MLB announced the eight participants in Monday's Home Run Derby at Truist Park in Atlanta.  The e...

<p>MLB announced the eight participants in Monday's Home Run Derby at Truist Park in Atlanta.</p><p>The eight sluggers will square off using the same three-round format that was first implemented last year. In Round 1, each player has three minutes or 40 pitches to hit as many homers as possible. Players also get a bonus period within the first round that will allow them as many swings as possible until recording three outs (any swing that's not a homer). A home run of 425 feet or more will give players a bonus fourth out.</p><p>The top four players in Round 1 will advance to the semifinals, where they'll square off in a knockout bracket that's seeded by their first-round homer totals. In the semifinals and finals, players will only have two minutes or 27 pitches to hit home runs. Any ties in the semis and finals will result in a "swing-off" to determine a winner.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The victor will receive a special commemorative 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><p>Here's the field for this year's Derby, which begins at 8 p.m. ET on Monday:</p><h3>Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees</h3><p><strong>2025 home runs:</strong> 17<br><strong>Longest home run:</strong> 442 feet</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/jazz-chisholm-jr-homers-1-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-center-field-tdfrl1?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Chisholm is looking to extend the Yankees' record and become the franchise's fifth Derby champion.</p><h3>Cal Raleigh, Mariners</h3><p><strong>2025 home runs:</strong> 36<br><strong>Longest home run:</strong> 440 feet </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">36 home runs for Cal Raleigh!<br><br>He passes Ken Griffey Jr. for most home runs by a <a href="https://twitter.com/Mariners?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mariners</a> player before the All-Star break 😳 <a href="https://t.co/Dz6urLTdK7">pic.twitter.com/Dz6urLTdK7</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1942766813017719137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Raleigh's MLB-leading 36 home runs (entering play Thursday) are the most ever for a primary catcher before the All-Star break.</p><h3>James Wood, Nationals</h3><p><strong>2025 home runs:</strong> 24<br><strong>Longest home run:</strong> 451 feet</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">James Wood leaves us speechless 😮<br><br>This majestic shot just went 451 feet 💥 <a href="https://t.co/FTb9nIRVfm">pic.twitter.com/FTb9nIRVfm</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1936619887163478331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 22-year-old Wood is looking to become the first Nationals player to win the event since Juan Soto - who'd be traded for Wood less than a month later - in 2022.</p><h3>Junior Caminero, Rays</h3><p><strong>2025 home runs: </strong>22<br><strong>Longest home run: </strong>425 feet</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JUNIOR CAMINERO GO-AHEAD GRAND SLAM IN THE 9TH! <a href="https://t.co/cEiNIpCoj7">pic.twitter.com/cEiNIpCoj7</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1922467983252767071?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Caminero is the fourth Rays player to take part in a Home Run Derby, joining Randy Arozarena (2023), Evan Longoria (2008), and Carlos Peña (2009).</p><h3>Byron Buxton, Twins</h3><p><strong>2025 home runs: </strong>20 <br><strong>Longest home run: </strong>479 feet </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Byron Buxton with the LONG home run for the Twins 🤯<br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLB</a>)<a href="https://t.co/hTFKq2lbHH">pic.twitter.com/hTFKq2lbHH</a></p>— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/YahooSports/status/1932960247338950856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Only Mike Trout (484 feet) has hit a longer homer than Buxton's 479-foot shot this season.</p><h3>Oneil Cruz, Pirates</h3><p><strong>2025 home runs:</strong> 16<br><strong>Longest home run: </strong>463 feet</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who else but Oneil Cruz to hit a HR 458 ft. 😅 <a href="https://t.co/iMBx0T0Gsc">pic.twitter.com/iMBx0T0Gsc</a></p>— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pirates/status/1942743809286365356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Cruz is the only Pirates player with a homer of more than 430 feet this season, per <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/statcast?type=batter&amp;year=2025&amp;position=&amp;team=134&amp;min=q&amp;sort=barrels_per_pa&amp;sortDir=desc">Baseball Savant</a>.</p><h3>Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves</h3><p><strong>2025 home runs: </strong>11<br><strong>Longest home run: </strong>467 feet</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The first big-league pitch he's seen in a nearly a year...<br><br>LA BESTIA IS BACK! <a href="https://t.co/4SOWxliGgu">pic.twitter.com/4SOWxliGgu</a></p>— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1926058877872721985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Acuña will swing for the fences in his home park after not making his season debut until late May because of injury.</p><h3>Brent Rooker, Athletics</h3><p><strong>2025 home runs: </strong>19<br><strong>Longest home run: </strong>440 feet</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/tyler-anderson-in-play-run-s-to-brent-rooker?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Rooker will try to join Mark McGwire (1992) and Yoenis Céspedes (2013 and 2014) as the only A's players to win a Derby.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31757806/related

2025 HR Derby field: Fresh faces ready to swing in Atlanta

With the 2025 MLB Draft beginning Sunday, theScore turns the clock back 10 years to redraft the f...

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31753435/related

2015 MLB redraft: D-Backs get Alex Bregman

Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez declined to participate in this year's All-Star Ga...

<p>Cleveland Guardians third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4066" href="/mlb/players/4066">José Ramírez</a> declined to participate in this year's All-Star Game to focus on his recovery from injuries ahead of the season's second half, the team announced.</p><p>Houston Astros third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9550" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9550">Isaac Paredes</a> will replace Ramírez on the American League roster.</p><p>Ramírez was selected last week to his seventh career All-Star Game and earned his fourth start at third base for the Junior Circuit. However, he has battled various injuries throughout the season, and he's currently recovering from heel and ankle injuries, according to <a href="https://x.com/hoynsie/status/1943054082912194674">Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ramírez also sustained a sprained wrist in March, a sprained ankle in May, and a forearm contusion following a hit-by-pitch in June, <a href="https://x.com/ZackMeisel/status/1943052995215933621">Zack Meisel of The Athletic</a> reports.</p><p>Despite all the injuries, the 32-year-old has been the Guardians' offensive leader, hitting .299/.364/.503 with 16 home runs, 44 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases over 87 games. Ramírez's 3.4 fWAR is the highest among all qualified third basemen in the majors.</p><p>Paredes is now a two-time All-Star, having also made the AL team in 2024 as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays. The 26-year-old, acquired by Houston this past offseason for fellow 2025 All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8173" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a>, is hitting .255/.358/.471 with 19 homers and 49 RBIs this season.</p><p>Paredes will be a reserve for the AL All-Stars, while Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays will start the game in place of Ramírez, according to <a href="https://x.com/TBTimes_Rays/status/1943102603803361756">Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times</a>. Caminero was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3309599" href="https://thescore.com/news/3309599">named</a> an All-Star on Tuesday as a replacement for the injured <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a>.</p><p>Paredes gives the Astros four All-Stars on this year's AL squad, joining shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12665" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12665">Jeremy Peña</a>, starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12893" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12893">Hunter Brown</a>, and closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5307" href="/mlb/players/5307">Josh Hader</a>. Peña is currently on the injured list with a fractured rib and will attend next week's festivities in Atlanta but not play, while Brown won't pitch in the game as he's expected to start Sunday's first-half finale for Houston.</p><p>Detroit Tigers utility player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8847" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8847">Zach McKinstry</a> will replace Peña on the AL roster. McKinstry, a first-time All-Star and the fifth Tigers player to make this year's game, entered play Wednesday hitting a career-best .283/.357/.460 with seven homers, 27 RBIs, and 13 steals. The 30-year-old has started games at five different positions this season.</p><p>Brown will be replaced on the AL's roster by Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan. The 29-year-old, who will be making his first career All-Star appearance, owns a 2.76 ERA with 116 strikeouts and a 1.8 BB/9 rate over 104 1/3 innings this season.</p><p>The National League also added one more player Wednesday in Milwaukee Brewers closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9872" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9872">Trevor Megill</a>. The 31-year-old, also a first-time All-Star, owns a 2.41 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 43 strikeouts and 21 saves this season.</p><p>Megill replaces his Brewers teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9771" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9771">Freddy Peralta</a> on the NL roster. Peralta is scheduled to start for Milwaukee on Sunday, which will render him ineligible to pitch in the Midsummer Classic two days later.</p>

KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 29: Cleveland Guardians third base José Ramírez (11) before an MLB game between the Cleveland Guardians and Kansas City Royals on March 29, 2025 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31749561/related

Guardians' Ramírez withdraws from ASG, replaced by Astros' Paredes

Manny Machado has etched his name alongside some very exclusive company after reaching an importa...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2577" href="/mlb/players/2577">Manny Machado</a> has etched his name alongside some very exclusive company after reaching an important career milestone.</p><p>The San Diego Padres star recorded his 2,000th major-league hit Monday with a fourth-inning single off Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen at Petco Park.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Career hit 2️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ for Manny Machado 👏 <a href="https://t.co/z0guzDAEuY">pic.twitter.com/z0guzDAEuY</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1942416856800731251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Machado also became just the 12th player ever to have at least 2,000 hits and 350 home runs before the end of their age-32 season, joining a group that includes some of the greatest hitters in baseball history.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Manny Machado joins elite company 😤 <a href="https://t.co/N521JjUq1A">pic.twitter.com/N521JjUq1A</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1942422108572705233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Machado is now the fifth active member of the 2,000-hit club, joining Freddie Freeman, Jose Altuve, Andrew McCutchen, and Paul Goldschmidt.</p><p>The 14-year veteran entered Monday's game hitting .288/.351/.474 with 14 homers and 52 RBIs in 89 games. Machado, now in his seventh year with the Padres, was selected to his seventh All-Star Game last week and will be the National League's starting third baseman.</p>

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 07: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres connects for a single during the fourth inning of a game Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park on July 07, 2025 in San Diego, California. This was Machado's 2000th career base hit.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31736075/related

Machado joins elite company with 2,000th career hit

Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow will return from the injured list Wednesday agains...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4257" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4257">Tyler Glasnow</a> will return from the injured list Wednesday against the Milwaukee Brewers, manager Dave Roberts announced Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/kirsten_watson/status/1942342588373070090">Dodgers broadcaster Kirsten Watson</a>.</p><p>Glasnow hasn't pitched in the majors since April 27, when he lasted just one inning against the Cleveland Guardians before departing with a shoulder injury. The Dodgers then placed him on the IL the following day with right shoulder inflammation.</p><p>Glasnow finally returned to the mound in June, making the first of three rehab starts at Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 31-year-old allowed eight runs over those three outings, but he struck out eight over 4 1/3 innings during his final rehab start last Thursday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Despite a long history of health issues that have persisted in L.A., the Dodgers signed Glasnow to a five-year, $136-million extension after acquiring him in December 2023. Glasnow has made just 27 starts for the Dodgers due to injuries and was sidelined for their World Series run last October.</p><p>Injuries have decimated Los Angeles' staff again this season, with the club's rotation hit particularly hard. The Dodgers still have 12 pitchers on the IL, including prized offseason additions <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5351" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5351">Blake Snell</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19077" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19077">Roki Sasaki</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9566" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9566">Dustin May</a> are the team's only two starters who haven't missed their turns yet this season.</p><p>Glasnow's impending return means that May, who was slated to start Wednesday's series finale, will now pitch Friday in San Francisco, according to <a href="https://x.com/billplunkettocr/status/1942342930917683427">Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register</a>. The move also pushes Yamamoto's next start to Sunday, which could make the first-time All-Star unavailable for next week's Midsummer Classic.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 13: Tyler Glasnow #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivers to the plate in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium on April 13, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31733888/related

Dodgers' Glasnow to return from IL Wednesday vs. Brewers

MLB honored Toronto Blue Jays slugger George Springer as the American League Player of the Week a...

<p>MLB honored Toronto Blue Jays slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2931" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2931">George Springer</a> as the American League Player of the Week after his red-hot performance over the last seven days.</p><p>The 35-year-old hit .429/.500/.964 with five homers, 13 RBIs, and nine runs scored over the last week, delivering five multi-hit games and a pair of two-homer performances. Springer notched a career-high seven RBIs during Toronto's Canada Day win over the New York Yankees and was the first Blue Jays player to drive in at least seven against the Bronx Bombers since 1977.</p><p>Thanks in large part to Springer's scorching hot bat, the Blue Jays went 7-0 over the past week to leapfrog the Yankees for first place in the AL East.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Player of the Week honor is the sixth time Springer has won the award in his career and his first since 2021. He's the first Blue Jays player to win it this season.</p><p>Springer is enjoying a solid comeback campaign, hitting .281/.374/.512 with 16 homers, 53 RBIs, and 10 steals over 84 games.</p>

TORONTO, ON - JULY 1: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays celerbates a grand slam home run against the New York Yankees in the seventh inning in their MLB game at Rogers Centre on July 1, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31733541/related

Springer wins AL Player of the Week after monster homestand

For the first time since 2018, the Home Run Derby won't feature Pete Alonso.  The New York Mets s...

