The Seattle Mariners added some thump to their lineup Thursday, acquiring first baseman Josh Nayl...

<p>The Seattle Mariners added some thump to their lineup Thursday, acquiring first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8240" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8240">Josh Naylor</a> from the Arizona Diamondbacks for pitching prospects <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17572" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17572">Brandyn Garcia</a> and Ashton Izzi.</p><p>"We are thrilled to add Josh as we make a push for the postseason," Mariners general manager Justin Hollander <a href="https://www.mlb.com/mariners/press-release/mariners-acquire-infielder-josh-naylor-from-arizona">said</a>. "Josh's ability to hit for both average and power is unique and we are excited not to have to face him anymore."</p><p>Naylor fills a glaring hole in his new team's lineup at first base. Mariners first basemen have been worth a combined 0.4 fWAR while hitting only 16 homers this season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5221" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5221">Rowdy Tellez</a>, Seattle's Opening Day starter at the position, was released in June.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 28-year-old is also a great fit in Seattle's lineup due to his patient approach and lack of strikeouts. The Mariners' 25.1 strikeout percentage is the sixth-highest in the majors; by contrast, Naylor's 12.4 K% is the 13th-lowest among qualified hitters this year.</p><p>An All-Star with the Cleveland Guardians in 2024, Naylor's enjoying a solid season with the D-Backs, hitting .292/.360/.447 with 11 homers, 59 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases over 93 games. He crushed 31 homers and drove in 108 runs with the Guardians last season, before being dealt to Arizona in the winter.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Josh Naylor is expected to join the Mariners tomorrow in Anaheim.</p>— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) <a href="https://twitter.com/DKramer_/status/1948564288022741495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The D-Backs have clearly chosen to act as sellers this summer after slumping to a 50-53 record. Third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3362" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3362">Eugenio Suárez</a> and right-handers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9755" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9755">Zac Gallen</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4059" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4059">Merrill Kelly</a> are also potential candidates to be dealt ahead of next Thursday's deadline.</p><p>Seattle, meanwhile, is loading up to try and reach the playoffs for just the second time since 2001. Dan Wilson's club is currently tied with Boston for the final AL wild-card spot.</p><p>Hollander and president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto don't appear to be finished, either. The Mariners are continuing to talk with Arizona about a trade that would bring Suárez back to Seattle, a source told <a href="https://x.com/A_Jude/status/1948548854967927031">Adam Jude of the Seattle Times</a>. Suárez, the major-league RBI leader, spent two seasons with the Mariners before being traded to Arizona in November 2023.</p><p>Garcia, ranked as the Mariners' No. 13 prospect by <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/mariners">MLB.com</a> prior to the trade, made his major-league debut Monday. The 25-year-old left-hander started his season in Double-A before moving up to Triple-A and then the majors. Garcia put up a 3.51 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with 42 strikeouts and 17 walks over 32 minor-league relief appearances this year.</p><p>Arizona optioned Garcia to Triple-A Reno after the trade, and recalled infielder Tristin English in a corresponding move.</p><p>Izzi, a 21-year-old right-hander, was Seattle's fourth-round pick in 2022. The 21-year-old has spent this season at High-A Everett, where he's posted a 5.51 ERA and 1.56 WHIP while striking out over 10 batters per nine innings across 12 starts. He was ranked as the Mariners' No. 16 prospect.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 27: Josh Naylor #22 of the Arizona Diamondbacks bats during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at Chase Field on June 27, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

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D-Backs trade Naylor to Mariners

The Atlanta Braves are open to offers for at least some of their key players.  Atlanta is willing...

<p>The Atlanta Braves are open to offers for at least some of their key players.</p><p>Atlanta is willing to deal slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3034" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3034">Marcell Ozuna</a> and closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4809" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4809">Raisel Iglesias</a>, both of whom are pending free agents, ahead of next week's deadline, a source told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6512322/2025/07/24/mlb-notes-trade-deadline-brewers-dodgers/">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>. However, in order to part with either Ozuna or Iglesias, the Braves want a proper return in terms of talent and aren't willing to send them out in a salary dump, Rosenthal adds.</p><p>An Ozuna trade may be out of the Braves' hands regardless, however, as he holds 10-and-5 rights - 10 years of MLB service time, the last five with the same team - and can therefore veto any move.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Though the Braves have fallen well short of expectations this season, general manager Alex Anthopoulos has publicly refused to concede defeat. He called rumors of a potential <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1577" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1577">Chris Sale</a> trade "completely ridiculous" in June, shortly before the ace landed on the injured list with a fractured ribcage.</p><p>The team's struggles have mounted since then. Atlanta has lost four of six since the break and now sits 14 games out of first place in the NL East.</p><p>Ozuna started this season strong but has slumped since mid-April and is now hitting .235/.360/.389 with 13 homers and 42 RBIs. He's been the Braves' primary designated hitter for most of this year but has only started one game since the All-Star break.</p><p>Still, Ozuna is just two years removed from a stellar 40-homer campaign. The 34-year-old also finished fourth in NL MVP voting last season and could be a game-changing bat for a contender should he rediscover that form down the stretch.</p><p>Iglesias, meanwhile, is mired in a bit of a down year. The 35-year-old Cuban has tallied just 11 saves while putting up a career-worst 4.99 ERA over 42 appearances. However, he still owns a 10.4 K/9 rate with nine walks in 39 2/3 innings, and he's allowed only four earned runs since June 9.</p><p>Both Ozuna and Iglesias are earning $16 million this season, meaning they'll make around $5 million over the final two months of 2025.</p>

ATLANTA, GA SEPTEMBER 13: Atlanta designated hitter Marcell Ozuna (20) congratulates relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias (26) following the conclusion of the MLB game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves on September 13th, 2024 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA.

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Report: Braves open to trading pending FAs Ozuna, Iglesias

The Cincinnati Reds have their eyes on the biggest bat available at this year's deadline.  Cincin...

<p>The Cincinnati Reds have their eyes on the biggest bat available at this year's deadline.</p><p>Cincinnati is interested in re-acquiring All-Star third baseman and onetime Red <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3362" href="/mlb/players/3362">Eugenio Suárez</a> from the Arizona Diamondbacks, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6512017/2025/07/23/reds-eugenio-suarez-mlb-trade-deadline/?source=emp_shared_article">C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic</a>. There's mutual interest from the D-Backs in completing a deal with the Reds, Rosecrans adds.</p><p>Suárez is enjoying a fantastic 2025 campaign, sporting a .918 OPS with 36 home runs and an NL-best 86 RBIs.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 34-year-old became a star with the Reds: He played in Cincinnati from 2015-21 and hit a career-high 49 home runs in 2019. He's in the final season of the seven-year, $66-million deal he initially signed with the Reds in March 2018.</p><p>The Reds, who sit 2.5 games out of a wild-card spot despite owning a plus-35 run differential, traded Suárez to Seattle in 2022 for a package that included <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8791" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8791">Jake Fraley</a>, who's now their starting right fielder.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12369" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12369">Noelvi Marte</a> has been the Reds' primary third baseman this month. However, Marte has made a few appearances in right field of late, and could potentially move to the outfield if a power-hitting third baseman like Suárez was acquired.</p><p>Arizona - which now sits 5.5 games out of a playoff spot after being swept by Houston this week - is reportedly seeking young pitching in return for its pending free agents, including Suárez. In this sense, the Reds may be a good match for the D-Backs; three of Cincinnati's top 10 prospects as ranked by <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/reds">MLB.com</a> are pitchers, including top prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19086" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19086">Chase Burns</a>.</p><p>However, the Reds are unlikely to trade either Burns or No. 3 prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17447" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17447">Rhett Lowder</a>, according to Rosecrans.</p><p>The New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs are also reportedly <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3313078" href="https://thescore.com/news/3313078">pursuing</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3313993" href="https://thescore.com/news/3313993">trades</a> for Suárez.</p><p> </p>

CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 08: Eugenio Suárez #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a solo home run in the second inning during the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on Sunday, June 8, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Report: Reds interested in bringing Suárez back to Cincinnati

The San Diego Padres might be open to trading one of their most important arms.  San Diego, thoug...

