## Guardians Make Shocking Lineup Change Amidst Betting Scandal

**Elite Closer Placed On Leave, Sponsorship Removed**

Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, a three-time All-Star and reigning American League saves leader, has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave pending an investigation into sports betting.  This follows a similar situation with teammate Luis Ortiz earlier this month.  

Clase, 27, enjoyed his most successful season in 2024, boasting a stellar 0.61 ERA across 74 appearances and earning third place in the AL Cy Young Award voting. This news comes as a shock to fans who witnessed Clase's dominance throughout the year.


**Bet365 Logo Vanishes From Lineup Card**

In a move that has sent ripples through the Guardians fanbase, the team removed the Bet365 logo from their lineup card before Tuesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies.  This sponsorship change follows closely on the heels of the Clase investigation and raises questions about the future of the partnership. 

Fans took to social media to express their surprise and confusion:

* "First we lost Ortiz, then Clase and now we’re not even presented by Bet365."
* “No longer presented by Bet365?” 
* “Where’s Bet365???”
* “Justice for Bet365,”

**Future Uncertain Amidst Investigation**


While Clase continues to be effective in 2025, posting a 3.23 ERA and 24 saves over 48 appearances, his future with the Guardians remains uncertain as the investigation unfolds.  Trade rumors surrounding him have now been put on hold.


## Guardians Make Shocking Lineup Change Amidst Betting Scandal

**Elite Closer Placed On Leave, Sponsorship Removed**

Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clas

Guardians Catch Attention With Big Change After Emmanuel Cla

Guardians Catch Attention With Big Change After Emmanuel Clase News

## Tigers' Torres: "It Would Be Awesome" to Land Suárez

**Detroit Could Make Deadline Season's Biggest Splash**

The Detroit Tigers, who once dominated the AL Central in the first half of the season, have stumbled since the All-Star break and now find themselves struggling.  But if one star player has his way, the front office will make a blockbuster trade before the deadline: bringing back Eugenio Suárez. 

Second baseman Gleyber Torres, a teammate of Suárez on Team Venezuela during the World Baseball Classic, is enthusiastic about the prospect. “It’s going to be awesome,” he said Tuesday. “He treats people the right way. He's easy to talk to. He always wants to help the players. It would be a really, really good addition for us.”

Torres and Suárez share a strong bond forged during their time together on Team Venezuela. "I think he’s a better person than player,” Torres said. “He is a humble guy, an awesome person. I've known him for many years. Our relationship is really good."


**Suárez Eyes Return to Detroit Roots**

The sentiment isn't one-sided. Suárez himself has expressed his desire to return to Detroit, the team where he began his career in 2014. "To finish where everything started, it would be cool," he said the day before playing in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. "It would mean a lot to me."

Suárez acknowledges how much has changed since his initial stint with the Tigers. “Since I was there, it's been a lot different. It’s a new team with a lot of young guys and a lot of talent. I think they have a really good chance to make it more than the playoffs this year."


**Trade Rumors Heat Up**

After several trades for pitchers, a reunion between Suárez and the Tigers seems increasingly likely, especially considering their second baseman's eagerness for the deal. If it happens, Detroit could be poised for a deep playoff run. 


## Tigers' Torres: "It Would Be Awesome" to Land Suárez

**Detroit Could Make Deadline Season's Biggest Splash**

The Detroit Tigers, who once dominated the AL 

Gleyber Torres and Eugenio Suarez Agree, The Tigers Need to 

Gleyber Torres and Eugenio Suarez Agree, The Tigers Need to Acquire the Slugger

## Golden Glove Goes Cold: Hayes' Debut Ends in Costly Error

**Reds fans react with disappointment as new third baseman struggles in series opener.**

Cincinnati, OH - The Reds welcomed new third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes to the team Thursday night, but his debut at Great American Ball Park didn't go as planned. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Sammy Stafura and Taylor Rogers, Hayes, widely considered one of the best defensive players at his position in MLB, committed a crucial fielding error in the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves. 

