Fernando Tatis Records Three Hits in Extra-Innings Loss
Fernando Tatis went 3-for-5 with an RBI single during the San Diego Padres' 7-6 loss in extra innings against the Kansas City Royals on Friday.
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MLB News
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Friday, July 17
Max Muncy's Decisive Two-Run Home Run Powers Dodgers Past Yankees
Max Muncy played the hero in the Dodgers' 2-1 victory over the New York Yankees, crushing a decisive two-run home run off Gerrit Cole. Muncy capitalized on a hung slider in the seventh inning after Cole had successfully lobbied manager Aaron Boone to remain in the game. The blast proved to be the difference-maker in a high-stakes series opener. Boone later admitted the strategic decision to let Cole face Muncy was a mistake, stating, 'That's on me.'
Michael King Picks Up No-Decision Against Royals
Michael King allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out four over five innings in a no-decision against the Kansas City Royals on Friday. Amidst trade deadline speculation, there is a general consensus that Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller may orchestrate a significant deal involving King or Mason Miller.
Matt Olson Homers and Scores Twice in Rout of Texas
Matt Olson went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, two walks, and two runs scored during the Atlanta Braves' 15-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Friday.
Drake Baldwin Leads Off and Drives in Five Runs in Blowout Win
Drake Baldwin led off for the Atlanta Braves in their 15-1 victory over the Texas Rangers. Baldwin had a massive performance, going 3-for-5 with a home run, five RBI, and an additional run scored. The Braves confirmed their roster remains unchanged from the end of the first half as they begin their post-All-Star schedule with a dominant offensive display.
Drew Rasmussen Projected for Two-Start Week
Drew Rasmussen has been identified as one of the projected two-start pitchers for the upcoming week. As the Rays resume play in the second half of the season, Rasmussen remains a key component of their pitching plans.
Dylan Cease Highlighted as Strong Second-Half Option
Dylan Cease has been identified as a strong pitching option as the league rolls into the second half of the 2026 season. He is noted among a smattering of reliable arms for fantasy and rotation considerations as teams look to solidify their performance following the mid-season break.
Jacob deGrom Nearing Return, Slated for Two-Start Week
Jacob deGrom is nearing his return from a glute injury and is scheduled to throw a bullpen session this Saturday. He is expected to make his next start during the Rangers' upcoming home series against the White Sox, which begins this Monday. Additionally, deGrom has been identified as one of the projected two-start pitchers for the upcoming week as he looks to rejoin the rotation and provide a boost to the Texas pitching staff.
Chris Sale Dominates Rangers With Seven Scoreless Innings
Chris Sale (10-6) earned a win in the Braves' second-half opener against the Texas Rangers, tossing seven scoreless innings. Sale allowed only two hits, struck out six, and did not issue a walk in a commanding performance. The veteran pitcher helped Atlanta start the second half on a high note, effectively silencing the Rangers' offense in a game where the Braves looked to evaluate their momentum.
Will Smith Shut Down Indefinitely Due to Recurring Neck Issues
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Will Smith has been fully shut down from baseball activities for at least one week due to recurring neck discomfort. The team is prioritizing his long-term health, but there is uncertainty regarding his return this season. With Smith out indefinitely, reports suggest the Dodgers may need to explore trade options to address their catching depth as they navigate the remainder of the 2026 campaign.
Junior Caminero Returns With Power in Friday Doubleheader
Junior Caminero returned to the Rays' lineup for Friday's doubleheader against the Red Sox after recovering from a hand injury. He started at third base and batted third in the opener. In the second game, Caminero went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored during the Rays' 5-3 loss. His return provides a significant boost to the Tampa Bay offense as they navigate a busy schedule.
Willson Contreras Homers in Return Against Rays
Willson Contreras made an impact in his return to action, going 1-for-4 with a solo home run in the Boston Red Sox's 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in the second game of Friday's doubleheader.
Aroldis Chapman Secures 20th Save in Win Over Rays
Aroldis Chapman earned his 20th save of the season during the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays. Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth inning, striking out two batters to help secure the 5-3 win for the Boston Red Sox.
Mookie Betts Draws Walk in Dodgers Win Amidst Ownership Discourse
Mookie Betts drew a walk against Gerrit Cole during the Dodgers' 2-1 victory over the Yankees on Friday. Beyond his recent on-field action, Betts remains a focal point in baseball discourse, appearing in reports regarding Red Sox owner John Henry's media silence since the 2020 blockbuster trade that sent Betts to Los Angeles. Additionally, Betts has recently expressed public interest in seeing specific changes implemented within Major League Baseball.
Mason Englert Struggles in Rays' Loss to Red Sox
Mason Englert served as the starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays during their 5-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox in the second game of Friday's doubleheader. Englert struggled to contain the Red Sox offense, surrendering home runs that proved costly for the Rays. The team's inability to maintain offensive momentum was compounded by the pitching staff's struggles throughout the contest.
Wilyer Abreu Powers Red Sox With Two-Homer Game
Wilyer Abreu delivered a standout performance in the Red Sox's 5-3 victory over the Rays in the second game of Friday's doubleheader. Abreu went 2-for-4 at the plate, driving in three runs and belting two home runs to lead the Boston offense to a win.
Lance McCullers Jr. to Work Out of Brewers Bullpen
Recently acquired right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. will initially pitch out of the bullpen for the Milwaukee Brewers. The team, which traded for McCullers from the Astros on Wednesday, is currently managing injuries to several key members of its pitching staff and will utilize him in a relief capacity for the time being.
Julio Rodriguez Sidelined by Concussion, Eyes Saturday Return
Outfielder Julio Rodriguez is currently sidelined with a concussion, forcing him to miss Friday's game against the Giants. The team is monitoring his progress through standard recovery protocols. Seattle GM Justin Hollander expressed optimism regarding his status, noting that the organization is hopeful Rodriguez will be cleared to return to the lineup as early as Saturday.
Matt Chapman Cleared to Begin Swinging Progression
Matt Chapman, who has been sidelined with an abdominal injury, has been cleared to begin a swinging progression as of Friday. This marks a positive step in his recovery process for the San Francisco Giants. Further updates on his status are expected as he advances through his rehabilitation program.
Troy Melton Takes Mound for Tigers Against Angels
RHP Troy Melton (5-1, 1.82 ERA) will start for the Detroit Tigers in Friday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Melton has been a bright spot for the Tigers' rotation this season and will face off against Angels starter Reid Detmers. The game is scheduled for 9:38 p.m. at Comerica Park.