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Time of India
15 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Why Byron Buxton breakout performance came at perfect time for Minnesota Twins
Why Byron Buxton breakout performance came at perfect time for Minnesota Twins (Image Source: Getty Images) Byron Buxton's 5 RBI performance helped the Minnesota Twins end their losing streak, as they won 10-4 over the Oakland Athletics on Monday night in West Sacramento. The Minnesota Twins struggled for a while after their winning streak and needed a spark to get back on track, which Byron Buxton gave them. He tied his career best for runs batted in and again showed why he is considered a top player when in the lineup. Byron Buxton transforms Minnesota Twins offense in a crucial West Coast showdown Byron Buxton's offensive explosion came at the perfect moment for a Minnesota Twins team searching for consistency after their recent inconsistent play. The 30-year-old outfielder orchestrated the Twins' six-run second inning with a pivotal two-run double that broke open a scoreless game against Oakland Athletics starter Luis Severino. Buxton's timely hitting continued throughout the contest, as he delivered a bases-loaded two-RBI single in the sixth inning before capping his stellar night with a sacrifice fly in the ninth. The performance exemplified Buxton's ability to impact winning when the Minnesota Twins needed him most. His career-high tying five RBIs helped the team improve to 32-27 overall while maintaining their perfect 7-0 record against California-based teams this season. Manager Rocco Baldelli has consistently praised Buxton's leadership qualities, and Monday's game demonstrated why the former first-round draft pick remains central to Minnesota's playoff hopes. Minnesota Twins pitching staff overcomes early struggles to secure victory Even though Buxton got most of the attention, the Minnesota Twins pitchers made sure to keep winning over American League West teams. Starting pitcher Joe Ryan managed to work through five innings, allowing four runs, and his biggest achievement came when he didn't allow any runs in the fifth on a bases-loaded situation with no outs. Ryan forced three outs in a row, first with CJ Alexander and then with Luis Urias, and finally got Drew Evans to ground out to keep Minnesota ahead. Many relievers from the Minnesota Twins bullpen worked without giving up runs to help secure the win. Relying on many different players has become a main characteristic of the 2025 Twins. Pablo Lopez will take the mound for the second game of the series on Tuesday, and the team's depth will be put to another test against the Athletics. The next game for the Minnesota Twins will be shown on Bally Sports North on Tuesday at 9:40 PM ET, and WCCO 830 AM will provide radio coverage. The series is part of the Twins' West Coast trip, as they try to keep dominating California teams. Also Read: Randy Johnson's legendary No. 51 to be retired by Mariners in 2026, honoring franchise's pitching icon The Minnesota Twins' victory over the Oakland Athletics represents more than just another win in the standings. With Byron Buxton healthy and producing at an elite level, this team possesses the offensive firepower necessary to compete with any opponent in the American League. Their perfect record against West Coast teams suggests they've found a formula for success on the road, which will prove invaluable during the playoffs.
New York Times
17 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
Seattle supersonic: Cal Raleigh is blasting his way toward a historic offensive season
When the owners of the Seattle Mariners gathered last week for a meeting, Jerry Dipoto, the president of baseball operations, shared some data on their recent investment. At the end of spring training, the Mariners committed $105 million to catcher Cal Raleigh, keeping him under team control through 2030. Raleigh is enjoying a breakout season, and Dipoto wanted to convey just how rare it is for a catcher to produce like this. Advertisement Raleigh leads the majors with 23 home runs, to go with career highs in batting average (.364), on-base percentage (.379) and slugging percentage (.637). He's a switch-hitter coming off a Platinum Glove season, guiding a strong pitching staff for the first-place team in the American League West. He has played in every game this season. Add it all up, and Fangraphs gives Raleigh 3.8 wins above replacement, with 104 games to go — an extraordinary 10.6-WAR pace. Dipoto, who probably has the deepest knowledge of baseball history of anyone working in the sport, dove into his laptop to see how many catchers have done that. The answer: Nobody. Even if Raleigh falls off the pace and finishes with 8 fWAR, he would still be in hallowed territory. Dipoto shared this chart with his bosses, listing the very few 8 fWAR seasons by catchers in MLB history: That's eight seasons from seven players — five Hall of Famers; McCann, who made seven All-Star teams; and Posey, who is not yet eligible for Cooperstown and has the single-season fWAR record as the National League's MVP in 2012. 'And Cal, right now, is on pace to do better than that,' Dipoto said by phone on Monday. 