Facing outfielder Eli White, Hayes misplayed a grounder, allowing Ozzie Albies and Marcell Ozuna to score and tie the game at 3. The error was Hayes' fifth of the season and his first as a Red.

Social media quickly reacted to the play, with many Reds fans expressing their disappointment:


*"This ball ate up Ke'Bryan Hayes in his Reds debut to allow the Braves to tie the game"* - @TalkinBaseball_

*" #Redspic.twitter.com/dMBWwf0XLD"* - @cammillerfilms

*"Welp....that is ironic...and unfortunate for the Redlegs."* - @XSP4

*"That grounder played Hayes and it's a tie game. Hayes should've knocked it down and taken one out but played to side with thoughts of another inning-ending DP." * -@Trags



 


## Golden Glove Goes Cold: Hayes' Debut Ends in Costly Error

**Reds fans react with disappointment as new third baseman struggles in series opener.**

Cincinna

Twitter unloads on Gold Glove third baseman Ke&#39;Bryan Hay

Twitter unloads on Gold Glove third baseman Ke&#39;Bryan Hayes over error in Reds&#39; debut

## Could Shane Bieber Pitch Elsewhere in 2025? Trade Rumors Swirl as Deadline Nears

**Cleveland's ace faces uncertain future amid team's playoff push and MLB investigation.**

CLEVELAND — The fate of star pitcher Shane Bieber hangs in the balance as the July 31 trade deadline approaches.  Rumors swirl that the Guardians might be willing to part ways with their ace, who is currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

Bieber, when healthy, possesses the potential to be a dominant force on the mound. However, his return to major league action remains at least a week or two away, posing a challenge for interested teams who would be evaluating him solely through rehab assignments.

The Guardians find themselves in a precarious position.  They recently navigated a tumultuous stretch marked by a 10-game losing streak followed by an impressive 11-2 surge that propelled them back into playoff contention. However, the recent gambling investigation involving All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, who is sidelined through at least August 31st, significantly impacts their pursuit of a Wild Card berth.

While the Guardians are known for valuing their assets and standing firm on trade offers, they have historically been open to exploring various options.

**Contract Complications Add Another Layer**

Bieber signed a one-year deal with Cleveland this past offseason worth $10 million, including a player option for 2026 valued at $16 million with an opt-out clause of $4 million. This adds complexity to any potential trade, as acquiring teams would be responsible for roughly $3.2 million for the remainder of the season plus another $4 million for his opt-out, totaling a significant $7.2 million for two months of Bieber coming off Tommy John surgery. It presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario.

**Potential Trading Partners Emerge**

While trade negotiations remain fluid, several teams have emerged as potential suitors for Bieber's services. 


* **Los Angeles Dodgers:**  Boasting both a powerhouse major league roster and one of baseball’s top farm systems, the Dodgers possess ample resources to pursue a deal for Bieber. Top prospect Dalton Rushing, considered a standout catcher, could be a key piece in any trade package.
* **Chicago Cubs:** The Cubs are eager to close the gap with the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central and see Bieber as a potential solution. They hold several top prospects, primarily on the offensive side, who could entice the Guardians.
* **Toronto Blue Jays:**  Currently leading the AL East, the Blue Jays have strong motivation to bolster their roster. Their farm system, while less robust than others, includes notable prospects like shortstop Arjun Nimmala and right-handed pitcher Trey Yesavage.
* **New York Yankees:** Another contender in the AL East, the Yankees could be seeking a front-line starter like Bieber. Their top trade chip is George Lombard Jr., their lone top-90 prospect.

**Steven Kwan Also Generating Trade Interest** 

Beyond Bieber, Steven Kwan's impressive performance has also piqued the interest of several MLB teams.  

The trade deadline promises to be an exciting and unpredictable period for the Cleveland Guardians. With decisions looming regarding Bieber's future and other key players, the next few weeks will undoubtedly shape their trajectory for the remainder of the season and beyond.





