramifications of the Mariners not making the playoffs this year.
• Nathan Graham at Baseball Prospectus led off his weekly “The Heat Check” column by celebrating a scorching-hot week for Lazaro Montes in Tacoma. ($)

Around the league…

• Diamondbacks infielder Ketel Marte no-showed the team on their road trip to Boston. Apparently, he was in Phoenix getting his knee tested — though nobody (including the coaches) knew about it.
• Veteran infielder Trey Mancini announced his retirement from baseball.
• The Dodgers placed right-hander Edwin Díaz on the injured list with neck inflammation.
• Athletics outfielder Tyler Soderstrom will undergo hip surgery on Friday, taking him out of action for the rest of the season.
• Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet is hoping to be back with the club this year — though it would be in a bullpen role.
• San Diego Padres minor league catching coordinator Oswaldo Pirela was detained by ICE in Texas.
• It turns out Nationals infielder CJ Abrams is not pleased with the team shifting him to second base.
• Jeff Passan and Joey Votto at ESPN broke down lost footage of Ted Williams talking about the art of hitting and discussed how his insights translate to the modern game.
• Jay Jaffe at Fangraphs honored the legacy of Tommy John.

Anders’ picks…

• Your mileage may vary on this one, but I found it amusing (NSFW)

Carlos Rodón looked about as good as you could have expected in his first big league game back from an almost two-month injury absence, limiting the Orioles to a run on two hits and two walks in four innings. Trent Grisham continued his recent red-hot streak with a homer and a two-run single to drive in all three of the Yankees runs as they took the opener in Baltimore, 3-1, to become the second team in the AL to 70 wins.

It was a much-needed win to gain ground on the Rays and maintain their narrow cushion ahead of the Red Sox, so let’s see how those games as well as others around the AL transpired. This roundup does not include the still-departed Mariners, who suffered a 22-0 annihilation at the hands of the Brewers. (Remember when the M’s were a couple innings shy of their first World Series last year? Goodness.)

Toronto Blue Jays (62-65) 10, Tampa Bay Rays (75-50) 5

Nick Martinez has been a revelation for the Rays after signing a one-year deal in the offseason, but the Blue Jays handed him his worst start of the season — six runs on nine hits and two walks in just 3.2 innings. His opposing starter, Trade Deadline acquisition José Soriano, also got tagged for nine hits but managed to bend without breaking as he allowed three runs in 5.2 innings.

All six of the runs against Martinez came before the Rays managed a response, starting with a pair in the first as Alejandro Kirk doubled, George Springer singled him home, and Jesús Sánchez drove in Springer with a double, all with two outs. Kirk struck again with a two run homer in the third after Nathan Lukes drew a leadoff walk. Then in the fourth, Ernie Clement, Brett Bateman, and Kirk all singled, Kirk’s plating Clement for his third RBI before a wild pitch also allowed Bateman to score.

Tampa Bay cut that six-run deficit in half in the bottom of the fourth. Yandy Díaz, Ryan Vilade, and Cedric Mullins all singled to load the bases. A wild pitch brought home their first run and a Taylor Walls single plated a further pair. However, Toronto kept the pressure on in the fifth, Kazuma Okamoto leading off with a booming home run to set a new Blue Jays rookie record with 25 so far on the year. Clement then singled, advanced to second on a sac bunt, and scored on a Bateman single.

The Blue Jays pushed into double-digits in the seventh, Clement reaching on his third single of the game before Josh Smith left the yard with a two-run blast. Now trailing by seven, Tampa managed a pair of consolation runs in the eighth. Díaz, Liam Hicks, and Vilade opened the frame with three straight singles to load the bases, Mullins and Richie Palacios then lifting consecutive sacrifice flies. It certainly wasn’t a good day for the pitchers, the two teams combining for 30 hits. With the loss and the Yankees’ win, Tampa’s lead in the division was reduced to five games.

As for the Jays, they’re half a game back in the ever-bizarre Wild Card mix, which is so packed that the O’s went from holding a playoff spot to trailing three other teams and tied with the also-losing Tigers thanks to just one shaky inning. The Rangers’ Cal Quantrill-aided 5-0 shutout win over the Nationals has them at least temporarily in the pole position.

Other Games

Chicago Cubs (74-53) 4, Chicago White Sox (65-60) 3

Pete Crow-Armstrong left the yard in consecutive ABs, following his walk-off blast Monday night with a leadoff homer tonight, Michael Busch following with a solo shot of his own to spot the Cubs a two-run first inning lead. The White Sox responded with three unanswered, one each in the second, third, and fourth. Drew Romo got the Southsiders on the board with an RBI single, Munetaka Murakami led off the third with an absolute tank, and Tristan Peters gave them the lead with an RBI double the next inning.

Alex Bregman leveled the score at three apiece with an RBI single in the seventh, and that would not be his only clutch hit on the night. After an almost one hour rain delay interrupted the eighth inning, Carson Kelly led off the bottom of the ninth with a double, PCA was issued an intentional walk, and Bregman called game with a line drive single to center as the Cubs walked off their crosstown rivals on consecutive nights. Still, the Pale Hose are four games ahead of Minnesota in the AL Central.

