MLB Morning Lineup Podcast

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All those trades, all that Jazz & more Paul Skenes Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

Another wild day ahead of tonight's 6 p.m. ET Trade Deadline. Big names on the move included Jorge Soler, Yusei Kikuchi, Frankie Montas, Erick Fedde & Tommy Edman. On the field, new Yankee Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit 2 HRs & Paul Skenes hit a milestone.

On today’s episode:

Act I (0:41-5:16): THE BIG STORIES

A huge day of trading began with a bang and continued with many other bangs. The Cardinals, Dodgers and White Sox swung a massive 3-team deal. Erick Fedde went to St. Louis, Tommy Edman and Michael Kopech to L.A. and a haul of prospects to Chicago. As the day progressed into night, Jorge Soler landed back in Atlanta, Yusei Kikuchi in Houston, Frankie Montas in Milwaukee, Lane Thomas in Cleveland, Michael Lorenzen in Kansas City and Justin Turner in Seattle. Jazz Chisholm Jr. was traded a few days ago. His second game with the Yankees began with his first professional assignment at third base. He not only played the hot corner flawlessly -- dare we say, Smooth Jazz? -- he went toe-to-toe with Aaron Judge at the plate. They both smacked two homers in a rout of the NL-leading Phillies, leaving the New Yorkers just a half-game out of first in the AL East.

Act II (5:17-6:47): WHIPAROUND

Paul Skenes became just the sixth pitcher since 1900 to reach the 100-strikeout mark in his first 13 starts. Bobby Witt Jr. continued to do Bobby Witt Jr. things. He hit a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning to cap a 4-hit night, then ended the game with a sensational diving play in the hole. Elsewhere, the Mets hung 15 on the Twins, one more than the Red Sox did against the Mariners. Zach Eflin shined in his first start for the Orioles in the first game of two with the Blue Jays. Vlad Guerrero Jr. -- still with Toronto -- led the way in the nightcap.

Act III (6:48-7:40): LOOKING AHEAD

What's happening today? What else? Probably more trades. MLB Network begins coverage at 9 a.m. ET and will continue all day past the 6 p.m. Trade Deadline. But that's not all. You can see the Dodgers and Padres from San Diego at 9:40 p.m. ET on MLB.TV.

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Busy weekend for trades; Braves lose ERA leader Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

Tomorrow’s 6 p.m. ET Trade Deadline looms large, and this past weekend was dominated by deals as the Rays emerged as big sellers and the Yankees, Phillies, Mets and others did their best to bolster rosters for the stretch drive.

On today’s episode …

ACT 1: THE BIG STORIES (0:38-4:40)

To say that the Rays have been active is a massive understatement as they dealt third baseman Isaac Paredes to the Cubs, reliever Jason Adam to the Padres and starter Zach Eflin to the Orioles. They also shipped Randy Arozarena to the Mariners early Friday morning. As far as buyers go, the Yankees landed Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Marlins and the Phillies acquired reliever Carlos Estéves from the Angels. Got all that? On the injury front, the Braves were dealt another blow as MLB ERA leader Reynaldo López exited his start Sunday with right forearm tightness. Not great and it might force Atlanta into acquiring rotation help in a hurry.

ACT 2: AROUND THE LEAGUE (4:41-7:24)

Elsewhere in the Majors, rookie shortstop Xavier Edwards hit the first pitch of the game for career homer No. 1, then proceeded to cap off his afternoon with an infield single to complete the second cycle in Marlins history. In Baltimore, Cedric Mullins made a sick over-the-shoulder grab in center to help secure a win over the Padres, Steven Kwan knocked a go-ahead homer to carry the Guardians past the Phillies, and the Dodgers got a big boost from No. 4 prospect River Ryan, who allowed one run over 5 2/3 innings to help beat the Astros.

ACT 3: LOOKING AHEAD (7:25-8:17)

The Yankees head to Philly tonight to clash with Bryce Harper and Co. in the opener of a three-game series, and in Houston, Paul Skenes – who was tagged for his first career loss in his last outing – makes another do-not-miss start as the Pirates do battle with the Astros.

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Cease simply unhittable; Kershaw returns; a big trade! Jul 26, 2024

Show notes

A light eight-game slate featured some big-time storylines Thursday — and two late-night deals. In the nation’s capital, Dylan Cease spun a no-hitter – just the second in Padres history – and in LA, Clayton Kershaw made his season debut with a solid start vs. the Giants.