## Could Shane Bieber Pitch Elsewhere in 2025? Trade Rumors Swirl as Deadline Nears

**Cleveland's ace faces uncertain future amid team's playoff push and MLB i

Could the Guardians trade pitcher Shane Bieber? Here are the

Could the Guardians trade pitcher Shane Bieber? Here are the potential landing spots

##  Cubs Set Sights on Kelly as Rotation Woes Mount

**Chicago Needs a Spark to Stay in Contention**

The Chicago Cubs find themselves at a crossroads with their starting rotation. Shota Imanaga has been solid, and Matthew Boyd continues to provide reliable innings. However, injuries to Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon, rookie Cade Horton's struggles outside Wrigley Field, and Colin Rea's inconsistency have exposed serious vulnerabilities in the pitching staff.

With the tightly contested NL Central race heating up, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is reportedly making aggressive moves at the trade deadline. Talks with Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo fell through when he signed a two-year, $46 million extension to stay with the Royals. 


**Kelly Emerges as Top Target**

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Chicago is now focusing its attention westward on Arizona Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly. Nightengale adds that teams consider Kelly the better pitcher in Arizona compared to Zac Gallen, who also holds interest for the Cubs.

Unlike Gallen, Kelly presents a lower-risk acquisition for the Cubs. The 35-year-old has a strong track record this season with a 3.22 ERA, 121 strikeouts, and a 1.057 WHIP across 128.2 innings pitched in 22 starts. While he may not have the same Cy Young potential as Gallen, Kelly's consistency makes him an attractive option, especially as an impending free agent who could be acquired at a more affordable price.

**Building a Powerhouse Rotation?**


Kelly appears to be the type of pitcher who can complement a bigger acquisition for the Cubs. If Chicago lands a frontline starter and pairs them with Kelly, they could instantly transform their rotation into one of the best in baseball. 


##  Cubs Set Sights on Kelly as Rotation Woes Mount

**Chicago Needs a Spark to Stay in Contention**

The Chicago Cubs find themselves at a crossroads with thei

Cubs Targeting Diamondbacks&#39; Merrill Kelly to Fortify St

Cubs Targeting Diamondbacks&#39; Merrill Kelly to Fortify Starting Rotation: Report

## Dusty Baker Returns to the Dugout for Nicaragua's 2026 World Baseball Classic Run

**Hall of Famer Embraces New Challenge, Citing Clemente and Garvey as Inspiration**

COOPERSTOWN, NY — After a two-year retirement from Major League Baseball, legendary manager Dusty Baker is stepping back into the dugout. He'll lead Nicaragua in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, he told USA TODAY Sports.  

"I'm excited," said Baker, who boasts a distinguished career as both a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner during his 19 years as a player and a seasoned manager for 26 seasons. "When they asked me, I thought about Roberto Clemente going there to help the country. I thought about Marcus Garvey. I know baseball is trying to get going in Nicaragua, and I want to help."

Baker had previously been approached to manage the U.S. team in 2023 but chose to remain with the Houston Astros after their World Series victory in 2022. Now retired from MLB managing –  serving as a special advisor for the San Francisco Giants – he believes this is the perfect opportunity.

“I considered managing in the WBC back then, but I just couldn’t leave my team," Baker explained. “I didn’t think it was right to leave my team for two weeks in spring training. I was trying to win two World Series in a row.
"So, now, the timing works great."


**A Team Built on Experience and Legacy**

Baker's appointment came after being contacted in December by Nicaragua general manager George Santiago and former manager Marvin Bernard. He sought counsel from his wife, Melissa, and son, Darren, who plays in the Washington Nationals organization, before accepting the position.

"It should be cool," said Baker, the only manager in MLB history to lead five different franchises to division titles. "I know it will be a great life experience. I hope I can add to theirs, and they can add to mine.
“I’ve never been a part of the WBC, but everyone seems to enjoy it. I will as well. But let’s make it clear. I’m here to win."

The 76-year-old Baker is slated for a formal introduction at a press conference in Nicaragua this August. He plans to assemble a staff featuring former coaches Gary Pettis, Jacque Jones and Dan Firova, alongside Bernard as bench coach and Randall Simon. Bernard, who becomes the sixth Nicaraguan-born player to reach the Major Leagues and the second position player, brings invaluable experience to the team.