'And if you look at what he's starting to accumulate, he's pushing 20 (career) wins above replacement. He's playing his 28-year-old season, and he's gotten better with each passing year. I really could go on about it for a long time, but he deserves to be recognized with the best players in the game.' The reigning Most Valuable Players, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, have been predictably dominant this season. But what Raleigh is doing, especially at his position, has been similarly astounding. Raleigh was the first catcher in MLB history to reach 20 home runs before the end of May. Then he started June by homering again in Sunday's 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins. Before Raleigh, no catcher had pulled off all three of these performances in a single season: a two-homer game from the left side, a two-homer game from the right side and another game with a homer from both sides. 'I remember playing with Todd Hundley in New York the year that he hit the record number of homers for a catcher; he tied Roy Campanella with 41,' said Dipoto, a former Mets reliever, referring to a record now held by Salvador Perez. 'It was amazing, and when it was happening, we always referenced that Todd was an iron man because he caught all the time. Advertisement 'Mitch Garver has taken a number of reps as our backup catcher — it's not like he's invisible on the team — but Cal has played in every game, which is just a stunning thing, even for two months, for a modern-day major-league catcher. And he wants to. He's always wanted to. He thrives on being involved in it. Cal's desire to play, to contribute — he sees the game from every imaginable level.' Raleigh, a third-round draft pick from Florida State in 2018, has started 45 games behind the plate and 12 as the designated hitter. The one game he did not start, against the Athletics on May 6, he drove in the tying and go-ahead runs with a pinch hit in the ninth. It wasn't Raleigh's most famous ninth-inning, pinch-hit, game-winner against the A's. That was his walk-off homer on Sept. 30, 2022, which snapped Seattle's 21-year playoff drought. The Mariners went on to win their first-round playoff series in Toronto before losing their division series to the eventual champion Houston Astros. In 2023, when the better-funded Texas Rangers edged the Mariners for a playoff spot, Raleigh publicly questioned ownership's commitment, giving voice to widespread fan frustration. While Seattle has not splurged in free agency since then, Raleigh's six-year contract cemented his role as a franchise pillar. 'In our clubhouse over the years, Cal has been kind of a torch bearer for establishing a standard and demanding accountability,' Dipoto said. 'He's not a really loud guy at all. He is actually quite the opposite. He's kind of quiet, he observes and he's thoughtful. But when something needs to be said, he says it. He says it in the house, he says it outside the house, and he has really developed a good sense for how to be there as a leader for his teammates.' The Mariners have had transcendent players over the years — Edgar Martínez, Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson, Ichiro Suzuki, Félix Hernández — and Raleigh, who should make his first All-Star appearance next month, is not yet in their class. But in franchise history, only Griffey has hit more homers in the first five seasons of his career than Raleigh, and only Alex Rodriguez got to 100 homers faster than Raleigh, who did it in his 482nd game. With 15 more home runs this season — a conservative estimate, given his start — Raleigh would become the 10th catcher to hit 130 through his age-28 season. The list demonstrates the company he's keeping: *minimum 75 percent of overall games as catcher Source: Stathead So that's five Hall of Famers, three World Series-winning stalwarts (Parrish, McCann, Perez)… and Gary Sanchez. Raleigh has a long way to go, but his approach this season is encouraging for his future. After coming into the season as a .197 career right-handed hitter, Raleigh is batting .296 from that side this year. He has been more disciplined at the plate, swinging at a career-low 27.9 percent on pitches outside the strike zone. (The league average is 31.2 percent.) Advertisement The Mariners are built around their pitcher-friendly home park; entering play on Monday, Seattle ranked third in the majors in OPS on the road and 24th in OPS at home. Overall, though, the offense has normalized, ranking 11th in runs per game (4.53) after finishing 21st last season, at 4.17. All of it, Dipoto said, has played a part in Raleigh's rise. 'He's swinging at better pitches more frequently, and he's passing the baton in a lineup that I think he knows is a little deeper than it has been in the past,' Dipoto said. 'It's amazing what can happen when you don't feel like you need to hit a homer for us to score and the guys behind you can pick it up — and all of a sudden, he actually is hitting more homers.' More, in fact, than anybody else in a year that could rank among the best at baseball's most punishing position. (Top photo of Cal Raleigh:)
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
What Aaron Judge Hint Means for Yankees' 'Near Impossible' Pursuit of Ex-Mets Ace
