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There will be plenty of debate over who was snubbed from the All-Star Game. But remember, if you want to add someone, you have to take someone off the roster. And don’t forget that all 30 teams have to be represented.
Today’s Headlines
All-Star Game Has Plenty In Reserve(s)
While All-Star Game starting position players were announced this week as a result of fan voting, Sunday marked the naming of the reserves for the American League and National League. Reserves were selected by a combination of players and MLB. When the dust settled, there were 26 first-time All-Stars on the two rosters that will square off in the July 11 game at T-Mobile Field in Seattle. Atlanta, with the best record in not only the NL but in all of baseball, is sending the most players to the All-Star Game with eight, including three starters. The Texas Rangers, meanwhile, are sending an AL-high six players, including four starters.
Your pitchers and reserves for the American League in the #AllStarGame! pic.twitter.com/eRu6YhueWO
— MLB (@MLB) July 2, 2023
Your pitchers and reserves for the National League in the #AllStarGame! pic.twitter.com/iTEEss99iX
— MLB (@MLB) July 2, 2023
The (Former) Champ Is Back
Pete Alonso loves the Home Run Derby. The New York Mets slugger also loves to win it. The two-time champion (2019, 2021) will go for his third Derby title in the last four times the event has been held (no Derby in 2020). Alonso, third in MLB with 25 homers, will be looking to join Ken Griffey Jr. as the only three-time Derby champs. Juan Soto won last year’s Derby. Other confirmed participants are Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays, Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Randy Arozarena of the Tampa Bay Rays.
The two-time champ is ready to do it again. 🐻❄️ pic.twitter.com/Lov73dZmv1
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 2, 2023
Atlanta Wins 8th Straight — Again
(Very best Elmer Fudd voice) “Be very, very quiet. Atlanta is on another winning streak.” In case you haven’t noticed, Atlanta is as hot as the summer weather. For the third time this season, the NL East leaders have won eight in a row, securing the latest streak Sunday with a 6-3 victory over the Miami Marlins to complete a three-game sweep. Ozzie Albies hit a tiebreaking two-run homer off Sandy Alcantara in the fifth inning to support Spencer Strider’s nine strikeouts over 6⅔ innings to spark Atlanta.
.@ozzie doing some Sunday cookin' 🧑🍳#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/FBLb5LQDgP
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 2, 2023
Ohtani Launches No. 31
Talk of Shohei Ohtani breaking the AL record for home runs is about to pick up. The Los Angeles Angels‘ two-way star, who hit 15 long balls in June, cranked out his MLB-leading 31st home run, a solo shot in the eighth inning of a 5-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Oh, yeah, it went 454 feet, too.
Like clockwork.
Shohei Ohtani launches his 31st homer of the season! pic.twitter.com/OLw9ASpLwE
— MLB (@MLB) July 2, 2023
Best Moments From Yesterday
Butterfly Effect
Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli had an unexpected guest in the dugout.
This butterfly had a front row seat to the @Twins game. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/8IBFALgOo0
— MLB (@MLB) July 2, 2023
Veteran Move
It was a race to first base that Rich Hill was going to lose. So the Pirates left-hander did the only thing he could get the Milwaukee Brewers‘ Owen Miller out.
43-year-old Rich Hill showing off the wheels. pic.twitter.com/G3fnMctOWD
— MLB (@MLB) July 2, 2023
Injuries and Other Moves
Baltimore Orioles rookie infielder Jordan Westburg will undergo further testing after being hit on the left wrist (forcing in the go-ahead run), while All-Star left fielder Austin Hays is day-to-day with a left hip contusion.
Boston Red Sox right-handed Garrett Whitlock left Sunday’s start after just one inning due to elbow tightness.
Los Angeles Angels infielder Brandon Drury (left shoulder contusion) was placed on the 10-day injured list. Third baseman Jake Lamb, who was designated for assignment this week, was released.
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds (lower-back strain) was activated from the 10-day IL.
Chicago White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech (right shoulder inflammation) was placed on the 15-day IL.
The Detroit Tigers released two right-handed relievers: Trevor Rosenthal and Heath Hembree. Both MLB veterans were on minor-league deals.
Right-hander Alec Mills was DFA’d by the Cincinnati Reds, who activated right-hander Derek Law from the 15-day IL.
Articles You Should Read
Soft-spoken Detmers has become a big deal for Angels — Helene Elliott, Los Angeles Times
Will Cubs talk themselves out of becoming a seller at trade deadline? — P.J. Mooney, The Athletic
Figuring out what is fueling Yelich’s bounceback season — Curt Hogg, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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