The New York Yankees Aaron Judge has returned to the IL due to a right calf strain. Judge is expected to be on the IL until the end of the regular season in the club’s last game Sep 27, 2026. (AP News photo)
MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:
#1 How significant is Aaron Judge’s return to the injured list with a right calf strain for the Yankees’ postseason plans?
#2 What did Mookie Betts accomplish in the Dodgers’ 8–2 win over the Giants, and how did his two home runs affect his place in MLB history?
#3 How did Juan Soto help the Mets end their five-game losing streak against the Phillies?
#4 What milestone did José Ramírez reach for the Cleveland Guardians, and why is 1,000 career RBIs notable?
#5 How did Carson Benge make Mets history against the Phillies, and how did his performance compare with Pete Alonso’s rookie record?
Chicago Cubs Pete Crow Armstrong set a record by becoming the first Cub to hit a home run in each of the first, second, and seventh innings a first in the franchise’s 150 year history on Sat Aug 29, 2026 against the Cincinnati Reds. (AP file photo)
MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:
#1 Pete Crow-Armstrong hit homers in the 1st, 2nd, and 7th innings, finishing with three home runs, four hits, and six RBIs in Chicago’s 17–5 win. More significantly, he became the first Cubs player in 125 years to accomplish the particular three-homer feat in the franchise’s 150-year history, according to reports.
#2 Juan Soto’s return: After missing about a month, what impact could Juan Soto’s return have on the Mets as they enter the final stretch of the 2026 season?
#3 Dodgers-Tigers: What ninth-inning sequence allowed the Tigers to defeat the Dodgers 2–1, and why has Los Angeles’ recent record in one-run games become a concern?
#4 Sal Stewart:Stewart hit his 29th home run and drove in two runs. His second RBI gave him 101 RBIs, breaking the Cincinnati Reds’ rookie single-season RBI record, which had stood for 73 years. He surpassed Frank Robinson’s previous Reds rookie mark.
#5 Royals’ surge: How did Michael Wacha’s dominant start help Kansas City defeat Cleveland, and what does the Royals’ recent run mean for the AL playoff race?
Former Sacramento A’s pitching coach Scott Emerson was replaced on Mon Jul 13, 2026 with interim pitching coach Dan Hubbs. (AP file photo)
All Star Game 2026 podcast Tony Renteria:
#1 St Louis Cardinal right fielder Jordan Walker was the winner of the 2026 All Star Home Run Derby. It special for Walker as it was his first appearance since becoming the first St Louis player to win the derby edging Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwaber.
#2 Sacramento A’s fired their pitching coach Scott Emerson after the A’s went on a nine game losing streak. The A’s replaced Emerson with Dan Hubbs as interim pitching coach for the rest of 2026. The A’s have a team 5.21 ERA which next to last in baseball. The are just ahead of Colorado’s ERA total of 5.44.
#3 The Boston Red Sox who have won nine of their last ten games and went 9-0 on their last road trip had a flight delay getting into New York Thursday and Friday taking them 24 hours to get to their next leg of their trip for a three game series with the New York Mets. The Sox reportedly had mechanical issues with their plane before going wheels up that The Sox arrived at Citi Field just three hours after landing and the game was delayed until 7:51pm EDT and the Sox still won it 13-4 Friday.
#4 All Star players were asked about MLB imposing a salary cap for the next CBA players said they opposed the idea and were confident that a deal would reached. The Pirates Paul Skenes, Mets Juan Soto, and the Phillies Bryce Harper said the players would never agree to a salary cap. Skenes said a lockout could happen, “Whether that results in missing games or missing a season, we’ll see.” The current contract comes to an end after five years and the owners propose to lock out the players immediately if they can not get the players to agree to a salary cap.
#5 Both dugouts and bullpens emptied after the Baltimore Orioles Blaze Alexander was hit on his left had by Kanas City Royals reliever Lucas Erceg in the O’s 8-2 win. Alexander started up the first base line and jawing with Erceg and both dugouts and bullpens spilled out onto the field no punches or brawls started. Alexander ended up with a broken left hand.
