CHICAGO — Munetaka Murakami is expected to return to the slumping Chicago White Sox on Friday night after being sidelined by a strained right hamstring.
Murakami made two rehab appearances with Triple-A Charlotte, going 2 for 7 with a double. Following Chicago’s 2-1 loss to Boston on Thursday, White Sox manager Will Venable said Murakami would be in the starting lineup for the opener of the team’s weekend series against the Athletics.
“He’s ready to go,” Venable said. “He was challenged running the bases, defensively, had a really long game yesterday. So feel good about the workload, recovered well today so he’s ready to go.”
Murakami got hurt during a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers on May 29, grabbing his right hamstring after beating a throw to first on a fielder’s choice in the third inning. At the time of the injury, the Japanese rookie ranked among the major league leaders with 20 homers, 41 RBIs, 43 runs and a .947 OPS.
Chicago (47-45) is in a virtual tie with Cleveland (48-46) for the lead in the sluggish AL Central. But the White Sox have dropped three in a row and six of eight overall. They managed just two runs and 15 hits in the three-game set against the Red Sox.
White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi said getting Murakami back right now is huge.
“Obviously, he’s a presence in the lineup,” he said. “He’ll bring the energy, I think. It seems like the vibe in here is kind of down right now but I’m sure seeing him tomorrow will spark it back up.”
The 26-year-old Murakami signed a $34 million, two-year contract with Chicago in December. The White Sox went 17-18 while he was on the injured list.
“We understand the impact he makes on the field and in the clubhouse so to activate him is going to mean a lot for our group,” Venable said. “Really excited about him.”
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 02: Bryce Miller #50 of the Seattle Mariners delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park on July 02, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Mariners are on the brink of returning to .500 for the eleventh time this season as they aim to avoid a sweep by the Marlins in the second-to-last series before the All-Star break. They are coming off being shut out Wednesday in an uninspiring performance.
They’ll call upon perhaps their most reliable starter of the 2026 campaign so far, Bryce Miller, to attempt to limit a Miami offense that ranks sixth in baseball in on-base percentage (.331).
Miller will be countered by righty Janson Junk, a Federal Way native. Activated off the injured list Thursday (right shin bone inflammation), Junk is making his first start since May 25 and can likely be expected to work within a pitch count. We’ll see if the Mariners can get to the bullpen early.
Lineups
Look familiar? The Mariners will roll out the same batting order for the third consecutive day.
Game Information
First Pitch: 3:40 p.m. PDT
TV:Mariners.TV, with Aaron Goldsmith, Ryan Rowland-Smith and sideline reporter Brad Adam
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Rick Rizzs and Angie Mentink
Detroit Tigers second baseman Hao-Yu Lee (50) bats against the Athletics during the first inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Detroit Tigers (42-50) vs. Athletics (41-51)
Time/Place: 6:40 p.m., Comerica Park SB Nation Site:Athletics Nation Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: LHP Framber Valdez (4-6, 4.29 ERA) vs. RHP Jack Perkins (2-4, 6.75 ERA)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 12: Dalano Banton #45 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden on April 12, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Celtics have waived guard Dalano Banton, the team announced on Thursday evening.
Banton played in 6 games between the Celtics and Clippers last season, averaging 2.0 points and 1.8 assists per game. He played 36 minutes in the Celtics regular season finale and had 2 points, 7 assists, 6 turnovers while going 0/3 from the field.
Banton’s best stretch of his career came at the end of the 2023-24 season when he averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game with the Portland Trail Blazers.
This move puts the Celtics under the luxury tax and puts the Celtics at 14 players. Boston is allowed to remain at 14 players until the start of the playoffs.
Boston signed Banton to a 10-day contract in February and signed him on the 2nd to last day of the regular season to fill the roster to 15 players.
The Celtics exercised Banton’s team option on June 29th.
STATELINE, Nev. — Steph Curry is looking to lure LeBron James to the Warriors with both basketball and golf — saying the potential pairing would mark a one-of-a-kind moment in sports history.
The Golden State superstar shed light on his recruiting pitch to James while playing in the American Century Championship golf tournament in Lake Tahoe on Thursday, revealing that hoops and fairways have been a part of his conversations with the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Steph Curry spoke about LeBron James at the American Century Championship in Nevada on Thursday. Edward Lewis for CA Post
“The pitch is if you want to play good basketball, be around people that know how to play the game, hopefully raise our floor and our competitiveness this year,” Curry said, before adding, “there’s good golf in the Bay.”
