Surprising Padres Pitcher Has Been the 2nd-Best in MLB Since May 1  —  He has helped keep the Padres' rotation afloat through rocky periods.  —  The San Diego Padres' blockbuster trade for Juan Soto has loomed over the franchise since the four-time All-Star flamed out and the team fell short of their heavy expectations in 2023.

Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani hits 48th HR: ‘No pressure’ chasing 50/50  —  MIAMI — The Los Angeles Dodgers' recent series at the Atlanta Braves marked the first time in more than three months that Shohei Ohtani went four consecutive games without a home run or a stolen base.  It was a rut he had not been in since June 6 to 9.

How White Sox clubhouse is coping as worst team in MLB history  —  CHICAGO — Last week, hours after the Chicago White Sox's latest attempt to win a baseball game fell apart in typically absurd fashion, Davis Martin could only chuckle.  Every White Sox player has found a coping mechanism …

‘Aggressive’ Robles' gamble backfires vs. Yankees  —  Outfielder leaves with injury after HBP, failed steal of home  —  SEATTLE — Victor Robles has been running wild all season for the Mariners, and on Tuesday night against the Yankees, he did something that — given his aggressive demeanor on the basepaths — long seemed inevitable.

Top Red Sox reliever: ‘I think next year will be my last year’  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Red Sox righty Chris Martin said last July that he plans to pitch for as long as a team wants him.  —  “I'm going to play for as long as they let me — as long as I can still do it,” Martin said.

Christian Scott To Undergo UCL Surgery  —  Top Mets pitching prospect Christian Scott will undergo a combined Tommy John surgery and internal brace procedure, agent Nate Heisler of Klutch Sports announced this morning (X link).  The hybrid procedure will be performed by Dr. Keith Meister next week …

Trout speaks on recovery, open to moving to corner OF or DH  —  ANAHEIM — Angels superstar Mike Trout said his twice surgically repaired left knee is feeling better and he's open to potentially moving to a corner outfield spot or serving as designated hitter more often to try to stay healthy.

MLB investigating after Alex Cora hints Red Sox threw at Aaron Judge  —  Major League Baseball is looking into Alex Cora's comments that suggested the Red Sox threw at Aaron Judge on purpose.  —  The league was reviewing the situation with no decision reached as of late Monday morning.

With Giants ownership impatient, Buster Posey took leading role in Matt Chapman talks: Sources  —  SAN FRANCISCO — When the Giants announced their six-year extension with third baseman Matt Chapman earlier this month, some observers were quick to connect the dots between the future of president …

Realmuto's walk-off single in 9th lifts Phillies over Mets 9-2, Philadelphia takes 2 of 3  —  PHILADELPHIA — J.T. Realmuto hit a game-ending single off Edwin Díaz with two outs in the ninth inning, and the Philadelphia Phillies rallied late for the second straight day to beat …