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With 14 teams within five games of a wild-card spot, not counting the six division leaders, many franchises have to reckon with their real chances before making a decision, which is why we probably haven’t seen many trades. However, that is all about to change in the next 30 hours or so, especially as some fringe contenders like the Giants, Cardinals, Rays, Guardians, and Royals are struggling.
The flurry of transactions is about to hit, and some big names like Steven Kwan, Ryan Helsley, Camilo Doval, Nolan Arenado, Pete Fairbanks, and Brandon Lowe may be on the move, not to mention what other clear sellers like the Orioles and Marlins will be able to offer. The fate of the postseason could be decided in a text message between GMs this week, and that’s what makes the trade deadline so exciting. Nevertheless, it doesn’t compare to some of the action we saw on the field today, starting with the Brewers proving they should be counted among the big boys.
Today’s Headlines
Like They Andrew It Up
With all the hoopla surrounding the trade deadline, the Brewers reminded us they tend to be smarter than most franchises, and it usually pays off on the field. Their midseason trade for struggling first baseman Andrew Vaughn garnered almost no headlines, and now it looks like yet another stroke of genius for the franchise. In a pivotal series for first place in the NL Central against the rival Cubs, Milwaukee took a commanding 2-0 lead by wearing out Chicago’s pitching, scoring nine times despite collecting only three extra-base hits. However, one of them was a clutch grand slam from Vaughn, who collected his fifth homer in only 15 games since changing teams, as part of a three-hit, six-RBI day for the slugger. And while the Cubs needed six pitchers to navigate this 9-3 losing effort, Milwaukee’s Quinn Priester made enough quality pitches to survive an eight-hit, two-walk performance in only 5.2 innings, and he was followed by Aaron Ashby’s gutsy 3.1 innings that earned him a rare save. Even as these teams have the rest of the season to duke it out for the divisional title, this series is serving as a powerful statement that the Brewers are the real deal.
The @Brewers take the first two games of a pivotal series vs. the Cubs. pic.twitter.com/QDf5orCAq9
— MLB (@MLB) July 30, 2025
Manny Happy Returns
Despite using almost a bullpen-game strategy in this game, the Padres’ pitching was superb en route to a 7-1 win against the Mets, as they have now taken the first two games of this series. With Sean Manaea and Ryan Bergert keeping things close in a 1-1 tie through five frames, New York’s bullpen faltered at the worst possible time, as San Diego turned this nail-biter into a lopsided win with a five-run seventh inning. The biggest blow the game came via Manny Machado’s 20th homer of the season, which included a massive roar from the crowd and a patented bat flip. With the Padres regaining their mojo at this crucial spot of the season, they could become the clear favorite to earn the NL’s final wild card spot.
Manny Machado's 20th HR of the season is a NO-DOUBTER! pic.twitter.com/cBWgM8l3Ke
— MLB (@MLB) July 30, 2025
Where There’s a Will
For the first time in his MLB career, Shohei Ohtani struck out in his first four plate appearances of a game, as Cincinnati starter Nick Lodolo was electric to the tune of 11 Ks in only 5.1 innings. But in typical Dodgers fashion, the rest of the offense was able to pick Ohtani up, headlined by Will Smith’s clutch two-out double in the ninth that broke a 4-4 tie and guided LA to its 63th W of the season. The 5-4 final score was set up by a comeback that also included a Smith RBI hit in the seventh, as the much-maligned Dodger bullpen was able to navigate five scoreless innings after a rocky start from Tyler Glasnow (4 hits, 5 walks, 4 runs in 4 innings). The 0-for-5 night from Shohei took his OPS below 1.000, although he still sports a lofty .989, and the win probably takes the sting off a bit.
Will Smith gives the @Dodgers the lead in the 9th! pic.twitter.com/BcdQPfPP9O
— MLB (@MLB) July 30, 2025
Fine and Sandy
Even as the Marlins have been one of the hottest teams in baseball for the past six weeks, going 26-14 over their past 40 games, their early-season hole is probably too much to overcome, making them one of the teams that should be selling by the trade deadline. In that regard, the organization trading Sandy Alcantara has been almost a foregone conclusion for months, even as the former Cy Young winner struggled mightily to start 2025. Despite still carrying a 6.36 ERA, Alcantara has been at his best in his past two starts, including last night’s five shutout innings that guided the Marlins to a 5-0 win over the Cardinals. With team control through 2026 and an affordable team option for 2027, he should command a lofty return should Miami finally pull the trigger in the next couple of days. If the scenes from the dugout following his exit are any indication, expect to see him donning another jersey soon enough, as he should be remembered as one of the best pitchers in Marlins history.
