The rest of the league returns to action today, starting with a crucial doubleheader between the Rays and Red Sox. Tampa Bay is trying to hold off the Yankees at the top of the AL East. Boston is a 1/2 game out of the final Wild Card spot.
1. Alvarez slugs two homers
Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez carried the offense on Thursday against the Phillies, launching a pair of home runs. The first blast got New York on the board in the third inning. The second homer was back-to-back with Brett Baty‘s solo shot and chased Aaron Nola from the game in the seventh inning. Alvarez’s wRC+ now sits at 106 through 232 plate appearances. He’s been a valuable member of the lineup when healthy. A lengthy stint on the IL after knee surgery will likely keep Alvarez from setting a new career high in home runs, but he should cruise past the 11 he hit in 2024 and 2025.
2. White to make debut
Athletics infielder Tommy White is set to join the club on Friday against the Nationals. With Nick Kurtz on the injured list and Joey Meneses optioned, White could step into a regular role at first base. The 23-year-old posted an .834 OPS in 55 games at Triple-A this year. The A’s took White with the first pick of the second round in the 2024 draft. MLB Pipeline ranks him at No. 7 among the prospects in the system. White hasn’t shown the big power or on-base ability, but he’s flashed a solid hit tool. Perhaps the friendly confines of Sutter Health Park can help him tap into more thump.
3. 2024 World Series rematch
The Yankees and Dodgers will face off in a three-game set coming out of the break. Ace Gerrit Cole will get the ball for New York, opposed by Roki Sasaki. The Yankees endured a rough stretch that extended into early July, dropping 11 of 13 games, before winning the final four matchups of the first half. They’ll open the second half with a surprisingly tough schedule. Facing the Pirates and White Sox after the Dodgers seemed like a respite before the season, but both teams are playing well. The Phillies and Cubs are on the schedule as well. It’s a critical portion of the calendar for a club still waiting for Aaron Judge to return.
Photo courtesy of Eric Hartline, Imagn Images
