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Either it was a rough weekend or travel was tough because there were a lot of lopsided games Monday. Six of the nine games on Monday’s docket were decided by at least five runs. Still, that didn’t mean there weren’t some memorable moments.
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Today’s Headlines
Big Dumper Hits 32nd, Homers In 4th Straight Game
If I told you Cal Raleigh hit a homer for the fourth game in a row as the Seattle Mariners rolled to a win, you would think he provided the impetus for the triumph. Instead, Raleigh simply provided the exclamation point with his two-run shot in the ninth inning of the Mariners’ 11-2 win over the struggling Minnesota Twins. Raleigh leads the majors with 32 homers, his fifth in the first four games of this road trip and sixth in the last six games. Julio Rodriguez, Luke Raley, and Dominic Canzone also went deep for the M’s, who took control with a six-run third inning. J-Rod had a two-run shot and Raley a three-run blast in that big third inning. Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo struck out nine over six innings, sending the Twins to their fourth straight loss.
No Cycle, But De La Cruz Shines
Two years ago Monday, electric Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz hit for the cycle for the first time in his career. He gave it another good run against the New York Yankees. De La Cruz fell a double short of his second career cycle, but the performance was still good enough to send the Reds to a 6-1 victory over the Yankees to open a three-game series. After popping out in his first plate appearance, De La Cruz had an RBI triple in the fourth, a run-scoring single in the fifth, and a leadoff homer in the eighth. It was the 18th homer this season for De La Cruz. Gavin Lux also homered for the Reds, while Aaron Judge provided the Yankees’ lone run with his 28th homer of the year, which came in the first inning.
Elly De La Cruz turns on the jets and ties the game!
The Captain got ALL of this one 💪
Schwellenbach Sparks Atlanta
After dropping two of three to the Miami Marlins to open a seven-game road trip and losing their ace to the injured list, Atlanta needed a little something to go its way. Spencer Schwellenbach provided just that. The right-handed starter tossed seven strong innings as Atlanta turned back the New York Mets 3-2 to open a four-game series. Schwellenbach allowed four hits, walked one, and struck out four. The only blemish on his record was surrendering a two-run homer to Juan Soto in the sixth inning. Ronald Acuña Jr. provided Atlanta’s offensive spark, hitting a solo homer in the third inning to make it 2-0. Acuna also led off the game with a single and stole a base. He is slashing .396/.500/.713 with nine homers and 16 RBIs in 28 games since returning from his second knee surgery. Left-hander Dylan Lee picked up his second save, the first for the beleaguered Atlanta bullpen since Raisel Iglesias notched one May 16.
Carroll Heading To IL; Naylor, Suarez Also Hurt
The Arizona Diamondbacks have had their share of injuries this season, but this one might change their direction this season. Outfielder Corbin Carroll will be placed on the 10-day injured list today after an MRI exam revealed a chip fracture in his left wrist. Carroll was hit by a pitch Wednesday vs. the Toronto Blue Jays, and Monday marked the fifth straight game he has missed. To compound matters, first baseman Josh Naylor left the 10-o win over the Chicago White Sox due to discomfort in his right shoulder and is considered day-to-day, while third baseman Eugenio Suárez was hit on the right hand and also exited the game with a bruise. The D’backs are already missing right-handed starter Corbin Burnes and right-handed closer Justin Martinez, both needing Tommy John surgery.
A’s Finally Break Ground On Vegas Stadium
More than two years after announcing their intention to move to Las Vegas, the Athletics have finally put a shovel in the dirt, the first official act of building their $1.75 billion domed stadium. Luminaries, including A’s owner John Fisher, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, and Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, put gold shovels into dirt in the area that will eventually be home plate during a groundbreaking ceremony for Athletics%20host%20Las%20Vegas%20ballpark%20groundbreaking%20ceremony”>the 33,000-seat stadium that is planned to open in 2028. The site is the former home of the Tropicana casino and hotel, which was torn down in October. Nevada approved $380 million in funding, with Fisher footing the rest of the bill, which is expected to increase to more than $2 billion. The A’s are playing in a minor-league stadium in West Sacramento after leaving Oakland following the 2024 season as they wait for their new venue to be built. Oh, and in case you don’t think this is just part of a show, take a look at the second post below.
lol and the #NVLeg gave me shit for using props 🤷♂️
— Alexander Marks (@alexandermarks.bsky.social) 2025-06-24T01:11:09.597Z
Best Moments From Yesterday
Spin To Win
Bat-flip bobblehead? Fernando Tatis Jr. bat-flip bobblehead! This was the giveaway on Monday by the San Diego Padres.
The Padres are giving away this incredible Fernando Tatis Jr. bat flip bobblehead … that spins 🔥
Wood Chopping
Speaking of the Padres, they traded away outfielder James Wood as part of the package to acquire Juan Soto from the Nationals. Wood played at Petco Park for the first time and showed the Padres what they are missing. It was Wood’s 31st homer of his career, tying Soto and Bryce Harper for the most in their first 162 games with the Nationals. Wood has played in 158, so…
What’s In A Name?
At least the Las Vegas media has three more years to get acquainted with the players on the A’s roster, right Brent Rooker?
BRUHHHHH LOL #athletics
— Aaron Cameron (@thatbootlegguy.bsky.social) 2025-06-23T15:24:54.292Z
Injuries and Other Moves
⚾ Despite a collapse that left them out of the playoffs last season and losing 14 of their last 18, the Minnesota Twins reportedly exercised the 2026 option on manager Rocco Baldelli’s contract.
⚾ Superstars Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees continue to lead balloting for the All-Star Game.
⚾ Infielder Jeimer Candelario was designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds. Candelario was signed to a three-year, $45 million contract before the 2024 season, so the Reds are on the hook for the remainder of his deal unless a team claims him off waivers or a trade is made. He was off to an awful start this season, producing a .133/.198/.213 slash line with two homers and 10 RBIs in 20 games before breaking a toe and missing the last six weeks.
⚾ Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz left the game against the Padres after being struck in the head by a Josh Bell foul ball in Washington’s dugout.
⚾ The New York Mets promoted outfielder Travis Jankowski from Triple-A and sent infielder Luisangel Acuña to the minors.
⚾ San Francisco Giants infielder Tyler Fitzgerald was optioned to Triple-A as right-handed starter Justin Verlander returned from the paternity list.
⚾ Suspended Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, on trial in the Dominican Republic on charges of sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl, could be facing a five-year prison sentence. Prosecutors are asked for that sentence against Franco and 10 years for the girl’s mother during closing arguments. A decision on the case is expected on Thursday.
⚾ Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. has sued a company he signed with in exchange for a percentage of his future earnings. Tatis came to terms on a deal with Big League Advance in 2017, then signed a 14-year, $340 million deal with the Padres in 2021. The suit accuses Big League Advance of “exploitative, predatory business practices.”
Articles You Should Read
Why Rays’ Diaz, a jacked player, watches “Tom & Jerry” cartoons — Matt Monagan, MLB.com
Skubal’s take on future free agency: I’m focused on winning — Chris McCosky, Detroit News
Rangers’ Rocker improved by ditching his best pitch — Daniel R. Epstein, Baseball Prospectus
Fantasy Baseball Coverage
