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MLB News & Moments You Should Know: 7/20/2024

Soto and Cole Power Yanks; Pirates Comeback to Win

Stay updated on everything baseball with our morning MLB News & Moments articles. We’ve got you covered to keep you in the know.

 

Today’s Headlines

 

Four for Juan

 

Juan Soto went 4-for-4 with a walk, an RBI, and three runs scored in the New York Yankees 6-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees right fielder doubled, reached third on Randy Arozarena’s throwing error, and sauntered home after the ball went out of play. He also had the presence of mind to confirm that he touched third base.

Yankees starter Gerrit Cole, who pitched six innings, struck out eight, and allowed a run on six hits and a walk, spoke highly of his teammate’s performance after the game.

 

Nick at Night

 

The Philadelphia Phillies looked set to continue their winning ways after taking a 7-4 lead in the fifth inning. But a two-run seventh and an Oneil Cruz RBI in the ninth set up Nick Gonzales with the opportunity to win it 8-7.

 

Houston Regains First By .001

 

The Houston Astros shut out the Seattle Mariners 3-0 and jumped to first place in the AL West. The difference is percentage points right now: .526 for the Astros, .525 for the Mariners. They struggled to begin the season, but counting them out after a rough couple of months seemed foolish. Hopefully, we get a race for the division down the stretch.

 

There’s Always Next Year

 

MLB released the 2025 schedule the day after the All-Star game. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs will continue the World Tour in Tokyo nine days early. Chicago is listed as the home team for both games, so no alternating like this year’s London Series. Both teams will join everyone else on March 27 for Opening Day.

The slate includes Rivalry Week, which seems more like Geography Week.

 

Four New Hall of Famers

 

The National Baseball Hall of Fame will induct third baseman Adrián Béltre, catcher Joe Mauer, first baseman Todd Helton, and manager Jim Leyland tomorrow. Beltre and Mauer are first-ballot selections. Mauer and Helton each played for one team. Beltre spent seven seasons with the Dodgers, five with the Mariners, one in Boston, and eight in Texas. Leyland managed eleven seasons in Pittsburgh, two in Florida (winning the 1997 World Series), one in Colorado, and eight in Detroit.

 

Best Moments From Yesterday

 

Today’s Reason to Be Romantic About Baseball

 

Baseball has so many father and son stories. And they don’t get old. The Oakland Athletics called up shortstop Jacob Wilson from Triple-A. He was the 6th overall pick in the 2023 draft, and his dad, former big leaguer Jack Wilson, got to cheer him on. Sadly, Wilson was taken out of the game later with a leg injury.

 

Smoke and Lasers

 

Imagine trying to catch these in the stands or center field.

 

Smith with the Sprinting Snag

 

The H is for “How about that!”

 

Raes Win

 

And like Jose Iglesias, she put on a postgame concert.

 

Injuries and Other Moves

 

⚾ Bo Bichette left the game with a leg injury yesterday.

⚾ On Wednesday, the Chicago White Sox designated catcher Martín Maldonado for assignment.

⚾ Atlanta reinstated outfielder Ramón Laureano from the injured list.

⚾ The Chicago Cubs activated outfielder Mike Tauchman from the injured list and optioned outfielder Alexander Canario to Triple-A.

⚾ The Kansas City Royals signed right-handed pitcher Dinelson Lamet to a minor league deal. The team also placed right-handed reliever Nick Anderson on release waivers.

Pitcher List signed Kyle Bland as Director of Research & Analytics, Chris Weber as Director of Product, and Josh Sperry as Director of Visual & Social Media.

 

Articles You Should Read

 

Matt Strahm Is Getting Ahead Mike Baumann, FanGraphs

 

Fantasy Baseball Coverage

 

Starting Pitcher Roundup

Hitter Performances

Reliever Ranks

Starting Pitcher Streamers

Scott Appleman

Scott Appleman is a utility infielder with a master's degree in sports journalism from St. Bonaventure, a JV MVP award and two career home runs. He writes Thrill Shot, a Substack newsletter about champions and contenders.

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