On today’s episode …

ACT 1: THE BIG STORIES (0:50-4:34)

He’s come oh so close before, but this time Dylan Cease was more than up to the challenge, tossing the second no-hitter in the Majors this season as he dominated the Nationals. Not lost in the shuffle either was the win vaulting the Friars into the third NL Wild Card spot. Meanwhile at Chavez Ravine, Clayton Kershaw returned from offseason shoulder surgery to make his 2024 debut for the Dodgers with a fine four-inning outing in a win over the Giants.

ACT 2: AROUND THE LEAGUE (4:42-8:16)

The Mets edged the Braves with their seventh walk-off win of ’24, the Orioles blew a six-run lead before bouncing back to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Marlins, the Guardians came up empty and were shut out by the Tigers, and Max Scherzer – now alone in 10th place on the all-time strikeouts list – threw six innings of one-run ball as the Rangers completed a four-game sweep of the White Sox.

Before we look ahead to this weekend, there were not one but TWO trades last night. Randy Arozarena went to the Mariners and A.J. Puk was dealt to the D-backs. Get ready for a wild few days until the Trade Deadline.

ACT 3: LOOKING AHEAD (8:18 - 9:59)

There are some stellar matchups that kick off tonight, with the Yankees heading to Fenway Park, the Astros hosting the Dodgers, and the Braves and Mets continuing their four-game set. The marquee matchup, though? The Guardians taking on the Phillies in the City of Brotherly Love.

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Mets sweep Subway Series; Brewers lose Yelich Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

The Mets blasted five homers to secure their first Subway Series sweep since 2013, the Brewers beat the Cubs but lost Christian Yelich to a potentially season-ending back injury, and the upstart Red Sox rewarded manager Alex Cora with a three-year extension.

On today’s episode...

Act I: THE BIG STORIES: (0:40-6:22)

Something about the Subway Series seems to bring out the best in Francisco Lindor, who accounted for two of the Mets' five homers as they routed the Yankees to complete their first season sweep over their crosstown rival since 2013. Christian Yelich, the National League's leading hitter, could be shelved for a while after landing on the injured list with a recurring back injury. The timetable for his return is unclear, but he will see a spinal specialist today and season-ending surgery is among the possibilities for the Brewers All-Star. That would be a devastating blow for a Milwaukee team that has exceeded expectations and holds a 6-game lead atop the NL Central. Boston manager Alex Cora received a three-year extension after leading his team back into contention, but the Red Sox still have plenty of room to improve, and perhaps some pitching to acquire at the Trade Deadline, after they gave up 20 runs against the Rockies on Wednesday, their fifth loss in their last six games.

Act II: WHIPAROUND: (6:22-8:08)

The Diamondbacks scored five runs in the ninth to steal the finale -- and series -- in Kansas City. The Padres won their fourth straight by drubbing the Nationals and could be poised to swing a big trade at the Deadline. The Astros’ 8-1 win over the A’s and the Angels’ 2-1 win over the Mariners gave Houston a 1-game lead over Seattle in the AL West. The Pirates blanked the Cardinals to win the series and continue their climb up the NL Wild Card standings. Elly De La Cruz notched his 50th and 51st stolen bases in the Reds' win over the Braves.

Act III: LOOKING AHEAD: (8:08-9:18)

Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw makes his season debut today after a long recovery from offseason shoulder surgery. The Mets open a home series against the Braves with a chance to usurp their division rival for the top spot in the NL Wild Card standings.

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Skenes stellar but loses 1st, Mets silence Judge Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

Paul Skenes pitched into the 9th for the first time in the Majors -- and was still hitting 100 mph -- but that didn't prevent his first loss as a Pirate. The Mets had a plan for Aaron Judge. He didn't beat them and neither did the Yankees.

On today’s episode:

Act I: THE BIG STORIES (0:43-2:25)

Pitching 8 1/3 innings with eight strikeouts and allowing only four hits, no walks and two runs seems like a pretty good evening on the mound. And it was for Paul Skenes. He pitched into the 9th inning for the first time with the Pirates but also endured his first loss in a 2-1 Cardinals squeaker. The Mets arrived in the Bronx for the Subway Series opener with a plan to neutralize Aaron Judge by avoiding him at all cost. They walked him 4 times before a critical 9th-inning strikeout by Jake Diekman helped seal a tense 3-2 victory.

