That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Will the All Star voting for Ohtani influence the 26 MVP race?; Brewers Pratt top prospect to make MLB debut; plus more news

Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a lead off home run in the top of the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on Sat Jun 13, 2026 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 How might the early All-Star voting lead held by Shohei Ohtani influence discussions about the 2026 MVP race and his impact as a two-way player?

#2 What expectations should fans have for top prospect Cooper Pratt as he prepares to make his major league debut with the Milwaukee Brewers?

#3 Do you agree with MLB’s decision to suspend Ron Marinaccio for the hit-by-pitch incident involving Gunnar Henderson, or should the league have handled it differently?

#4 Which player currently has the strongest case to start for the American League in the All-Star Game: Yordan Alvarez, Aaron Judge, or another candidate?

#5 What does rookie Blaze Jordan’s fast start, including his first MLB home run, suggest about the future of the St. Louis Cardinals lineup?

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O: Yamamoto gets near no hitter for Dodgers; Misiorowski throwing heat up to 104.5 MHP for Brewers; plus more news

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws a near no hitter but the Chicago White Sox Tristan Peters hit a ninth inning home run to end it at Rate Field in Chicago on Sat Jun 13, 2026 (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:

#1How significant was Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s near no-hitter for the Dodgers, and what does his dominant outing suggest about his place in the National League Cy Young race?

#2 The Milwaukee Brewers Jacob Misiorowski threw a record 104.5 mph pitch by a starting pitcher and struck out 15 Phillies in a one-hit shutout. Is this one of the most impressive pitching performances of the 2026 season so far?

#3 The Yankees continue to battle injuries, including Trent Grisham’s move to the injured list, yet they keep winning. Can their depth and prospects sustain a World Series push?

#4 How damaging is the reported hamate fracture suffered by José Ramírez for Cleveland, and what impact could his absence have on the Guardians’ playoff hopes?

#5 Which emerging storyline is more surprising: the rise of the Milwaukee Brewers behind Misiorowski, the resurgence of clubs like the Cardinals and White Sox in the power rankings, or another contender making a move?

Join Charlie O for the MLB The Show podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O: Chapman sets Giants record for most RBIs in a game; Ohtani does it all 6 innings pitched 3-4 at the plate; plus more news

San Francisco Giants Matt Chapman is all smiles being congratulated after hitting grand slam in the top of the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs on Fri Jun 5, 2026 (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:

#1 San Francisco’s Friday Offensive Explosion
The San Francisco Giants hit seven home runs and scored 18 runs against the Chicago Cubs. What factors contribute most to an offensive breakout of this magnitude, and how sustainable are these performances over a season?

 #2 Shohei Ohtani’s Dominance
Shohei Ohtani continues to excel both as a pitcher and hitter pitching six innings then going 3-4 as the lead off DH on Wed Jun 3. How does his two-way impact compare to the greatest individual seasons in MLB history? 

#3 Nationals Emerging as a Surprise Contender
The Washington Nationals have become one of baseball’s best road teams and rank among the league leaders in scoring. What has been the biggest reason for their success so far this season? 

#4 Yankees–Red Sox Rivalry Renewed
With the New York Yankees dealing with injuries and the Boston Red Sox gaining momentum, how could this series affect the balance of power in the American League East? 

#5 MLB Expansion on the Horizon
Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated that progress on new stadium projects could pave the way for MLB expansion to 32 teams. Which cities would make the strongest candidates for expansion franchises, and why? 

Charlie O does the MLB The Show podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Otherwordly creature in the Major Leagues; Ohtani pitches 6 shutout innings and goes 3-4 as DH  

Los Angeles Dodgers two way player Shohei Ohtani pitched and was the designated hitter in the leadoff spot against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wed Jun 3, 2026 (AP News photo)

Otherwordly creature in the Major Leagues; Ohtani pitches 6 shutout innings and goes 3-4 as DH  

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Wednesday night, Ohtani lowered his ERA to 0.74 with six scoreless innings while reaching base five times to raise his batting average above .300 for the first time since Opening Day in a do-it-all performance in a 7-0 win over the D-backs, securing at least a split in the four-game series at Chase Field.

Otherworldly creature in the Major Leagues Shohei Ohtani played his first official Major League game on March 29, 2018, as the designated hitter and eighth batter for the Los Angeles Angels against the Oakland Athletics. I was there, as a matter of fact, I broadcast that game.

All of us have read about Ohtani, his greatness coming out of Japan, he was like Godzilla, the Monster many have seen in the old horror films. But nobody (including myself) figured out this man was destined for greatness since he first arrived in the “big show.” “He’s the best player that’s ever walked this earth,” catcher Will Smith said. “It’s fun to see him each and every day going out there and competing, giving us six scoreless innings, getting on base a bunch. You don’t do that all the time.”

Nobody covering baseball that is alive today, or fans for that matter, has seen such a thing wearing a major league uniform. Let’s have some fun and look at everything baseball. Babe Ruth, arguably the most famous and revered baseball player in history, stole 122 bases in a 22-year major league career.