Scenes from the Marlins dugout as Sandy Alcantara is done for the night. That's back-to-back starts without allowing an earned run.
5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K (94 pitches/55 strikes) pic.twitter.com/XcHDPuO7Ot
— Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) July 30, 2025
Best Moments From Yesterday
Frenemies
The Blue Jays and Orioles played a day-night doubleheader in Baltimore, which was dominated by the home team thoroughly. The opening game became a 16-4 laugher, while the nightcap was a 3-2 affair decided in the O’s last at-bat. And while Baltimore’s five-game losing streak plus Toronto’s four-game skid are certainly relevant, they cannot compare to what happened between games. As the Blue Jays are in desperate need of bullpen reinforcements, they went ahead and made a deal with their rivals du jour, trading for reliever Seranthony Domínguez, who had to change clubhouses and uniforms before the second game started. To make matters even more interesting, Dominguez was called upon to pitch in the seventh inning of a tied game, essentially becoming a high-leverage option for Toronto right from the get-go. Facing his old teammates, the reliever had an adventurous outing, hitting Dylan Carlson with a pitch but then picking him off while trying to steal third, while recording two other outs by striking out Colton Cowser and Jackson Holliday. By all accounts, this is called being a pro.
Still friends, right? 😅
Seranthony Domínguez strikes out a pair of players he began the day as teammates with! https://t.co/s5u3koH1dr pic.twitter.com/aIAwbGv0wH
— MLB (@MLB) July 30, 2025
Lord Bader
In the second inning of a scoreless game, Boston’s Wilyer Abreu stepped up to the plate and decided to open the scoring. Facing Minnesota’s wonderfully named Pierson Ohl in his first career start, Abreu hit what looked like a surefire homer to dead center, but that is where hot-deadline-commodity Harrison Bader was playing last night. Bader timed his jump perfectly to produce a legitimate home run robbery, which was immediately acknowledged via a hat tip by Abreu. Alas for Ohl, the Red Sox would not be denied much longer, racking up eight extra-base hits, including homers from Trevor Story and Jarren Duran, en route to an easy 8-5 win over the Twins.
Harrison Bader takes away a home run! 😳 pic.twitter.com/kmiQFMB7gU
— MLB (@MLB) July 30, 2025
The 20/20 Experience
As the Seattle Mariners battle for a playoff spot, last night’s 7-1 defeat against the Athletics was a massive letdown, as starter Logan Evans allowed six runs and the offense could never get going. There was one bright spot among all the darkness, though, as Randy Arozarena stole his 20th base of the season, becoming only the 10th player in history with five straight seasons of at least 20 homers and 20 stolen bases. Ever the entertainer, Arozarena proceeded to celebrate Rickey Henderson style by picking up the base. With his playoff success widely known, it will be a treat if the M’s can make it that far and bring Randy back to the spotlight.
Randy Arozarena is the 10th player in MLB history with 5 consecutive 20-20 seasons 🔱 pic.twitter.com/XETGczV0i7
— MLB (@MLB) July 30, 2025
Injuries and Other Moves
⚾ The Twins have placed star outfielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day IL due to left ribcage inflammation. The injury is reportedly less severe than expected, and Buxton is expected to return soon, with a clear aim in establishing career highs in terms of games played and plate appearances. The oft-injured outfielder has only qualified for the batting title once in his career.
⚾ Athletics rookie shortstop Jacob Wilson has been placed on the 10-day IL with a left forearm fracture. The injury appears to have originated from a hit by pitch that originally was diagnosed as a left hand contusion, prior to the All-Star break. This ailment was key in sapping Wilson’s production, as he only had a .312 OPS since that incident, all but finishing his chances of becoming the Rookie of the Year. There is no clear timetable for Wilson’s return, as the A’s will probably play it safe with little to contend for the rest of the season.
⚾ Tuesday was tough for star outfielders, as three of them left games with injury. Ronald Acuña, Jr. suffered right Achilles tightness, with Atlanta quickly announcing that he is going on the IL. Meanwhile, Juan Soto (left foot contusion) and Jackson Chourio (right hamstring spasm) were removed from games, although the severity of their injuries is still unknown. With the trade deadline looming, any prolonged absence is bound to create urgency for their franchises.
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