<p>For the first time since 2018, the Home Run Derby won't feature <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8674">Pete Alonso</a>.</p><p>The New York Mets slugger, a two-time derby champion who's become a fixture of the midseason home-run hitting contest, revealed Sunday that he turned down an invitation to participate in this year's event at Truist Park.</p><p>Alonso will still be in Atlanta in two weeks after he was named to the National League All-Star squad as a reserve. However, with his Mets about to embark on a heated second-half battle for the NL East title, the 30-year-old felt it was the right time to get some extra rest.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I just want to be in the best possible position to help this team win in the second half," Alonso told <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/pete-alonso-edwin-diaz-francisco-lindor-mets-2025-all-stars">Anthony DiComo of MLB.com</a>. "I feel like I'm in a groove with certain things. ... I love the event. It's a sick event. I just didn't really feel motivated to do it this year. I just figured I'd take a break, use the break as recovery and get back at it, help the team win in the second half."</p><p>Alonso added that he'd be willing to participate if the event ever returns to Citi Field, or ends up in "another park that I love to hit at" such as Fenway Park or Wrigley Field.</p><p>This marks the first time that Alonso has declined to take part in a Home Run Derby. He's participated in every derby that's been contested since he arrived in the majors in 2019, winning the event as a rookie and then defending his title two years later.</p><p>Alonso's derby performances have become mythical. His 207 total derby home runs are by far the most in the event's history. He also owns two of the top 10 single-derby totals, including a then-record 74 in 2021. However, the last two years saw him eliminated in the first round; he hit the second-fewest homers (12) of any contestant last summer in Arlington.</p><p>Alonso has hit his fair share of competitive home runs this season. The five-time All-Star's mashed 20 round-trippers along with 73 RBIs and an NL-high 25 doubles while hitting a career-best .287/.380/.543 over 91 games for the Mets.</p><p>So far, only four players - Seattle's Cal Raleigh, Washington's James Wood, Minnesota's Byron Buxton, and the Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr. - have committed to take part in this year's Home Run Derby. The full field will consist of eight participants.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 07: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets gets ready in the batters box against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on May 07, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31729112/related

Mets' Alonso declines HR Derby invite: Time for 'a break'

The 2025 All-Star Game reserves were revealed Sunday, but not everybody who deserved this honor w...

<p>The 2025 All-Star Game reserves were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3165682" href="https://thescore.com/news/3165682">revealed</a> Sunday, but not everybody who deserved this honor will make the trip to Atlanta. Several notable names in both leagues were absent from this year's Midsummer Classic rosters.</p><p>Let's take a look at the most glaring omissions from the 2025 All-Star squads.</p><p><em>Note: Statistics do not include Sunday's games unless otherwise stated.</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>American League</h3><p><strong>George Springer, Blue Jays</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792682/cropped_GettyImages-2222356041.jpg?ts=1751411520" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792682/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222356041.jpg?ts=1751411520 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792682/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222356041.jpg?ts=1751411520 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792682/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222356041.jpg?ts=1751411520 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792682/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222356041.jpg?ts=1751411520 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792682/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222356041.jpg?ts=1751411520 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PA</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>wRC+</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>331</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>.886</td>
<td>151</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The 35-year-old is enjoying a remarkable comeback season with the red-hot Blue Jays. A year after putting up a career-worst 91 OPS+, Springer's hitting .285/.378/.520 with 16 homers and 10 stolen bases. He should be one of the first names called as an AL injury replacement.</p><p><strong>Zach McKinstry, Tigers</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793249/cropped_GettyImages-2222903665.jpg?ts=1751844434" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793249/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222903665.jpg?ts=1751844434 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793249/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222903665.jpg?ts=1751844434 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793249/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222903665.jpg?ts=1751844434 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793249/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222903665.jpg?ts=1751844434 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793249/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222903665.jpg?ts=1751844434 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PA</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>wRC+</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>306</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>.815</td>
<td>129</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>McKinstry has come out of nowhere to produce a career-best season for the AL-best Tigers, and it deserves recognition. The 30-year-old utility player, who's started games at six different positions, entered Sunday ranking 11th in the AL in fWAR and second in triples and sporting an OBP above .350. If there's a fifth Tiger to get the call, it should be him.</p><p><strong>Joe Ryan, Twins</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782792/cropped_GettyImages-2211739862.jpg?ts=1745787588" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782792/w220xh124_GettyImages-2211739862.jpg?ts=1745787588 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782792/w320xh180_GettyImages-2211739862.jpg?ts=1745787588 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782792/w640xh360_GettyImages-2211739862.jpg?ts=1745787588 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782792/w768xh432_GettyImages-2211739862.jpg?ts=1745787588 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782792/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2211739862.jpg?ts=1745787588 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Matt Krohn / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IP</th>
<th>K</th>
<th>ERA</th>
<th>FIP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>98.1</td>
<td>108</td>
<td>2.75</td>
<td>3.26</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Ryan's been the stabilizing ace the Twins sorely needed, and he should have gotten a call to Atlanta. He's sitting in the top 10 in the AL in wins, ERA, strikeouts, FIP, and K/9, while also sporting a BB/9 rate below two in nearly 100 innings.</p><h3>National League</h3><p><strong>Juan Soto, Mets</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791327/cropped_GettyImages-2220266037.jpg?ts=1750449819" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791327/w220xh124_GettyImages-2220266037.jpg?ts=1750449819 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791327/w320xh180_GettyImages-2220266037.jpg?ts=1750449819 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791327/w640xh360_GettyImages-2220266037.jpg?ts=1750449819 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791327/w768xh432_GettyImages-2220266037.jpg?ts=1750449819 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791327/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2220266037.jpg?ts=1750449819 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PA</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>wRC+</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>393</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>.915</td>
<td>157</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Soto shook off his slow start and is now doing exactly what was expected of him after he signed a $765-million deal with the Mets. Yet, somehow, he failed to earn a fifth straight All-Star berth despite leading the NL in walks, ranking second in OBP, and sitting inside the top 10 in homers, OPS, runs scored, and wRC+. This one is not just baffling - it's inexcusable.</p><p><strong>Seiya Suzuki, Cubs</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787515/cropped_GettyImages-2216592672.jpg?ts=1748380505" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787515/w220xh124_GettyImages-2216592672.jpg?ts=1748380505 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787515/w320xh180_GettyImages-2216592672.jpg?ts=1748380505 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787515/w640xh360_GettyImages-2216592672.jpg?ts=1748380505 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787515/w768xh432_GettyImages-2216592672.jpg?ts=1748380505 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787515/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2216592672.jpg?ts=1748380505 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Griffin Quinn / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PA</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>wRC+</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>377</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>.870</td>
<td>138</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Suzuki has taken to his primary DH role with the Cubs. He entered Sunday with 24 homers and an MLB-best 75 RBIs while ranking top 10 in the NL in slugging, total bases, extra-base hits, doubles, and OPS+. Suzuki was a five-time All-Star in his native Japan and should have added an MLB All-Star berth to his resume.</p><p><strong>Ranger Suárez, Phillies</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793168/cropped_GettyImages-2223094104.jpg?ts=1751762374" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793168/w220xh124_GettyImages-2223094104.jpg?ts=1751762374 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793168/w320xh180_GettyImages-2223094104.jpg?ts=1751762374 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793168/w640xh360_GettyImages-2223094104.jpg?ts=1751762374 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793168/w768xh432_GettyImages-2223094104.jpg?ts=1751762374 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793168/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2223094104.jpg?ts=1751762374 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Denis Kennedy / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IP</th>
<th>K</th>
<th>ERA</th>
<th>FIP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>77</td>
<td>73</td>
<td>1.99</td>
<td>2.99</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>A back issue that kept him on the IL for the first month of the season is the only reason Suárez isn't qualified - and probably the only thing keeping him off the All-Star team. The left-hander's 1.99 ERA ranks second among NL pitchers with at least 70 innings, and he's surrendered only six home runs while posting a 2.2 BB/9 rate.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31728175/related

MLB All-Star Game snubs: Soto, Springer among glaring omissions

San Diego Padres veteran right-hander Yu Darvish will make his season debut Monday against the Ar...