“We’re an organization that’s been there. And he knows that,” Curry continued. “It’s self-explanatory. It’s just a matter of where he sees himself fitting. And at the end of the day, that’s up to him.”
Curry made it clear he’d love to play alongside the 22-time All-Star, saying it “would be such a unique story in NBA history — sports history.”
LeBron James has been linked to a number of teams after announcing his split from the Lakers Getty Images
After announcing his split from the Lakers on June 30, James has been linked to a number of teams, including the Warriors.
It’s unclear where exactly Golden State ranks on James’ short list of preferred destinations, and Curry acknowledged he’s been given no indication that the four-time NBA champ plans to play alongside him in 2026.
It’s “a little premature right now to talk about,” Curry said.
Another place Curry would love to see James is on the greens near Lake Tahoe this weekend, as he told The California Post he’d “absolutely” enjoy playing 18 with the former Laker at the tournament.
“If he can get a jet out here for tomorrow,” Curry said, “that’d be awesome.”
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JULY 09: Pete Alonso #25 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with Gunnar Henderson #2 and Jackson Holliday #7 after scoring in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 09, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Orioles avoided a sweep and the weather on Thursday, as Jeremiah Jackson’s pinch-hit double in the 8th delivered Baltimore a much-needed win in their series finale with Chicago.
A chaotic bottom of the 8th inning was the defining moment of the O’s win over the Cubbies, and for once the chaos worked in the Orioles favor. Down 2-1, Taylor Ward started the inning with a strikeout. The tying and winning runs then got on base thanks to back-to-back HBP’s. The first came when Chicago reliever Tyler Ferguson ran a sweeper too far inside on Gunnar Henderson, with the ball just clipping the SS to send him to first. The very next pitch, a sinker, got away from Ferguson against Pete Alonso, plunking the O’s slugger and giving Baltimore two runners on with one out.
Manager Craig Albernaz then executed a perfect bait-and-switch to set up Jackson’s game-winning hit. Originally, the Orioles announced that Dylan Beavers would be pinch-hitting for Tyler O’Neill. This prompted the Cubs to bring in left-handed reliever Ryan Rolison, only for Albernaz to swap out Beavers for Jackson. With the count even at 1-1, Rolison tried to sneak a low fastball past Jackson, only for JJ to smash it into the right-center field gap. Henderson scored easily from second to tie the game at two, and Alonso beautifully slid under the tag of catcher Miguel Amaya to put the Orioles on top.
Andrew Kittredge then came in for the save in the top of the 9th as the rain began to pour in Baltimore. Nico Hoerner reached on an E6 by Henderson to start the inning, but was immediately erased when he attempted to steal second, overslid the bag and was tagged out by Gunnar. After an Ian Happ single, Kittredge rolled a would-be double play ball, only for Jackson Holliday to sail the relay throw to first. The missed out wouldn’t matter, as Kittredge got pinch-hitter Michael Conforto to line out to left to end the game.
The O’s rally came after Tyler Wells had surrendered a run in the top of the 8th to give the Cubs their slim and fleeting advantage. NL MVP candidate Pete Crow-Armstrong led off the inning with a sinking line drive to right that deflected off Tyler O’Neill for a double. Alex Bregman then lofted a deep fly out to center, allowing PCA to advance to third. With the potential winning run now 90 feet away, the Orioles pulled in their infield, which allowed a hard grounder from Seiya Suzuki to sneak past Blaze Alexander to put the Cubs up 2-1.
Prior to the 8th, offense had been hard to come by for both teams. O’Neill gave the O’s an early advantage in the 2nd when he blasted a solo homer off Cubs starter David Peterson to put Baltimore up 1-0. After homering in his final two ABs on Wednesday, the long ball on Thursday tied an Orioles record of homering in three straight ABs.
However, two continuing trends kept the Orioles from adding on any insurance: bad hitting against left-handed starters and poor luck at the plate. Despite coming off a start where he allowed nine hits and 10 earned runs, Peterson largely befuddled the O’s offense. Outside of the O’Neill home run, the only other hit the Orioles managed off the former All-Star was a Ward single in the bottom of the 1st. Through the first five innings, with Peterson on the mound, Baltimore went 2-for-16, 0-for-1 with RISP, while striking out twice and working four walks.
