Welcome to your ultimate MLB rundown! We're diving into the hottest stories, the jaw-dropping moments, and everything else that's got fans buzzing this season. Here we go!
Hot Topics on Everyone's Mind 👇
Captain America Strikes Again: Team USA is getting a massive power-up for next spring's World Baseball Classic. Manager Mark DeRosa announced that Aaron Judge will join the American squad, serving as team captain.
It's a first for the two-time MVP, and the baseball world is eagerly anticipating his impact. Read more ...
Padres in Full Throttle: Just as many predicted, the Padres have kicked off the season with an electrifying run. They've bulldozed their way to the top of the NL West, rocketing to a 15-4 start, including an impressive six shutouts. Not since 1998, when they snagged the pennant, have the Padres looked so formidable.
Soto's Slow Adjustment: Juan Soto's start with the Mets has been slower than expected. The $765-million man suggests it might be due to "pitching changes" in the absence of Aaron Judge's protection in the lineup.
Yet, with the Yankees captain not too fazed about his former teammate's initial ups and downs, time will tell if Soto finds his groove. Read more ...
Red-Hot Performers 🔥
Shane Baz: The Rays' ace delivered a stellar performance against the Red Sox, striking out 11 over six innings of one-run marvel. His curveball and changeup are wreaking havoc, boasting whiff rates of 34.1% and 45% respectively, spectacular signs for the youngster.
Nick Pivetta: Late offseason addition Pivetta has proven to be a gem for the Padres. His last two starts resulted in wins, with a remarkable 0.69 ERA, 16 strikeouts, and only two walks over 13 innings.
Cal Raleigh: Nicknamed "Big Dumper," Raleigh is living up to the moniker, smashing four homers in just five games. He also marked his 100th career home run, keeping pitchers wary.
Colder than Ice 🥶
Tanner Houck: Houck's season hit a low point, as he allowed 12 runs in one game — a dubious feat last seen by a Red Sox pitcher 63 years ago. With a 9.16 ERA and a league-high 19 earned runs surrendered, he's hoping for a quick turnaround.
Dylan Crews: The Nats' top prospect is struggling mightily. His minus-5 wRC+ is a wide margin worst in baseball, hinting that some time at Triple-A might be on the horizon to get back on track.
Christian Walker: Astros fans are crossing their fingers that Walker's rough start is just a blip. With a single homer and a mere .482 OPS over 18 games, Walker's hitting woes evoke memories of the team's past contractual headaches — though there's room for optimism considering his batted-ball metrics.
Feel-Good Moments 😍
After a game in Houston, Angels superstar Mike Trout took the time to engage with a young fan and his dad, a heartwarming moment considering the fan's cheeky antics of snatching a ball from his glove.
Then there's Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas, who entertained during a blowout loss by hilariously mimicking his teammates' pitching styles on the mound.
Moments You Won’t Believe 🤯
Jose Miranda cemented himself in the blooper hall of fame with a baserunning blunder, resulting in a swift demotion to Triple-A. Adding insult to injury, he hurt his hand on Monday while lugging a case of water, landing on the injured list.
And talk about an odd double play: Spencer Torkelson recorded an unusual force at second when his throw ricocheted off Jackson Chourio's helmet, landing right in shortstop Trey Sweeney's glove with surgical precision.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati's Donovan Ford made an astounding, Willie Mays-esque catch against Xavier, leaving fans and players alike in awe. Donovan, that was one for the ages.
In Albuquerque, the Triple-A Isotopes achieved the unimaginable on Tuesday at Isotopes Park: scoring three runs from a walk. Yep, you read that correctly. You'll need to see it to believe it.
Impress Your Friends 🧠
Jonathan Aranda of the Rays is on fire this season. Ranking among the top 10 hitters for average exit velocity (95 mph) and fourth in slugging percentage (.679), Aranda is making a compelling case. Despite being platooned against left-handed pitchers, his prowess at the plate suggests a breakout performance may be just around the corner.
Eavesdrop on What They're Saying 🗣️
Jazz Chisholm on matching up with Aaron Judge in homers: "I've got to go talk to him right now. I think I'm beating him right now, right?
Stolen bases. You've got to add both.
You know how they say OPS is, what, on-base plus slug? Home runs plus stolen bases."
Veteran Eric Hosmer on MLB's PED policies: "I think the only way this game gets cleaned up and these guys don't risk 80-game suspensions for another couple years on the back end is to take away guaranteed money. ... If you tell me I have a $110 million on the line for these next three years and I could possibly lose that, I'm not even thinking that."
Spencer Strider on the Braves' early hurdles: "We're not in a great position at the moment, and that's fine. It's early still in the season, and people want to doubt us, that's great. Bring it on."
And finally, Orioles legend Jim Palmer, at 79, had this to say about a certain culinary choice: "(I've) never, ever had a wing. ... Why would I? Don't they have skin and stuff?"
Can't-Miss Games This Weekend 📺
Whether you’re a stat die-hard or just love the drama of America’s pastime, we've got you covered. Keep those remote controls handy and enjoy the thrilling action!
