Sorry, too many games, so I could not finish my other post.
OKC Comets 5 – Sacramento River Cats (Giants) 4 – 10 innings
OKC came back twice to secure a walkoff victory in 10 innings over the River Cats.
OKC’s RHSP Christian Romero completed 5.0 innings, but fell behind 3-0 after one + innings. Romero gave up a solo HR in the 1st. In the 2nd, Romero allowed a leadoff single and a 2-run HR. After that HR, Romero allowed a single and BB over the 2nd – 5th innings.
In the 5th, CF Hyeseong Kim had a bunt single. He then moved to 2nd on a sac bunt by 3B Taylor Young. I did not see the play, but I do not understand why Kim did not try to steal 2B. Maybe Young was trying to bunt for a base hit. Kim moved to 3rd on a F8 and scored on RF Zach Ehrhard’s single. We are getting used to Ehrhard coming through in the clutch.
Four OKC relievers followed Romero and pitched 1.0 scoreless inning each.
- RHRP Jose Rodriguez
- RHRP Evan Phillips
- LHRP Jake Eder
- RHRP Keynan Middleton
In the OKC 9th inning, LF Jack Suwinski drew a BB, C Griffin Lockwood-Powell and Kim singled to load the bases with nobody out. Young hit a 2-run game tying single, but the Comets could not push the winning run in.
RHRP Jerming Rosario entered in the 10th. A sac bunt pushed the placed runner to 3rd with one out where he scored on a sac fly.
Down again to their last inning, 1B Ryan Fitzgerald was the placed runner. First batter, DH James Tibbs III hit a game winning 2-run walkoff HR, his 20th of the year.
Kim was the only OKC batter with more than one hit, with 2 singles, and Tibbs III was the only OKC batter with an XBH.
NW Arkansas Naturals (KC) 6 – Tulsa Drillers 5
The game started an hour late. The Drillers jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the 2nd. 3B Jake Gelof started with a BB. RF Kole Myers tripled (1) home Gelof and a 1-0 lead. 2B Sean McLain brought home Myers on a SF. After a ground out, C Hayden Gilliland singled and scored on DH Josue De Paula’s 13th HR.
Over the first 3.0 IP, RHSP Peter Heubeck did not allow a run on 2 hits, 1 BB, and 5 K. Heubeck was trying to stretch it to 4 innings for the first time since returning from IL. He walked the first 2 batters in the 4th and LHRP Evan Shaw was brought in. He threw a WP and then a run scoring single. After a strikeout, the runner stole 2nd and the Naturals had runners on 2nd and 3rd. With 2 out, a 2-run single brought NWA to within 1.
RHRP Lucas Wepf entered in the 6th. He allowed a single and triple tying the game.
In the 7th, 2B Sean McLain drew a BB, and 1B Joe Vetrano singled. C Hayden Gilliland doubled (1) to score McLain. A couple of batters later, Vetrano was thrown out at the plate on a fielder’s choice.
RHRP Kelvin Ramirez entered. In his 2nd inning, the first batter reached second on a fielding error. The runner scored on a WP. And the game was again tied.
RHRP Nick Robertson relieved Ramirez in the 9th and retired the side in order, 2 by K.
It took extra innings again, but CF Mike Sirota reached safely in his 56th consecutive game with a BB in the 10th.
Robertson allowed a single to score the placed runner in the 10th for a walkoff win.
- Hayden Gilliland – 2-4, 1 run, 1 RBI, double (1)
- Kole Myers – 1-4, 1 run, 1 RBI, triple (1)
- Josue De Paula – 1-5, 1 run, 2 RBI, HR (13)
Even with the loss, Tulsa won the 1st half championship in the Texas League.
Great Lakes Loons 5 – Lake County Captains (Cleveland) 4 – 8 innings
The game started out fantastically. RHSP Aidan Foeller pitched 4.2 perfect innings with 6 K. After allowing a single, he was lifted for LHRP Jacob Frost. Frost allowed a single in 1.1 IP through the 6th. In the 7th, he allowed a BB, threw a WP, had a K, and then a RBI single.
RHRP Dilan Figueredo then nearly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory . With a runner on 1st, Figueredo walked the first batter and the next hit a game tying 3-run HR.
RF Eduardo Quintero hit a two out double (15) in the bottom of the 7th, but did not score.
Figueredo pitched a scoreless 8th.
Bottom of the 8th, DH Jose Meza was the placed runner who moved to 3rd on a ground out. On a ground ball to 1B Jose Meza beat the throw home for the walkoff win.
The Loons were shut out for four innings, but put up 4 in the 5th. LF Samuel Munoz and 3B Jose D. Hernandez both singled. Both runners moved up on 2B Jose Izarra’s sac bunt, with Izarra reaching 1st. CF Charles Davalan brought home Munoz with a Sac Fly. RF Eduardo Quintero hit a 2 run double. Quintero stole 3B and scored on the catcher’s throwing error. Those four runs held up until the 7th inning.
The Loons need to win the 2nd game to have any chance for the 1st half championship.