<p>San Diego Padres veteran right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2901" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2901">Yu Darvish</a> will make his season debut Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, manager Mike Shildt announced Sunday, per <a href="https://x.com/973TheFanSD/status/1941987890655035606">97.3 The Fan</a>.</p><p>Darvish opened his season on the injured list after dealing with right elbow inflammation during spring training.</p><p>The 38-year-old threw a bullpen session Saturday and came away with no issues, clearing the way for him to finally join the rotation.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Darvish will join a rotation that's been decimated by injuries all season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9842" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9842">Michael King</a> has been sidelined since mid-May with shoulder inflammation, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5369" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5369">Joe Musgrove</a> is out for the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17386" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17386">Ryan Bergert</a> hit the IL late in June with a forearm contusion.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8297" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8297">Nick Pivetta</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8145" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8145">Dylan Cease</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14200" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14200">Randy Vásquez</a> are San Diego's only healthy starters besides Darvish. Reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19024" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19024">David Morgan</a> is scheduled to open Sunday night's game against the Texas Rangers.</p><p>"We always have an open day on the schedule for Yu Darvish to start," Shildt said.</p><p>This season marks Darvish's fifth with the Padres and 12th in the majors. The Japan native is in the third season of a six-year, $108-million extension with the club.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 27: Yu Darvish #11 of the San Diego Padres pitches in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on September 27, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31728101/related

Padres' Darvish to make season debut Monday vs. D-Backs

The Washington Nationals have cleaned house.   Washington fired longtime manager Dave Martinez an...

<p>The Washington Nationals have cleaned house. </p><p>Washington fired longtime manager Dave Martinez and general manager Mike Rizzo after the last-place team was swept at home by the Boston Red Sox, the team announced Sunday.</p><p>Mike DeBartolo, the Nationals' senior vice president and assistant general manager of baseball operations, was promoted to interim GM. The team plans to name an interim manager Monday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"On behalf of our family and the Washington Nationals organization, I first and foremost want to thank Mike and Davey for their contributions to our franchise and our city," principal owner Mark Lerner said in a <a href="https://curlyw.mlblogs.com/a-statement-from-washington-nationals-managing-principal-owner-mark-d-lerner-c091a7c35916">statement</a>. "While we are appreciative of their past successes, the on-field performance has not been where we or our fans expect it to be. This is a pivotal time for our club, and we believe a fresh approach and new energy is the best course of action for our team moving forward."</p><p>The firings come one week before Washington is set to make the first overall pick in this year's MLB draft.</p><p>Washington held club options for 2026 on both Martinez's and Rizzo's contracts. The team had to exercise them by the middle of July, according to <a href="https://x.com/BNightengale/status/1941987855120867706">Bob Nightengale of USA Today</a>.</p><p>Martinez, 60, collected a 500-622 record over his seven-plus seasons in the nation's capital, and he owns the third-most wins in Nationals/Expos history.</p><p>The Nats posted winning records under Martinez in his first two campaigns. In 2019, his club rebounded from a 19-31 start to make the playoffs as a wild card before upsetting the Houston Astros in the World Series for the franchise's first championship.</p><p>However, the Nats have failed to post a winning record since that championship and lost 90-plus contests in each of the last four seasons, including a league-worst 107 in 2022. Washington currently sits last in the NL East at 37-53 and endured an 11-game losing streak in early June.</p><p>Martinez raised eyebrows during that losing streak when he said that his club's offensive struggles were "never on coaching." He later <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3300460" href="https://thescore.com/news/3300460">clarified</a> the remarks, saying that he never meant to criticize his players.</p><p>Rizzo, meanwhile, originally joined the Nationals organization in 2007 and had served as GM since 2009. Under his watch, the team made five playoff appearances while winning four division titles and the 2019 World Series, plus developed stars such as Stephen Strasburg, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1688" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1688">Bryce Harper</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>.</p><p>"The sun will come up tomorrow," Rizzo told <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/07/06/dave-martinez-mike-rizzo-fired-nationals/">Barry Svrluga of The Washington Post</a> shortly after being let go. "That's the job. I had a great run. Navigated that ownership group for almost 20 years."</p>

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Washington Nationals president and general manager Mike Rizzo walks with manager Dave Martinez (4) during spring training workouts at the training complex on February 18, 2023.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31727486/related

Nationals fire manager Martinez, GM Rizzo

Major League Baseball announced the pitchers and reserves for the 2025 All-Star Game on Sunday.  ...

