Daily Double Play: Your MLB Update
Hosted by Big Dill
About This Episode
Generated sports podcast with host Big Dill based on prompt: Daily MLB news. Game scores, highlights and general news
Transcript
Hey everyone, welcome back to Big Dill Sports! I'm Dillon, and you're tuned into "Daily Double Play: Your MLB Update." We've got a packed show today with highlights from the All-Star Game, a recap of the latest Home Run Derby, and a dive into trade deadline whispers. Let's get to it!
Tuesday's All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta was a spectacle for the ages. Both leagues put on a show, leaving us at a thrilling 6-6 after nine innings. Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. belted two-run shots for the AL, while Pete Alonso and Corbin Carroll countered for the NL. Then, history was made with the very first "swing-off" tiebreaker. Kyle Schwarber, now the NL's hero, crushed three consecutive homers to edge out a 7-6 victory. Schwarber grabbed the MVP honors, the first Phillies player to do so since 1964. Quite the night!
The game also saw Paul Skenes of the NL setting the tone early, fanning two of the AL’s top batters. And don't forget Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s clutch pinch-hit RBI in the ninth for the American League. But it was the NL bullpen that held their ground, paving the way for Schwarber's heroics. This win only marks the Nationals’ second All-Star triumph since 2013, finally breaking the AL's grip on the showcase.
Now, turning back the clock to Monday, we relive the power-packed Home Run Derby where Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners made history. Raleigh became the first catcher ever to take the title, outslugging Junior Caminero of Tampa Bay with an 18-15 finish. It was a night of electrifying swings, including a halo of a 513-foot blast from Pittsburgh's Oneil Cruz—tying the record for longest non-Coors Field derby shot.
Next, as the trade deadline looms, the Yankees are making moves. With injuries plaguing their rotation, they're eyeing Mitch Keller from the Pirates. Despite his 3-10 record, Keller boasts a promising 3.48 ERA. The Yankees see him as a potential lynchpin to stabilize their pitching crew given his contract runs through 2028. Negotiations are active, but how they'll balance prospect capital remains a story to watch.
In personnel news, July 17 marks the much-anticipated return of former Dodgers ace Julio Urías. After serving a suspension, he's now a free agent, and buzz is building around which team might scoop him up. With a 3.11 career ERA, Urías is a tempting option for many, despite past controversies.
The injury-ridden Astros face their own challenges. With 23 players on the IL, they're still holding a strong 56-40 record, the second-best in the AL. Houston’s decisions during this midseason crunch could make or break their postseason dreams, as they navigate roster reinforcements.
And finally, the Braves are shoring up their infield depth by signing veteran Whit Merrifield following Ozzie Albies' season-ending injury. Merrifield's versatility and experience could be the strategic depth Atlanta needs as they assess their lineup for the stretch run.
And now, it’s time for our "Big Dill" of the day. This episode, we're shining the spotlight on Kyle Schwarber. His swing-off performance didn't just seal the All-Star win; it earned him a place in the history books. A big congratulations to Kyle and an even bigger dill shoutout!
Thanks for listening to Big Dill Sports! I'm Dillon, and I’ll catch you next time for more swing-worthy updates. Stay tuned and keep swinging for the fences!
## All-Star Game Aftermath: NL Triumphs in First-Ever Swing-Off
Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic at Truist Park in Atlanta produced one of the most dramatic finishes in All-Star Game history. After nine innings of spectacular back-and-forth offense—highlighted by two-run homers from Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. for the AL and a three-run shot by Pete Alonso plus a solo blast by Corbin Carroll for the NL—the score was knotted at 6–6, invoking the newly implemented “swing-off” tiebreaker rule. In the inaugural swing-off, National League DH Kyle Schwarber blasted three consecutive home runs to edge the American League 4–3 in the derby showdown, giving the NL a 7–6 win in official scoring and earning Schwarber MVP honors—the first Phillies player to do so since 1964 ([pinstripealley.com](https://www.pinstripealley.com/2025/7/16/24468556/mlb-all-star-swingoff-schwarber-home-run-derby-yankees-aaron-judge-jazz-chisholm-carlos-rodon-rooker?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Major_League_Baseball_All-Star_Game?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
Key highlights included:
- NL starter Paul Skenes fanned two of the American League’s top batters in the first inning, setting an early tone.
- AL pitchers battled back, with Brent Rooker’s three-run homer in the seventh and a pinch-hit RBI by Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the ninth knotting the game.
- The NL’s bullpen, featuring strong relief outings, held on until Schwarber’s swing-off display sealed the win.
The victory marked only the Nationals’ second All-Star triumph since 2013, breaking the AL’s decade-long stranglehold on the midsummer showcase ([pinstripealley.com](https://www.pinstripealley.com/2025/7/16/24468556/mlb-all-star-swingoff-schwarber-home-run-derby-yankees-aaron-judge-jazz-chisholm-carlos-rodon-rooker?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Major_League_Baseball_All-Star_Game?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
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## Home Run Derby Recap: Cal Raleigh Makes History
Monday’s Home Run Derby showcased power from every participant, but it was Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh who emerged victorious. Raleigh became the first catcher ever to win the title, defeating Tampa Bay’s 22-year-old Junior Caminero in the finals by an 18–15 margin after regulation and bonus rounds ([mlb.com](https://www.mlb.com/news/2025-home-run-derby-results?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/07/14/home-run-derby-live-updates-results/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
Round-by-round highlights:
- First Round: Raleigh advanced on a razor-thin distance tiebreaker over Oakland’s Brent Rooker, his longest shot measuring 470.62 feet to Rooker’s 470.54 feet. Pittsburgh slugger Oneil Cruz, however, turned heads with a 513-foot blast, tying the longest non–Coors Field derby home run ever.
