Top stories from each series, including the scores of the July 22, 2025, games. Some teams continue to prove the doubters wrong, while others have left their fanbase in disappointment. Do the up-and-coming teams have what it takes to compete with the powerhouses? Team statistics and rankings from MLB, as well as individual player statistics from ESPN.
Make this two consecutive games in which Guardians’ third baseman Jose Ramirez was making changes to the franchise record books; This time becoming the eighth player with at least three 30+ stolen bases in a season. The veteran registered a homer and three walks, providing day-to-day proof of why he is the backbone of that team. Sports Illustrated reports on Orioles in the rumor mill, including the left-handed SP Gregory Soto or right-handed SP Seranthony Dominguez, from the bullpen, and starters like Charlie Morton, Zach Eflin, or Tomoyuki Sugano.
The Marlins showed impressive defensive plays while getting help from a San Diego error to pull off the victory. They remain 7.5 games back of a Wild Card berth, with five teams to jump. They don’t have any ceiling-raising trade chips, but there are some useful depth pieces available. The Padres look to bounce back to hold their 2.5 game lead over the Giants for the final Wild Card spot.
The Tigers have lost eight of the last nine games, continuing to raise fan anxiety. Their hands are on the panic button as they fall again to one of the worst teams in MLB. Their bats are stored in the freezer, only getting ten runs over the last five games, five of which were in this losing effort. Detroit is showing why it’s more important to get hot at the right time. With Cleveland’s victory, their lead atop the AL Central is down to nine games. Rum Bunter reports interest in pitcher Mitch Keller.
The Phillies sent out another example of their second-best starters’ ERA in MLB; Christopher Sanchez pitched a complete game with twelve strikeouts, no walks, and just one earned run. They remain half a game up on the Mets. Philadelphia and New York are well-rounded, as the two are in one of the closer competitions for first in a division. It’s time for the Red Sox to put up or shut up. They are now in the final Wild Card position with six teams within 4.5 games. With just two qualifying players with an OPS above .700, the team needs to find a thumper by the deadline to be taken seriously.
Whether the Reds are buyers or sellers will be an interesting storyline. They are only 3.5 games back with two teams to jump, but their roster doesn’t compare to any of the teams above them. Having the foresight to sell would be the most beneficial to the team, but there doesn’t appear to be much major league talent on their team that would help contenders. Washington is a national embarrassment, with a better record than only two other NL teams. The team also has no obvious trade chips on expiring deals, unless Josh Bell’s overrated pop is of interest.
The White Sox batters continue battling the Pirates for the worst OPS in MLB. Despite 29 unique pitchers in the books this season, the team’s 4.04 ERA may be the only thing that isn’t embarrassing. Just half a game back of the Red Sox for the last spot, they boast the third-best AVG and most stolen bases, proving a formidable and scrappy out. Known year after year for their pitching, it has also remained respected with a 3.79 ERA. Known for splashy deadline moves, it will be challenging to push for the money spenders in the AL.
The Yankees picked away at the narrative of Toronto having their number this season with a 5-4 win on Tuesday. New York had three dingers, showing why they are the best OPS in MLB. The Blue Jays’ starters and closer continue to be a spot of concern. This marks Jeff Hottman’s fourth blown save of the season, making his season ERA 4.78 at the end of the day. Those certainly are not the stats of a World Series shutdown closer.
The Mets continue the tight battle with the Phillies for kings of the NL East. The third-best team ERA in MLB keeps them in most games, which goes well with their above-average lineup, consisting of four qualified batters above a .743 OPS. The Angels are trudging along the season with their all-or-nothing approach at the plate, eighth in slugging and 24th in AVG. The bats have pop teams may like, but it’s hard to find an option without strikeout issues.
The Giants find themselves only 2.5 games back, with just one team to jump to secure a Wild Card Spot. It will be hard for them or the Padres to catch the Dodgers, so San Francisco has some important games coming up. Proving the uncertainty of baseball, the winning team has struggled offensively all year. Their top-ten team ERA had kept them relevant, despite the team’s .694 OPS.
It couldn’t be more obvious what the Rangers need to be doing. Their MLB-best team ERA keeps the team in most games, while their .674 OPS struggles to keep them afloat. Texas has just 1.5 games and two teams between them and a Wild Card spot. Outside of their shortstop, they could use an offensive upgrade at every other position. The Athletics’ no heart, no home approach has landed them 42 wins, in large part thanks to DH Brent Rooker and shortstop Jacob Wilson.
The back-and-forth battle between the Cubs and Brewers continues. This victory puts the Cubs back on top of the NL Central, one of two divisions with a realistic battle. Bouncing back from Tommy John surgery in 2023, the starter for this game, Chicago’s Matthew Boyd, continues to prove one of the best by carrying this team. His 2.20 ERA anchors the team’s 3.88 ERA. The Royals are one of five teams with an OPS below .300, leaving very little offensive desire. They have valuable arms, with three qualifying pitchers with an ERA below 3.63.
Colorado outfielder Mickey Moniak continues to be one of the few batters worth staying in your seat for on this team with the worst OBP in MLB. He had two hits, runs, and RBI on the way to this irrelevant victory. While the Cardinals are more relevant, they’re still hopeless with their current pitching staff. Currently 3.5 games back with three teams to jump, they would be better off selling rather than trying to compete with the likes of the Padres and Giants.
Houston starting pitcher Framber Valdez showed why he’s one of the best in MLB. This was the team’s 13th consecutive win when he made the start, getting the most of his season 2.67 ERA. The Diamonbacks’ potent bats are not powerful enough to carry that pitching staff, with only one qualifying starter with an ERA under 4.82 (Merrill Kelly’s 3.32).
Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh continues to prove his case for MVP. His solo home run makes it 39 on the season, tying the total of the remaining qualifying Mariners. The Mariners are in the thick of the Wild Card hunt with this win, which ended the Brewers’ 11-game win streak and their position atop the NL Central.
The Dodgers’ bats remain alive and well, but the Twins proved money won’t fix everything, all the time. Los Angeles still feels safe as NL West winners, but injuries have taken some of their aura. ESPN reps of 11 pitchers currently on the 60-day IL. The Twins’ one-dimensional offense isn’t talented enough to leap the five teams needed to take a Wild Card spot.
End Of My MLB Rant
The Wild Card picture is zooming in on both sides, the AL being the more open of the two. Once the Yankees and Blue Jays sort out first in the AL East, it’s likely down to them and the Mariners, Red Sox, Rays, Rangers, and Guardians. The NL has two divisions with top spot on the line, and the other in the Wild Card. The Phillies and Mets will fight for the NL East, while the Cubs and Brewers fight over the NL Central. After that, it’s only the Padres and Mets with realistic optimism.
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