The fact that the Orioles continue to turn hard-hit balls into outs didn’t help their cause against Peterson. They got particularly unlucky in the 3rd, where the O’s got the short end of batted-ball luck AND a questionable call by the umpires. To lead off the inning, Leody Taveras laid a perfect bunt down the first-base line for what looked like a sure bunt single. A scrambling Peterson was able to flip the ball to first for a bang-bang, but the first-base umpire originally called Taveras safe. The play went to review, and despite no clear angle that showed the ball beat the runner, the umpires ruled Taveras out.
The O’s would rebound from that injustice by having Adley Rutschman and Ward work back-to-back walks to give Baltimore their first runner in scoring position. That brought the Orioles’ paragon of bad luck, Henderson, up to the plate. The slumping SS smashed a Peterson sinker at 107 mph to the left side of the infield, only for the ball to go right to Cubs’ 2B Nico Hoerner for an inning-ending 4-6-3 double play. The O’s hit five balls Thursday that had an xBA of .500+ that the Cubs turned into outs.
And yet, for a while, it looked like the one run was all the Orioles would need thanks to the continued brilliance of starter Trevor Rogers. The stingy southpaw came into Thursday’s game with a 1.77 ERA over his last six starts and looked just as sharp against Chicago. He worked around a 1st inning, first-and-third, one-out jam by punching out Carson Kelly and getting Michael Busch to fly out, stranding both runners.
Rogers worked a 1-2-3 inning in the 2nd thanks to a pair of groundouts and a K of Dansby Swanson. After a PCA walk in the 3rd, he rolled a double play ball to end the frame and keep the O’s in front.
The Orioles’ de facto ace also got a big boost from his defense as he navigated his fourth quality start in his last seven outings. With Busch on first and two outs in the 4th, Hoerner laced a grounder down the left-field line for a double. Running on contact, Busch came charging hard around third as he tried to tie the game. However, a perfect relay from Ward to Henderson to Samuel Basallo cut the runner down at the plate and preserved the 1-0 lead.
In the 5th, the boost came from the Orioles’ outfield defense as Rogers continued to keep the Cubs off the board. After Swanson singled to left and stole second, Amaya sent a sinking line drive to no-man’s land in center field. However, a good jump and a sliding snag allowed Taveras to rob the Cubs’ catcher of a hit and keep Swanson from scoring.
That aura of invincibility finally wore off for Rogers in the 6th. After getting Bregman to ground out to start the inning, he left a changeup over the plate to Suzuki, who clobbered it over the left-field fence to tie the game at 1-1. The Orioles’ lefty would get two more ground outs to finish the inning and closed his line at 6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB and 4 K. Since the beginning of June, Rogers now has a 1.73 ERA across seven starts, while holding opponents to a .195 average.
Jul 1, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) reacts after hitting a two RBI double against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
It’s a Home Run Derby, in Philadelphia, in front of a large audience that is focusing their attention on one thing for the night.
Was there any doubt that Bryce Harper would participate?
In news that should surprise no one, Harper is participating in the Home Run Derby (don’t forget – it’s on Netflix this year!), which means he must have found a pitcher that he likes. The last time he participated in one, he did so as a member of the Nationals when the event was held in Washington, with his father throwing to him. Let’s see if he can follow up as a member of the Phillies with the event in Philadelphia.
Apparently Bryce Harper found somebody to pitch to him.
Harper will participate in the July 13 Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game, once again entering the field when his hometown team hosts the bash. It will be his first appearance since 2018, when he won the Derby in dramatic fashion at Washington's Nationals Park.
That was his last hurrah in D.C., as he signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies the next winter, and quickly became a focal point of Philly sports, eventually helping the Phillies to the 2022 World Series.
Now 33 and a two-time National League MVP, Harper said he would consider participating in the Derby at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park if he was named to the team. He also expressed concern that his father Ron, who pitched to him at the 2018 Derby, would be physically unable to pitch.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred made sure Harper was there, naming him as a "legend" pick to the game - though to be sure, Harper's first half statistics were sufficient, anyway. Now, a few days later, Harper posted on Instagram that he'd join the fray.
He joins Tampa Bay Rays slugger Junior Caminero, Yankees first baseman Ben Rice, Kansas City Royals first baseman Jac Caglianone and Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras in committing to the Derby. Three more slots remain.
One slot would be perfect for Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber. He lost by the narrowest of margins to Harper in 2018. A rematch as Philly teammates before their home crowd would be a must-see event.
