Talkin Bout Maikel
Maikel Garcia (KC): 3-4, HR, 3B, 2 R, 4 RBI.
The title of this article references the classic song “My Girl” by The Temptations, and Maikel Garcia has showcased a tempting profile at the plate since his rookie season in 2023, but has never truly been able to put it together. After 264 at-bats in 2025, Garcia seems to finally be realizing that potential after hitting his eighth HR, a three-run third inning bomb that gave Kansas City the lead. The eight HRs represent a career-high for the 25-year-old who has also posted career-high BB% and K%, and Garcia’s line is now up to an All-Star worthy .318/.377/.500.
Let’s see how the other hitters did Wednesday:
Bryson Stott (PHI): 2-3, HR, R, 3 RBI, BB, SB.
Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott supplied the big hit in the team’s 4-2 win over Miami on Wednesday with a 396-foot three-run HR. While he came through for Philadelphia yesterday, it has been an uninspiring season for Stott, who is hitting .237/.302/.340.
Bo Bichette (TOR): 3-5, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI.
Bo Bichette got the scoring started for Toronto with a solo HR in the first inning on the way to a blowout 8-1 victory over Arizona. The 27-year-old has really picked it up in the power department, with seven HRs in his last 30 games, and is now hitting .275/.317/.437.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR): 2-2, 2B, 3 RBI, 3 BB.
Diamondbacks pitching wanted no part of Vlad Guerrero Jr. on Wednesday and rightfully so, as he got on base five times and added three RBI. Guerrero is still falling a little short of expectations in the power department with just nine HRs, but that doesn’t concern me at all.
Spencer Steer (CIN): 2-3, HR, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI.
It has been a brutal season for Spencer Steer, who came in with big expectations after hitting 43 HRs and stealing 40 bases over the last two seasons. He picked up just his sixth HR of the season on Wednesday and is showcasing career-worst numbers across the board. Hopefully, Steer’s performance yesterday will help him turn his 2025 around.
Colton Cowser (BAL): 1-3, HR, R, 3 RBI, SB.
The Baltimore Orioles exploded for eight runs in the second inning against Tampa Bay starter Taj Bradley, and it all started with a three-run HR from Colton Cowser. There is still a lot of potential in the 25-year-old’s bat, but it has really been tough going for the former top prospect in limited at-bats for Baltimore.
Ramón Laureano (BAL): 1-4, HR, R, 3 RBI.
While it has been a season of disappointments for the Orioles, veteran Ramón Laureano has provided a bright spot in the lineup, and he continued his strong season with the team’s second three-run HR of the second inning Wednesday. After hitting just 11 HRs in 286 at-bats in 2024 and nine in 361 at-bats in 2023, Laureano is already up to nine in just 134 at-bats with Baltimore in 2025.
Junior Caminero (TB): 4-5, 2 R, 2 RBI.
Despite the aforementioned eight-run second inning for Baltimore, the Tampa Bay Rays completed the greatest comeback in team history for a 12-8 win, thanks in large part to a four-hit day from Junior Caminero. The Rays’ future is extremely bright at the corners with Caminero and Jonathan Aranda enjoying breakout seasons.
Daniel Schneemann (CLE): 2-4, HR, R, 3 RBI.
Daniel Schneemann had struggled a bit of late after a strong start to the season, but he came through with a huge three-run HR off Justin Verlander in the fourth inning to catapult the Guardians to a 4-2 win over San Francisco.
Nick Kurtz (ATH): 3-4, HR, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI.
Nick Kurtz, the fourth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, has been absolutely scorching hot since coming off the IL with three HRs in 29 at-bats, and he actually has seven HRs over his last 15 games played. Looks like the Wake Forest product is starting to figure out MLB pitching.
Jose Altuve (HOU): 3-4, HR, R, 3 RBI.
I would just like to point out that Nick Kurtz was eight years old when Jose Altuve made his major league debut. Looking at Altuve’s career trajectory is truly a marvel, considering he hit just 21 HRs total in his first four seasons in Houston, spanning over 2,200 at-bats. The 35-year-old hit a three-run HR in the Astros’ seven-run sixth inning on Wednesday, good for his 12th of 2025 in just 278 at-bats. Incredible.
Victor Caratini (HOU): 3-4, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI.
Backup Astros catcher Victor Caratini also hit a three-run HR later in that seven-run sixth inning for Houston, for his fourth of the season. The 31-year-old switch-hitter has proven to be a very competent backup during his major league career, and he has carved out a nice role with Houston in his second season with the club.