<p>The San Diego Padres might be open to trading one of their most important arms.</p><p>San Diego, though currently in a playoff spot, is listening to offers for right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8145" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8145">Dylan Cease</a>, reports <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/1948108589870022690">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>. Although the likelihood of a Cease deal remains low, the Padres are open to the possibility because he's a pending free agent and would therefore be a rental for any team that acquires him, according to Heyman.</p><p>The New York Yankees, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and Boston Red Sox are among the teams believed to have checked in about Cease's availability, according to Heyman.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Padres still appear to be intent on buying and making a push for the playoffs, according to <a href="https://x.com/Buster_ESPN/status/1948064082206048545">ESPN's Buster Olney</a>. It's possible that they're considering using a potential Cease trade to augment other areas of the roster and then adding more pitching elsewhere.</p><p>To that end, San Diego has spoken to the Baltimore Orioles about veteran right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1117" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1117">Charlie Morton</a>, <a href="https://x.com/Buster_ESPN/status/1948064942290059557">Olney</a> reports. The team also has interest in Miami Marlins star and former NL Cy Young winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5647" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5647">Sandy Alcantara</a>, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6489306/2025/07/23/padres-dylan-cease-sandy-alcantara-trade-candidates/?source=emp_shared_article">Dennis Lin of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>Cease, who started and lost Wednesday's series finale against the Miami Marlins, has spent the last two seasons in San Diego after being acquired in the spring of 2024. The 29-year-old finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting and threw a no-hitter last season, but owns a career-high 4.59 ERA and 1.30 WHIP over 21 starts in 2025.</p><p>Still, Cease remains one of the game's best strikeout artists - his 144 Ks and 11.4 K/9 rate both place second in the NL.</p><p>Morton, 41, is apparently drawing San Diego's interest despite his dismal campaign in Baltimore. He owns a 5.58 ERA, 4.58 FIP, and 1.57 WHIP along with a 4.2 BB/9 rate over 88 2/3 innings, and was demoted to the bullpen earlier this season.</p><p>However, the 18-year veteran has been pitching better in recent weeks. Since returning to Baltimore's rotation on May 26, Morton owns a far more respectable 3.78 ERA and 3.45 FIP with 52 strikeouts and just four home runs allowed.</p><p>Alcantara, who beat the Padres Wednesday in what could have been his final start for the Marlins, owns a 6.66 ERA with 77 strikeouts and 39 walks over 104 innings. He's earning $17 million this year and next, and would also come with a $21-million club option or $2-million buyout for 2027.</p><p>Wednesday's loss dropped the Padres to 55-47, although they still hold a 1.5-game lead on the rival San Francisco Giants for the final NL wild-card spot.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 18: Dylan Cease #84 of the San Diego Padres pitches during the game between the San Diego Padres and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Friday, July 18, 2025 in Washington, District of Columbia.

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Report: Padres listening on Cease, have interest in Morton, Alcantara

With only a week to go before the July 31 MLB trade deadline, we take a look at what moves each c...

<p><em>With only a week to go before the July 31 MLB trade deadline, we take a look at what moves each contender needs to make ahead of the stretch run. Contenders are defined as teams with at least a 30% chance of making the playoffs, according to FanGraphs projections. </em></p><h3>Los Angeles Dodgers</h3><p><strong>Record:</strong> 59-43<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>99%</p><p><strong>Biggest needs: </strong>Left field, bench depth, pitching</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The one hole in the Dodgers' lineup is in left field, where Michael Conforto has struggled. While they could potentially fix this issue internally by giving Hyeseong Kim more playing time in center and moving Andy Pages to left, that won't solve all of their problems. L.A. would be wise to try to find another corner outfielder, preferably one who hits from the left side, and then use its financial muscle to eat the rest of Conforto's contract. There's also the usual need for pitching, especially at the back of the bullpen given Tanner Scott's recent injury. Adding rotation depth is a possibility, but it's not a necessity with Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki progressing toward returns.</p><p><strong>Potential targets: </strong>Mike Tauchman, Bryan Reynolds, Cedric Mullins, Jarren Duran, Taylor Ward, Kenley Jansen, Mason Miller, David Bednar, Félix Bautista, Emmanuel Clase, Cade Smith, Ryan Helsley</p><h3>Detroit Tigers</h3><p><strong>Record:</strong> 60-42<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>98%</p><p><strong>Biggest needs: </strong>Bullpen, depth starting pitching</p><p>It's been a stellar year for the Tigers, who are flying toward an AL Central title and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. To fortify their chances in October, though, they sorely need some relief help. Detroit's bullpen ranks bottom 10 in ERA (4.06) and K/9 (an AL-worst 7.7) and has allowed 45 home runs. Will Vest is the team's only regular reliever with an ERA below three, while free-agent signing Tommy Kahnle has struggled. It wouldn't hurt to add some back-end starting depth as insurance should Jack Flaherty's struggles continue, either.</p><p><strong>Potential targets: </strong>David Bednar, Dennis Santana, Félix Bautista, Emmanuel Clase, Ryan Helsley, Kenley Jansen, Mason Miller, Raisel Iglesias, Kyle Finnegan, Nick Martinez, Emilio Pagán, Taylor Rogers</p><h3>Chicago Cubs</h3><p><strong>Record:</strong> 60-41<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>97%</p><p><strong>Biggest needs: </strong>Third base, starting pitching</p><p>The Cubs own the NL's best overall offense - except at third base, where they rank 30th in OPS. Top prospect Matt Shaw, who was handed the job out of spring training, has hit just two homers and sits only ahead of with Ke'Bryan Hayes for the worst wRC+ at his position (minimum 230 PAs). The Cubs' other internal options, which include Jon Berti, Vidal Bruján, Gage Workman, and Justin Turner, haven't fared much better. Finding an offensive upgrade at third should be the top priority for Chicago's front office. Starting pitching depth is a secondary concern the Cubs could address.</p><p><strong>Potential targets: </strong>Eugenio Suárez, Ke'Bryan Hayes, Ryan McMahon, Yoán Moncada, Nolan Arenado, Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera, Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, Seth Lugo, Mitch Keller, Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas</p><h3>Houston Astros</h3><p><strong>Record:</strong> 59-42<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>95%</p><p><strong>Biggest needs: </strong>Left-handed bats, third base</p><p>The Astros' machine keeps rolling, and incredibly, they're doing it with an almost entirely right-handed hitting lineup. Currently, Houston has two left-handed bats - outfielder Taylor Trammell and backup catcher César Salazar - on the 26-man roster. Much of this stems from the uncertainty surrounding Yordan Alvarez and his injured hand. With Alvarez's return far from a guarantee, general manager Dana Brown should push hard for lefty bats - preferably those who can play left field and/or first base - to help balance the lineup. The Astros also have a new need at third base after Isaac Paredes' hamstring injury. Houston could either add a third baseman via trade, or move Cam Smith back to his natural position and find a corner outfielder to cover right.</p><p><strong>Potential targets: </strong>Mike Tauchman, Bryan Reynolds, Cedric Mullins, Ryan O'Hearn, Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Josh Naylor, Taylor Ward, Nolan Arenado, Eugenio Suárez, Ke'Bryan Hayes, Yoán Moncada</p><h3>Philadelphia Phillies</h3><p><strong>Record:</strong> 58-43<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>94%</p><p><strong>Biggest needs: </strong>Outfield, bullpen</p><p>It just wouldn't be a Dave Dombrowski-run club without bullpen issues. The Jordan Romano signing has been a disaster, and José Alvarado won't be available for the playoffs because of his PED suspension. Signing veteran David Robertson was a start, but it's vital for a Phillies team facing high expectations to bring in more front-end relief help that won't collapse in October. On offense, the Phillies should look for bat-first outfielders, potentially in both left and center. It would be a nice bonus if those hitters were left-handed. Johan Rojas is a fine defensive outfielder, but he's better suited as a defensive replacement on this kind of team. The Phillies have a surplus of starting pitching, and this is a chance to use it - perhaps in a need-for-need deal - to make a significant outfield upgrade.</p><p><strong>Potential targets: </strong>Emmanuel Clase, David Bednar, Dennis Santana, Kenley Jansen, Ryan Helsley, Cade Smith, Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Harrison Bader, Cedric Mullins, Luis Robert Jr., Ryan O'Hearn, Taylor Ward, Mike Tauchman</p><h3>Milwaukee Brewers</h3><p><strong>Record:</strong> 60-41<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>93%</p><p><strong>Biggest needs: </strong>Outfield, power bats</p><p>As is now the norm, the red-hot Brewers are surprisingly pushing toward a playoff berth on the backs of their pitching staff. That's not to say Milwaukee's bats have been lethargic - on the contrary, the Brewers rank seventh in runs scored - but the team also sits 24th in home runs and doesn't have a regular position player with an OPS above .787. Andrew Vaughn was a nice find, but it's unreasonable to expect him to sustain the pace he's been on since joining the team in early July, so more is needed. With Sal Frelick now on the IL, there's an opening to add an impact bat in the outfield.</p><p><strong>Potential targets: </strong>Cedric Mullins, Ryan O'Hearn, Harrison Bader, Taylor Ward, Luis Robert Jr., Adolis García, Marcell Ozuna</p><h3>New York Yankees</h3><p><strong>Record:</strong> 56-45<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>92%</p><p><strong>Biggest needs: </strong>Third base, bullpen, rotation depth</p><p>The hot corner remains New York's most conspicuous need now that DJ LeMahieu is gone and Jazz Chisholm Jr. is back at second base. There's no doubt that Brian Cashman is working the phones to land a true solution at third, whether it's a rental or someone who will be around for a few more years. Additional third-base possibilities for the Yankees might open up over the next week-plus as contenders separate themselves from pretenders. Getting Luke Weaver and Devin Williams some help in the bullpen should also be a priority for Cashman, and another depth starting option couldn't hurt.</p><p><strong>Potential targets: </strong>Eugenio Suárez, Ryan McMahon, Ke'Bryan Hayes, Nolan Arenado, Yoán Moncada, Kenley Jansen, David Bednar, Caleb Ferguson, Dennis Santana, Kyle Finnegan, Hoby Milner, Ryan Helsley, Emmanuel Clase</p><h3>Toronto Blue Jays</h3><p><strong>Record:</strong> 59-42<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>92%</p><p><strong>Biggest needs: </strong>Power, rotation depth, bullpen</p><p>Injured position players Andrés Giménez, Anthony Santander, and Daulton Varsho are essentially deadline adds if and when they return. But they're not necessarily enough to fortify an offense that, while very good, has hit just 105 home runs this year. This lineup sorely needs an injection of power. Forget the position: Add the bat and worry about the rest later. As with other teams on this list, bullpen help is a must, but it's become even more urgent for Toronto with Yimi García's injury issues and inconsistency from Chad Green and Jeff Hoffman. Rotation depth would also be welcome.</p><p><strong>Potential targets: </strong>Eugenio Suárez, Taylor Ward, Cedric Mullins, Harrison Bader, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Seth Lugo, Mitch Keller, Luis Severino, Dennis Santana, Emmanuel Clase, Emilio Pagán, Ryan Helsley, Kyle Finnegan, Cade Smith</p><h3>New York Mets</h3><p><strong>Record:</strong> 58-44<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>89%</p><p><strong>Biggest needs: </strong>Second base, third base, outfield, starting pitching</p><p>The Mets clearly need some help for the stretch run. The good news is that there's a chance they can fill both infield holes internally. Brett Baty's been hitting better lately, and if that continues, he can finally solve the team's third-base woes. Jeff McNeil can also slot in at second on a more regular basis. That leaves an injury-riddled rotation as their most glaring problem. The Mets absolutely have to land at least one starter, if not two, at the deadline. Another bat - ideally in the outfield given their incumbents, although they can worry about the positional fit later - would be welcomed too.</p><p><strong>Potential targets: </strong>Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, Luis Severino, Seth Lugo, Mitch Keller, Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera, Sonny Gray, Eugenio Suárez, Yoán Moncada, Nolan Arenado, Taylor Ward, Ryan O'Hearn, Mike Tauchman, Adolis García</p><h3>Seattle Mariners</h3><p><strong>Record:</strong> 54-47<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>75%</p><p><strong>Biggest needs: </strong>Right field, first base, third base, power</p><p>As always with the Mariners, the pitching has been brilliant and the bats - with one very notable exception - have been underwhelming. Seattle's lineup has glaring holes in the outfield and first base that need to be filled if this team has any shot at October. This is the time for Jerry Dipoto to make use of his pitching surplus and land at least one, but ideally two, true impact bats.</p><p><strong>Potential targets: </strong>Ryan O'Hearn, Carlos Santana, Josh Naylor, Eugenio Suárez, Mike Tauchman, Taylor Ward, Marcell Ozuna, Bryan Reynolds, Tommy Pham, Adolis García, Luis Robert Jr., Jarren Duran, Cedric Mullins, Harrison Bader</p><h3>San Diego Padres</h3><p><strong>Record:</strong> 55-46<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>54%</p><p><strong>Biggest needs: </strong>Left field, catcher</p><p>Left field has been a black hole for the Padres all season - and that's why Jarren Duran has been repeatedly linked to San Diego. With Michael King moving toward a return, the Padres could potentially part with some of their starters to land an outfielder like Duran who could finally shore up that left-field spot. They could stand to upgrade at catcher if something is available, too.</p><p><strong>Potential targets: </strong>Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Mike Tauchman, Luis Robert Jr., Cedric Mullins, Ryan O'Hearn, Taylor Ward, Adolis García, Shea Langeliers, Sean Murphy, James McCann, Travis d'Arnaud, Jonah Heim</p><h3>Boston Red Sox</h3><p><strong>Record:</strong> 54-49<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>38%</p><p><strong>Biggest needs: </strong>Starting pitching, first base</p><p>The Red Sox have a surplus of outfielders they can use as trade assets to work on their most obvious issues. Starting pitching behind Garrett Crochet is their biggest area of concern, even with Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito pitching much better. A need-for-need trade involving Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu for a starter would go a long way as Boston tries to stay afloat in the AL East. A short-term solution at first base would also be helpful.</p><p><strong>Potential targets: </strong>Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Mitch Keller, Luis Severino, Nick Martinez, Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, Taijuan Walker, Carlos Santana, Ryan O'Hearn, Josh Naylor</p><h3>Tampa Bay Rays</h3><p><strong>Record:</strong> 53-49<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>35%</p><p><strong>Biggest needs: </strong>Outfield, catcher, bullpen</p><p>The Rays already made one move by grabbing reliever Bryan Baker from Baltimore. That's unlikely to be their last trade. On top of trying to add even more pitching, the Rays would benefit from catching and outfield upgrades that fit their budget. Finding a catcher may prove difficult based on who's selling, although as teams begin to fall out of contention over the next few weeks, more options could hit the market. Perhaps the Rays' talent pipeline could sway certain clubs to part with a backstop who wouldn't otherwise be available.</p><p><strong>Potential targets: </strong>Jonah Heim, Kyle Higashioka, Shea Langeliers, Harrison Bader, Ryan O'Hearn, Mike Tauchman, Cedric Mullins, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Nick Martinez, Cade Smith, Emmanuel Clase, Ryan Helsley, Dennis Santana</p><h3>San Francisco Giants</h3><p><strong>Record:</strong> 53-49<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>33%</p><p><strong>Biggest needs: </strong>Offense, first base, starting pitching</p><p>Rafael Devers was supposed to inject life into the Giants' offense. So far, that hasn't happened. The Giants need more help if they're going to stay in the race. They can address their void at first base at this deadline, perhaps with a short-term solution to give Devers more time to continue learning the position; an extra outfielder wouldn't hurt, either. San Francisco also needs some additional starters behind Logan Webb and Robbie Ray - and that's only becoming more urgent the longer Justin Verlander struggles.</p><p><strong>Potential targets: </strong>Josh Naylor, Carlos Santana, Ryan O'Hearn, Luis Robert Jr., Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, Miles Mikolas, Nick Martinez, Luis Severino</p>