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The New York Yankees were able to end their West Coast road trip with a win against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the series came with some brutal losses. In particular, the Yankees are facing new questions about their starting rotation after promising youngster Will Warren imploded against the Dodgers, giving up seven earned runs in less than two innings. Now, with Luis Gil and Marcus Stroman still uncertain commodities as they look to return from injuries, the Yankees have to consider targeting a significant rotation upgrade at the trade deadline if they hope to match up with the Dodgers in a potential World Series repeat. "It will be near-impossible to fortify the Yankees' rotation with a bonafide ace this summer, but they'll certainly be on the hunt for a high-upside righty to at least approximate the possibility," Adam Weinrib wrote for FanSided. CINCINNATI, OHIO - MARCH 31: Jacob deGrom #48 of the Texas Rangers in the dugout prior to a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on March 31, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio.... CINCINNATI, OHIO - MARCH 31: Jacob deGrom #48 of the Texas Rangers in the dugout prior to a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on March 31, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by) More Sloter/Getty That coming hunt led Weinrib to suggest the Yankees could answer Warren's struggles by trading for Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom, who is best known as a two-time Cy Young Award winner with the crosstown rival New York Mets. "We all saw that smirk on deGrom's face at Yankee Stadium when the Rangers came to visit and he locked eyes on Aaron Judge," Weinrib added. "He turns 37 years old in mid-June. Do the Rangers believe in absorbing his age-38 and 39 seasons? Shouldn't it be easier for the Yankees to stomach them, now that Soto and his .220 average aren't clogging their books?" After years of injury struggles, deGrom is enjoying a resurgence on the mound in the third season of his $185 million contract with the Rangers. He has a 2.34 ERA and 66 strikeouts across 12 starts so far. But the Rangers have a losing record and sit in third place in the American League West division and, if they opt to sell at the trade deadline, parting with deGrom's remaining salary could be prudent. If the former Mets Cy Young ace does hit the trading block, a move to the Yankees would certainly grab attention in New York. More MLB: Phillies' Bryce Harper Breaks Silence on Kyle Schwarber's Upcoming Free Agency
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
What Houston Astros' struggles in AL West reveal about shifting power in division
What Houston Astros' struggles in AL West reveal about shifting power in division (Image Source: Getty Images) The loss of star players and a drop in their performance are causing problems for the Houston Astros, which could lead to big changes in the American League West. Having ruled the league for nearly a decade and won the World Series in 2017, the Houston Astros now trail the Seattle Mariners by half a game in mid-2025, which is their most threatened situation since their championship season. Since George Springer, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, and Justin Verlander left the team, the Houston Astros have lost many crucial players, with only Jose Altuve and Lance McCullers Jr. still around from their glory days. Seattle Mariners emerge as legitimate championship contenders With the Houston Astros struggling, the Seattle Mariners have taken advantage and now lead the American League West with a team built to win for many seasons. With 23 home runs, Cal Raleigh tops Major League Baseball and is now ahead of superstars Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge in the category that usually matters most to championship teams. Luis Castillo and the Mariners' pitchers give them a base to build on for a possible deep playoff run, despite their ERA showing that there is room to improve. With Logan Gilbert out in May because of elbow trouble, the Mariners had to rely on their reserves, but they still kept their lead in the division. The Seattle Mariners haven't captured an American League West title since 2001, making their current surge particularly significant for a franchise that has been desperately seeking postseason relevance. Their ability to maintain pace ahead of the Houston Astros while other division rivals falter demonstrates organisational maturity that wasn't present in previous seasons. Houston Astros face unprecedented challenges in maintaining AL West dominance Houston Astros' current 32-27 record means they are on track for 88 wins, the same as last year's total, which was their lowest for a full season since 2016. The numbers went down at the same time that the team lost key players, which made the Lakers depend on older, less-experienced teammates and prospects. The Houston Astros would have won seven consecutive American League West championships in a row, unless the 2020 division title by the Oakland Athletics had been cancelled because of the pandemic, which would have placed them among the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Yankees in exceptional division success. However, the team's other players are not performing as expected, which makes it difficult for the team's offense to cover up the pitching problems. Ranking so low in offence in 2025, the Texas Rangers are no longer seen as serious contenders for the World Series. It looks as if the Los Angeles Angels will have their tenth straight losing season, and the Oakland Athletics have fallen apart with 17 losses in their last 18 games following a promising start. Also Read: The story behind the No. 4 patch worn by Yankees and Dodgers in Los Angeles This is a real chance for the Seattle Mariners to win their division for the first time since 1995, while the Houston Astros deal with their hardest period since they became a top team. American League West fans can follow the storyline on MLB Network and local television as the summer brings more intense action.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