<p>Major League Baseball announced the pitchers and reserves for the 2025 All-Star Game on Sunday.</p><p>These are the complete rosters set to square off in the Midsummer Classic at Atlanta's Truist Park on July 15. Reserves are selected through a combination of player ballots and the MLB commissioner's office. All 30 teams have at least one All-Star representative.</p><h3>AL Starters</h3><p>The AL starters, announced last week, are headlined by a trio of Detroit Tigers plus sluggers Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>Cal Raleigh</td>
<td>Mariners</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</td>
<td>Blue Jays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Gleyber Torres</td>
<td>Tigers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3B</td>
<td>José Ramírez</td>
<td>Guardians</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Jacob Wilson</td>
<td>Athletics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Aaron Judge</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Riley Greene</td>
<td>Tigers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Javier Báez</td>
<td>Tigers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DH</td>
<td>Ryan O'Hearn</td>
<td>Orioles</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>AL Reserves</h3><p>Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda and Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña are the two first-time All-Stars among the AL reserves.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>Alejandro Kirk</td>
<td>Blue Jays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Jonathan Aranda</td>
<td>Rays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Brandon Lowe</td>
<td>Rays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3B</td>
<td>Alex Bregman*</td>
<td>Red Sox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3B</td>
<td>Jazz Chisholm Jr.</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Bobby Witt Jr.</td>
<td>Royals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Jeremy Peña*</td>
<td>Astros</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Byron Buxton</td>
<td>Twins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Steven Kwan</td>
<td>Guardians</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Julio Rodríguez</td>
<td>Mariners</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DH</td>
<td>Brent Rooker</td>
<td>Athletics</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Bregman and Peña are currently on the injured list</em></p><h3>AL Pitchers</h3><p>Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman earns his eighth career All-Star nod, while Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom is in his first Midsummer Classic since 2021. Chicago White Sox rookie Shane Smith, meanwhile, is now the second player in history to be named an All-Star in the same year he was a Rule 5 Draft pick, joining Dan Uggla in 2006.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Tarik Skubal</td>
<td>Tigers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Garrett Crochet</td>
<td>Red Sox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Yusei Kikuchi</td>
<td>Angels</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Max Fried</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Jacob deGrom</td>
<td>Rangers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Shane Smith</td>
<td>White Sox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Hunter Brown</td>
<td>Astros</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Kris Bubic</td>
<td>Royals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Bryan Woo</td>
<td>Mariners</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Aroldis Chapman</td>
<td>Red Sox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Josh Hader</td>
<td>Astros</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Andrés Muñoz</td>
<td>Mariners</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>NL Starters</h3><p>Three Los Angeles Dodgers stars and hometown favorite Ronald Acuña Jr. headline the NL's starting nine.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>Will Smith</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Freddie Freeman</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2B</td>
<td> Ketel Marte</td>
<td>D-Backs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3B</td>
<td>Manny Machado</td>
<td>Padres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Francisco Lindor</td>
<td>Mets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Pete Crow-Armstrong</td>
<td>Cubs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Ronald Acuña Jr.</td>
<td>Braves</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Kyle Tucker</td>
<td>Cubs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DH</td>
<td> Shohei Ohtani</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>NL Reserves</h3><p>First-time All-Stars on the Senior Circuit's squad include Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood and St. Louis Cardinals utility player Brendan Donovan.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>Hunter Goodman</td>
<td>Rockies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Pete Alonso</td>
<td>Mets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Matt Olson</td>
<td>Braves</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Brendan Donovan</td>
<td>Cardinals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3B</td>
<td>Eugenio Suárez</td>
<td>D-Backs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Elly De La Cruz</td>
<td>Reds</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>James Wood</td>
<td>Nationals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Kyle Stowers</td>
<td>Marlins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Corbin Carroll</td>
<td>D-Backs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Fernando Tatis Jr.</td>
<td>Padres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DH</td>
<td>Kyle Schwarber</td>
<td>Phillies</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>NL Pitchers</h3><p>Clayton Kershaw, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3307831" href="https://thescore.com/news/3307831">joined</a> the 3,000-strikeout club earlier this week, was named to his 11th All-Star Game as a "legacy pick" by commissioner Rob Manfred to honor his iconic career.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Clayton Kershaw</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Chris Sale*</td>
<td>Braves</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Zack Wheeler</td>
<td>Phillies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Paul Skenes</td>
<td>Pirates</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Logan Webb</td>
<td>Giants</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Robbie Ray</td>
<td>Giants</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Freddy Peralta</td>
<td>Brewers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>MacKenzie Gore</td>
<td>Nationals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Matthew Boyd</td>
<td>Cubs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Yoshinobu Yamamoto</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Edwin Díaz</td>
<td>Mets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Jason Adam</td>
<td>Padres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Randy Rodríguez</td>
<td>Giants</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Sale is currently on the injured list</em></p>

DETROIT, MI - MAY 25: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers reacts after throwing the final strikeout in his first career complete game to win the game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Sunday, May 25, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31727244/related

Skubal, Alonso, Kershaw headline MLB All-Star reserves

When it rains, it pours - and right now, it's thunderstorming in the Bronx.  The New York Yankees...

<p>When it rains, it pours - and right now, it's thunderstorming in the Bronx.</p><p>The New York Yankees got a massive injury scare when superstar outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> took a baseball to the face during Saturday's game against the Mets at Citi Field. While the team was coming off the field at the end of the fourth inning, shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13802" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13802">Anthony Volpe</a> tossed the ball to Judge, who apparently didn't see it and was hit in the face.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aaron Judge was hit in the face by a baseball between innings <a href="https://t.co/f7IgkSAoBD">pic.twitter.com/f7IgkSAoBD</a></p>— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) <a href="https://twitter.com/snyyankees/status/1941616018591187251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Fortunately, Judge didn't appear to sustain any serious injury, although he was spotted wearing a Band-aid above his eye in the fifth inning.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aaron Judge was apparently hit with a baseball during warmups in between innings and now has a bandaid near his eye <a href="https://t.co/9Vb0SxaORZ">pic.twitter.com/9Vb0SxaORZ</a></p>— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinYanks/status/1941611805803008272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Judge ended up playing all nine innings, finishing his day 0-for-4 with a walk.</p><p>The scare to Judge's health comes a few hours after the Yankees <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3308353" href="https://thescore.com/news/3308353">announced</a> that starter Clarke Schmidt requires season-ending elbow surgery. The Bronx Bombers also entered Saturday having lost five straight and six of seven to drop out of first place in the AL East for the first time since mid-April.</p><p>The Yankees' skid continued Saturday with a 12-6 loss to the Mets, their sixth straight defeat. They now sit three games back of the division-leading Toronto Blue Jays.</p>

TORONTO, ON - JULY 02: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees plays the field during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on July 02, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31719389/related

Watch: Yankees' Volpe accidentally hits Judge in face with baseball

Go ahead and add one more milestone to Clayton Kershaw's Hall of Fame plaque.  The Los Angeles Do...