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What every MLB contender needs to do before trade deadline

The Texas Rangers traded right-hander Dane Dunning to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for pitcher ...

<p>The Texas Rangers traded right-hander Dane Dunning to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for pitcher José Ruiz and cash considerations, the teams announced.</p><p>To make room for Dunning on the 40-man roster, Atlanta designated veteran pitcher Jesse Chavez for assignment.</p><p>Dunning, 30, helped the Rangers win the franchise's first World Series title in 2023. He enjoyed a breakout season that year, posting a 3.70 ERA with 140 strikeouts over 35 appearances (26 starts). In the 2023 World Series against Arizona, Dunning didn't allow a run in three relief appearances.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He's been unable to replicate those 2023 numbers, though. Dunning was limited to 26 appearances and 15 starts in 2024 while battling shoulder issues, and his ERA spiked to 5.31.</p><p>The Rangers outrighted Dunning off the 40-man roster in March after a rough spring training. He returned to the majors in April, but has spent most of this season at Triple-A, while pitching in just five big-league games with Texas. Dunning put up a 4.47 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 49 strikeouts and 18 walks over 12 outings (11 starts) in Triple-A.</p><p>Dunning adds some much-needed pitching depth to a Braves staff that's been hit hard by injuries all year and is missing four key starters. He could be used as either a starter or long reliever, based on the state of Atlanta's staff.</p><p>The native of Orange Park, Florida, is earning $2.66 million this season, and has one more year of arbitration eligibility remaining.</p><p>Ruiz, 30, has made 282 big-league appearances over parts of nine big-league seasons with five teams. This year, he's put up an 8.82 ERA over 16 1/3 innings in the majors, split between the Braves and Philadelphia Phillies.</p><p>Ruiz had been pitching for the Braves' Triple-A affiliate at the time of the trade, and was not on Atlanta's 40-man roster. Texas immediately optioned the Venezuela native to Triple-A Round Rock.</p>

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 02: Dane Dunning #33 of the Texas Rangers pitches during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Globe Life Field on July 02, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.

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Rangers trade Dunning to Braves

Former All-Star pitcher Kyle Gibson announced his retirement Thursday after 13 big-league seasons...