**A New Chapter While Leaving MLB in the Rearview**


Despite this exciting new venture, Baker has no plans to return to managing a major league team.  With 2,183 wins, placing him seventh all-time, he is eligible for the Hall of Fame’s contemporary era ballot in December 2026, with an induction ceremony scheduled for July 2027.

“I miss the camaraderie and the game," Baker admitted, "but I don’t miss the verbal dodgeball twice a day. I don’t miss the travel and bickering between old school and new school and sabermetrics against experience.
“Besides, I don’t have to train for a long-distance race managing in the WBC. This will be a sprint. I can handle that. Now, I just have to brush up on my Spanish."  





## Dusty Baker Returns to the Dugout for Nicaragua's 2026 World Baseball Classic Run

**Hall of Famer Embraces New Challenge, Citing Clemente and Garvey as Insp

Retired Dusty Baker to manage Nicaragua in 2026 World Baseba

Retired Dusty Baker to manage Nicaragua in 2026 World Baseball Classic

## Mets Aim for Season-High Eight Straight Wins in San Diego Showdown

**Riding a hot streak after sweeping the Giants, New York looks to continue its dominance against the Padres.** 


The New York Mets travel down the California coast with momentum on their side, having just completed a three-game sweep of the San Francisco Giants. Now, they aim for a season-high eight consecutive wins as they face off against the San Diego Padres in the first game of a series at Petco Park on Monday night.

The matchup marks the beginning of six meetings between these two teams, with a three-game set scheduled for later in the season at Citi Field from September 16th to 18th.


**Mets Dominate Giants in Series Finale**

In Sunday's series clincher against the Giants, Ronny Mauricio shone brightly, going 4-for-4 with a solo home run, two doubles, and two RBIs to lead the Mets to a 5-3 victory. This win capped off a historic week for the Mets, who matched their season-best seven-game winning streak.


**Pitching Matchup: Montas vs. Cease**

Frankie Montas will take the mound for the Mets on Monday night.  Montas enters the game with a 3-1 record and a 4.62 ERA, riding a three-game winning streak. Facing him will be Padres starter Dylan Cease. In 21 starts this season, the 29-year-old right-hander has a 3-10 record with a 4.59 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP.


**Lineups Revealed: Ready for Battle**

Both teams have released their lineups for Monday's highly anticipated contest:



* **NY Mets lineup vs Padres:** (Link to embedded tweet)
* **Padres lineup vs Mets:** (Link to embedded tweet) 


This first encounter between the Mets and Padres in 2025 promises to be a thrilling match-up.   


## Mets Aim for Season-High Eight Straight Wins in San Diego Showdown

**Riding a hot streak after sweeping the Giants, New York looks to continue its dominance

Mets announce lineup vs San Diego Padres for Monday game

## Tigers Hit Another Roadblock: Meadows Joins Olson On Injured List

**Center fielder sidelined with quad strain, adds to mounting injuries.**

Detroit Tigers fans are facing a disheartening reality as another key player has been added to the injured list. Following starter Reese Olson's season-ending shoulder strain announcement on Monday, July 28th, center fielder Parker Meadows now joins him, sidelined due to a right quad strain.  

Meadows, who missed the first 60 games of the season recovering from a musculocutaneous nerve injury in his upper right arm, was injured during Sunday's 10-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park. Despite his recent return, he appeared noticeably cautious in center field and on the basepaths.

"We approached him about it," said Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris, highlighting the team's awareness of Meadows' discomfort. "Fortunately, we think we caught it early, so there won't be a tear or a high-grade strain. We're hopeful that he's going to be back soon." 

Meadows, 25, is batting .200 with two home runs, 12 walks, and 40 strikeouts in 38 games played this season.  To fill Meadows' absence, the Tigers recalled infielder Andy Ibáñez from Triple-A Toledo.


**Another Blow for Detroit:**

The recent string of injuries adds to the Tigers' already challenging season.  While there is still a possibility for Olson to return in time for the playoffs, the team faces a significant uphill battle as they navigate these setbacks. 