<p>Go ahead and add one more milestone to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/945" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/945">Clayton Kershaw</a>'s Hall of Fame plaque.</p><p>The Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander became the 20th pitcher in MLB history to record 3,000 career strikeouts Wednesday in a 5-4 win over the Chicago White Sox. He notched No. 3,000 by getting White Sox third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13799">Vinny Capra</a> looking to end the sixth inning on his 100th and final pitch of the night at Dodger Stadium.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Strikeout No. 3,000! <br> <br>Clayton Kershaw becomes the 20th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to record 3,000 career strikeouts. <a href="https://t.co/mD7tM1POJC">pic.twitter.com/mD7tM1POJC</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1940618636420698133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It was overwhelming to feel that," Kershaw said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/clayton-kershaw-joins-3000-strikeout-club">MLB.com's Sonja Chen</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I don't have a lot of great words other than that it was just really special."</p><p>Kershaw is just the fourth left-hander to enter this exclusive club, following Hall of Famers Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton, and CC Sabathia.</p><p>The 37-year-old is one of five hurlers to record 3,000-plus strikeouts with one team, joining John Smoltz (Braves), Carlton (Phillies), Bob Gibson (Cardinals), and Walter Johnson (Washington Senators). Of that group, only Kershaw, Gibson, and Johnson recorded every single one of their career strikeouts in the same uniform.</p><p>Kershaw's most common victim during his 18-year career was longtime San Francisco Giants slugger Brandon Belt, who struck out 30 times against the left-hander. Paul Goldschmidt, Carlos González, and Hunter Pence have all been K'd at least 20 times by the future Cooperstown inductee.</p><p>It wasn't clear if Kershaw would even be able to make it to this moment. He endured a miserable 2024 campaign, making just seven starts after returning from shoulder surgery and before suffering a season-ending toe injury in August. After the Dodgers won the World Series, he underwent toe and knee surgeries that pushed his 2025 debut into mid-May.</p><p>"I made it take too long," Kershaw said. "Honestly, didn't pitch that great tonight, and the slider was so bad. But this was such a special night all the way around. It really was. Couldn't have asked for anything more, really. It was so fun to get to be out there."</p><p>Kershaw came into Wednesday's start, his ninth of the season, needing just three Ks to reach the magic mark. The young White Sox made him work for it, scoring four runs on nine hits and forcing Dave Roberts to make a difficult decision after five innings. Although his pitch count was climbing, Roberts stuck with his veteran, who pushed through the sixth and caught Capra looking at an 85-mph slider for the milestone.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Clayton's journey to 3,000. <a href="https://t.co/lAq7ebLBfF">pic.twitter.com/lAq7ebLBfF</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1940621598756856190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Originally drafted seventh overall by L.A. in 2006, the Dallas native debuted in the majors two years later. His first strikeout victim was the very first batter he faced, the Cardinals' Skip Schumaker, on May 25, 2008.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Strikeout</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Opponent</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>5/25/08</td>
<td>Skip Schumaker</td>
<td>Cardinals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>500</td>
<td>3/31/11</td>
<td>Buster Posey</td>
<td>Giants</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1000</td>
<td>4/17/13</td>
<td>Yonder Alonso</td>
<td>Padres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1500</td>
<td>5/10/15</td>
<td>Drew Stubbs</td>
<td>Rockies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2000</td>
<td>6/2/17</td>
<td>Jonathan Villar</td>
<td>Brewers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2500</td>
<td>9/3/20</td>
<td>Nick Ahmed</td>
<td>D-Backs</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Kershaw's remarkable career has seen him win three NL Cy Young awards and the 2014 NL MVP, notch a no-hitter, secure five ERA titles, and claim three strikeout crowns. He struck out 301 batters in 2015. His 1.01 WHIP (entering play Wednesday) ranks fifth all time.</p><p>Kershaw may go down as the last pitcher to ever reach the 3,000-strikeout milestone, given how starting pitching has changed over the course of his career. The next-closest active pitcher to 3,000, Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale, is 36 years old and needs another 472 Ks to get there.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 02: Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers salutes the crowd after delivering the 3000th strikeout of his career in the sixth inning during the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Kershaw is now the 20th member of the 3,000-strikeout club, and is only the fourth left-handed pitcher to have struck out 3,000 or more batters in their career.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31701531/related

Kershaw becomes 20th pitcher to reach 3,000 Ks: 'Special night'

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy suffered a left knee injury during the sixth inning o...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4250" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4250">Max Muncy</a> suffered a left knee injury during the sixth inning of Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox.</p><p>The Dodgers said Muncy was removed due to left knee pain. Muncy will undergo an MRI on Thursday, and manager Dave Roberts said the team is optimistic it'll reveal no more than a sprain, according to <a href="https://x.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1940643694480445616">ESPN's Alden González.</a></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3140" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3140">Michael A. Taylor</a> took out Muncy's left knee while sliding head first on an attempted steal of third base. Taylor was also shaken up on the play, and left the game with what the White Sox termed a left trap contusion.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wishing Max Muncy the very best 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/WxxgUIzWrD">pic.twitter.com/WxxgUIzWrD</a></p>— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken2) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarnHasSpoken2/status/1940616826821792059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Muncy required assistance from the Dodgers trainer to leave the field. The play happened just before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/945" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/945">Clayton Kershaw</a> recorded the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3304632" href="https://thescore.com/news/3304632">3,000th strikeout</a> of his career.</p><p>The 34-year-old veteran entered Wednesday slashing .252/.377/.461 with 13 home runs and 55 RBIs.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2444" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2444">Kiké Hernández</a> entered the game at third base in Muncy's place.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 02: Max Muncy #13 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts as he is helped off the field by the trainer after being injured during the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium on July 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31701609/related

Dodgers' Muncy exits with knee injury after collision at 3rd base

Major League Baseball announced the starters for the 2025 All-Star Game on Wednesday after the co...

