MLB

Reds 4, Brewers 3

The Reds, with Matt McLain returning from injury at some point, could be faced with an infield logjam. The most likely man to move because of it, at least due to reports, is Jonathan India. To me, that wouldn’t be wise. India, a steady presence in Cincinnati’s lineup, went 3-for-4 with an RBI in this game. The Reds should let the situation play out and not trade anyone, including India.

How cool is it that the Brewers started Brewer Hicklen at right field in this game? Hicklen, seemingly destined to play for Milwaukee, finished 0-for-2 in his Brewers debut.

Tigers 4, Red Sox 1

The Tigers and Red Sox are on two diverging paths. The Tigers, middling at best for most of the season, have roared their way into the postseason race. For Detroit, it’s probably too little, too late, but the Tigers should enter 2025 with a tangible amount of momentum. The next step for Scott Harris? Sign a big-time free agent to supplement the club’s young core.

For Boston, the team is still somewhat in the wild-card race, but it better get things turned around — fast. The 70-67 Red Sox have dropped seven of 10.

Guardians 6, Pirates 1

The Guardians trading for Alex Cobb at the trade deadline was a bit of a risk — the right-hander hadn’t pitched yet in 2024 — but the unknown was worth it due to Cobb’s track record. Through three starts, Cleveland’s risk has paid off. Cobb was phenomenal in this outing, as the 36-year-old entered the seventh inning with a perfect game. Cobb boasts a 2.76 ERA with the Guardians.

Just like seemingly every season in the last 25 or so years, the wheels have fallen off for the Pirates. Pittsburgh had somewhat legitimate postseason hopes at one point, but at 63-73, those are long gone. I’m still trying to figure out why Derek Shelton continues to bat Nick Gonzales third or fourth in the order — the second baseman hit fourth yesterday — because it isn’t working. Gonzales finished 0-for-4 in this loss.

Cubs 14, Nationals 1

The Cubs, like the Tigers — their AL counterpart — have surged their way into the postseason race. Also like Detroit, Chicago’s hopes are still bleak, although not quite as much. The 71-66 Cubs would be in a much better spot — probably holding the third wild-card position — if not for an ugly month-and-a-half stretch in May and June. For now, all the Cubs can focus on is winning each game and let the results fall as they may.

Cardinals 14, Yankees 7

Masyn Winn is going to fall short of winning NL Rookie of the Year, but St. Louis has so much to feel good about regarding the 22-year-old shortstop. Wynn could stand to hit for more power, but his hit tool and glovework have flashed throughout his inaugural campaign. The shortstop went 2-for-6 with two RBIs in this game, raising his batting average to .283.

Padres 4, Rays 3

The Padres’ bullpen — the back end, at least — is impregnable. San Diego fortified it at the deadline, and the group has boosted the club. In this game, the Padres used Jason Adam, Jeremiah Estrada, Tanner Scott and Robert Suarez in relief. Unsurprisingly, the foursome allowed zero runs following Dylan Cease.

I fail to see what teams like about Dylan Carlson. Yes, the right fielder put together a strong 2021 campaign, but that was three years ago. The 25-year-old hasn’t been good since, and I guess he’ll continue to get chances because of his age and distant track record of success, but those chances probably won’t amount to anything. Carlson went 0-for-4 yesterday, dropping his OPS to .566.

Astros 7, Royals 2

Maybe we should’ve seen this coming, but the Astros are going to cruise to their fourth consecutive AL West title. But maybe not. Houston’s brutal start — 7-19 to be exact — was hard to not worry about. Now, though, the 75-62 Astros will likely enter the postseason with a decent chance to continue their mini dynasty.

Mets 2, White Sox 0

The Mets might not catch the Braves (or the Padres and Diamondbacks), but they absolutely would if they got to face the White Sox every game.

Francisco Lindor won’t (and shouldn’t) win NL MVP, but his late push for the award has been valiant, and it continued yesterday, when the shortstop smashed homer No. 29 of the season.

It’s kind of sad to project and discuss, but are the White Sox going to lose 130 games? It feels somewhat outlandish, but if Chicago goes 1-23 the rest of the way, it’ll reach that milestone. That’s … bad, and I guess I shouldn’t refer to 130 losses as a milestone, but what else is there to call it? There’s a reason no team in MLB history has lost that many games in a season.

Twins 4, Blue Jays 3

Minnesota had been floundering for a short period, so perhaps this victory will give the 74-62 Twins the boost they need to catch the Guardians in the division. If not that, it should be at least enough to help Minnesota hold off the likes of Seattle and Boston for a wild-card spot.

Chad Green has been one of very few bright spots for Toronto this year, but he displayed his vulnerability in this defeat. Green blew this game, surrendering a go-ahead three-run home run to Royce Lewis in the eighth inning. Green’s ERA is still a strong 2.17, though.