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
Pittsburgh Pirates Konnor Griffin sprints for home plate in the second inning against the San Diego Padres Fri Apr 3, 2026 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh (AP News photo)
MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:
#1 How significant is Konnor Griffin’s debut for the Pirates, and what does it suggest about their future competitiveness? (Griffin had an RBI double in his first at-bat and helped secure a win.) Once again the Pirates know how to bring up some solid talent.
#2 What impact could Juan Soto’s early exit with a calf injury have on the Mets’ lineup and short-term outlook?
#3 Are the Dodgers emerging as early offensive favorites after Shohei Ohtani’s explosive performance (HR and 4 RBIs)?
#4 How might weather-related postponements and doubleheaders (like Brewers–Royals and Cubs–Guardians) affect team momentum and pitching rotations this week?
#5 Some of the moves talked about on some of the San Francisco radio station about Tony Vitello the San Francisco Giants manager that he’s over his head jumping from college right to The Show. The Giants were clobbered twice by the New York Mets in their four game series and lost that last game three to the San Diego Padres to close their series 7-1. Is more a concern about a pitching staff than Vitello’s managing?
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and the owners will be taking on the MLB Players Assciation in bargaing talks over the next Collective Bargaining Agreement contract for the 2027 season. It could be a season that will see a lockout over a salary cap in MLB. (AP News photo)
That’s Amaury News and Commentary:
Say Adiós to the multi-year Mega Deal in Baseball
That’s Amauiry News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
I do not know if Las Vegas oddsmakers take any wagering on this, but I believe that after the 2026 season, which is soon to begin, we will not see any more deals like the Mets’ signing of Juan Soto in December 2024 for 15 years and $765 million or the one prior to Soto for Shohei Ohtani, also over $700 million.
The chances of another such contract occurring are zero. The much-anticipated owners’ lockout is coming by early next December. It is all about the salary cap, which is what the owners want. But it is much more than a cap, because there will also be a floor.
It goes like this: the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and some others will have no problem, but some of the other franchises could be in for a financial awakening. A floor is the mandatory minimum amount of money a professional sports team must spend on a player’s payroll during the season.
Rob Manfred, Commissioner of Baseball, works for the owners and is paid by the 30 teams. Manfred’s job is to make money for the owners and will always act as the owners’ representative in the labor negotiations. Nobody should be fooled; that is his job. The Commissioner serves at the pleasure of the MLB team owners.
Philosophically, he is the representative of Major League Baseball, but he is paid by the owners, so he will never take the players’ side, which is the job of the MLBPA, which is considered the strongest and most powerful in professional sports.
Among all the main professional sports leagues in the US, the NFL,NBA, NHL and MLB, Major League Baseball is the only one without a soft or hard salary cap(s);
While the Union is as powerful as any union in the United States, the owners always make money, as it should, since we are a capitalist system. It reminds me of the famous line from one of the greatest movies in history, The Godfather Part II, when Johnny Ola says, “Hyman Roth always makes money for his partners.” Some of you have told me you love the quotes I include in most of my articles. Below is one more, and if you are a real baseball fan, I know you will agree.
Quote: While the Commissioner holds great power over baseball, and some even call him the “face of the game”, the truth remains the fans pay to see Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and the stars that make the game the greatest; those are the faces of the game: -APG.
I believe the next baseball conflict will be won by the owners.
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.
While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com
San Francisco Giants catcher Tom Murphy (19) shakes hands with a teammate after the final out of the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Oracle Park back on April 10, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:
#1 Former San Francisco Giant catcher Tom Murphy says that the back injury he got in camp of 2024 was not treated properly and that he received epidurals for the wrong disc. Murphy said that it was 100% malpractice and that he couldn’t do anything for the first two months after the injury. Giants president Buster Posey said that the Giants were counting on him to handle hitting against left hand pitching and he was signed because of his defensive work behind the plate but Posey said that it’s unfortunate that he’s not able to and he wished Murphy all the best. Murphy has not decided whether or not to litigate against the Giants.
#2 San Diego Padres reliever Jason Adam ruptured a tendon in his left quadriceps and had to leave Monday’s game. The injury impacts San Diego’s bullpen as they head to the stretch drive in September. The injury occurred in the seventh inning in the 4-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles in San Diego. Adam will recieve an MRI and Adam said that he will need to mend in the next six to nine months and said his season is probably done.