<p>Major League Baseball announced the starters for the 2025 All-Star Game on Wednesday after the conclusion of Phase 2 of fan voting.</p><p>The starters were elected through fan votes, with the leader among the finalists at each position earning the starting nod. Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3304648" href="https://thescore.com/news/3304648">received</a> automatic starting spots as the top overall vote-getters in their respective leagues during Phase 1.</p><p>All-Star reserves and pitchers for both leagues will be revealed on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>This year's Midsummer Classic will take place on July 15 at Atlanta's Truist Park.</p><h3>American League </h3><p><strong>C: Cal Raleigh, Mariners</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>84</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>1.024</td>
<td>5.6</td>
<td>⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Alejandro Kirk will likely make the AL team as a backup, but he stood zero chance against Raleigh, who's already hit more home runs (33) than any other catcher <em>ever </em>has before the break. "Big Dumper" is the first Mariners backstop to be named an All-Star starter, and the team's first starter at any position since 2015.</p><p><strong>1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>84</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>.828</td>
<td>2.2</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Guerrero easily defeated Paul Goldschmidt to earn his fifth career All-Star nod, and his fourth start in the last five seasons. With his selection, Guerrero Jr. and his dad, Hall of Famer and nine-time All-Star Vladimir Sr., are now the only father-son duo to both earn at least five All-Star selections, according to <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1940562392406282489">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>.</p><p><strong>2B: Gleyber Torres, Tigers</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>71</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>.823</td>
<td>2.3</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Torres will make his third career All-Star appearance, and first since 2019, thanks to a renaissance campaign with the AL-best Tigers. He'll be the first Tigers second baseman to start the game since Plácido Polanco in 2007.</p><p><strong>3B: José Ramírez, Guardians</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>80</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>38</td>
<td>.860</td>
<td>3.2</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>J-Ram continues to stand as the best AL third baseman, and he'll make his fourth career All-Star start. Ramírez, who held off Red Sox star Alex Bregman for this honor, is now a seven-time All-Star.</p><p><strong>SS: Jacob Wilson, Athletics</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>81</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>40</td>
<td>.853</td>
<td>2.9</td>
<td>⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>In a massive upset, Wilson - the A's contact machine - beat out Bobby Witt Jr. for the starting nod at shortstop. The 23-year-old is just the second rookie shortstop to be selected as a starter, joining the Orioles' Ron Hansen (1960), and the first A's shortstop to start the game since Bert Campaneris in 1974.</p><p><strong>OF: Aaron Judge, Yankees; Riley Greene, Tigers; Javier Báez, Tigers</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Judge</td>
<td>85</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>1.188</td>
<td>6.5</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greene</td>
<td>83</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>63</td>
<td>.887</td>
<td>3.0</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Báez</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>39</td>
<td>.783</td>
<td>1.8</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Judge, who received an automatic starting spot for a second straight year, is a starter for the fourth time in five seasons after authoring a ridiculous first half for the Yankees.</p><p>He'll be joined in the AL outfield by two members of the Tigers' potent offense. Greene, a first-time starter, will be making his second consecutive All-Star appearance after crushing a team-best 19 homers. Báez, meanwhile, earned his first All-Star nod since 2019 in the midst of a comeback season. He was previously voted a starter at second base and shortstop, and now joins Pete Rose, Harmon Killebrew, and Albert Pujols as the only players to start All-Star Games at three or more positions.</p><p><strong>DH: Ryan O'Hearn, Orioles</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>72</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>.854</td>
<td>2.1</td>
<td>⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The AL's DH spot opened up after Rafael Devers was traded, and O'Hearn took advantage to beat out Ben Rice and earn his first-ever All-Star berth. It completes a remarkable rise for the 31-year-old O'Hearn, who's blossomed in Baltimore after being acquired from the Royals for cash in 2023.</p><h3>National League </h3><p><strong>C: Will Smith, Dodgers</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>67</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>.949</td>
<td>3.0</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Smith, who fended off the Cubs' Carson Kelly for this honor, leads the NL in both average and OBP while catching for the Dodgers nearly every day. This is his third straight All-Star selection, but the first time he'll start.</p><p><strong>1B: Freddie Freeman, Dodgers</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>73</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>.882</td>
<td>2.1</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Freeman beat out the Mets' Pete Alonso to earn his fifth All-Star starting nod. He'll start the game for the Dodgers in his former home stadium, where he spent 12 years starring in a Braves uniform.</p><p><strong>2B: Ketel Marte, D-Backs</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>59</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>.983</td>
<td>2.9</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Marte was the runaway winner over Tommy Edman, and will start his second consecutive Midsummer Classic for the NL at the keystone. He was also previously voted a starter in 2019.</p><p><strong>3B: Manny Machado, Padres</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>84</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>47</td>
<td>.831</td>
<td>2.5</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Machado is now a seven-time All-Star after holding off Max Muncy for the nod at third base. He was previously a starter for the NL in 2022, and the AL in 2016 and 2018.</p><p><strong>SS: Francisco Lindor, Mets</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>83</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>.775</td>
<td>3.0</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Incredibly, this will be Lindor's first All-Star appearance in a Mets uniform, as well as his first time starting a Midsummer Classic. He beat out Mookie Betts in a narrow vote.</p><p><strong>OF: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs; Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves; Kyle Tucker, Cubs</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Crow-Armstrong</td>
<td>84</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>62</td>
<td>.837</td>
<td>4.0</td>
<td>⭐️</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Acuña</td>
<td>35</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>1.076</td>
<td>2.0</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tucker</td>
<td>84</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>52</td>
<td>.926</td>
<td>4.0</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Acuña will represent the hometown team in the NL's starting lineup. Despite debuting in late May because of a knee injury, the Braves star has stacked MVP-like numbers to earn the starting nod over others who've played the full season.</p><p>Also in the NL outfield are a pair of Cubs standouts in Crow-Armstrong and Tucker. Crow-Armstrong, now a first-time All-Star in his second full season, is flying toward a 30-30 campaign and plays Gold Glove defense in center field. Tucker, now a four-time All-Star and first-time starter, has been a perfect fit at Wrigley Field and is also pushing for 30-30.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pretty cool: The (likely) starting CF's in the all-star game were traded for each other back in July, 2021.</p>— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JesseRogersESPN/status/1940555639639757270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>DH: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>84</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>55</td>
<td>1.024</td>
<td>4.2</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Fans rewarded Ohtani with his fifth straight All-Star starting nod after watching him lead the NL in homers, slugging, OPS, and runs while also resuming his pitching career. He and David Ortiz are the only two players to earn five career starting nods at DH.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 21: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on June 21, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31700067/related

MLB announces 2025 All-Star Game starters

The Texas Rangers optioned former All-Star third baseman Josh Jung to Triple-A Round Rock, they a...

<p>The Texas Rangers optioned former All-Star third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12381" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12381">Josh Jung</a> to Triple-A Round Rock, they announced Wednesday.</p><p>Infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12550" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12550">Jake Burger</a> was activated from the injured list in a corresponding move.</p><p>Jung had been the Rangers' primary third baseman for most of this season despite his continued offensive struggles. However, a woeful June that saw him post a .429 OPS with one home run in 101 plate appearances ultimately pushed the team to send him down.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>For the season, he's hitting a career-low .237/.283/.366 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs over 75 games, while accruing minus-2 defensive runs saved with the glove.</p><p>"I think it's fair to say he's been going through some struggles here these past three, four weeks," manager Bruce Bochy told reporters, per <a href="https://x.com/JaredSandler/status/1940520075968352512">Rangers broadcaster Jared Sandler</a>. "And we just think the best thing right now for Josh, for this club, is ... that we let him get at-bats (at) Round Rock (and) get his game back, get his confidence back. We need him."</p><p>The 27-year-old burst onto the scene in 2023, when he finished fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting and was an All-Star while helping Texas win the World Series. However, he was limited to 46 games in 2024 due to injuries.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12659" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12659">Ezequiel Duran</a> is starting at third for Texas on Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles. Duran and utility player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13856" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13856">Josh Smith</a> could both see increased time at the hot corner while Jung is in the minors. Other players on the Rangers' active roster with experience at the position include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12704" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12704">Justin Foscue</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8837" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8837">Sam Haggerty</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14645" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14645">Michael Helman</a>.</p><p>Texas enters play Wednesday sitting fourth in the AL West.</p>

BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 24: Josh Jung #6 of the Texas Rangers warms up before a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 24, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31698917/related

Rangers option former All-Star Jung to minors

Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. underwent a procedure to address a turf toe injury in...

<p>Memphis Grizzlies big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62285" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62285">Jaren Jackson Jr.</a> underwent a procedure to address a turf toe injury in his right foot, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>The 25-year-old will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks. That timeline places Jackson's reassessment toward the end of September, just before the start of training camp. The Grizzlies are yet to announce their 2025-26 preseason schedule.</p><p>Jackson suffered the injury "while participating in a live basketball run offsite," the Grizzlies said Tuesday. Further evaluation by doctors showed that he needed surgery to correct the issue.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>News of the setback came one day after Jackson <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3306302" href="https://thescore.com/news/3306302">reportedly</a> agreed to a five-year, $240-million extension with the Grizzlies. He will be under contract with the club through 2029-30, though the final season hinges on a player option.</p><p>The former Defensive Player of the Year has been afflicted by major injuries in multiple offseasons throughout his seven-year career.</p><p>Prior to the 2024-25 campaign, Jackson strained his hamstring during the Grizzlies' first training camp practice, which caused him to miss the team's first two games of the regular season three weeks later. He was sidelined for the first 14 games of the 2022-23 season while recovering from June surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot.</p><p>After suffering a meniscus tear in August 2020 in the bubble, the Michigan State product didn't make his 2020-21 season debut until April 2021.</p><p>Jackson, 25, averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game as Memphis' starting center in 2024-25. The New Jersey native was named to his third career All-Defensive team after the season.</p>

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 19: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the game of an Emirates NBA Cup game against the Denver Nuggets at FedExForum on November 19, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31692796/related

Grizzlies' Jackson injured after signing $240M extension

Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has been shut down after suffering a setback in his rehab f...

