Nationals outfielder James Wood heads into the All-Star break with 89 runs scored. He’s 21 runs clear of second place (Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds at 68). It’s the largest lead at the All-Star break in league history, notes the team.
1. Walker wins Derby on final swing
Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker put together an epic run to dispatch Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber in the final round of the Home Run Derby. Walker, down to his final swing, launched six straight homers to silence a raucous home crowd. It’s another tough loss for Schwarber in the event. He lost to current teammate Bryce Harper in the 2018 finals. Schwarber also came up short in 2022. “I knew I was in a good position, but I know anything can happen, too,” Schwarber said (h/t Jesse Rogers of ESPN). “And Jordan was unbelievable there … so you can’t say enough about how he was able to kind of slow the moment down and lock it in.”
2. All-Star game tonight
The American League will take on the National League at 7 pm CT on FOX. The NL is looking to win in back-to-back years for the first time since 2011/2012. Last year’s matchup came down to a tiebreaker. With the score knotted after nine innings, each side sent three players to the plate for a swing-off. Schwarber ultimately won it for the NL. The AL won nine straight times from 2013 through 2022, but has now dropped two of the last three matchups. Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease will face off against Phillies lefty Cristopher Sanchez.
3. Alexander responds to Pasquantino
A tense moment between the Orioles and Royals on Sunday spilled over onto social media yesterday. Baltimore infielder Blaze Alexander took exception to being hit by a pitch from Lucas Erceg, which fractured his hand. Benches cleared, but not much else happened. Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino made several comments after the game about the situation, relayed by MLB.com’s Jake Rill on X, including that it was “common sense” that the HBP wasn’t intentional. Alexander responded to Pasquantino’s explanation, calling it a “weird take.” The full exchange can be found here.
Photo courtesy of Eric Hartline, Imagn Images