Shohei Ohtani has stolen 177 bases to date, with many years left in his career. Last night, Ohtani lowered his ERA to 0.74 with six scoreless innings while reaching base five times to raise his batting average above .300 for the first time since Opening Day in a do-it-all performance in a 7-0 over the D-backs, securing at least a split in the four-game series at Chase Field.

I remember in baseball, Press Boxes around the country editorialized about whether this guy was for real or just a product of marketing and baseball propaganda. Shohei Ohtani’s contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers is a 10-year, $700 million deal. Uniquely, $680 million is deferred, with Ohtani making $2 million annually from 2024 to 2033 and $68 million annually from 2034 to 2043, giving the team major-league payroll flexibility.

Shohei Ohtani is indeed the face of the game. Everybody who follows baseball has to thank the Baseball Gods for what we are watching right now. This is not a movie; this is real life. In Japan, Shohei Ohtani is most famously referred to as “two-sword style”.

Originally a samurai term popularized by legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, the Japanese media uses it to describe his rare ability to dominate as both a pitcher and a hitter.I have spoken to Japanese writers, who speak English and a couple who speak Spanish, and they all tell me he is a “once in a lifetime talent”, and you can translate that to all the languages in the world.

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

MLB The Show podcast Jessica Kwong: Polanco and Robert still out of the line up for Mets; MLB and Players Union first day of CBA negotiations; plus more news

New York Mets designated hitter Jorge Polanco (11) stands in the on deck during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Apr 5, 2026. / D. Ross Cameron – Imagn Images

MLB The Show podcast Jessica Kwong:

#1 The New York Mets who acquired Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr for the purposes being everyday players and the Mets knew their injury track records. It’s been six weeks and Polanco and Robert are still on the IL and it appears they won’t be returning anytime soon.

#2 Top Major League Baseball officials and members of the MLB Players Association were in a meeting Tuesday to start negotiations towards a collective bargaining agreement with less than six months before the current deal expires. At the heart of the matter is the salary cap with the players against a cap and MLB owners for a cap. It was a good idea to get started on negotiations now as both sides could find some middle ground. The players however are deadfast against any salary cap and if that’s the deal breaker the players could hold out forcing a lockout at the start of the 2027 season.

#3 Los Angeles Dodger designated hitter Shohei Ohtani in the middle of one of his worst slumps of his career has been benched for at least two games. Ohtani will pitch on Wednesday and will not hit and will also sit out for Thursday’s game against the San Francisco Giants. Ohtani before Tuesday’s game had just four hits in 36 at bats none of those hits were homers and is hitting just .233.

#4 Pittsburgh Pirates pitching ace Paul Skenes lost a no hitter in the seventh inning when the Colorado Rockies Mickey Moniak hit a clean single to break it up. Skenes struck out ten hitters and walk no batters facing 19 hitters. The Pirates would end up winning it 3-1.

#5 The Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy has been placed on the IL for a fractured middle finger Tuesday and could be out as long as eight weeks. According to Braves manager Walt Weiss. The Braves signed catcher Sandy Leon. Leon was playing in the idenpendent Mexican League. Leon played five games for the Braves last season.

Jessica Kwong does the MLB The Show podcasts every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB The Show podcast Jessica Kwong: Former Phils skipper Thompson says no ill will toward Philadelphia front office; Mets manager Mendoza walking on eggshells; plus more news

Former Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thompson says he has no ill will towards his former team or the Phillies front office over his firing (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Jessica Kwong:

#1 Former Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thompson said he holds no animosty towards the Phllies organization as the Phils fired Thompson on Tuesday. The Phillies offered him another position in the organization. Thompson knows he was fired for the Phils 9-19 start.

#2 New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza showed up to the park knowing that the egg shells he walks on are the constant reporting regarding his job status, the Mets are 10-19. Aware of what happened to former Red Sox manager Alex Cora and former Phils manager Rob Thompson. The Mets have won three of their last ten games they picked up a big win on Tuesday against the Washington Nationals 8-0.

#3 Los Angeles Dodgers two way star Shohei Ohtani started on Tuesday night but was not hitting for the second time in 13 games. Ohtani wasn’t in the line up when he pitched in his last game.Manager Dave Roberts said that Ohtani’s goal is to make every start and there has to be some compromise.

#4 Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jose Soriano whose been lights out pitched six innings of shutout ball but Chicago White Sox catcher Drew Romo who bats both slugged two home runs in back to back at bats and the Sox handed Soriano his first loss of 2026 in a 5-2 win for the Halos. Soriano is now 5-1

 #5 Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Chad Patrick might have had vision problems in the second inning of the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks but after the Brewers trainers looked him over as Patrick stayed in the ball game and ended up getting the win. Patrick said he couldn’t see. He vomited between innings and Patrick said it felt like his eyeballs were on top of his head.

Jessica Kwong does the MLB The Show podcast everyother Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Strikeout rates high is pitch clock helping offense?; Cubs Counsell says it’s bizzare Dodgers carrying 14 pitchers over MLB maximum; plus more new

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell stands for the national anthem on opening day Thu Mar 26, 2026 against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Counsell is questioning why the Los Angeles Dodgers are allowed to have one pitcher over the MLB maxium of 13 pitchers giving LA 14 (AP photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 With strikeout rates still high across Major League Baseball, are recent rule changes (like the pitch clock and shift ban) actually improving offensive production, or do pitchers still have the upper hand?