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 1: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of a basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on April 1, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Raptors fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
This week’s question shines a spotlight on former Raptor legend DeMar DeRozan. The 36-year-old is nearing the end of his career, and as polarizing as he may be to many Raptors fans, there’s a case to be made that he’s one of the best available options left in free agency.
Last season, DeRozan averaged 18.4 points (lowest-mark since 2012-13), 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steal while shooting 49.7 per cent from the field and 32.0 per cent from three. While DeRozan doesn’t fit the defensive identity that carried the Raptors against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs, the veteran would immediately one of the best scorers on the roster.
Cast your vote, tell us in the comments, and we’ll be back soon with more Reacts.
As the NBA waits for James to decide where he will play next season, the four-time MVP was spotted golfing with Draymond Green in Puerto Rico, instantly adding fuel to the Golden State Warriors speculation that has followed him since he left the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this month.
LeBron James was spotted golfing with Draymond Green in Puerto Rico as free agency speculation continues around a possible Warriors pursuit. Getty Images
The sighting was shared by ESPN Cleveland, which posted that “someone” had spotted James and Green on the course. It is not clear whether the two were discussing basketball, free agency or just trying to keep their drives out of the rough.
But with James, every offseason sighting now feels like a clue.
News: Business.Sun Valley Idaho. Allen and Company annual conference. Liz Sullivan
Green and James built part of their legacies by barking at each other through four straight Finals matchups. Now they’re sharing tee times, which makes the recruiting picture a lot more interesting: is Green selling the Warriors, is James selling Green on his next stop, or are two old rivals simply enjoying a few swings while the rest of the sporting world loses its mind?
The idea of James joining Green and Stephen Curry in the Bay Area has gone from impossible fathom to one of the most fascinating possibilities of the summer.
Green’s own free agency has only made the picture more interesting. He declined his $27.7 million player option, a move widely viewed as a way to give the Warriors more flexibility to pursue James.
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But Kevin O’Connor recently raised another possibility: what if Green is not just helping Golden State recruit James, but keeping himself available to follow James somewhere else?
It is speculation, but not outrageous. Green’s defensive IQ, passing and playoff experience would fit almost any contender chasing James, whether that is Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia or Golden State.
Then there is the funniest subplot of all: golf has somehow become central to LeBron’s free agency.
Shams Charania reported that James has been spending time with family and friends, including plenty of golf, while operating without a firm timetable. Curry, speaking at a golf event of his own, even joked that the Bay Area has “good golf” while making Golden State’s pitch around basketball intelligence, competitiveness and the chance to play with people who know the game.
Rich Paul has also framed James’ decision around “complete happiness,” not just money. Paul even joked that market size is not the deciding factor as long as there is access to indoor and outdoor golf.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts as he’s fouled by Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors Getty Images
At this point, that line feels less like a throwaway joke and more like a real campaign plank, especially in light of how the James camp has demanded the league communicate with him at this point.
The Warriors can offer Curry, Green, championship experience and, apparently, a respectable golf scene. Cleveland offers the storybook ending and familiar roots. Miami offers history and a loaded roster. Philadelphia offers another star-heavy path to a ring.
James has earned the right to take his time.
But when he is golfing with Green while the Warriors rumors swirl, the NBA ecosystem is going to notice.
The free agency race may not be decided on a golf course.
Of course the New York Mets lost another player. That's just how the season is going in Queens.
Mark Vientos fractured his right hand Thursday, July 9 when a pitch from Kansas City's Michael Wacha ran inside and caught him on a checked swing in the second inning. He stayed in to run, came out an inning later and will land on the injured list, interim manager Andy Green confirmed after the Mets' 7-3 win over the Royals at Citi Field.
Green did not indicate a timeline for Vientos' return, but broken bones traditionally take six to eight weeks.
The injury is one more thing that has gone wrong for the Mets in a season where everything is going wrong.
The Mets opened the year with baseball's highest payroll at $358 million, then lost 12 consecutive games in April. They fired manager Carlos Mendoza in late June – the franchise's first in-season managerial change since they axed Willie Randolph in 2008 – days after a six-error game against the Cubs.
The injured list has already swallowed Francisco Lindor, Marcus Semien, Luis Robert Jr. , Clay Holmes, Jorge Polanco and Juan Soto at some point this season. At 40-54 and 11.5 games out of a playoff spot, the only question left is who gets traded by Aug. 3.
That list could have included Vientos before the injury.
