MLB

Cubs 5, Cardinals 1

How bad have things been going for the Cubs? Prior to this win, Chicago hadn’t beaten a team by more than three runs since May 15th — one month ago — against the Braves. Suffice to say, the 34-37 Cubs needed this victory, one aided by the indomitable Shota Imanaga. The rookie is now 7-1.

Tough times for seven-time All-Star Paul Goldschmidt. The first baseman went 0-for-4 in this contest, dropping his slash line to .223/.295/.347. St. Louis is in decent shape in a weak National League at 34-35, so any moderate or better positive regression from Goldschmidt would be a boost for the Cardinals.

Blue Jays 5, Guardians 0

Carlos Carrasco has had a fine career — 109 wins, a 4.09 ERA and 1,615 strikeouts — but you could argue it should be the end of the road for the 37-year-old. The righty struggled in 2023 with the Mets, and there hasn’t been much improvement from him this season. After allowing five earned runs yesterday, Carrasco’s ERA is up to 5.80. Cleveland’s pitching is far too good for Carrasco to be a part of it much longer.

Angels 4, Giants 3

With Mike Trout sidelined, there’s no obvious choice to represent the Angels in the All-Star Game, so why not Luis Rengifo? The infielder has aided Los Angeles in a number of ways this season, both in the batter’s box and on the base paths. Yesterday, Rengifo finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base, his 18th.

Nationals 4, Marlins 0

Washington is ahead of schedule. At 34-36, the Nationals have shattered preseason expectations surrounding the club, and while some second-half regression and missing the postseason is likely, team officials have to be thrilled. DJ Herz was recently promoted to the big leagues, and he dazzled in this game, fanning 13 Marlins.

It’s almost like Miami has given up. Tim Anderson batting leadoff? Are we back in 2021? The light-hitting shortstop shouldn’t even be in an MLB lineup, let alone hitting first. Following a four-strikeout game, Anderson is hitting just .216 with a .232 slugging percentage.

Orioles 6, Phillies 2

In all likelihood, the other 29 franchises are jealous of the Orioles’ player development and wondering what they could do better. Some of it is probably luck, but nearly every Baltimore prospect or prospect-turned-big leaguer is producing, leading to a 46-24 record. One of those young pieces, Grayson Rodriguez, has been effective for the O’s, tallying an 8-2 record and 3.20 ERA to this point.