#2 Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell finds it strange that the Los Angeles Dodgers are allowed to carry 14 pitchers while the MLB maximum for pitchers on a roster is 13. The Dodgers use Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher and a designated hitter on his off days from pitching so it would seem Ohtani is not counted as being on the pitching staff. The underlying talk has been the Dodgers are an exception because Ohtani is a cash cow and huge draw for baseball so MLB looks the other way on the 13 maxium pitchers on a roster rule.

#3 With the Sacramento A’s recent success especially against some competive teams and recent series wins against a four game 2-2 split with Texas, winning two out of three with Chciago White Sox and taking the first of a three game series from the always tough Seattle Mariners and are first place in the AL West can this A’s team compete this season.

#4 The Mets continue to struggle losing their 12th straight game to the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night. Francisco Lindor defened his manager Carlos Mendoza saying he’s not the problem the team just isn’t putting it together. The players like Lindor are standing up for Mendoza.

#5 Young Stars Taking Over Players like Elly De La Cruz and Gunnar Henderson are becoming faces of the league—how important is youth movement to maintaining fan interest and growing the sport globally?

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Braves have not lost a series so far this season; Ohtani record setter could be in All Time greats circle; plus more

Atlanta Braves Mauricio Dubon clouts out a second inning RBI double against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Mon Apr 13, 2026 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Atlanta Braves remain unbeaten in series play so far—are they the early favorites for the World Series, or is it too soon to tell?

#2 Shohei Ohtani continues delivering historic-level performances—how is his 2026 start shaping his long-term legacy among all-time greats?

#3The Houston Astros are dealing with injuries, poor pitching, and internal issues—how serious is this early-season “crisis,” and can they recover?

#4 The Sacramento A’s came off a five game win streak defeating the New York Yankees twice and the New York Mets in a three game sweep but at home they continue to struggle losing to the Texas Rangers to open a six game homestand in Sacramento in a Monday night laugher 8-1. Is there a difference playing away than at home for the A’s?

#5 Anaheim Angels star Mike Trout had been struggling before the pandemic and battled injuries since 2019. Seven years later Trout had a big break out game hitting two home runs his 407th and 408th of his career that helped tie up the game 7-7 and later a home that got the Angels the lead. The New York Yankees however got a walk off wild pitch that allowed the Yankees Jose Caballero to score the game winning run. Despite the loss Trout is showing flashes of his old talent once again.

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

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: This Baseball star is in Five Halls of Fame

Martin “El Immortal” Dihigo who played in the Negro Leagues and is in five separate Hall of Fames is the focus of That’s Amaury News and Commentary (photo from Cooperstown Expert)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: This Baseball star is in Five Halls of Fame

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

Martin Dihigo “El Immortal,” also known as “El Maestro,” born in Cuba (1906-1971), a legendary star and Negro League player, has been inducted into five (5) separate baseball halls of fame: Cuba, México, the United States, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic. Also in the United States, the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame was founded in San Francisco, California, in 1958 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The five Hall of Fames are the most in history for a baseball player.

Dihigo is arguably the greatest Negro League player. He played all nine positions and was a standout pitcher and hitter. He managed the New York Cubans of the Negro Leagues from 1935 to 1936. The New York Cubans were founded by fellow Cuban Alejandro Pompez; the team featured Cuban and Latin American players of African descent. The New York Cubans won their only Negro League World Series championship in 1947. Led by manager Josá Maria Fernández and stars like Orestes “Minnie” Miñoso and Luis Tiant Sr., they defeated the Cleveland Buckeyes four games to one (with one tie) to secure the title. 

One of the most incredible seasons for any professional baseball player in history was in 1938 in the Mexican League; Martin Dihigo won the Triple Crown as a pitcher in victories, strikeouts, and earned-run average. Then, that same season, as a hitter won the batting title with a .387 average. He did all that with the Aguila de Veracruz. In one game in México, On August 5, 1939, he struck out 22 batters during a 13-inning game, wearing the uniform of the Rojos del Aguila de Veracruz.

Dihigo retired at 45 years of age and died of heart trouble in Cienfuegos, Cuba, on May 20, 1971. He was 65 years old. He died on Cuba’s Independence Day.  May 20, 1902, is Cuba’s Independence Day from Spain.

 Before Shohei Ohtani, Cubans revered Martín Dihigo as the first true two-way player who dominated as both a pitcher and a batter in the professional league

Historical Note: The first documented, official baseball game in Cuba took place on December 27, 1874, at the Palmar de Junco field in Pueblo Nuevo, Matanzas. Habana defeated Matanzas 51–9 in a seven-inning match. The field is considered the cradle of Cuban baseball and the world’s oldest active stadium.

Quote: Orestres Miñoso (All-Star): “He was a big man, but he was big in all ways, as a player, as a manager, as a teacher, as a man”.

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

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O: Pirates continue to farm out great talent; Mets Soto out with calf injury; plus more news

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?

Charlie O does the MLB The Show podcasts each Sunday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com