He's hitting just .211, a far fall from the 27-homer breakout of 2024. But he is still crushing left-handed pitching, hitting .281 against lefties with a .539 slugging percentage.
Ronny Mauricio, MJ Melendez and Nick Morabito are the 40-man options to fill the spot. Mauricio was optioned just two days ago when Polanco returned. While position players usually have to wait 10 days after being optioned to return, an injury gives the Mets an exception.
Zaire Wade, the 24-year-old son of NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade, has been charged with a felony following his arrest last month in connection with an alleged domestic violence incident in Burbank.
According to a criminal complaint filed Thursday in Los Angeles, Wade faces one felony domestic violence-related charge stemming from a June 21 altercation involving someone with whom he was in a dating relationship.
Zaire Wade has been charged with a felony following his arrest last month. NBAE via Getty ImagesThe 24-year-old son of NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade. NBAE via Getty ImagesWade faces one felony domestic violence-related charge stemming from a June 21 altercation.Paramedics evaluated the woman at the scene, but she was not taken to a hospital. NBAE via Getty Images
Police responded to a home around 5:30 a.m. after a 911 caller reported hearing a woman screaming.
When officers arrived, they found Wade and a woman with lacerations to her face and body.
A spokesperson for the Burbank PD told The California Post on June 26 that Zaire was “booked for domestic violence, criminal threats and false imprisonment.”
Zaire Wade talks to the fans during Dwyane Wade’s statue unveiling on October 27, 2024 at Kaseya Center in Miami. NBAE via Getty ImagesBurbank PD told The California Post that Zaire was “booked for domestic violence, criminal threats and false imprisonment.” Getty Images for FWRD
Paramedics evaluated the woman at the scene, but she was not taken to a hospital.
Authorities also seized a handgun from the home following the arrest and issued an emergency protective order, NBC reported.
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They found Wade and a woman with lacerations to her face and body. NBAE via Getty Images
Wade posted a $50,000 bond and was released later that day.
He is the oldest child of Dwyane Wade, the first-ballot Basketball Hall of Famer whose decorated NBA career included three NBA championships, 13 All-Star selections, the 2010 All-Star Game MVP award, eight All-NBA honors, and the league scoring title in 2009, who has not issued any public comment regarding his son’s arrest.
Years before his arrest, Zaire and Bronny James played together during the 2019–2020 high school basketball season at Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth.
Every MLB fan thinks they know the game better than their rival. Casino.ca put that confidence to the test with a 5,000-fan survey built around a 20-question baseball knowledge quiz.
New York came out on top, with Mets and Yankees fans tying for No. 1 at 18 out of 20. Both fanbases actually outperformed their own confidence levels, with Mets fans rating themselves 7 out of 10 and Yankees fans just 6 out of 10.
A new MLB fan knowledge survey ranked Mets and Yankees fans first, Rangers and Diamondbacks fans last, and California teams all over. casino.ca
At the bottom, Diamondbacks and Rangers fans tied for last with 10 out of 20. Texas had the funniest miss of the survey, rating itself 8 out of 10 despite finishing at the bottom.
California was all over the board. Angels fans ranked highest in the state, tying for second overall at 17 out of 20 with an 8 out of 10 self-rating. Dodgers fans finished No. 4 at 15 out of 20.
Angels fans ranked highest in the state, tying for second overall at 17 out of 20. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
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The Athletics and Padres tied for No. 7 with 12 out of 20, while Giants fans ranked lowest among California teams at No. 8 with 11 out of 20.
The biggest expectation-versus-reality gap belonged to Rangers fans, while Yankees, Red Sox and Mets fans were surprisingly modest compared to their actual scores.
Take the quiz yourself and find out how you stack up against your most hated rivals. Answers found at the bottom of the article:
Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants fans have fun during Game 5 of the National League Divisional Series MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Which pitcher threw the only perfect game in World Series history?
Don Larsen
Sandy Koufax
Whitey Ford
Bob Gibson
What year did MLB introduce interleague play?
1994
1995
1997
1999
Which franchise was the first to integrate in the American League?
New York Yankees
Cleveland Indians (now Guardians)
Detroit Tigers
Chicago White Sox
Who was the first player to win MVP in both leagues?
Frank Robinson
Reggie Jackson
Hank Aaron
Pete Rose
Can a runner advance on a dropped third strike with two outs?
No
Only if first base is occupied
Yes
Only in extra innings
What constitutes a balk?
