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Today’s Headlines
Soto, Bell Make Padres Debut
The San Diego Padres made waves during the trade deadline when they completed a massive trade for Juan Soto and Josh Bell. Soto and Bell, two of the game’s most dangerous bats, will join Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. on the West Coast to create one of the most dynamic offenses in the game. The Padres have been chasing the Dodgers in the standings this season, and this is the kind of move that could help them catch up.
Last night was the Padres debut for Soto and Bell, as the Friars defeated the Colorado Rockies 9-1. The two had similar stat lines: Soto went 1-3 with 2 BB and 1 R (classic Soto walks), and Bell went 0-2 but with 2 BB and 2 R. Though it wasn’t an extravagant entrance for the newest Padres they generated strong at-bats and were a threat in the lineup, which is exactly what you acquire Soto and Bell for. AJ Preller is probably a very happy guy right now.
The Padres sit at 60-46 right now, 11.5 games back of the NL West lead but 3 games ahead in possession of a Wild Card spot. With the addition of Soto, Bell, and the future return of Tatis, it’s seeming like they’ll continue to hold that Wild Card spot and be a significant player in the postseason. But, this is baseball and baseball is weird, so anything could happen with the Dads out West. On paper though, this is looking like a tough lineup to get through.
Castillo Shines in First M’s Start
The Seattle Mariners jumpstarted the wild trade deadline when they landed Luis Castillo in a trade with the Reds. Castillo slots in as a 1A/1B ace duo along with Robbie Ray, as the Mariners try to break a playoff drought that has lasted over 20 years. Though the package the Mariners gave up was heavy, Seattle faithful hoped Castillo would continue his electric season. Yesterday, he did just that.
We're just glad he’s on our side 😲 pic.twitter.com/tlXzxatd8E
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) August 3, 2022
Castillo pitched 6.2 innings with 3 ER, 3 BB, and 8 K against a dominant Yankees lineup. The first start of his Mariner’s career being a quality start and shutting down a tough collection of bats? We’ll take that, for sure.
The Seattle offense welcomed Castillo with a bang as well, with Eugenio Suárez, Carlos Santana, and Jarred Kelenic all hitting home runs in the first inning off of Gerrit Cole. Seattle was looking great before the All-Star break, and it’s looking like they’re not slowing down. Keep an eye out on the Pacific Northwest, they could be a fun team to watch.
Adley in Elite Company
After earning the honors of the top prospect in MLB last season, the debut of Adley Rutschman was widely anticipated by the baseball world. Rookie debuts are always interesting to follow; some young players blossom quickly while others need a few months to truly adjust and shine. Safe to say Rutschmann is joining the former.
Adley Rutschman is the only player in Major League Baseball history to record at least five home runs, 22 doubles, and 25 walks in his first 57 career games. https://t.co/yQU9L1qzuB
— Birdland Insider (@BirdlandInsider) August 3, 2022
Rutschman has been exactly as promised: solid hitting, solid defense, and a leader for the future of Baltimore. Through 57 games, the 24-year-old is slashing .255/.348/.450 with 34 R, 5 HR, and 19 RBI. He’s been a large part of the Orioles’ recent spark, leading to an overall record of 54-51 and 1.5 games back of a Wild Card spot.
The Orioles have won more games halfway through the 2022 season than in 2021. Adley has been an exciting part of that and looks to be a crucial part of the Orioles’ future. He also is very wholesome.
Adley Rutschman is a lot of things but above all else, he is a FRIEND pic.twitter.com/5mtBWsWAIU
— Ben Palmer (@benjpalmer) July 31, 2022
Best Moments From Yesterday
1, 2, 3…4 strikes you’re out?
Yordan Alvarez has been awesome this season. He’s been so good, in fact, that the league must feel like he deserves some extra privilege:
Yordan Alvarez got four strikes in an at-bat and simply nobody noticed? pic.twitter.com/w1Rt2HeLeH
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) August 3, 2022
Houston…You Made a Good Trade
Trey Mancini was beloved as an Oriole for his stories on and off the field. The Astros seemed to admire him too, as they acquired him to serve as another impact bat in their quest for another World Series championship. Mancini probably already won over the hearts of Houston with this:
Trey meet the Crawford Boxes.
Crawford Boxes meet Trey.You will become best friends. pic.twitter.com/D7USS37VjV
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 3, 2022
Mancini is awesome and I hope those Crawford boxes keep treating him well.
Verdugo with Style!
Alex Verdugo is a solid hitter. He hasn’t necessarily reached superstar status, but he provides a good average, a dependable source of RBI, and would be welcome in any lineup.
And just wait until you see his presence in the outfield!
Dugie had it the whole way! pic.twitter.com/fBMukemdpS
— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 3, 2022
Electric.
Injuries
Blue Jays’ OF George Springer remains out with nagging elbow issues. The situation will continue to be monitored, though it seems he could be back soon.
Tigers’ SP Tarik Skubal was placed on the 15-day IL retroactive to August 2 with arm fatigue. He can return on August 17, and the Tigers seem to believe he will.
Dodgers’ SP Walker Buehler made 20 throws, his first action since being placed on the IL with a flexor strain. He most likely would not be back until September, but he is making the first steps.
Articles You Should Read
An Ode to Vin Scully – Nicole Cahill
Every MLB Trade Deadline Move Analyzed – Steve Drumwright
Fantasy Baseball Coverage
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)