<p>Former All-Star pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1677" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1677">Kyle Gibson</a> announced his retirement Thursday after 13 big-league seasons.</p><p>Gibson began this year in Baltimore, signing a $5.25-million deal in late March, but was released in May after posting a 16.78 ERA in four starts.</p><p>The 37-year-old then joined the Tampa Bay Rays and fared better during four starts for their Triple-A affiliate. However, he opted out of that deal in June when a spot didn't open in the Rays' rotation. Gibson said a lack of big-league offers after he'd opted out, combined with a serendipitously timed family vacation, led him to hang up his spikes for good.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Best of luck in retirement, Kyle Gibson! 🔥<br><br>Catch the full episode: <a href="https://t.co/Bh8dIv1mOA">https://t.co/Bh8dIv1mOA</a> <a href="https://t.co/zYldCvjLqB">pic.twitter.com/zYldCvjLqB</a></p>— STL Sports Central (@STLSprtsCntrl) <a href="https://twitter.com/STLSprtsCntrl/status/1945944345862943175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Drafted 22nd overall by the Minnesota Twins in 2009 out of the University of Missouri, Gibson broke into the majors in 2013. He spent the bulk of his career (seven seasons) with the Minnesota Twins before moving on to pitch for the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, and St. Louis Cardinals.</p><p>Gibson's best season came in 2021, when he earned an All-Star nod after a dominant first half with the Rangers. He was traded to the Phillies at the 2021 deadline and helped Philadelphia win an NL pennant the following year.</p><p>He retires with a lifetime 112-111 record, 4.60 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 1,520 strikeouts over 1,878 big-league innings. Gibson was often leaned on as a workhorse, throwing over 160 innings in eight seasons and over 180 innings four times.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 14: Kyle Gibson #44 of the Minnesota Twins acknowledges the crowd as it was announced that he had pitched 1000 career innings during the sixth inning of the game against the Kansas City Royals on June 14, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Royals 2-0.

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Former All-Star pitcher Kyle Gibson retires after 13 seasons

Damian Lillard is heading back to Portland.  The nine-time All-Star point guard plans to sign wit...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> is heading back to Portland.</p><p>The nine-time All-Star point guard plans to sign with the Trail Blazers, the team he spent his first 11 seasons with, Lillard announced on Twitter.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="es" dir="ltr">RipCityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/trailblazers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trailblazers</a> <a href="https://t.co/x3jnZr1s0G">pic.twitter.com/x3jnZr1s0G</a></p>— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard/status/1945970090022973460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Lillard and the Blazers are now in the process of finalizing a three-year, $42-million contract, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1945956216733085863">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>. His deal reportedly includes a player option for 2027-28 and a full no-trade clause.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Lillard, who will join <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> as one of just two active players to own full no-trade protection, became eligible for one by signing with the Trail Blazers, according to <a href="https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/1945957218718810151">journalist Marc Stein</a>.</p><p>He's expected to sit out the upcoming season as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1945958362912313726">Charania</a>. He suffered the injury during the first round of this past postseason while with the Milwaukee Bucks.</p><p>Portland traded Lillard to Milwaukee in September 2023. However, the Bucks didn't get past the first round in his two seasons with the team. Following his injury, the Bucks chose to waive Lillard and stretch the remainder of his $113-million contract to free up cap space for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37711" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37711">Myles Turner</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Portland traded Damian Lillard for Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, assets in 2023 – then Holiday to Boston for Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, assets (one led to Deni Avdija).<br><br>Now, Blazers have Lillard and Holiday, plus Avdija, Williams, Camara, a 2029 first, two MIL swaps.</p>— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1945962452803321918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Lillard will earn a total annual salary of $70 million between the Blazers and Bucks over the next two campaigns, per <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1945956686365172202">Charania</a>.</p><p>Drafted sixth overall out of Weber State in 2012, Lillard made seven All-NBA teams and won the 2013 Rookie of the Year award, among other honors, during his first stint in Portland. He's the Trail Blazers' franchise leader in points, points per game, and three-pointers while ranking second in assists and third in games played.</p><p>Lillard led Portland to eight playoff appearances over his first 11 seasons, including a Western Conference finals berth in 2019. However, he's returning to a Blazers team that went 36-46 in 2024-25 and hasn't made the playoffs since 2021.</p><p>The Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Golden State Warriors all reportedly had interest in signing Lillard before he chose to return to Portland.</p>

PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 20: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers flexes during the game against the Orlando Magic on December 20, 2019 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE

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Lillard returning to Blazers on reported 3-year, $42M deal

Don't expect Byron Buxton to be wearing a different uniform any time soon.  Speculation about a p...

<p>Don't expect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4126" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4126">Byron Buxton</a> to be wearing a different uniform any time soon.</p><p>Speculation about a potential Buxton trade has grown amid the Minnesota Twins' disappointing season. But the All-Star outfielder poured cold water on any thoughts of a move, stating that he would use his no-trade clause to block any potential move out of the Twin Cities.</p><p>"I've got a no-trade clause - I'm a Minnesota Twin for the rest of my life," Buxton said this week during All-Star festivities in Atlanta, according to <a href="https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-twins-byron-buxton-mlb-all-star-game-truist-park-atlanta-baxley-georgia/601424244?utm_source=gift">Phil Miller of the Minnesota Star Tribune</a>. "That's the best feeling in the world, knowing when I when I walk into the clubhouse every day, it's going to say Twins. I love Minnesota - that's home.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"... I don't want to play anywhere else. The team, the people, the city - they made me who I am and made me a part of it there."</p><p>Buxton, now in the fourth season of a seven-year, $100-million contract, holds a full no-trade clause through the end of 2026. He's allowed to block trades to five teams in 2027 and '28. However, that will be rendered moot once Buxton acquires <a href="https://www.mlb.com/glossary/transactions/10-and-5-rights">10-and-5 rights</a> at some point next season.</p><p>The 31-year-old has spent his entire career with the Twins, who drafted him second overall in 2012.</p><p>Buxton's made two All-Star teams and shown flashes of potential dominance but has struggled with injuries throughout his career, playing in 100-plus games just twice over 11 seasons. This year, however, he's stayed healthy and is hitting .289/.351/.574 with 21 homers, 56 RBIs, and 17 steals over 333 plate appearances.</p><p>Still, there's some questions about his long-term status in Minnesota given the team's ongoing struggles. The Twins entered the break sitting in second place, albeit 11 1/2 games behind the AL Central-leading Tigers. Their 47-49 record has also left them four games out of a wild-card spot, with three teams to leapfrog.</p><p>Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey acknowledged that there's been some level of discussion about trades of the team's bigger names, telling <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/1945625230870757489">Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a> that "we get calls on everybody." But Falvey added that he's hopeful the team can turn it around with Buxton, among others, playing home games at Target Field.</p><p>"I think all 29 other clubs in baseball would love to have Byron Buxton on their roster. I can tell you that we love having Byron Buxton on this roster. So, the rumors are the rumors, the noise we can't control," Falvey said. </p><p>"... Byron's a Twin, he mentioned that he always has been, that's what we love about him. He's a leader in our clubhouse, it's who he is, and we feel like with the group that we have with guys coming back a little healthier here, playing well, if we get on a good run here, we still believe this is a team that can compete in the fall."</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins looks on during the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on July 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Buxton won't waive no-trade clause: 'I'm a Minnesota Twin' for life

MLB proved without a doubt once again that nobody does All-Star Games like baseball.  There were ...