- Eduardo Quintero – 2-4, 1 run, 2 RBI, 2 doubles (15)
- Samuel Munoz – 2-3, 1 run
Lake County Captains (Cleveland) 3 – Great Lakes Loons 2
RHSP Christian Zazueta pitched the game of his professional life. He pitched a perfect 5.0 innings, striking out 7. He only threw 58 pitches so why he was pulled, I have no idea.
In the 3rd, LF Charles Davalan doubled and stole 3rd. SS Emil Morales singled to score Davalan.
The game remained 1-0 until the 6th. CF Eduardo Quintero singled, stole 2nd and 3rd (29th SB), and scored on 1B Jose Meza’s single.
After the brilliant start by Zazueta, RHRP Isaac Ayon gave it away. 3 walks and a 2-run scoring double. Thanks to a Quintero to 2B Jose Izarra relay to C Victor Rodrigues cut down the go-ahead run at the plate, the game was only tied.
Ayon allowed a walkoff HR and the chances of a 1st half championship disappeared. As it turns out, Dayton won their last 5 games and won the first half championship division, a game over Lake County and 2 games over Great Lakes. But that was not known at the time.
Morales was 2-4 with an RBI. 3B Cameron Decker’s and Davalan’s doubles were the only XBH.
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 11 – Ontario Tower Buzzers 2
I think it is evident that the pitching was not all that in this one. The one exception was RHRP Brock Stewart. Stewart allowed 1 hit, and registered 1 K.
Offense? 3 singles, 2 by DH Easton Shelton.
In the 8th, 2B Javier Herrera and RF Mairo Martinus both reached with BB. After WP, both runners were in scoring position. One of Shelton’s singles plated both runners.
Not much else to report, except Ontario had more errors (5) than hits (3).
ACL Giants 9 – ACL Dodgers 5
Not much to positively write about for the pitching.
3 of the starting 8 were on rehab assignments: 2B Logan Wagner, CF Matt Gorski, DH Sam Mongelli.
- 2B Logan Wagner – 3-4, double (2)
- C Eduardo Rojas – 3-4, 2 runs, 1 RBI, HR (1)
- LF Jose Gonzalez – 2-4, 1 run, 1 RBI, double (6)
- CF Matt Gorski – 1-4, 1 BB, 1 run, 1 RBI, double (3)
DSL LAD Mega 17 – DSL Padres Brown 10
Mega LHSP Miguel Herrera started and completed 3.0 scoreless innings. LHRP Victor Tovar pitched the next two scoreless innings. Three other relievers allowed 10 runs over the next 4 innings, 8 hits and 6 BB.
- LF Helvin Mendoza – 3-5, 1 BB, 1 run, 2 RBI
- CF Erny Orellana – 3-4, 1 BB, 4 runs, 4 RBI, double (2), triple (2)
- RF Hendry Arvelo – 1-2, 3 BB, 1 run, 2 RBI, double (3)
DSL Padres Gold 10 – DSL LAD Bautista 9 – 7 Innings
DSL Padres Gold jumped out to an 8-0 lead and did not look back. Four LAD Bautista pitchers allowed the 10 runs over 6.0 innings. RHRP Angel Rodriguez pitched the 7th inning and was the only Bautista pitcher to hold DSL Padres Gold scoreless.
- CF Rubel Arias – 2-3, 2 runs, 4 RBI, SF, HR (2)
- C Ricardo Pulles – 2-3, 2 runs
- RF Fran-Jean Haseth – 1-4, 1 run, 3 RBI, HR (3)
- DH Haram Hernandez – 1-3, 2 runs, double (4)
Discussion (65)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Second inning was best pitched inning of Sasaki’s Dodger career so far!
JDP will have a hard time getting that DH job.
I’ve long lobbied for JDP to learn to play 1B, mostly because the Dodgers’ OF is so crowded with prospect talent, and someday Freddie will retire.
The surplus of talent is another reason why JDP should NOT be “untouchable.” Is he really that much better than Sirota, Hope, Quintero, Morales, Tibbs and others?
Oh, congrats to Shohei and his missus on baby number two….
Also, congrats to World Series defensive star Justin Dean, now with the Cubs, for getting his first hit in the majors–a bases-clearing triple!
Yes, Dean never got a hit for the Dodgers en route to earning his WS ring. But we fans will never forget how Dean heroically raised his arms to signal to the umps that Addison Barger’s drive had lodged at the base of the wall, probably preventing a run from scoring. That was baseball IQ web gem without the web.
thanks to true blue LA, I was pointed to thisYouTube vid where Doug McCain of Dodgers Nation said he spoke with Keith Law who indicated that JDP may not be untouchable in the Dodgers eyes. This is mainly due to his defense as, according to Law, he’s either going to end up a bad corner OF, a 1B or a DH.
https://youtu.be/ygOZeFtoh_M?is=S4ZLeUsEXHtzKqI4
Edwin Díaz took an important first step in his return to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic first reported that Díaz threw a bullpen session on Friday at Dodger Stadium as the hard-throwing righty looks to make his way back to the Dodgers’ bullpen”.
