Phase 1 results are in!  Here are the finalists to start All-Star Game  —  We're getting closer to finding out the starters for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard, which will be played July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.  —  The results from Phase 1 of voting …

How a costly error led to the Royals dropping Wednesday's game vs. the Rays  —  AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.  — A throwing error by Jac Caglianone in the third inning allowed two Rays to score.  — Noah Cameron surrendered three earned runs in the third and lasted five innings.

Diamondbacks at Cardinals live updates.  Lefty outfielder joins lineup  —  ST. LOUIS — The Diamondbacks are adding outfielder Max Kepler to the roster ahead of their series finale on Thursday, June 25, against the St. Louis Cardinals, sources said, adding the veteran left-handed bat to their roster now that his suspension is complete.

Royals' Seth Lugo celebrates major career milestone — that almost didn't happen  —  AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.  — Seth Lugo was recognized after reaching 10 years of Major League Baseball service time.  — Since joining Kansas City, Lugo has a 27-20 record with a 3.52 ERA in 74 starts.

Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool, Bayern and the oddest transfer story of the summer so far  —  Whatever Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha goes on to achieve in his career, he will always cherish the memories of his breakthrough season.  —  There was that special night at St James' Park last August …

The Best Catcher In Baseball Is Dead.  Long Live The (New) Best Catcher In Baseball.  —  To repurpose an old quote about the weather, if you don't like the identity of the best catcher in baseball, just wait a year and you'll have a new best catcher in baseball.  It's almost uncanny.

Phillies place Johan Rojas (elbow) on 60-day IL  —  Phillies activated OF Johan Rojas from the restricted list; placed him on the 60-day injured list with a torn UCL in his right elbow.  —  Rojas was likely to join the Phillies' bench later this month once he finished serving his 80-game PED suspension …

Historic Crosley Field site to get new Ohio Historical Marker  —  Crosley Field, one of baseball's most beloved old ballparks, will be remembered once again with a new permanent marker honoring its place in Cincinnati history.  —  The Cincinnati Reds will unveil a new Ohio Historical Marker …

A.J. Pierzynski presents Pope Leo with last-out ball from Game 1 of the 2005 World Series  —  When the man once voted the most hated player in baseball met the head of the Catholic Church, no introductions were necessary.  —  “Hi, I'm A.J. Pierzynski,” the former major-league catcher recalled telling Pope Leo XIV.

Mets Fire Manager Carlos Mendoza  —  The Mets' disastrous season has apparently reached a tipping point.  The team announced this morning that manager Carlos Mendoza has been fired.  He'll be replaced by former Padres skipper Andy Green, who had been working with the Mets in a player development role.

Inside the Giannis trade: Why the Bucks chose the Heat's package over Jaylen Brown  —  Jimmy Haslam was bluffing.  Or, at minimum, keeping the Milwaukee Bucks' cards close to the vest.  —  It was May 6 at the Milwaukee Art Museum, where the team's co-owner joined the rest of the Bucks' brass …

Abel to undergo arthroscopic elbow surgery; return timetable TBD  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Twins right-hander Mick Abel will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his injured right elbow, the team announced Wednesday.  —  Abel first suffered elbow inflammation in April after a strong start to the season …