#3 The New York Mets Juan Soto hit for six RBIs, a grand slam and hit a triple that broke a tie against the Detroit Tigers for a 10-8 win on Monday. Soto had a break out game as the Mets are one of the favorites in post season play.
#4 Sacramento A’s right hand pitcher Luis Severino came back from a 15 day IL on Monday and is scheduled to start Tuesday night in St Louis. Severino had been out due to a oblique muscle injury. Severino is 6-11 with a ERA 4.82 and has made 24 starts for Sacramento.
#5 Amaury, the Kansas City Royals are looking to build a new stadium in downtown Kansas City, Royals owner John Sherman announced this week. The Royals want to build a stadium that has a surrounding district with retail, housing, hotels and entertainment. Royals president R. Brooks Sherman Jr (no relation to John Sherman) said that the Royals are looking for more than just a ball park.
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.
Former Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez was fired by Nats general manager Mike Rizzo on Sun Jul 6, 2025. Martinez heads back to the Washington dugout after making a pitching change against the Boston Red Sox. Martinez was fired after the game. (AP News photo)
MLB The Show podcast Stephen Ruderman:
#1 The Washington Nationals Sunday night fired manager Dave Martinez. Martinez was fired by general manager Mike Rizzo, Rizzo in turned was fired by the Nationals after firing Martinez. The firing came after the Nats got swept by the Boston Red Sox in a 6-4 loss. Martinez told the assembled reporters after the game that’s it’s not the coaching or the coaches fault. The Nats are in fifth place in the NL East as they prepare to face the St Louis Cardinals on Tuesday.
#2 The roster for the 2025 All Star Game will have 19 players who will be at the Summer Classic for the first time. While the Los Angeles Dodgers Mookie Betts and the New York Mets Juan Soto were not selected Dodgers left hand pitcher Clayton Kershaw was. Kershaw a three time Cy Young Award winner and made his first All Star appearance in 2011.
#3 What a way to come back Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler pitched a one hitter in his first complete game. The last time Wheeler had a complete game was in 2021. Wheeler and the Phillies got a 3-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds Sunday. Wheeler who improved his record to 9-2 was the NL pitcher of the month in June. Wheeler struck out 12 hitters and didn’t walk anyone and threw 108 pitches.
#4 Another well pitched game as Milwaukee Brewers right pitcher Brandon Woodruf struck out eight hitters, gave up only two hits in six innings against the Miami Marlins Sunday. Woodruff picked his first win since September 23, 2023 after recovering from shoulder surgery in the 2023 season.
#5 Pittsburgh Pirates centerfielder Oneil Cruz threw a 105.2 mph out to catcher Henry Davis as the Seattle Mariners JP Crawford tried to score at the plate. The ball was the second hardest thrown ball for assisted out from the outfield since statcast kept track since 2015. No doubt about it Cruz has a rifle for an arm.
Shohei Ohtani the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar watches the flight of the baseball in the sixth inning for his 22nd NL leading home run against the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Fri May 30, 2025 (AP News photo)
MLB The Show podcast Charlie O Sun Jun 1, 2025:
#1 In the 2024 World Series rematch on Friday the Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani and the New York Yankees Aaron Judge both homered in the first inning. It’s like the perfect scenario between both teams on the big stage. The Yankees are the winningest team in the AL and the Dodgers tied for second best record with three other team in the NL.
#2 The Dodgers Mookie Betts stubbed his toe in a dark bathroom but the injury isn’t enough to keep him off the ballfield. Betts stubbed his toe against a wall while walking in a dark bathroom on Wednesday. Betts fractured the toe and missed only Thursday and Friday’s games and was back in the line up on Saturday.
#3 After being out with a left knee injury Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout returned to the line up on Friday night. Trout who normally plays in the outfield was the designated hitter against the Cleveland Guardians and hammered a fourth inning base hit for his only hit of the game in four at bat attempts. Trout said that despite striking out in two at bats he felt good on his return. Saturday Trout went 3-4 so he’s getting his groove back in the DH role.
#4 Things continue to get rougher for the last place Colorado Rockies who lost their ninth out of their last ten games this time to the New York Mets 4-2. The Mets Francisco Lindor had himself a game hitting a homer from the left and right sides. Juan Soto snapped his 0-17 slump with a RBI double.