Cleveland Guardians (61-65) 8, San Francisco Giants (51-74) 1

In his third start for Cleveland after joining from the Nationals at the deadline, Foster Griffin held the Giants to a run on five hits in six innings, the only damage a Bryce Eldridge solo shot in the second. However, the story of this game was their other big deadline acquisition, Jo Adell. He demolished a 455-foot, three-run homer in the first, drove another pair in with a single in the second, and plated his sixth run in the fourth with another single. Cleveland scored their final two runs on RBI groundouts by Angel Martínez and Patrick Bailey, both times with the bases loaded.

It should be noted that Cleveland remains a half-game back of the division rival Twins in both the AL Central and Wild Card races, as Minnesota won in Atlanta last night 4-1 behind a two-run Josh Bell homer and a double by Ryan Jeffers that also plated a pair. Neither Cleveland nor Minnesota are currently in a playoff spot, however.

Boston Red Sox (68-58) 9, Arizona Diamondbacks (66-61) 4

This game looked like it could be a wild back and forth affair, but only Boston could sustain pressure throughout the entire contest. Deadline blockbuster addition Adley Rutschman kicked things off with a two-run single with the bases loaded in the first, Caleb Durbin driving in the third run of the frame with a sac fly. However, Arizona responded by loading the bases themselves in the third to set up a monster grand slam by Gabriel Moreno to momentarily grab the lead, 4-3.

From there, the Red Sox scored six unanswered runs. Rutschman clubbed a no-doubter solo home run in the bottom of the third (his first with Boston) and Durbin manufactured the second run of the frame with a single, advance, stolen base, and scamper home on a wild pitch. Andruw Monasterio added an RBI single in the fifth, Mickey Gasper led off the sixth with a home run with Willson Contreras chipping in an RBI single later in the frame, and Gasper drove in Boston’s ninth and final run with an RBI single in the seventh.

Los Angeles Angels (50-76) 8, Houston Astros (63-63) 1

Angels rookie George Klassen authored by far the best start of his young career in just his fifth big league outing, tossing seven scoreless allowing just one hit and three walks against seven strikeouts. Houston managed just three hits on the day, their only run coming via a Cam Smith solo homer in the eighth. Los Angeles meanwhile scored one each in the third, fourth, and fifth. Nolan Schanuel opened the scoring with an RBI single, Josh Lowe hit one into the Crawford Boxes for a solo shot in the fourth, and Zach Neto smacked an RBI double an inning later. The aforementioned Rangers win over the Nats thus pushed the unassuming club to just one game behind the .500 Astros in the AL West.

It was a night of close games and late comebacks across the Phillies system last night. Some were successful in overcoming deficits and snatching victory while the valiant efforts of others fell short.

Lehigh Valley 5, Buffalo 1

It was a good night for Iron Pigs pitching, as they combined to allow one run on seven hits. Chuck King was most responsible, as the righty went six shutout innings and allowed just three hits and two walks with four strikeouts. Rafael Marchán started at catcher and went 0-4 with a walk and a strikeout as he works his way back to the Phillies on a rehab assignment. Kameron Misner launched a two-run homer in the fifth that put Lehigh Valley up 3-0. It was the 17th long ball of the year for the recent trade acquisition.

Reading 5, Portland 7

The Fightin’ Phils had two late rallies, but neither was enough to fully erase a 5-0 deficit. Luke Rosso started the game and was charged with five runs over five innings, including surrendering a home run to the rehabbing Roman Anthony. Raylin Heredia of Reading went 3-5 with a two-run homer and a two-run single, with the latter coming in the ninth to bring the tying run to the plate. But Alex Binelas lined out to center to end the potential comeback.

Clearwater 8, Dunedin 4

A huge five-run eighth inning lifted the Threshers to victory, erasing a 4-3 deficit. The damage primarily came from back-to-back home runs from Nolan Beltran and Will Vierling, with the former giving Clearwater the lead. They totaled six hits in the inning, four of which were for extra bases. One player that wasn’t involved in the offense however was second round pick Caden Bogenpohl, as the big outfielder went 0-5 with a strikeout.

Jersey Shore 5, Hudson Valley 10

The Blue Claws found themselves in a tight, seesaw contest that went into extra innings. However, they came up short after a wild pitch and a fielder’s choice allowed the Renegades to take the lead in the tenth off of Gabe Craig before they exploded for four more runs. Jersey Shore had a golden opportunity in the ninth, as Griffin Burkholder reached second base on an error as the winning run with no outs, but the next two hitters struck out before Robert Phelps lined out to send the game to extras where the Blue Claws went down quietly.

DSL Phillies 6, DSL Tigers 11

A five run fifth inning wasn’t enough for the DSL Phillies to hold off the Tigers, as the latter erased a 6-4 deficit in the sixth with a seven-run inning that included two home runs and a grand slam. Filippo Sabatini was charged with five of those seven runs and was saddled with the loss. Offensively, right fielder Elian Adames had a nice day with two hits including a double and two RBIs. Star prospect Francisco Renteria did not appear in the game, as it was the final on the schedule for the DSL regular season, but the Phillies had already clinched a berth to the playoffs by winning the DSL East title. The playoffs will begin on Thursday.