<p>MLB proved without a doubt once again that nobody does All-Star Games like baseball.</p><p>There were some iconic moments at Truist Park on Tuesday night - and that was before the historic ending. Now that it's all over, let's look back at the best moments from the 95th MLB All-Star Game.</p><p><strong>ABS arrives in the majors 🤖</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>MLB brought the ABS ball-strike challenge system to the game, and the AL was quick to use it. Cal Raleigh and Tarik Skubal successfully challenged a ball called in the first inning, resulting in a Manny Machado strikeout.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our first ABS Challenge of the All-Star Game! <a href="https://t.co/DIXRgra6fg">pic.twitter.com/DIXRgra6fg</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1945282939581018504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>Kershaw's got jokes 🤣</strong></p><p>Before leaving his potential final All-Star Game to a long ovation from fans and teammates alike, Dodgers great Clayton Kershaw garnered quite a few laughs while talking with Fox broadcasters Joe Davis and John Smoltz on the mound. And no, Smoltzie, he doesn't throw a cutter.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MUST LISTEN: Clayton Kershaw was MIC'D UP during the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllStarGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllStarGame</a> 😂 <a href="https://t.co/RaEJrtJGWy">pic.twitter.com/RaEJrtJGWy</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1945285066466136268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>After he was done, Kershaw met up with his future Hall of Fame teammate, eight-time All-Star pitcher Pedro Martínez.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pedro Martinez intercepted Clayton Kershaw in the hallway outside the NL clubhouse. “I always tell guys you’re the closest thing to me,” said Pedro, who told Kershaw he would see him in Cooperstown. <a href="https://t.co/ffLSIreoHP">pic.twitter.com/ffLSIreoHP</a></p>— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottLauber/status/1945306429964898709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>Atlanta still loves Freddie ❤️</strong></p><p>Freddie Freeman now wears Dodger Blue, but he'll forever be a hero in Atlanta. The first baseman got emotional as he received a long ovation while addressing the crowd pregame.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Freddie Freeman is back where it all started ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/vEMOd9poe7">pic.twitter.com/vEMOd9poe7</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1945278384415613347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Fans gave Freeman one more ovation after he was lifted mid-inning for Pete Alonso.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Freddie Freeman gets a standing ovation in Atlanta as he exits the All-Star Game 👏 <a href="https://t.co/MitpTulGRX">pic.twitter.com/MitpTulGRX</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1945289537535795428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>Like father, like son 👴👦</strong></p><p>A's shortstop Jacob Wilson, starting for the AL as a rookie, was mic'd up during the third inning. So was his father Jack, a 2004 All-Star for the Pirates.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MUST LISTEN: Jacob Wilson &amp; his dad Jack were mic'd up during the 3rd inning! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllStarGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllStarGame</a> <a href="https://t.co/mtqHUahPUP">pic.twitter.com/mtqHUahPUP</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1945291719097909357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>Polar Bear wins Atlanta over 🐻‍❄️</strong></p><p>Braves fans heartily booed all of the rival Mets' All-Star representatives. Alonso managed to turn those boos into grudging cheers for one night at least when he launched a long three-run homer.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">POLAR BEAR GOES YARD IN ATLANTA! <a href="https://t.co/pqDwlszyRo">pic.twitter.com/pqDwlszyRo</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1945302876051693980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>Remembering Hammerin' Hank 🔨</strong></p><p>It wouldn't be an All-Star Game in Atlanta without paying tribute to the late, great Henry Aaron. The Hall of Famer and former home run king was honored with a remarkable on-field tribute that recreated his record-breaking 715th homer in unique style.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Honoring 715 on 7.15 ❤️💙 <a href="https://t.co/SVx8IN77bC">pic.twitter.com/SVx8IN77bC</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1945305890606707084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>Nobody beats 'The Miz' ⛽️</strong></p><p>After all the controversy surrounding his selection, Jacob Misiorowski entered the All-Star Game and put on a show. His 102-mph fastball to open the eighth inning made him one of only four pitchers to reach 102 or higher in an All-Star Game, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1945316481887076519">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jacob Misiorowski touched 102 in his <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllStarGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllStarGame</a> debut 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/NFPFuuTS62">pic.twitter.com/NFPFuuTS62</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1945316880413073686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>And then he busted out a 98-mph slider that left both dugouts' jaws on the floor.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jacob Misiorowski threw a 98.1 MPH SLIDER in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllStarGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllStarGame</a><br><br>Neither dugout could believe it 😂 <a href="https://t.co/Su8fKNCWVC">pic.twitter.com/Su8fKNCWVC</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1945317836471079237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>Torre takes the ball 🐐</strong></p><p>Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre served as an honorary All-Star coach on Yankees manager Aaron Boone's AL staff. The 84-year-old came out to make a pitching change in the eighth inning, taking the ball from White Sox rookie Shane Smith.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joe Torre makes a pitching change for the AL! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllStarGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllStarGame</a> <a href="https://t.co/TlNABN2dJH">pic.twitter.com/TlNABN2dJH</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1945319024704819616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>NL wins in swing-off 💪</strong></p><p>The AL's late-inning comeback sent the All-Star Game to an unprecedented swing-off to determine a winner. It was the NL that prevailed on the back of Kyle Schwarber, who went 3-for-3 in the impromptu Home Run Derby to power the Senior Circuit to victory. Relive the entire historic finish here:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WATCH HISTORY<br><br>Here's the FULL <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllStarGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllStarGame</a> swing off ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/A1OliKgPcI">pic.twitter.com/A1OliKgPcI</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1945335078973833391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers acknowledges the fans after being removed from the game during the second inning of the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on July 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Best moments from wild 2025 All-Star Game

The National League needed a historic swing-off to win the 95th MLB All-Star Game, defeating the ...

<p>The National League needed a historic swing-off to win the 95th MLB All-Star Game, defeating the American League at Truist Park.</p><p>The final score officially goes down as a 6-6 nine-inning tie, with the NL winning the home run swing-off 4-3 to claim the victory.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="HR Derby Swing-Off Batters" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-QoDdi" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/QoDdi/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="430" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Philadelphia Phillies slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4761" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4761">Kyle Schwarber</a> went 3-for-3 during the tiebreaker to clinch the Senior Circuit's second win in three years. Schwarber took home <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3165683" href="https://thescore.com/news/3165683">All-Star Game MVP</a> honors for the performance.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllStarGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllStarGame</a> Swing-off<br>AL - 3<br>NL - 4<br><br>Kyle Schwarber GIVES THE NL THE LEAD! <a href="https://t.co/NPZJciVTYn">pic.twitter.com/NPZJciVTYn</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1945330047088226394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda, the AL's final swinger, narrowly missed tying the swing-off with a shot off the top of the right-field wall. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The AL came THIS CLOSE to tying the swing-off 😱 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllStarGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllStarGame</a> <a href="https://t.co/f2k5PEg5qs">pic.twitter.com/f2k5PEg5qs</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1945331049946366102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The AL had come back from down 6-0 to tie it in the ninth inning on Steven Kwan's infield single off New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz to sent the contest to a swing-off. Had the AL pulled out the win, it would have been the largest comeback in All-Star Game history.</p><p>"That was crazy. That was great. I think that was the best thing that happened in an All-Star Game," Díaz said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6497335/2025/07/16/mlb-all-star-game-swing-off/">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>. "I blew the game, but I was happy after I heard there was going to be a Home Run Derby."</p><p>MLB introduced the swing-off tiebreaker to the All-Star Game in 2022, but it's never been needed until Tuesday night. Each league selected three players to take three swings, with the most homers winning the game.</p><p>"I've got a group text going with a couple of other players around baseball … and they said that we should never play an extra-inning game again," San Francisco Giants ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10606" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10606">Logan Webb</a> said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6497184/2025/07/16/mlb-all-star-game-home-run-swing-off-paul-skenes/">Jayson Stark of The Athletic</a>. "Just do it like that."</p><p>The swing-off was introduced after years of controversy regarding how All-Star Games ended. The 2002 contest infamously ended in a tie that led MLB to briefly use the Midsummer Classic to determine home-field advantage in the World Series. In 2008, both teams nearly ran out of pitchers when the game went 15 innings.</p><p>This was the first All-Star Game to require any form of additional play beyond the ninth inning since 2018.</p><p>The NL got off to a hot start. Starting pitcher Paul Skenes tossed a perfect first inning, and Ketel Marte ripped a two-run double off AL starter Tarik Skubal in the bottom of the first. Pete Alonso extended the NL's lead with a three-run homer in the sixth, and Corbin Carroll followed Alonso with his own solo shot.</p><p>But the Junior Circuit wouldn't go quietly. Brent Rooker cut the NL's lead in half with a three-run homer in the seventh off Randy Rodríguez, and Bobby Witt Jr. brought home a fourth run on an RBI groundout.</p><p>Witt's RBI double off Robert Suarez plated Byron Buxton to make it 6-5, setting the stage for Kwan's tying infield hit. Aroldis Chapman then pitched a perfect bottom of the ninth to force the swing-off.</p><p>The NL's victory is only its fifth since 1997, running its All-Star record to 48-45 with two ties.</p>

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 15: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with teammates after hitting three home runs in three swings to win the Inaugural All-Star Game Swingoff Presented by Geico and win the 95th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Truist Park on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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NL wins All-Star Game via historic swing-off

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred envisions the All-Star Game returning north of the border sooner rat...

<p>MLB commissioner Rob Manfred envisions the All-Star Game returning north of the border sooner rather than later.</p><p>Speaking ahead of the 2025 Midsummer Classic in Atlanta, Manfred cited the Toronto Blue Jays and their home ballpark, Rogers Centre, as a likely candidate to host a future edition of the event. The commissioner cited the venue's recent renovations, as well as the length of time since the city last hosted an All-Star week, as factors working in Toronto's favor.</p><p>"I've said before that a really significant factor in terms of All-Star Games is, when did you have the last one?" Manfred said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6495960/2025/07/15/mlb-all-star-game-toronto-future/">Mitch Bannon of The Athletic</a>. "So you can figure out, kind of. It is not the sole determining factor, but it's a significant one. ... Obviously, they're kind of perking up to the top of the list based on time. I'd like to be back in Toronto."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Blue Jays last hosted the All-Star Game in 1991, at the then three-year-old SkyDome. It's still one of only two MLB All-Star Games to have been held outside the United States, as Montreal hosted the event in 1982.</p><p>A lot has changed in the 34 years since Toronto last hosted the Midsummer Classic. SkyDome was renamed Rogers Centre in 2005, and the Blue Jays are nearing the completion of a $400-million renovation and modernization of the aging stadium.</p><p>Exactly when the event will return to Toronto remains unclear, though. Philadelphia will host next year's All-Star Game, while Chicago's Wrigley Field is expected to be officially unveiled as the 2027 host ballpark later this month, <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2025/07/13/kyson-witherson-malachi-mlb-draft-prospects-oklahoma/84912549007/">USA Today's Bob Nightengale</a> reported last week.</p><p>The Blue Jays have been pushing hard behind the scenes to host in either 2028 or '29, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/manfred-blue-jays-perking-up-to-the-top-of-the-list-to-host-all-star-game/">Sportsnet's Shi Davidi</a>. Manfred, who plans to retire in January 2029, <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/blue-jays-appear-to-be-in-mix-for-one-of-final-all-star-games-manfred-plans-to-award/">said last year</a> that he wants to solidify both of those games before retiring.</p><p>The Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, both of whom last hosted All-Star Games over 25 years ago, are also interested in bringing the '28 or '29 iterations to their cities, Davidi reports.</p><p>The Blue Jays sent two players - first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> and catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11875" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11875">Alejandro Kirk</a> - to this year's All-Star Game.</p>

TORONTO, ON - JULY 01: A general view inside the stadium during pre-game Canada Day ceremonies prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 in TorontoOntario, Canada.