<p>Houston Astros slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9552" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9552">Yordan Alvarez</a> has been shut down after suffering a setback in his rehab from a fractured right hand, general manager Dana Brown said Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1940177052306743509">Chandler Rome of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>Alvarez reported hand soreness after taking some dry swings on Monday in Florida, Brown said. He'll now visit a hand specialist to determine the next steps in his recovery.</p><p>The complication comes as Alvarez appeared to be nearing a return to Houston's lineup. Brown told reporters Monday that the team was hoping for him to return from the IL as soon as this weekend in Los Angeles, according to <a href="https://x.com/brianmctaggart/status/1940077323375476856">Brian McTaggart of MLB.com</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It also comes a few days after the team lost another key member of their lineup, shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12665" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12665">Jeremy Peña</a>, to a fractured rib.</p><p>Alvarez was initially placed on the IL in early May with what the team initially called right hand inflammation. It wasn't until nearly a month later that he was sent for imaging that revealed the fracture.</p><p>The 28-year-old was hitting .210/.306/.340 with three homers and 18 RBIs at the time of his injury.</p><p>Despite missing their star designated hitter for much of the season, the Astros have surged atop the AL West and enter play Tuesday with 50 wins and a six-game lead over the second-place Mariners.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 2: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros prepares to bat during a game against the Houston Astros at Rate Field on May 2, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31691911/related

Astros' Alvarez shut down after setback in rehab of fractured hand

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer managed to avoid a major injury after taking an acci...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2931" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2931">George Springer</a> managed to avoid a major injury after taking an accidental knee to the neck from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> during his team's 5-4 win over the New York Yankees.</p><p>Springer's throat slammed into Chisholm's knee while he slid into third base in the bottom of Monday's sixth inning, causing his neck to jerk backward violently. Springer appeared to be coughing and was slow to get up while trainers tended to him before going straight into the clubhouse and leaving the game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">George Springer leaves the game after sliding into Jazz Chisholm’s knee. <a href="https://t.co/Jhy5QQ2YXx">pic.twitter.com/Jhy5QQ2YXx</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1939859369299947795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Manager John Schneider said postgame that Springer "is fine" and "should be good" to play in Tuesday's Canada Day matinee, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShiDavidi/status/1939870590971912336">Sportsnet's Shi Davidi</a>. Schneider added that the 35-year-old was removed from the game as a precaution because he was having trouble breathing.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8766" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8766">Andrés Giménez</a> entered the game in Springer's spot in the lineup to start the top of the seventh while playing second base. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5788" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5788">Nathan Lukes</a>, who made a plate appearance as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the sixth, took over for Springer in right field, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14134" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14134">Davis Schneider</a> moved from second to left.</p><p>Springer is enjoying a renaissance season for the Blue Jays, hitting .263/.360/.459 with 11 homers and 40 RBIs over 78 games in 2025.</p>

TORONTO, ON - MAY 20: Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (4) is seen after the top of the sixth inning of an MLB game between the San Diego Padres and the Toronto Blue Jays on May 20, 2025, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31684847/related

Blue Jays' Springer avoids major injury after taking knee to neck

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is stepping from hockey due to ongoing health is...

<p>Vegas Golden Knights defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1098" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1098">Alex Pietrangelo</a> is stepping from hockey due to ongoing health issues, the team announced Monday.</p><p>While not officially retiring, the 35-year-old acknowledged that it's unlikely he'll be able to resume his career. </p><p>"The past few years have been very challenging on my physical well-being, and I am in a difficult position with my overall playing health," Pietrangelo said in a <a href="https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/news/vegas-golden-knights-provide-update-on-status-of-defenseman-alex-pietrangelo">statement</a>. "After exploring options with doctors as well as my family, it's been advised to remove the intensity of hockey to see if my body can improve so that I can return to a normal quality of life. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This decision has been difficult to come to terms with after the last 17 years of competition and the camaraderie with my teammates and coaches. The likelihood is low that my body will recover to the standard required to play, but I know this is the right decision for me and my family."</p><p>General manager Kelly McCrimmon revealed that Pietrangelo needs bilateral femur reconstruction in both hips. The procedures would not guarantee him any future in hockey, though.</p><p>"Throughout the season, the steps that Alex needed to take to be able to play and practice began to grow and take a significant toll on his body. Our hope in February during the NHL's break for the 4 Nations Face-Off was to give Alex treatment and rest to help provide relief, but instead, what we found were diminished positive results and a process that is no longer sustainable moving forward," McCrimmon said. "... Today's decision is a difficult one for both Alex and the Golden Knights, but it is being made for the right reasons - so that Alex can be the family man we all know him to be."</p><p>The Golden Knights will place Pietrangelo on long-term injured reserve, according to <a href="https://x.com/DannyWebster21/status/1939845926530736312">Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal</a>. They'll be able to exceed the salary cap by his $8.8-million cap hit while he's on LTIR.</p><p>Vegas <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3306244" href="https://thescore.com/news/3306244">reportedly</a> added <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> on an eight-year, $96-million sign-and-trade deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier Monday. The Golden Knights have also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3306343" href="https://thescore.com/news/3306343">reportedly</a> discussed a trade with the Calgary Flames for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4723">Rasmus Andersson</a> - a potential replacement for Pietrangelo on the right side of Vegas' blue line.</p><p>The Golden Knights' defense currently consists of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3232" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3232">Shea Theodore</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4559" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4559">Noah Hanifin</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1866" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1866">Brayden McNabb</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7390" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7390">Zach Whitecloud</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4488" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4488">Ben Hutton</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10043" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10043">Kaedan Korczak</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4645" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4645">Jeremy Lauzon</a>, who was acquired from the Predators on Sunday in a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3305955" href="https://thescore.com/news/3305955">trade</a> that sent fellow blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6456" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6456">Nic Hague</a> to Nashville.</p><p>Pietrangelo appeared in 71 games for the Golden Knights this past season, collecting 33 points while averaging 22:34 per contest.</p><p>The native of King City, Ontario, joined Vegas on a seven-year, $61.6-million deal before the 2020-21 season. He helped lead the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup championship in 2023, four years after captaining the St. Louis Blues to a title.</p><p>Originally selected fourth overall by St. Louis in 2008, Pietrangelo has recorded 148 goals and 637 points over 1,087 regular-season games with the Blues and Golden Knights. He finished top five in Norris Trophy voting in 2012, 2014, and 2020.</p><p>Internationally, Pietrangelo helped Canada win the 2009 world juniors, 2014 Olympic gold medal, and 2016 World Cup.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 12: Alex Pietrangelo #7 of the Vegas Golden Knights in action during Game Four of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on May 12, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31684626/related

Pietrangelo stepping away from hockey due to health issues

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/simon-sharkey-gotlieb/content_cards

Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb

News Editor

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/josh-wegman/content_cards