- Semifinals: Raleigh tortured pitchers with 19 homers (including bonus shots) to outslug Cruz’s 13, while Caminero easily handled Byron Buxton to claim the other finals berth.
- Finals: Facing Caminero, Raleigh tacked on three bonus-round home runs after a 15-homer regulation, including a last-second shot to extend his total to 18. Caminero finished with 15 round-of-fame blasts, but Raleigh’s consistent power and clutch swings earned him the Derby crown ([mlb.com](https://www.mlb.com/news/2025-home-run-derby-results?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/07/14/home-run-derby-live-updates-results/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
Raleigh’s performance not only solidified his status as an elite power hitter—he entered the break leading MLB with 38 regular-season homers—but also provided a landmark moment for switch-hitters and backstops in Derby lore.
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## Trade Deadline Watch: Yankees Eye Mitch Keller
With the July 31 trade deadline looming, the New York Yankees are scouring the market to fortify a rotation battered by injuries to Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt and delayed return of Luis Gil. Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller has emerged as a prime target despite his 3–10 record. Keller boasts a sterling 3.48 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 2.6 fWAR through 20 starts (119 innings), ranking fourth in NL innings pitched and leading MLB in starts. His pitch arsenal—including a potent four-seamer, sweeper and slider—generates weak contact and ground balls over high strikeout totals, offering the Yankees durability and consistency both now and under contract through 2028 (five years, $77 million) ([pinstripealley.com](https://www.pinstripealley.com/2025/7/16/24468595/yankees-mlb-trade-deadline-target-pitcher-mitch-keller-pittsburgh-pirates-starter?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/33722/mitch-keller?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
Analysts believe Keller’s long-term deal and steady performance make him a low-risk add for a Yankees staff seeking innings to bridge to the postseason. Discussions are reported to be active, with New York weighing prospect capital against bullpen reinforcements and rotation depth needs.
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## Julio Urías’ Return: Suspension Ends July 17, Free Agency Begins
Former Dodgers ace Julio Urías is set to be reinstated on July 17, 2025, following a suspension under MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Urías, currently a free agent after his one-year contract lapsed post-2023, accepted administrative leave in late 2023 and served 36 months of probation, community service and counseling for a misdemeanor domestic battery no-contest plea. This marks his second policy violation, the first being a 20-game ban in 2019. Upon reinstatement, Urías will be eligible to sign with any MLB club, and multiple teams are reportedly tracking his progress given his 3.11 ERA career mark and 2022 NL ERA title ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/free-agent-lhp-julio-urias-suspended-by-mlb-2025-03-21/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [mlb.com](https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-free-agent-pitcher-urias-disciplined?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
Agent Scott Boras has emphasized Urías’ readiness and commitment to continued rehabilitation. League insiders suggest that, despite off-field concerns, teams may view Urías as a rotation upgrade or depth piece, particularly in a market short on seasoned left-handers.
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## Astros’ Roster Woes: 23 Players on Injured List
As the Houston Astros paused for the All-Star break, the injury tally reached 23 players—the second-most in single-season history, trailing only the 2019 Yankees’ 29. Center fielder Jake Meyers (calf strain), slugger Yordan Álvarez (hand inflammation) and shortstop Jeremy Peña are among position players nearing returns; meanwhile, rotation stalwarts Spencer Arrighetti, J.P. France, Luis Garcia and Cristian Javier are on various IL stints, some projected back by mid-August. Relief ace Shawn Dubin (forearm strain, 1.33 ERA) appears safe, but fringe contributors such as Chas McCormick and Brendan Rodgers face uncertain roster spots as depth returns ([chron.com](https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/injured-astros-return-lineup-javier-alvarez-pena-20771212.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [axios.com](https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/07/15/houston-astros-all-star-break-2025-season?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
Despite the manpower drain, Houston owns a 56–40 record—second-best in the AL and four games up in the West—underscoring the club’s depth and managerial adjustments. Decisions loom on whether to pursue midseason offensive help or bolster the bullpen ahead of October.
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## Braves Bring in Whit Merrifield for Infield Depth
The Atlanta Braves reacted swiftly to second baseman Ozzie Albies’ season-ending left wrist fracture by signing veteran Whit Merrifield to add versatility and experience. Merrifield, released by Philadelphia after batting .199/.277/.295 in 53 games, brings prior All-Star credentials and the ability to play second base, third base and corner outfield. He joins prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr., recalled to cover Albies’ spot as the team assesses its infield depth for the stretch run ([cbssports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-trade-deadline-rumors-braves-add-former-all-star-astros-eye-big-arms-yankees-farm-system-gets-looks/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [news4jax.com](https://www.news4jax.com/sports/2024/07/22/braves-recall-nacho-alvarez-jr-sign-veteran-whit-merrifield-following-albies-wrist-injury/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
Merrifield’s low cost and multi-positional skill set provide insurance alongside emerging talent, while Alvarez’s .295/.398/.420 Triple-A line suggests potential upside. Both will be under evaluation in Atlanta’s lineup, which aims to maintain its NL East lead and bolster bench flexibility ahead of the trade deadline.
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These comprehensive updates from July 16, 2025, span the All-Star festivities, periodic power showcases, and the crucial business of shaping rosters for the season’s second half, offering rich context for any in-depth MLB article.
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