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Manfred: I'd like to see Toronto host future All-Star Game

The "Big Dumper" can now add Home Run Derby champion to his unreal 2025 season.  Seattle Mariners...

<p>The "Big Dumper" can now add Home Run Derby champion to his unreal 2025 season.</p><p>Seattle Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh held off Junior Caminero 18-15 in the final round to win the 2025 Home Run Derby at Truist Park. Caminero needed five homers in the bonus round to force a swing-off but came up short. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BIG DUMPER<br>BIG WINNER<br>CAL RALEIGH IS YOUR DERBY CHAMP 😤 <a href="https://t.co/D9Jdl7dr3X">pic.twitter.com/D9Jdl7dr3X</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1944953260596437274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Raleigh is the first primary catcher to ever win the event. Hall of Famer Iván Rodríguez had the previous best finish for a catcher, when he was the runner-up in 2005.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It means the world," Raleigh said. "I could hit zero home runs and had just as much fun. I can't believe we won. That was unbelievable."</p><p>Raleigh joins three-time champion Ken Griffey Jr. as the only Mariners players to win the event. Seattle's four Home Run Derby championships are now tied with the New York Yankees for the most among teams.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a moment for the Raleigh family 🫶 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HRDerby?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HRDerby</a> <a href="https://t.co/rN2v0B1KV3">pic.twitter.com/rN2v0B1KV3</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1944955936981836217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The switch-hitting Raleigh also joins Rubén Sierra in 1989 as the only switch-hitters to win a derby crown. Sierra shared his title with Eric Davis, making Raleigh the lone switch-hitter to win one outright. Raleigh showed off his unique skills, hitting homers from both sides during the first round before shifting to the left side for the semis and final.</p><p>With his father Todd pitching and brother Todd Jr. catching, Raleigh was in the zone all night, crushing 54 total homers en route to the title. His longest was a 471-foot blast in the first round.</p><p>The 28-year-old entered the break with an MLB-best 38 home runs, a mark that's also a pre-break record for primary catchers. Raleigh was voted as the AL's starting catcher for Tuesday's Midsummer Classic.</p><h3>Relive the HR Derby 👇</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Championship Round: Caminero vs. Raleigh 🏆" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-S3m74" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/S3m74/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="209" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Junior Caminero came to bat, and some kid stole the show. Caminero had one of his homers robbed in spectacular fashion, although MLB rightfully counted it - because who expects a home run robbery at the derby?!</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A ROBBERY IN THE DERBY?! <a href="https://t.co/57bYDQwww8">pic.twitter.com/57bYDQwww8</a></p>— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/JomboyMedia/status/1944951856788316616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Raleigh came to play. The majors' home-run leader crushed 18 in his final round. Junior Caminero's going to have his work cut out.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="in" dir="ltr">BANG!!! <a href="https://t.co/hpMz0zY48v">pic.twitter.com/hpMz0zY48v</a></p>— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mariners/status/1944948831000662310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>So, it'll be Raleigh vs. Junior Caminero in the final. Get your popcorn ready.</p><p>Raleigh set a near-impossible bar for Cruz, crushing 19 homers in his semifinal round. Cruz hit some bombs, with a 498-foot blast in the bonus round standing out. He just ran out of time.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Round 2: Cruz vs. Raleigh" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-vCtTY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/vCtTY/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="181" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Buxton had a fine semifinal showing, but he was no match for Caminero, who crushed the eight homers he needed in just one minute. Caminero advances to the final, where he awaits the winner of Cruz vs. Raleigh.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Round 2: Caminero vs. Buxton" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-zZoYP" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/zZoYP/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="181" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">22-year-old Junior Caminero is heading to the finals 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/JUPPkkZIgb">pic.twitter.com/JUPPkkZIgb</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1944941073987461535?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Raleigh advancing by decimal points isn't sitting well with some. Rooker certainly wasn't pleased with being eliminated in such a manner.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rooker tells me: "You know, maybe if they have it to the decimal point, they should display that during the Derby and not wait till everyone's done to bring out that information that might be helpful."</p>— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) <a href="https://twitter.com/susanslusser/status/1944943460458328556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino wanted to see "Big Dumper" go toe-to-toe against Rooker for the semifinal spot.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ok hey I love the league I play in and my employer and all that. But imo we should have a swing off here. Feels more fun</p>— Vinnie Pasquantino (@VPasquantino) <a href="https://twitter.com/VPasquantino/status/1944937066183168152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The final four is set. Oneil Cruz, Junior Caminero, Byron Buxton, and (by literal inches) Raleigh are off to the semifinals, where they'll be seeded bracket-style.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Round 1" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-BqMop" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/BqMop/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="433" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Hometown hero Matt Olson made a late charge with a fantastic first round. Unfortunately, he came up just short, hitting 15 to miss out on advancing.</p><p>The majors' home-run leader came to play. With his father pitching, Raleigh crushed from both sides of the plate and finished with 17 homers to tie Rooker for the No. 4 seed. Raleigh eliminated Rooker on a distance tiebreaker by less than an inch.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cal Raleigh knocked out Brent Rooker by 0.08 FEET! <a href="https://t.co/zn5iN2N25R">pic.twitter.com/zn5iN2N25R</a></p>— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) <a href="https://twitter.com/BaseballQuotes1/status/1944935025981730997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cal Raleigh probably won't advance.<br><br>But you had to love to see him switch sides in mid-Derby.<br><br>He wound up with 10 left-handed and 7 right-handed.<br><br>Tremendous.</p>— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaysonst/status/1944934125015564625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Things just didn't go smoothly for Jazz. Chisholm hit just three homers before being eliminated.</p><p>Here comes Buxton. The Twins outfielder caught his breath, then eliminated Wood with some gigantic bonus round homers. He's now sitting in third place.</p><p>The Cruz Missile has arrived. Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz electrified Truist Park with a ridiculous round that included a 513-foot home run. Yes, you read that right. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THINGS ARE GETTING OUT OF HAND 🤯<br><br>ONEIL CRUZ HITS THIS BASEBALL 513 FEET and 118 MPH 🚀 <a href="https://t.co/2mtVUCSyEn">pic.twitter.com/2mtVUCSyEn</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1944923623610831028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Cruz tied Caminero atop the leaderboard, and now owns the distance tiebreaker.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">O'Neil Cruz. Unreal.<br><br>21 bombs.<br>5 of them at 480 feet or more<br>7 of them with an exit velo of 114 or harder<br>1 of them the longest HR I think I've ever seen in person - 513 feet, cleared the lower deck in right-center, almost clanked off the EAT MOR CHIKIN cow.<br><br>What. A. Show.</p>— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaysonst/status/1944925422136795618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>And now it's Caminero's turn. The Rays All-Star has taken the lead, hitting 18 before his bonus round - with nine of those going at least 450 feet. Caminero ended up with 21 after his bonus round.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MUST SEE: This sick angle of Junior Caminero crushing a homer 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/0fbRpPClwW">pic.twitter.com/0fbRpPClwW</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1944921589289509348?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Rooker found a groove quickly and ended up with 17, including a 471-foot blast.</p><p>Wood's first derby round was a smashing success. The Nationals phenom crushed a 486-foot homer, and sent another one <em>over</em> the Chop House and out of Truist Park.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THERE AREN'T EVEN SEATS UP THERE JAMES <a href="https://t.co/xC3vACtzHX">pic.twitter.com/xC3vACtzHX</a></p>— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nationals/status/1944915397762822510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Jazz the 'Demon Slayer'</h3><p>Chisholm is breaking out a pretty sick bat for tonight's contest.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s "Demon Slayer" bat for the HR Derby 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/2RHW323AOF">pic.twitter.com/2RHW323AOF</a></p>— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1944904597291532363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Big Dumper has arrived 🍑</h3><p>And Pat McAfee's pretty hyped for him.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"WITH THE FATTEST ASS" <a href="https://t.co/JgE6ORP0Y3">pic.twitter.com/JgE6ORP0Y3</a></p>— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/JomboyMedia/status/1944912137500922168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Wood has big plans if he wins $1M tonight</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Someone asked James Wood what he planned to do with the prize money if he wins the Derby: “Probably go to Waffle House.”</p>— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) <a href="https://twitter.com/chelsea_janes/status/1944837325449535554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>The HR Derby order is set </h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here is the order for the first round of the <a href="https://twitter.com/TMobile?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TMobile</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HRDerby?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HRDerby</a> 👀<br><br>1. James Wood, Nationals<br>2. Brent Rooker, Athletics<br>3. Junior Caminero, Rays<br>4. Oneil Cruz, Pirates<br>5. Byron Buxton, Twins<br>6. Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees<br>7. Cal Raleigh, Mariners<br>8. Matt Olson, Braves</p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1944901764144079291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Home Run Derby Odds" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-p1U98" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/p1U98/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="481" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><h3>Jazz is betting on himself </h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jazz Chisholm Jr. gives his Home Run Derby predictions 👀 <a href="https://t.co/8Lpa0NwrM7">pic.twitter.com/8Lpa0NwrM7</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1944904133410193497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Friendly advice from Fried 😂</h3><p>Yankees pitcher Max Fried won a Silver Slugger in Atlanta back when pitchers still batted, so he offered some hints to teammate Jazz Chisholm Jr. about hitting at Truist Park.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HRderby?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HRderby</a> advice from the former silver slugger himself: <a href="https://t.co/wJ4E616vxv">pic.twitter.com/wJ4E616vxv</a></p>— New York Yankees (@Yankees) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yankees/status/1944898556713746441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 2025 MLB All-Star festivities continue Monday with the Home Run Derby at Truist Park. A loaded field of eight sluggers will take part in what should be an exciting contest. Before the event gets going, here's a look at the competitors and a primer on the rules.</p><h3>The format</h3><p>The derby will once again use the hybrid three-round format that was introduced last year, albeit with some minor tweaks.</p><p>In Round 1, each player has three minutes or 40 pitches - whichever comes first - to hit as many homers as possible. Competitors also get a bonus period within the first round that will allow them as many swings as possible until recording three outs (an out is any swing that doesn't result in a homer). A home run of 425 feet or more within the bonus period will give players a bonus fourth out. The top four players advance to the semifinals, with first-round ties being broken by longest home run.</p><p>The final four will then square off in a knockout bracket, seeded No. 1 through No. 4 by their first-round totals. In the semifinals and finals, players will only have two minutes or 27 pitches to again hit as many homers as they can. Any ties in the semis and finals will be broken through a "swing-off."</p><p>In each round, each contestant gets one 45-second timeout, but it can't be used during the bonus period or tiebreaker.</p><p>Tonight's winner will receive a $1-million prize, along with some brand-new swag: this Home Run Derby winner's chain.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The 2025 Home Run Derby chain 🥶💎<br><br>The chain will be presented to the winner of this year’s Home Run Derby <a href="https://t.co/thKVRu7fiO">pic.twitter.com/thKVRu7fiO</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1943433347302318111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners poses with the trophy and belt after winning the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Raleigh holds off Caminero for HR Derby title

