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Sunday, July 24

• Buy or sell? 8 teams have tough decisions to make

With six postseason spots in each league this season, identifying buyers and sellers at the Trade Deadline has become trickier than ever. Here’s a look at eight teams currently on the bubble that may emerge as buyers, sellers or … both.

 

• Here’s what Nats reportedly want for Soto

The Nationals have begun to engage with teams in trade talks for superstar Juan Soto and, as might be expected for a 23-year-old who has already been to two All-Star Games and possesses elite power/plate discipline, the asking price is reportedly high.

 

• Timeless Verlander hits 99 mph (4x) … in the 7th

In the midst of a remarkable comeback season following Tommy John surgery, Justin Verlander topped 99 mph four times in his final inning on Saturday, putting on a dazzling display that left both dugouts in awe.

 

• Everything to know about today’s HOF induction ceremony

Seven players — highlighted by three-time World Series champ David Ortiz — will be enshrined in Cooperstown today when the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum holds its annual induction ceremony.

 

• Betts’ 200th HR sparks LA as superstars overwhelm rival

The Dodgers have navigated injuries to prominent players and disappointing offensive seasons from two mainstays, but the club continues to thrive thanks to its star power, which was on fully display, including a milestone home run from Mookie Betts.

 

• Sources: Angels ‘have no plans’ to trade Ohtani

A case can be made that the time is now for the Angels to trade Shohei Ohtani, who will be a free agent after next season. And some teams have picked up the phone to gauge the Angels’ interest in dealing the two-way star.

 

• Riley’s MVP case becoming hard to ignore

Austin Riley was nearly overlooked for this year’s All-Star Game, but it seems unlikely he’ll escape the attention of MVP voters. The Braves third baseman belted his 28th home run in a three-hit night as the Braves pulled within a half-game of first place.

 

• Manoah brings the heat — and the spice

Nobody enjoys an Alek Manoah outing quite like Alek Manoah, who finished his six-inning gem with a flourish, striking out the final three Red Sox batters he faced and letting them know it. Said Toronto manager John Schneider: “He’s a big personality.”

 

• Machado shows Mets his MVP form can return on any swing

Even with a balky ankle, Manny Machado is still one of the sport’s best all-around players. As such, he’s still finding ways to make his presence felt when it matters, and he did that in rather loud fashion on Saturday night against the Mets.

 

More top news >

7 players poised for a second-half surge

An impressive 81 players were selected to an All-Star team this year. Even with so many players rewarded for their performance, we all understand the limitations of the game – they all earned the honor based on their first half. But what about the players who had little hope of attending the festivities last week, but whose underlying numbers indicate a late-season surge may be on the horizon?

 

Bad luck plays a role in every season, but it’s obvious that some players have it worse than others. Using expected stats from the first half of the season, we can better predict which players are poised to get a boost in the second half.

 

Unfortunately, we can’t arrange a second-half All-Star Game. So in lieu of that, here’s a look at some of the players who – with better luck, and maybe a change of scenery – could prove to be the breakout stars of the stretch run. Full story >

Druw Jones eyes own MLB path

Shortly after signing his first pro contract with the D-backs, Druw Jones shagged fly balls and took batting practice at Chase Field as his dad Andruw — a 5-time All-Star — looked on: “I don’t want him trying to be what I did or what I didn’t do.”

Watch Cubs-Phils today on Peacock

In the thick of the Wild Card chase, the Phillies and NL home run leader Kyle Schwarber close out their set vs. the Cubs in this week’s “MLB Sunday Leadoff” game streaming exclusively on Peacock.

MLB Tour players get opportunity at Aaron Invitational

Of the 100 young players at the Hank Aaron Invitational, approximately 25 were selected from the MLB Tour, a workout for players who may not have had the chance to compete for a spot at the camp.

Another milestone for Goldy

A week after recording his 300th HR, Paul Goldschmidt tallied his 1,000th RBI, becoming the 118th player in AL/NL history with at least 300 HRs, 1,000 runs and 1,000 RBIs.

Try to keep up with this switch-hitter

This high schooler from Japan is taking switch-hitting to a new extreme. Meet Ko Yamaguchi, who switches which side he hits from after each pitch. It’s really a sight to behold.

Watch Hall of Fame induction ceremony

Watch as David Ortiz, Jim Kaat, Tony Oliva, the late Bud Fowler, Gil Hodges, Minnie Miñoso and Buck O’Neil are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Coverage begins at 11 a.m. ET.

Today’s Trivia Question

Justin Verlander, 39, has three consecutive starts with at least 8 strikeouts, making him the oldest to do it since which pitcher?

Answer »

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