Passan: 10 things to watch in the two weeks prior to the MLB trade deadline
From the aces who might move to the contenders that could go big, here's where the major players and teams stand as the countdown to the new single deadline heats up.
2019 ScheduleAll times ET
2019 Schedule
45-50, 4th in NL Cent
Marte refuses to take base after hit by pitch call (0:27)
Pirates score twice in the ninth, beat Cardinals 3-1
Colin Moran drove in the go-ahead run with an infield single and the Pittsburgh Pirates scored twice in the ninth for a 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night.
Pirates score 2 in the 9th inning to take down Cardinals (0:45)
One player each team should trade for -- or deal away -- before the deadline
Bumgarner to the Yankees? Stroman in Houston? We've mapped out a deadline blueprint for all 30 front offices to follow.
BBTN: Mets' Woes, Pitching Market, Numbers Game
Buster talks to Jon Sciambi about the continued downward spiral of the Mets and the pitching market (10:46). Plus, he sounds off on baseball's perceived "home run problem." Marly Rivera also discusses Vlad Guerrero Jr.'s struggles and the dominance of the Dodgers (40:24). And, "The Numbers Game" with Sarah Langs (33:22).
William Weinbaum ESPN
A day after a foul ball struck a child at Kauffman Stadium, the Royals said Mon. they'll extend safety netting — KC is the 7th team to announce such plans since a chilling nationally televised episode in Houston May 29 when a Cubs foul liner past third base injured a toddler. The White Sox installed netting to the foul poles — a first — and the Nationals to nearly the poles. The Dodgers, Pirates & Orioles said they'll lengthen netting and the Rangers unveiled extensions for their new ballpark opening in 2020. All 30 parks have netting to at least the far ends of the dugouts, but several fans have been injured since May 29 and pressure is mounting for more protection.
Mikolas, O'Neill lead Cardinals to 7-0 win over Pirates 7-0
Miles Mikolas pitched an eight-hitter and Tyler O'Neill hit a pair of two-run homers, leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a 7-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night.
Reynolds loses helmet, kicks it into air on double (0:32)
2019 MLB trade deadline rumors, news, analysis and trade tracker
Here's the latest intel we're hearing, key names to watch, reaction to completed deals and shopping lists for every team as July 31 approaches.
Power Rankings: Can Yankees bust Dodgers-Astros monopoly on No. 1?
The first-half rankings have been a two-team tango at the top, but the Bombers could be ready to cut in on Houston and L.A.
Cubs hit 3 homers, beat Pirates 8-3 to complete 3-game sweep
Jason Heyward, Albert Almora Jr. and Kyle Schwarber hit home runs and the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-3 on Sunday for a three-game sweep.
Rested Cubs offense ready to walk, romp its way to more big wins
Back from a tiring stretch before the All-Star break, the Cubs look ready to bust out for some impressive numbers on the scoreboard.
Lester homers, drives in 3, pitches Cubs past Pirates 10-4
Jon Lester homered, tied a career high with three RBI and pitched effectively into the seventh inning to lead the Chicago Cubs past the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-4 on Saturday.
Pirates' Cervelli: Never said I don't want to catch
Francisco Cervelli, who suffered his sixth documented concussion in the major leagues, denied saying that he wanted to stop playing the catcher position for the Pirates.
Cubs edge Pirates 4-3 on Heyward's hit, Bryant's baserunning
Jason Heyward hit a tiebreaking RBI single with two out in the eighth inning, and the Chicago Cubs edged the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Friday in their first game after the All-Star break.
MLB second-half preview: Answering baseball's biggest questions
With the season officially resuming tonight, we look at the contenders, the train wrecks, the trade deadline and more.
Alonso outslugs Vlad Jr. to win Home Run Derby
The New York Mets' Pete Alonso won a battle of rookies to outslug Toronto's Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and win the Home Run Derby at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Monday night.
David Schoenfield ESPN Senior Writer
Josh Bell, a popular pick to win it all thanks to some prodigious blasts in the regular season, struggled early with just home runs when he used his timeout at 2:33. He heated up after that, but it was too late: Ronald Acuna Jr. beats him, 25 to 18. Bells still leads in home runs hit into the Allegheny River, however.
Home runs rule in 2019, and tonight's $1 million Derby proves it
From leaguewide records to jaw-dropping individual totals, the long ball is dominating baseball like never before. Here's what you need to know about its rise as MLB's Home Run Derby takes center stage.
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2019 NL Central Standings
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 52 | 44 | .542 | - | W2 |
| Milwaukee | 50 | 47 | .515 | 2.5 | W2 |
| St. Louis | 48 | 46 | .511 | 3 | W1 |
| Pittsburgh | 45 | 50 | .474 | 6.5 | L1 |
| Cincinnati | 43 | 50 | .462 | 7.5 | L2 |
2019 Team Leaders
- Batting
- Pitching
BATTING AVERAGE
Home Runs
RUNS BATTED IN
Earned Run Average
Wins
Strikeouts
Team Stats
- Batting
- Pitching
Runs445
Batting Average.269
On Base Percentage.325
Slugging Percentage.433
Earned Run Average4.98
Quality Starts35
WHIP1.44
BAA.264