Any pitch outside the strike zone
A pitcher dropping the ball
An illegal motion or deception while on the rubber
A catcher leaving the box early
Can a pitcher switch throwing hands during an at-bat?
No
Only once per game
Yes, but must declare before the at-bat
Only in extra innings
Which catcher has the most career home runs?
Johnny Bench
Yogi Berra
Mike Piazza
Carlton Fisk
Which player has the most career grand slams?
Lou Gehrig
Barry Bonds
Alex Rodriguez
Albert Pujols
Which MLB franchise was originally called the Pilots?
Milwaukee Brewers
Seattle Mariners
San Diego Padres
Tampa Bay Rays
True or False: A pitcher can fake a throw to first without stepping off the rubber.
True
False
If a game is called in the 5th inning due to weather, is it official?
No, must reach 6 innings
No, must reach 7 innings
Yes, after 4.5 innings if home team is leading
Only if both managers agree
Can a batter reach first on catcher’s interference even if the pitch is wild?
Yes
No
Is it possible to record four outs in one inning?
No
Yes, via an appeal play
Who was the youngest player to reach 500 home runs?
Alex Rodriguez
Albert Pujols
Ken Griffey Jr.
Jimmie Foxx
If a runner misses a base but scores, does the run count automatically?
Yes
No, defense can appeal
Which Hall of Famer was nicknamed “The Georgia Peach”?
Ty Cobb
Rogers Hornsby
Tris Speaker
Honus Wagner
Which MLB franchise has never appeared in a World Series?
Seattle Mariners
Milwaukee Brewers
Colorado Rockies
Tampa Bay Rays
Who was the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season?
Barry Bonds
Alex Rodriguez
Shohei Ohtani
José Canseco
What major rule change was introduced in MLB for the 2026 season?
Universal DH
Automated ball-strike challenge system
Expanded playoffs
Pitch clock removal
San Francisco Giants fan looks on wearing a hat with players and staff names crossed out in rainbow colors Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesA group of friends, either New York Mets or New York Yankees fans, gesture before a baseball game AP
Answer Key:
Don Larsen – Game 5 of the 1956 World Series
1997 – Interleague play officially began on June 12, 1997
Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) – Larry Doby, 1947
Frank Robinson – 1961 NL with Reds, 1966 AL with Orioles
Yes – The strike is called, but the umpire does not call the batter out.
An illegal motion or deception while on the rubber
Yes, but must declare before the at-bat – Under MLB Rule 5.07(f) (colloquially known as the Pat Venditte Rule)
Mike Piazza – He hit 427 total home runs (396 while playing catcher)
Alex Rodriguez – He hit 25 during his 22-year career
Milwaukee Brewers – On April 1, 1970, the franchise moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin
False – Faking a throw to first base while in contact with the pitching rubber is a balk.
Yes – After 4.5 innings if home team is leading
Yes – The batter is awarded first base whenever the catcher impedes their ability to hit the pitch
Yes – This occurs in two rare ways: when a pitcher strikes out four batters or through a defensive appeal play that supersedes the third out.
Alex Rodriguez – He reached the milestone at 32 years and 8 days old
No – Defense can appeal
Ty Cobb – Born in Narrows, Georgia.
Seattle Mariners
Shohei Ohtani – The only player in MLB history, achieving the feat during the 2024 season
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 8: Joey Bart #16 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates his two-run home run with Jorge Mateo #2 in the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 8, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Remember when Ozzie Albies bopped those two big fly balls just over the big wall in right field at Truist Park in order to help push the Braves to a 4-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers? Yeah, that was back on June 20 and that was the last time the Braves won a series. Ever since then, they got swept by the Padres (in Petco Park so what else is new), they dropped a series to the Giants, they came up short against the Cardinals and then somehow managed to split a four-game series at home against the Mets.
I’m saying that to say that it’s been a rough stretch for the Braves since they toppled the NL Central-leading Brewers. Still, they’ve shown signs of continuing to improve so they can potentially scratch and claw their way out of this rough patch and the most encouraging thing in particular was the offense showing signs of life. If that continued then the Braves would be in good shape and they’d be able to compete against Pittsburgh and their high-powered offense as well. Now it’s time to see how well the Braves fared against the Buccos.
Ryan O’Hearn hit three homers and had 10 RBI in this one. That’s it folks, that’s the ballgame!