The world's best catcher is ready to suit up for his country.  Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Ralei...

<p>The world's best catcher is ready to suit up for his country.</p><p>Seattle Mariners catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10827">Cal Raleigh</a> committed to Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, adding yet another star to what should be a stacked American roster.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome to Team USA, Cal Raleigh!<br><br>The current MLB home run leader has announced that he will play for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/RXb1okOmO0">pic.twitter.com/RXb1okOmO0</a></p>— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/USABaseball/status/1944846561604739117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It's like every kid's dream, right?" Raleigh <a href="https://x.com/MLBNetwork/status/1944847504002179311">said</a> Monday on MLB Network while sitting alongside Team USA manager and MLB Network broadcaster Mark DeRosa. "You grow up watching (the movie) 'Miracle' and the whole thing, and you got USA across your chest. It's like a dream, getting to play for your country. ... What a special chance."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The native of Cullowhee, North Carolina, added that he's "gonna be recruiting hard" to get other American stars on board for the World Baseball Classic.</p><p>Raleigh is in the midst of a remarkable 2025 season. The 28-year-old switch-hitter is slashing .259/.376/.634 with an MLB-best 38 home runs and 82 RBIs over 94 games. Already holding the record for pre-break homers by a primary catcher, Raleigh is just 10 long balls shy of tying Salvador Perez's single-season positional record.</p><p>"Big Dumper" is no slouch defensively, either. A Gold Glove winner in 2024, Raleigh's caught 15 runners stealing this campaign and has accrued three catcher framing runs behind the plate.</p><p>Raleigh joins Pittsburgh Pirates ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a>, Kansas City Royals shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12336" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12336">Bobby Witt Jr.</a>, and New York Yankees superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a>, who was named team captain in April, as the early American commits to the 2026 team.</p><p>The United States has reached the finals in each of the last two World Baseball Classics, winning the 2017 tournament before losing a memorable 2023 final to Japan.</p><p>The 2026 WBC will be contested in March 2026, with Team USA to compete in Pool B alongside Mexico, Italy, Great Britain, and Brazil in round-robin play at Houston's Daikin Park.</p>

SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 01: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after hitting a solo home run in the seventh inning during the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Sunday, June 1, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Mariners' Raleigh joins Team USA for 2026 World Baseball Classic

The Tampa Bay Rays are about to have new ownership.  Longtime owner Stuart Sternberg agreed in pr...

<p>The Tampa Bay Rays are about to have new ownership.</p><p>Longtime owner Stuart Sternberg agreed in principle to sell the franchise to a group led by Patrick Zalupski for around $1.7 billion, a source told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6493774/2025/07/14/tampa-bay-rays-sale-zalupski-mlb/">Evan Drellich and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The sale could reportedly be completed as early as September.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Zalupski is expected to keep the Rays in the Tampa Bay area, according to Drellich and Rosenthal. However, he'd reportedly prefer to relocate the team to a new ballpark in Tampa rather than remain in St. Petersburg.</p><p>Zalupski, 44, is a real estate developer based in Jacksonville and the founder of Dream Finders Homes. He has a net worth of $1.7 billion, according to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/patrick-zalupski/">Forbes</a>.</p><p>The Rays are playing this season in Tampa at George M. Steinbrenner Field while Tropicana Field - their primary home since 1998 - undergoes repairs after Hurricane Milton destroyed its roof. They're scheduled to return to the Trop in 2026; the team's lease was extended by one year to 2028 due to the damage.</p><p>Sternberg, 66, became the majority owner of the then-Devil Rays in October 2005 after initially purchasing a 48% stake in the club from Vincent Naimoli the year prior. Under Sternberg's ownership, the franchise morphed from laughingstock to perennial contender, making nine playoff appearances and winning two AL pennants since 2008.</p><p>But those winning seasons have come despite continually running some of the lowest payrolls in the league. Tampa Bay's Opening Day payroll has never ranked higher than 22nd in MLB during Sternberg's tenure and sat 27th out of 30 at the beginning of this season, per <a href="https://legacy.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/al-east/tampa-bay-rays/">Cot's Contracts</a>.</p><p>Stadium issues have also haunted the club and still cloud its future in the Tampa-St. Petersburg metro area. Sternberg has been unable to secure a long-sought replacement for Tropicana Field in both Tampa and St. Petersburg while often clashing with civic governments over public funding. Commissioner Rob Manfred and other owners were reportedly pushing Sternberg to sell earlier in 2025.</p><p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinteitelbaum/2025/03/26/baseballs-most-valuable-teams-2025/">Forbes</a> estimated the Rays' value at $1.25 billion in March, making them the second-least valuable MLB franchise.</p>

Tampa Bay Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg and Manager Kevin Cash watch as pitchers and catchers hold their first Spring Training workout in Port Charlotte, Florida, on February 12, 2025, at Charlotte Sports Park. Hurricane Milton rips the roof off Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, where the Rays usually play their regular season games. They play their regular season home games this year at the New York Yankees Spring Training stadium, Steinbrenner Field, which seats 11,000 people.

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Report: Sternberg nearing $1.7B sale of Rays

The Arizona Diamondbacks are open for business.  After a disappointing first half has left Arizon...

<p>The Arizona Diamondbacks are open for business.</p><p>After a disappointing first half has left Arizona 11 games out of first place in the NL West, the team has made starters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9755" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9755">Zac Gallen</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4059" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4059">Merrill Kelly</a>, third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3362" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3362">Eugenio Suárez</a>, and first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8240" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8240">Josh Naylor</a> available for trades, <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2025/07/13/kyson-witherson-malachi-mlb-draft-prospects-oklahoma/84912549007/">Bob Nightengale of USA Today</a> reports.</p><p>All four players are pending free agents.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The D-Backs are asking for young pitching in trade talks, Nightengale adds.</p><p>Gallen is having an uneven season and heads into the break sporting a career-worst 5.40 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 8.6 K/9 rate. However, he's turned in solid starts this month, including a 10-strikeout gem against the San Francisco Giants on July 1.</p><p>The 29-year-old also comes with plenty of big-game experience, having served as the ace of the D-Backs' NL pennant-winning club in 2023. Gallen was also an NL Cy Young finalist in '23 and received down-ballot support in two other seasons.</p><p>The Toronto Blue Jays, who are reportedly seeking rotation help after ascending to the top of the AL East, have shown interest in acquiring Gallen, per Nightengale.</p><p>Kelly, 36, owns a 3.41 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 107 strikeouts over 19 starts this campaign. The seven-year veteran has spent his entire big-league career in Arizona, enjoying a dominant postseason during the D-Backs' 2023 run. Kelly is earning $7 million this season.</p><p>Suárez, 33, earned his second career All-Star berth by hitting .249/.318/.568 with 31 homers and an NL-best 77 RBIs over the first half.</p><p>Naylor, who joined Arizona in an offseason trade, owns a .295/.364/.460 slash line with 11 homers, 58 RBIs, and 11 steals over 86 games while splitting time between first base and DH. The 28-year-old Canadian was an All-Star with Cleveland in 2023.</p><p>The Seattle Mariners are also interested in trading for Naylor to plug a hole at first base, according to Nightengale.</p>

DENVER, CO - JUNE 20: Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez (28) celebrates with first baseman Josh Naylor (22) after his fifth inning solo home run during a game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 20, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Report: D-Backs make Gallen, Kelly, Suárez, Naylor available for trades

The Dallas Mavericks are shutting down first overall pick Cooper Flagg for the remainder of this ...