## Tigers Hit Another Roadblock: Meadows Joins Olson On Injured List

**Center fielder sidelined with quad strain, adds to mounting injuries.**

Detroit Tigers 

Detroit Tigers place Parker Meadows on injured list with qua

Detroit Tigers place Parker Meadows on injured list with quad strain; Andy Ibáñez recalled

## Yankees Trade Shifts Focus to Reds in Eugenio Suárez Sweepstakes

**Cincinnati Could Land Power Bat with Pitching Depth as Leverage**


The New York Yankees' acquisition of third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies removes them from contention for Eugenio Suárez, redirecting attention toward the Cincinnati Reds. 

With the infield hole filled by prospects Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz heading to Colorado, the Reds now emerge as a potential landing spot for Suárez in trade talks.  Experts are buzzing about the possibility of a reunion between Suárez and his former team.

The Reds currently rank 18th in MLB with 107 home runs this season, highlighting their need for a proven power hitter. Jim Bowden of The Athletic proposes a bold move to address this need, suggesting a trade that would see Suárez return to the Queen City.


“The Reds have the pitching to make the playoffs as a wild-card team but lack that one power hitter to get them there," Bowden wrote. "Acquiring Suárez would be a game-changer for their lineup and drastically improve their chances of playing in October.” 

Bowden's hypothetical deal outlines the following exchange:


**Reds Receive:**
* 3B Eugenio Suárez (currently with Arizona)

**Diamondbacks Receive:**
* 3B Cam Collier, RHP Chase Petty, LHP Adam Serwinoski

Suárez is enjoying a stellar season, slashing .252/.325/.593 with 36 home runs and a league-leading 86 RBIs. Only Cal Raleigh, Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani have hit more home runs this year, and Suárez is set to become a free agent after the season.  

In return, Arizona would acquire three high-upside prospects. Petty, 22, boasts a fastball that reaches 100 mph; he holds a 4.14 ERA over 15 Triple-A starts with some MLB exposure this season. Serwinoski has accumulated 86 strikeouts in 70 High-A innings. Collier, 20, already sports a .299/.422/.414 slash line in the minors. He was the MVP of last year's Futures Game and is considered the centerpiece of this potential return package.

With the Yankees committed to McMahon, the Reds could be well-positioned to acquire Suárez at the right price. Their pitching depth and clear need for a power bat create a compelling scenario for a deal to materialize. 


## Yankees Trade Shifts Focus to Reds in Eugenio Suárez Sweepstakes

**Cincinnati Could Land Power Bat with Pitching Depth as Leverage**


The New York Yankees'

Reds Linked to Eugenio Suárez in Chase Petty Trade Scenario

## Yankees Consider Trading Top Prospect Amid Pitching Woes

**New York Seeks to Bolster Staff Before Deadline**

The New York Yankees are looking to make a splash before the MLB trade deadline, with their eyes set on bolstering a pitching staff struggling to keep pace with the potent offense.  Despite holding the first American League Wild Card spot and sitting in second place in their division, the team's ERA ranks in the bottom half of the league, raising concerns about their postseason potential.

"The New York Yankees are open to trading prized outfield prospect Spencer Jones, rival GMs say," reported USA Today's Bob Nightengale. This unexpected move comes as a surprise considering Jones' impressive performance.

**Prospect Powerhouse Faces Logjam in Outfield**

Drafted in the first round of 2022, the 24-year-old is tearing it up in the minors.  Since his promotion to Triple-A, Jones boasts a scorching .400/.457/1.407 slash line with an impressive 13 home runs. While he possesses undeniable power from the left side of the plate, finding consistent playing time in New York's crowded outfield presents a challenge.


**Trading for Pitching: A Necessity?**

The team's abundance of talented outfielders, including Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Jasson Domínguez, could make Jones an attractive trade asset.  With pitching as the clear priority, the Yankees are reportedly willing to part with Jones in exchange for a proven arm before the trade deadline.


Will this move be enough to propel the Yankees to another deep playoff run? Only time will tell. 


## Yankees Consider Trading Top Prospect Amid Pitching Woes

**New York Seeks to Bolster Staff Before Deadline**

The New York Yankees are looking to make a spl

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