MLB power rankings: Cal Raleigh chases home run record as Mariners stay afloat
MLB power rankings: Cal Raleigh chases home run record as Mariners stay afloat Show Caption Hide Caption Yankees fans 'welcome' Juan Soto back to the Bronx in game vs. Mets New York Yankees fans made one thing clear, they do not miss Juan Soto. Sports Seriously Let Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge hog all the headlines and national TV slots. While they were going one-on-one in L.A., both were upstaged by a catcher in the Pacific Northwest. Oh, Cal Raleigh won't match those greats sublime overall offensive numbers soon. Yet Raleigh has now taken the major league lead by homering for the third consecutive game, his 23rd homer putting the Mariners in position to salvage a series win against Minnesota. And he's helping the Mariners tread water both in the American League West and USA TODAY Sports' power rankings. With the season just past the one-third mark, Raleigh is on pace to threaten Salvador Perez's record for home runs by a primary catcher - 48, set in 2021. Raleigh was the first catcher to hit 20 home runs before the end of May. Raleigh leads Seattle in every major offensive category save batting average, where his .264 average is second to J.P. Crawford's .272. His 1.016 OPS trails only those Dodger-Yankee megastars – Judge, Freddie Freeman and Ohtani. All the more important given the rail-thin margin the offensively-challenged Mariners operate. They won two games by walk-off this weekend and cling to a half-game lead over Houston in the West - thanks largely to their most unlikely MVP candidate. A look at our updated rankings: 1. Los Angeles Dodgers (-) If you're scoring at home, that's 15 pitchers now on the injured list. 2. Detroit Tigers (+1) That's a six-game lead in an AL Central very much looking like Detroit and Everybody Else. 3. New York Mets (+1) Francisco Lindor clubs 261st home run, moves past Derek Jeter into third for homers by a shortstop. 4. Chicago Cubs (+1) Good vibes moderately dimmed by Kyle Tucker's jammed ring finger. 5. Philadelphia Phillies (-3) Lose four of five after Bryce Harper sidelined following hit-by-pitch. 6. New York Yankees (-) Max Fried finally throws a clunker, in his hometown. 7. San Diego Padres (+1) Manny Machado (.308 average, .861 OPS) quietly having All-Star caliber season. 8. San Francisco Giants (-1) In losing four of five, produce just seven runs for hard-luck pitchers. 9. St. Louis Cardinals (-) Sonny Gray's racked up six wins, nearly halfway to career-best 14. 10. Cleveland Guardians (-) Nolan Jones starting to put a grim 14-for-92 (.152) start behind him. 11. Seattle Mariners (-) Vaunted infield prospect Cole Young gets the call - and gets walk-off RBI in debut. 12. Houston Astros (+2) Yordan Alvarez was nearly back – until he wasn't. 13. Minnesota Twins (-1) Matt Wallner hits a home run on his first swing since April 15. 14. Milwaukee Brewers (+5) They've won seven in a row as starting pitchers go 15 games without giving up more than three runs. 15. Toronto Blue Jays (+8) Addison Barger, who has homered in three consecutive games, may have finally arrived. 16. Kansas City Royals (-3) They've lost five of seven against Tigers. 17. Tampa Bay Rays (-2) No room for the moment for electric rookie Chandler Simpson, sent back to Class AAA. 18. Texas Rangers (+2) Marcus Semien is 8 for 14 (.571) with a 1.468 OPS batting eighth – and should soon earn a promotion. 19. Cincinnati Reds (-2) Alexis Díaz went from All-Star to traded as a minor leaguer in less than two years. 20. Boston Red Sox (-) Getting a little ridiculous we haven't seen Roman Anthony at Fenway yet. 21. Atlanta Braves (-3) Go figure: They've lost eight of 11 since Spencer Strider returned, followed by Ronald Acuña Jr. 22. Arizona Diamondbacks (-6) Grim stuff: Snap a four-game losing streak but $215 million man Corbin Burnes exits with elbow discomfort. 23. Washington Nationals (-1) Wild road trip: Score seven runs in 10th inning and 10 runs in first inning. 24. Los Angeles Angels (+1) Mike Trout's return can't stop slide of seven losses in eight games. 25. Miami Marlins (+1) Cold game: Ronny Simon commits three errors, cries in dugout, gets designated for assignment. 26. Baltimore Orioles (+2) Gotta start somewhere: First sweep comes against White Sox. 27. Oakland Athletics (-3) Sixteen losses in 17 games, including 0-6 road trip that makes a Yolo County return look appealing. 28. Pittsburgh Pirates (-) Andrew McCutchen's 240th homer as a Pirate ties him with Roberto Clemente. 29. Chicago White Sox (-) Top prospect Kyle Teel knocking on door with .885 OPS at Class AAA. 30. Colorado Rockies (-) They're 9-50. Nine and fifty. Nueve y cincuenta... The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