<p>The Dallas Mavericks are shutting down first overall pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/171822" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/171822">Cooper Flagg</a> for the remainder of this year's Las Vegas Summer League, a source told <a href="https://x.com/MikeACurtis2/status/1944444897173569546">Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News</a>.</p><p>The decision brings Flagg's Summer League run to an end after only two games. Flagg dazzled during what turned out to be his final appearance in Las Vegas, scoring 31 points on 10-of-21 shooting against the San Antonio Spurs.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg dropped 31 points... and was a HIGHLIGHT REEL in his 2nd game of Vegas action 🔥💥📽️ <a href="https://t.co/wafUeM1lxx">pic.twitter.com/wafUeM1lxx</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1944160675267588506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Despite calling his 10-point pro debut "one of the worst games of my life," the 18-year-old averaged 20.5 points, five rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals during Summer League play.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2025 NBA Summer League game on July 12, 2025 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Report: Mavs shutting down Flagg after 2 Summer League games

When Milwaukee Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski was named to the National League All-Star squad a...

<p>When Milwaukee Brewers rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17570" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17570">Jacob Misiorowski</a> was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3310767" href="https://thescore.com/news/3310767">named</a> to the National League All-Star squad after just five big-league starts, it raised plenty of eyebrows around baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies, in particular, were enraged by the news.</p><p>After Misiorowski was chosen over Philadelphia starters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9813" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9813">Ranger Suárez</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11757" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11757">Cristopher Sánchez</a> - both of whom are enjoying spectacular seasons - multiple Phillies players ripped the league for snubbing their teammates in favor of what they see as a marketing ploy.</p><p>"What a joke," shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4814" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4814">Trea Turner</a> told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6489580/2025/07/12/phillies-all-star-snubs-jacob-misiorowski-brewers/?source=emp_shared_article">Matt Gelb of The Athletic</a>. "That's f-----g terrible. I mean, that's terrible, dude."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I mean, it's not the All-Star Game in the sense that the best players go there, or people who have had the best season. It's whoever sells the most tickets or has been put on social media the most," Turner continued. "That's essentially what it's turned into."</p><p>Outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2880" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2880">Nick Castellanos</a> went a step further, saying that MLB is turning the All-Star Game "into the Savannah Bananas."</p><p>Misiorowski, the Brewers' top prospect, turned into an overnight sensation after being called up in early June. He opened his big-league career with 11 consecutive hitless innings over two starts, narrowly missing the MLB record. He's come back to earth a bit since, but still owns a 2.81 ERA and 0.90 WHIP with 33 strikeouts in just 25 2/3 innings.</p><p>The 23-year-old went viral almost immediately, thanks in large part to a lethal fastball that averages nearly 100 mph, and a slider with enough movement to <a href="https://x.com/Brewers/status/1936219757788660120">break hitters' ankles</a>.</p><p>Still, that's not nearly enough to win over the Phillies, who are sending just two representatives - DH <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4761" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4761">Kyle Schwarber</a> and right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2917" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2917">Zack Wheeler</a> - to Atlanta. Both Sánchez and Suárez have been dominant starters behind Wheeler, helping to lead what's been the majors' best rotation.</p><p>Sánchez, an All-Star in 2024, owns the NL's fourth-lowest ERA (2.59), while his 9.7 K/9 rate is a career high. Suárez, meanwhile, has fashioned a 1.94 ERA and 1.05 WHIP over his 13 starts.</p><p>Sánchez is scheduled to start Philadelphia's first-half finale on Sunday, and would therefore be unable to pitch in Tuesday's All-Star Game. MLB apparently offered the 28-year-old, a replacement spot if he agreed to pitch in the game, but he declined because of injury concerns, sources told Gelb.</p><p>However, Sánchez's agent, Gene Mato, told Gelb that his client would be "willing to pitch (Tuesday) no matter what."</p><p>Sánchez's contract contains a $50,000 bonus if he was named to an All-Star team. While he's not officially an All-Star, he said Saturday that the Phillies chose to pay him the bonus anyway, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/lochlahn/status/1944143241861116292">Lochlahn March of the Philadelphia Inquirer</a>.</p><p>Suárez also said earlier this week that he turned down a similar conditional offer from the league in order to rest for the second half, according to Gelb. He missed the first month of 2025 because of a back injury.</p><p>The supposed conditions from MLB are what's left the Phillies seething on behalf of both pitchers. Schwarber, now a three-time All-Star, thinks they should be granted All-Star status "if you're going to ask him that."</p><p>The Brewers, to little surprise, have a slightly different view of the situation.</p><p>"I understand why some people feel the way they feel, just because it's a small sample," slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3338" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3338">Christian Yelich</a> told <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamMcCalvy/status/1944084517192708221">Adam McCalvy of MLB.com</a>. "But at the end of the day ... people want to be entertained. It's a showcase of some of the best and most exciting players in the game. Miz is definitely that, right?"</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 20: Jacob Misiorowski #32 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates after a strike out against the Minnesota Twin in the fifth inninig at Target Field on June 20, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Phillies enraged by Misiorowski's All-Star nod: 'F-----g terrible'

Boston Red Sox rookie right-hander Hunter Dobbins' season is over after he suffered a torn right ...

<p>Boston Red Sox rookie right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18694" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18694">Hunter Dobbins</a>' season is over after he suffered a torn right ACL during Friday's win over the Tampa Bay Rays.</p><p>Dobbins was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday. Right-hander Richard Fitts was recalled from Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move.</p><p>Dobbins got hurt while covering first base on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16538" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16538">Chandler Simpson</a>'s second-inning groundout. He came up limping after stepping on the bag with his left foot and was removed after trying to throw one warm-up pitch.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/hunter-dobbins-out-with-apparent-injury?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><p>An MRI taken Friday night at Fenway Park confirmed the injury.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hunter Dobbins just spoke in the clubhouse and confirmed his season is over. <br><br>He said he was in the MRI machine when the Ceddanne Rafaela walked it off, and the technicians were giving him the play-by-play.</p>— Gabrielle Starr (@gfstarr1) <a href="https://twitter.com/gfstarr1/status/1944068160740634931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Dobbins told reporters Saturday that he knew what had happened immediately because he tore his right ACL in high school, according to <a href="https://x.com/SmittyOnMLB/status/1944068169888326108">Christopher Smith of MassLive</a>.</p><p>This latest injury occurred during Dobbins' first start in nearly a month. He came off the IL Friday after recovering from an elbow strain.</p><p>The 25-year-old had been enjoying a solid rookie season, putting up a 4.13 ERA, 3.82 FIP, and 1.28 WHIP with 45 strikeouts over 61 innings.</p><p>His long-term absence leaves yet another hole in the Red Sox rotation. Boston is already missing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10752" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10752">Kutter Crawford</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9530" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9530">Tanner Houck</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10786" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10786">Patrick Sandoval</a>, among others.</p><p>Fitts appears likely to slot into Dobbins' vacated rotation spot following the All-Star break.</p><p>"Nobody has to step up. Somebody has to just jump in," manager Alex Cora said Saturday, per <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2025/07/red-sox-rookie-expected-to-take-hunter-dobbins-spot-what-about-tanner-houck.html">Smith</a>. "And we've got capable guys. Fitts is here now. We'll set up the rotation after the break, probably with him in mind. And we'll go from there."</p><p>Cora added that Houck, who could complete his rehab assignment next week, will also be "in the equation" once the second half gets going.</p><p>The Red Sox enter Saturday as one of the hottest teams in baseball, having won eight straight games to move back into a wild-card spot.</p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 11: Hunter Dobbins #73 of the Boston Red Sox walks off of the field during the second inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on July 11, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Red Sox rookie Dobbins suffers season-ending torn ACL

The Boston Red Sox activated third baseman Alex Bregman from the injured list Friday.  Bregman wi...

<p>The Boston Red Sox activated third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> from the injured list Friday.</p><p>Bregman will hit second and man third against the Tampa Bay Rays as the Red Sox look to extend their season-best seven-game winning streak.</p><p>Bregman, who was selected to play in the All-Star Game but won't participate, has been sidelined since May 23 due to a quad strain.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 31-year-old was one of Boston's best hitters before the injury, slashing .299/.385/.553 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs in 51 outings.</p><p>The Red Sox also activated right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18694" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18694">Hunter Dobbins</a> from the IL. Infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13720" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13720">David Hamilton</a> and reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12374" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12374">Isaiah Campbell</a> were optioned to Triple-A in the roster shuffle.</p>

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 03: Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 03, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Bregman returns to Red Sox after missing 43 games

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Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb

News Editor

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