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The All-Star break provides a chance for teams and players to take a deep breath, relax and reset before what will be a sprint to the finish of the MLB season. While the season is a marathon, the rest is really a sprint, but more in the 800-meter variety, not the 100- or 200-meter styles that you associate with that word.
So as games resumed Friday, some teams were a little more determined to make a statement to begin that sprint.
Today’s Headlines
Rangers Score 12 Unanswered
The Texas Rangers have the best offense in MLB, averaging 5.8 runs per game. So when they spotted the Cleveland Guardians a 4-0 lead in the third inning, you just knew they weren’t done. All the Rangers did was rattle off 12 straight runs for a 12-4 victory. The 2nd-3rd-4th and 6th in the order hitters of Corey Seager, Nathaniel Lowe, Adolis García, and Jonah Heim went a combined 10-for-18, driving in 10 runs and scoring 11. Lowe was the highlight, going 4-for-4, scoring four times and hitting a solo homer.
Get Lowe. #StraightUpTX pic.twitter.com/INvQOhBjjc
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) July 15, 2023
Angels Listening On Ohtani
In a major course reversal, the Los Angeles Angels will field offers from other teams for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network. Morosi made sure to make clear the Angels are not shopping the left-handed slugger and right-handed pitcher, instead only taking incoming offers. It was only a few weeks ago when the Angels were comfortably in contention that general manager Perry Minasian said the club wasn’t interested in trading Ohtani. But with center fielder Mike Trout out six to eight weeks with a broken left hamate, the Angels entered the second half at 45-46, thus prompting the change. Morosi added that a trade feels “unlikely” for the impending free agent before the Aug. 1 trade deadline.
Burnes Sizzles As Brewers Tie Reds For First
After the Milwaukee Brewers took two of three from the Cincinnati Reds in Wisconsin to close the first half, the top two teams in the National League Central took the show to Ohio for three more games to open the second half. And Corbin Burnes turned in a stellar performance allowing just two hits over six innings while striking out a season-best 13 in the Brewers’ 1-0 victory, giving Milwaukee a share of the division lead with the Reds. While Burnes dominated, he did have a scary moment in the fifth inning in which he was overcome by the steamy night and crouched behind the mound. But after a bottle of water, Burnes not only got the last out of the fifth, but stayed in and pitched the sixth. Victor Caratini had an RBI double in the seventh for the game’s only run. Combined with 18 strikeouts Sunday, the Brewers punched out 32 Reds without allowing a run in back-to-back games, the most in MLB history in the modern era.
Nearly two minutes of Burnes terrorizing hitters.#ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/brRzrXXaOL
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) July 15, 2023
Judge Takes BP, But Sets No Timeline
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge took on-field batting practice for the first time since tearing a ligament in his right big toe. The slugger, who set the American League single-season record with 62 homers a year ago, also did some other baseball activities and said he wasn’t limited. However, Judge does not know when he will return to the lineup. “It’s not healed, so obviously it is what it is,” Judge said. “But we’re making progress every day. … I’ve got no date. I’ve got nothing for you on that. But you’re asking how I’m feeling and how we’re progressing, and we’re progressing well and getting closer.”
MRI For Bieber
Guardians ace Shane Bieber was scheduled to have an MRI exam Friday to determine what is going on in his right forearm and elbow area. Bieber was slated to start Monday, but that now has been ruled out pending the MRI results. One way or the other, it will have a big impact on the Guardians the rest of the way and the chances for the postseason. Following Friday’s loss, Cleveland is a half-game behind the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.
Best Moments From Yesterday
Brotherly Bashers
How did Bo Naylor and Josh Naylor celebrate brother Myles Naylor being drafted by the Oakland A’s with the 39th pick? The elder Naylors, both in the majors with the Guardians, made history by cranking out two-run home runs in the third inning against the Rangers. They are the first brothers to do since since Justin Upton and B.J. Upton did it twice in April 2013.
Hug me, brother!
Bo and Josh Naylor just hit 2-run homers in the same inning! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/1qclxpamO9
— MLB (@MLB) July 15, 2023
Just A Little Kindness
Somehow, this video stayed under wraps until Friday. Kindness always wins.
An unforgettable All-Star experience. 🤩
📹: MDMotivator pic.twitter.com/ndungPoaFh
— MLB (@MLB) July 14, 2023
How Many Carrots For Your Glove?
You never know what creatures are going to pop up at a ballpark. Just ask Michael Conforto of the San Francisco Giants, who were in Pittsburgh.
Michael’s good luck rabbit 🐇 pic.twitter.com/yQx1zbDZWW
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) July 15, 2023
Injuries and Other Moves
Colorado Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland (right shoulder subluxation) was placed on the 15-day injured list. Right-hander Antonio Senzatela will have Tommy John surgery after experiencing a setback in his rehab. He joins Germán Márquez as Rockies starters to have the procedure this season. Senzatela likely will not return until the 2025 season.
The New York Mets activated left-hander José Quintana (rib surgery) from the 60-day injured list and designated T.J. McFarland for assignment.
Los Angeles Dodgers utilityman Chris Taylor (knee) was activated from the 10-day IL.
The San Diego Padres acquired outfielder Ben Gamel from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations.
Infielder-outfielder Jake Lamb, released by the Angels this season, signed a minor-league deal with the Yankees.
Brewers outfielder Tyrone Taylor (elbow) was activated from the 10-day IL.
Miami Marlins reliever Matt Barnes will likely be lost for the rest of the regular season as he will undergo femoral acetabular impingement surgery.
Articles You Should Read
Breaking down four surprise contenders and their postseason chances — Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated
Injury likely to hamper Judge from being an asset defensively — Scott Miller, New York Times
Is the new Petco Park ivy affecting the play on the field? — Eno Sarris, The Athletic
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