It’s kind of hard to win when one guy has 10 RBI by himself! Indeed, O’Hearn became the first person to reach double-digit RBI in a single game since Shohei Ohtani did it back in 2024. In fact, O’Hearn had a legitimate shot at four dingers in one game but unfortunately for him, shutdown reliever Jorge Mateo held him to a single in his final at-bat so O’Hearn was unable to make it four homers in one game. Still, Cooperstown accepted his helmet while the Braves accepted that it was a bad night at the office for Hurston Waldrep and Connor Thomas in particular.
Fortunately, the Braves appeared to flush the bad memories of Tuesday night and proceeded to absolutely clamp down on Pittsburgh’s lineup in the middle game of this three-game series. We ended up getting a serious pitchers’ duel between Grant Holmes and Jared Jones and while Holmes was impressive in his five innings of shutout ball, Jones was even better as he carried a perfect game through six innings.
Jones was not given the opportunity to go for that perfect game because Pirates manager Don Kelly pulled Jones from the game after he was done in the sixth and sure enough, that ended up being the spark that got Atlanta’s offense going. Ozzie Albies ruined the perfect game in the seventh and then Joey Bart marked his return to PNC Park with a two-run dinger in the eighth that gave the Braves the lead and broke the deadlock.
An insurance run was added in the ninth and that meant that Raisel Iglesias was in line to bounce back from his blown save on Monday. Iglesias did give up a hit this time around but he otherwise had little trouble finishing off the Pirates and getting another save while helping push the Braves over the finish line for a series-tying win.
This one started off encouragingly enough for the Braves as they put up three runs in the first three innings at Mitch Keller’s expense and actually ran him from the game during those three innings. However, that was when Bryce Elder fell into some old bad habits and served up two of his vintage hanging sliders to Bryan Reynolds and Esmerlyn Valdez, who went back-to-back to get the Pirates back into the game.
The fourth inning saw the Braves get comfortable again in the lead as they plated three runs in their half of the inning (including a two-run dinger from Jim Jarvis — his first as a big leaguer) before Elder got tagged for a dinger again in the bottom half of the fourth. This time, it was a two-run shot from Jake Mangum and while the pitch wasn’t as bad as the other two, the result was the same and the Braves had to hold on to a two-run lead heading into the middle frames.
Mangum added an RBI double in the fifth to bring the Pirates within one run and then the bottom of the eighth inning saw James Karinchak and the Braves tenuously holding on to that lead as Pittsburgh had a runner in scoring position. Fortunately, Karinchak escaped with the lead following a strikeout, a ground out and a bullet that was smacked directly into Matt Olson’s glove for the final out. That ended up being crucial because Mike Yastrzemski ended up coming through with a massive grand slam against Dennis Santana that gave the Braves the breathing room they needed to saunter to a 10-5 series win.
Remember when it felt like this team just couldn’t find any sort of power at the plate? Those days appear to be in the rear view mirror for the Braes now because it certainly appears that this Braves team is really starting to do some serious slugging again. Joey Bart and Mike Yastrzemski both came up absolutely huge with their well-timed dingers during this series and it was also nice to see Matt Olson keep it going at the plate with a dinger in the series finale.
Even Jim Jarvis got in on the fun and congratulations are in order for him for his first big league homer — and he nearly had his second one a few innings later! It may have been tempting to think that Atlanta was just taking advantage of a beleaguered Mets pitching staff over the weekend but it really does feel like the bats have come back to life for the Braves. That’s huge since as we’ve seen from this series, the pitching is still in a spotty position at the moment.
With that being said, it was certainly encouraging to see Grant Holmes successfully navigate a second trip through the order in his start and Raisel Iglesias took the opportunity to bounce back from an extremely rare blown save earlier this week by dusting off one of the victories during this season. He didn’t even have to pitch in the series-clincher and that was due to the fact that guys like Danny Young, James Karinchak and Victor Mederos were able to step up and live up to the standards that the rest of the bullpen has set for this season.
All in all, it’s a solid series win on the road and hopefully the Braves will be able to carry this mojo with them to St. Louis for the final series of the first half. We’ve been saying for a while that they desperately need the break to regroup and while that may still be true with the Phillies and now also the Marlins creeping up on them, it sure would be nice to see the Braves take that opportunity to regroup while going into the clubhouse turn (so to speak) off the heels of a successful road trip. They’ve finished off the first leg in strong form and now it’s time for the second part. We’ll see what happens.
