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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson made his return to the Athletics' lineup on Saturday, rejoining the team after missing the previous three games due to a hand injury sustained when he was hit by a pitch. His return is a significant development for the team and fantasy baseball managers, marking his first appearance since the injury.
Two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani pitched three scoreless innings against the Giants while also serving as the designated hitter. This marked his first hit of the season on a day immediately following a pitching start, signaling a potential offensive decline since resuming his two-way role. Despite this, Ohtani's overall performance has been exceptional, with manager Dave Roberts suggesting only Yamamoto might outpace him for a first-half MVP honor.
Pirates reliever Andrew Heaney was on the mound when Twins star Byron Buxton completed his historic cycle, yielding a 427-foot solo home run with two outs in the seventh inning. This significant hit against Heaney marked the first cycle at Target Field since its opening in 2010.
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes was selected as the National League's starting pitcher for the All-Star Game. At just 23 years old, Skenes will be making his second consecutive All-Star Game start, becoming the youngest pitcher ever to achieve this feat. Despite a 4-8 record, he leads the major leagues with a 2.01 ERA over 20 starts, accumulating 131 strikeouts in 121 innings and holding a 1.49 ERA over his last 12 starts.
Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal has been named the American League's starting pitcher for the upcoming All-Star Game. This marks his second consecutive All-Star appearance, following his AL Cy Young win last season. Skubal boasts an impressive 10-3 record with a 2.23 ERA over 19 starts this season, including a 2.05 ERA over his past 14 outings.
Max Scherzer, a former Washington Nationals ace, was referenced today for his unique achievement of starting consecutive All-Star Games in 2017 and 2018. This historical mention places Scherzer alongside Chris Sale as the last pitchers to accomplish this rare feat. His inclusion in this elite company underscores his past dominance and significant impact on the game.
Chris Sale, formerly of the Boston Red Sox, was highlighted today as part of an exclusive group of pitchers who have started consecutive All-Star Games. Sale achieved this feat in 2017 and 2018, sharing the distinction with Max Scherzer. This historical reference places Sale among an elite few in the modern era of the sport.
Bobby Witt Jr. was involved in a crucial and controversial play during the Royals' game against the Mets, where his eighth-inning stolen base was overturned after a replay review. The decision sparked significant frustration from the Royals, who voiced their strong disagreement with the call, deeming it a 'joke'.
Phillies' Alec Bohm exited Saturday's game against the Padres early with a left rib cage contusion. This injury prompted his early departure from the contest.
San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish (0-1, 4.91 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound for his team in Saturday's contest against the Philadelphia Phillies. Darvish will look to improve his early-season record and ERA in this upcoming start.
Brooks Raley made his return to the mound for the Syracuse Mets on Saturday night. His appearance coincided with strong offensive performances from teammates Francisco Alvarez and Drew Gilbert. Raley's return marks a significant step, potentially indicating progress in his recovery or readiness.
Milwaukee Brewers rookie right-hander Jacob Misiorowski was controversially named a National League All-Star on July 12, 2025, as a replacement for Matthew Boyd, setting a new record for the fewest big-league starts (just five) before an All-Star selection. This surprising decision, fueled by his 'strikeout stuff' and social media sensation status, has drawn strong dissent from several Philadelphia Phillies players, including Cristopher Sánchez, Ranger Suárez, and Trea Turner, who argue that more deserving pitchers were overlooked. Despite the controversy, Misiorowski enters the All-Star break with an impressive 4-1 record, a 2.81 ERA, a 33.6% strikeout rate, and a fastball consistently touching over 100 mph, positioning him as a showcase event for a rising star, even as some question if MLB is prioritizing popularity over performance.
Edwin Diaz delivered two clutch innings to close out the Royals' game on Saturday. This strong performance was likely his final appearance before the All-Star break, capping a solid first half of the season for the Mets.
Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler had a mixed outing against the San Diego Padres on Saturday. While he was projected for a dominant high-strikeout performance, boasting an impressive 9-3 record and 2.17 ERA, he reported 'didn't feel right' early in his start. His performance contributed to the Phillies' 5-4 loss to the Padres.
Juan Soto hit another home run on Saturday against the Royals, further emphasizing his All-Star caliber performance. He maintains excellent form, batting .323 in early July and posting a remarkable 1.196 OPS with 11 home runs during a dominant June. His offense contributed to the New York Mets' 3-1 victory over the Royals.
Athletics slugger Brent Rooker showcased his All-Star pedigree by proving to be the difference in his team's 4-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday night. Beyond his game-winning performance, Rooker, often overlooked due to playing for a struggling team, is a proven 'tater machine' with 19 home runs this season, ranking ninth in MLB in long balls since the start of 2023. He is set to participate in the Home Run Derby, where he aims to impress and highlight his consistent power and significant contributions on a national stage.
Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Oneil Cruz, with 16 home runs this season, is set to participate in the Home Run Derby, where his exceptional power and unique hitting metrics make him a compelling contender. Known for hitting the hardest-hit ball ever tracked in MLB history and possessing the fastest swing speed and highest average exit velocity in the league, Cruz offers an unparalleled display of raw power, promising a special show if he locks in during the Derby.
Minnesota Twins All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton achieved a historic milestone on Saturday by hitting for the cycle in a dominant 12-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. This rare feat, completed with a 427-foot solo homer for his 21st home run of the season, marks the first cycle in Target Field history and the 12th in Twins franchise history, contributing to his five-for-five night with two RBIs and three runs. Despite his history of injuries, the Georgia native remains an ultra-athletic slugger, boasting the second-longest home run this season and ranking as the league's second-fastest runner. Now healthy and riding a wave of momentum, Buxton is set to participate in the Home Run Derby, an emotional moment for the veteran player.
Dodgers closer Tanner Scott successfully slammed the door in the ninth inning on Saturday, securing a much-needed save and a long-awaited 2-1 victory for the team over the San Francisco Giants. His performance was crucial in ending the Dodgers' season-long seven-game losing streak, providing the final defensive stand after strong outings from Shohei Ohtani and Emmet Sheehan.
Dodgers right-hander Emmet Sheehan played a crucial role in ending the team's season-long seven-game losing streak, credited with the win after Shohei Ohtani's opening performance on Saturday. Following his own Tommy John surgery, Sheehan pitched 4 ⅓ innings of one-run ball, effectively limiting the Giants' offense. Despite walking two of his first three batters, the 25-year-old quickly adjusted, retiring the next 12 batters he faced, allowing the Dodgers to maintain their lead and secure a much-needed 2-1 victory.