Act II: WHIPAROUND (4:21-5:51)

The Mariners lost a 10-game lead atop the AL West in the span of a month and now they are losing players at an accelerated clip. A day after cutting ties with first baseman Ty France, they placed superstar outfielder Julio Rodríguez (ankle) and starting shortstop J.P. Crawford (broken pinkie) on the injured list. The depleted Mariners then went out and lost to the Angels for the fifth straight time. The only saving grace for Seattle was that the Astros also fell, dropping a second consecutive game to the A's. Elsewhere, the Giants' Tyler Fitzgerald tied a rookie record by homering in a fifth straight game. But Shohei Ohtani drove in three and L.A. improved to 5-0 since the All-Star break.

Act III: LOOKING AHEAD (7:42-9:28)

Tyler Glasnow returns to the Dodgers after a back ailment forced a short stint on the injured list. Former Cy Young winner Robbie Ray returns to make his Giants debut after being sidelined for 16 months by Tommy John surgery. The pair will square off when the NL West rivals play the third of four in Los Angeles, a game MLB Network will show at 10:10 p.m. ET.

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Top trade chip shines, Witt on a tear, Skenes today Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

On today’s episode:

Act I: THE BIG STORIES (0:39-5:37)

The Trade Deadline is one week from today. The big focus is on Tigers star left-hander Tarik Skubal. Would Detroit trade perhaps the best pitcher in the American League? Skubal made himself even more desirable last night, if that's possible, with a strong effort in a win over the AL Central-leading Guardians. The Tigers have won 7 of 9. Who's even hotter than that? Bobby Witt Jr., that's who. The Royals shortstop had a three-hit game for the fourth straight game in a victory over the D-backs. Get this: He's on a 12-for-15 tear. You know who's not hot? The Braves. They've lost three in a row after falling to the Reds. But at least no one else got hurt.

Act II: WHIPAROUND (5:37-7:35)

The Giants and Dodgers resumed their rivalry at Chavez Ravine. Teoscar Hernández drove in all three runs in a 3-2 Los Angeles victory. The Astros and Mariners, tied atop the AL West after their weekend series, thought they might be getting a break in moving on to face the A's and Angels, respectively. They both lost. Juan Soto smacked two home runs in the Yankees' win over the Rays. Francisco Lindor also hit a pair as the Mets downed the Marlins.

Act III: LOOKING AHEAD (7:35-8:59)

Happy Paul Skenes Day to all who celebrate! Which would be just about every single baseball fan. Maybe not the Cardinals today, though, as they face the NL Rookie of the Year favorite and Cy Young contender in Pittsburgh at 6:40 p.m. ET in a game you can watch on MLB.TV.

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Bad news for Braves; not one but two huge homers Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

The Braves were dealt a big blow Sunday as Ozzie Albies suffered a fractured wrist and will miss eight weeks. Also, the Hall of Fame welcomed the Class of ‘24 and Jorge Soler and Shohei Ohtani needed just two swings to smash 951 feet worth of homers.

On today’s episode …

ACT 1: THE BIG STORIES (0:41-6:22)

In the ninth inning of the Braves’ loss to the Cardinals Ozzie Albies awkwardly snagged his glove on a baserunner’s shoulder. It immediately didn’t look good and the news wasn’t good as X-rays revealed a broken left wrist. In Cooperstown, Todd Helton, Adrian Beltré, Joe Mauer and Jim Leyland were inducted into the Hall of Fame, and not to be outdone, Jorge Soler crushed a 478-foot homer for the Giants at Coors – MLB’s longest of the season – and Shohei Ohtani followed suit with a 473-footer of his own on Sunday Night Baseball.

ACT 2: WHIPAROUND (6:22-8:30)

Elsewhere around the Majors, the Yankees and Rays traded home runs – and slow home run trots – in a Tampa Bay win, Royals righty Seth Lugo strengthened his AL Cy case with a three-hitter against the White Sox, the Mariners overcame a Yordan Alvarez cycle to salvage the series finale against the Astros, and the Phillies put an end to the Pirates’ six-game win streak.

ACT 3: LOOKING AHEAD (8:30-9:17)

No fewer than four Cy Young candidates take the mound tonight as Tarik Skubal and the Tigers hit the road to battle the Guardians, the Braves and Reynaldo López host the Reds, Ranger Suárez toes the rubber for the Phillies in Minnesota, and the visiting Red Sox and Tanner Houck match up against the Rockies.