#5 The Sacramento A’s have now lost 15 of their last 16 games. They have shuttled players from their Las Vegas affiliate to Sacramento to see if they can tweak what’s wrong but A’s manager Mark Kotsay is still looking for solutions. It’s been since the first week of May that the A’s at one time were just one game from moving into first place in the AL West but have fallen back into the cellar now some 8.5 game off the pace.
Minnie Minoso painting by Graig Kreindler. This is a painting of Minoso getting ready for a game with the Chicago White Sox in 1951 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx (Graig Kreindler X photo)
MLB: Latino Narrative Dominating
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi-González
When I first began covering Major League Baseball in the mid-1970s, Latino players made up between 10 and 13% of all players; today, the number is at least 30% and growing. Although the most famous player today, Shohei Ohtani, was born in Japan, Latin culture is ever-present in the game of baseball. Demographics have changed dramatically since the 1970s, and today the total Hispanic population in the U.S. is estimated to be 65.2 million, according to Pew Research Center.
Of all the countries in the world with the most significant number of Spanish-speaking people, the United States of America ranks second, with Mexico having 132 million. One of my long-time friends is Octavio “Cookie” Rojas, who played 16 seasons in the major leagues. Octavio has done it all. Octavio “Cookie” Rojas Rivas (born March 6, 1939) is a Cuban-American former professional baseball player, coach, manager, scout, and radio and television commentator.
He went to La Luz School in Havana (although a few years before me).I also attended that same school. He became a professional player in the old Cuban Winter League with the Leones del Habana. I remember him playing second base, and I recall a television show about baseball on Cuban television that he hosted.
It was Octavio, when he was a scout, that sat with me during a broadcast back in the 80’s, that told me, “En 30 años seremos cerca de la mitad Latinos jugando aqui” trans- “In 30 years, half of all the players playing here, will be Latinos”. He wasn’t far from predicting the truth.
In 2011, the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame inducted Octavio”Cookie” Rojas into their Hall of Fame. The museum has been a traveling museum for 26 years, founded as a non-profit in San Francisco, California.
Rojas also played in Venezuela, after Cuba, and of course made his name in the major leagues. We at the HHBM are very proud to have him among other Latino Legends who led the way for us today and made baseball one of the most popular Latino sports in the United States.
Note: I recall when Orestes “Minnie” Miñoso was playing in Cuba with the Mariano Tigers. He became the first Cuban-born player to earn a salary of $25,000 in the major leagues with the Chicago White Sox. In the 1950s, that was a substantial amount of money in baseball.
Recently Dominican-born Juan Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets in December 2024. This contract makes it the largest in the history of professional sports. It also includes a $75 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $51 million. The most significant contract ever in baseball went to a Latino player.
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame.
Los Angeles Dodgers two way star Shohei Ohtani throws batting practice before meeting the New York Mets Sun May 25, 2025 (AP News photo)
That’s Amaruy News and Commentary podcast:
#1 Amaury, Los Angeles Dodgers two way star Shohei Ohtani threw a 22 pitch bullpen session one of the pitches was a 97 mph fast ball how close does he look to returning to the mound.
#2 The Dodgers who had been struggling losing four of their last ten games are showing signs of improvement with a 7-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Ohtani and Dodger pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto were both key players in this game. Yamamoto pitched six innings giving up two hits. Ohtani hit a home run for his second straight game for a league leading 19 homers.
#3 Former Dodger Chris Taylor reached a one year agreement at the MLB minimum salary with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Taylor started in centerfield on Monday night against the New York Yankees and batted in the eighth hole.
#4 The Detroit Tigers Tarik Skubal’s strike to balls ratio is 82 Ks to 3 Base on balls. Skubal is being compared to former Detroit Tiger Justin Verlander who was unstoppable during his Tigers days. Skubal on Sunday pitched a complete 5-0 shutout against the Cleveland Guardians in Detroit. Skubal has movement on his pitches and was dealing.
#5 Boston Red Sox pitcher Walker Buehler has something to say about a pitch that he said was a strike. The reply did show the ball landed in the box. none the less Walker argued the ball was a strike against New York Mets hitter Juan Soto. Walker was ejected from the game and manager Alex Cora came out and had his say as well.
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.