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Biggest 2nd-half storylines? Here are a handful Jul 19, 2024

Show notes

The second half begins today and the Trade Deadline looms less than two weeks away. In short, buckle up! That said, let’s explore the biggest storylines to keep your eyes on as playoff races heat up and players set their sights on history.

On today’s episode …

ACT 1: (1:14-2:45) CAN A ROOKIE WIN THE CY? PLAYOFF CHASES

Fernando Valenzuela remains the only pitcher to win Rookie of the Year AND the Cy Young in the same season, way back in 1981. He may soon have company, though. In only 11 starts, Paul Skenes has established himself as the most dominant hurler on the planet. Not to be outdone, fellow rookie Shota Imanaga has been superb, too. Don’t be shocked if one of these guys takes home NL Cy hardware. Also, keep your eyes on the AL East race between the Orioles and Yankees and what promises to be a heated battle among NL Wild Card contenders.

ACT 2: (2:14- 4:22) IS OHTANI HEADED TO ANOTHER MVP? 8 STRAIGHT FOR ASTROS?

Though he’s not working his magic on the mound this season, don’t think Shohei Ohtani can’t win a third MVP Award. He’d be the first full-time DH to take the honor but he’ll have plenty of competition, including Bryce Harper, who owns two NL MVPs of his own and has the Phillies soaring with the best record in the bigs. Another storyline to watch? The Astros’ unprecedented quest for an eighth consecutive trip to the AL Championship Series.

ACT 3: (7:04-8:07) AN EARLY SECOND-HALF SHOWDOWN IN SEATTLE

And speaking of the Astros, they don’t have to wait long for a big-time opportunity as they head to T-Mobile Park tonight to kick off a crucial set with the Mariners, who hold just a one-game lead over Houston in the AL West.

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Top 5 shakeup in Rankings; Feinsand talks Deadline Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

We’ll have to wait another day for games to start up again, but until then we have an episode featuring big moves near the top in the latest Power Rankings along with special guest Mark Feinsand joining host Mandy Bell to talk all things Trade Deadline.

On today’s episode …

ACT 1: THE BIG STORIES (0:47-4:13)

The high-flying Phillies and MVP candidate Bryce Harper keep their top spot in the first Power Rankings of the second half, but the Guardians – who continue to prove doubters wrong – climb into the No. 2 slot, with the Dodgers dropping from No. 3 to No. 5.

ACT 2: WHIPAROUND (4:14- 8:23)

MLB Insider Mark Feinsand makes an appearance and takes us through who’s set to become buyers and what teams will look to take on the role of sellers in what promises to be a scalding Hot Stove leadup to the July 30 Trade Deadline.

ACT 3: LOOKING AHEAD (8:30-9:18)

Tomorrow, host Will Leitch will preview the second half of the season, letting you know what players to watch, which teams could be the biggest surprises along with any other interesting nuggets he’ll no doubt dig up.

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AL wins All-Star Game behind breakout star's HR Jul 17, 2024

Show notes

Jarren Duran's breakout year for the Red Sox reached another level as he hit the go-ahead HR in the AL's 5-3 victory over the NL to win All-Star Game MVP honors. Shohei Ohtani accounted for the NL's scoring with his first career All-Star Game HR.

On today’s episode...

ACT 1: THE BIG STORIES (0:34-5:13)

Jarren Duran's breakout season for the Red Sox reached another level as he hit the go-ahead home run in the AL's 5-3 victory over the NL in the 94th All-Star Game and took home MVP honors. Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani accounted for all of the NL's scoring with his first career All-Star Game homer, and Pirates righty Paul Skenes delivered an electric first inning as the fifth rookie pitcher to start the Midsummer Classic.

ACT 2: WHIPAROUND (5:13-7:45)

Before the players took the field in Arlington, the All-Star Red Carpet Show gave them a chance to show off their fashion sense. Ohtani wowed with a blazer that featured pictures of his dog, Decoy, sewn into the lining, and Skenes tried his best not to be outclassed by his girlfriend, champion gymnast and social media star Livvy Dunne.

ACT 3: LOOKING AHEAD (7:45-9:04)

We now have two days without any MLB action, but the Morning Lineup Podcast will go on with Mandy Bell bringing you all the latest news on the Trade Deadline tomorrow and Will Leitch previewing the second half of the season on Friday.

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