10:10 PM ET
Orioles (35-41)
Dodgers (48-27)
SP Trey Gibson R
1-2 5.91 ERA
SP Roki Sasaki R
3-4 4.76 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
RF Kyle Tucker L
CF Andy Pages R
1B F. Freeman L
SS Mookie Betts R
3B Max Muncy L
LF Tommy Edman S
DH Ryan Ward L
C D. Rushing L
2B A. Freeland S
68° Wind 10 mph Out
NO Ohtani
A response of mine to Phil Jones is somewhere? In limbo? Purgatory?
It is of negligible value (as all of my posts are) but it’s part of the conversation we have…
Katie Woo got AF to go on record WRT River Ryan ($$$$)
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7374308/2026/06/19/dodgers-river-ryan-call-up-timeline/?source=user_shared_article&unlocked_article_code=1.rlA.mhXJ.EOwUzExwl1T0
“Obviously (Ryan) is incredibly talented, and he’s going to be a big part of what we do going forward,” Friedman said. “But we’ve seen it with a lot of our young guys coming back from major surgery; it’s tough. And as much as we can ease that process along to have him in as good a spot to not only help us at the major-league level, but also be a very strong option for us in October, the better.”
Per Ardaya:
– Edwin Díaz’s bullpen went well. Going to keep ramping up
– Blake Snell is getting close to throwing a bullpen session
– Teoscar Hernández is tracking to start a rehab (likely AAA) next week
– Brock Stewart getting close, Evan Phillips early July
I just watched Miquel Vargas, who is leading off for the White Sox today, challenge a strike called against him by Skrubal, on the 4th pitch of the game.
He lost.
That leaves one challenge remaining for the Sox for 27 outs.
That just doesn’t seem like a good idea.
Thanks for the clarification, Bluto.
You must be hanging with a different crowd than I do. I don’t recall comments from my circle saying that it’s morally wrong for a black teenager to make a lot of money and being pulled into the professional ranks.
And yes, that would seem to be racist.
Bluto, reading your post again, I may have misunderstand your comment. And maybe not.
So are you saying that “the distain or dislike” of the NBA signing 18 year old was based on racism? Like people didn’t like its because they weren’t signing white players?
I never liked the fact that the NBA signed kids right out of high school. Giving an 18-year-old that kind of cash cannot be a good thing. I also do not see most high school players as mature enough to manage a huge bonus if they are first rounders.
No comments yet on Manfred and the Owner’s interest in reducing the Amateur Draft to 12 rounds, minimum age 20 and no high schoolers drafted? Implementation of an International Draft with the draft age set at 18?
That’s supposed to drastically save the owners $$$$. Those poor bastards are obviously going broke paying players for 20 rounds, the last 12 rounds paying $150,000 per signee.
Let college baseball pick up the tab for player development until age 20.
Would that include expansion of Independent Teams? Last I checked, not every high school kid has the interest or the grades to be admitted to 4-year colleges, so the Community Colleges could be used to prepare a kid who could be in the Bigs by age 21?
I also dislike the age disparity between the US Draft and the International Draft in this ridiculous proposal, which has been widely rejected by the international countries. Especially, the Latin youngsters have benefitted, in my opinion, being able to sign at 16.5 while the US kids sign at 18. A US college kid can’t sign until 21 or a junior, currently. A Latin kid has 4.5 years of pro ball by age 21, when US college kids can sign. 2 years in the DSL and academies, followed by MiLB with good coaching, is a huge advantage over a US kid playing at Podunk State before signing.
I foresee a lawsuit about this disparity right off the bat (pun intended) between this age difference in each draft.
So. those poor owners can save on draft bonus money and player develop when colleges are expected to develop players for free.
Boy those owners must be barely scrapping by to wanting all these moves to save some bucks. Reducing the number of minor league teams, and promoting college baseball, seems the next logical step.
If this is part of CBA we may see baseball back in about 2030.
All games blacked out here in my area! Oh well. The Dodgers will probably sweep the O’s . Just another boring weekend watching the Dodgers avoided!!! Who wants to watch them win again!??? (Me)
Will be interesting to see Yamamoto Saturday. Last time he faced the Orioles he almost pitched a no hitter. And his last game he almost threw a no hitter. Bound to happen sometime!
Aroldis Chapman suffers from severe depression. He now fully acknowledges it, but he will not dwell on it, and he does not want to discuss it with the media. He has received therapy with a clinical therapist and has spoken openly with his teammates. I do not know if he is medically treated, and I will not hazard a guess. I fully understand what Chapman is going through as I too suffer from severe depression. Mine is medically treated, and I continue therapy, as I like the talks.
Some comment that he is guilty of domestic violence. Maybe in the eyes of MLB Commissioner and his lackeys, and with some members of the press, but not legally. He was accused of pushing and strangling his then girlfriend, which he denies. He acknowledges firing the gun, but not hurting his girlfriend.
“His girlfriend, 22-year-old Cristina Barnea, told police he pushed and choked her during an Oct. 30 incident at his home in Davie. Chapman said there was an argument but he was pushed down by Barnea’s brother, then got a handgun and fired eight shots into a wall and window while locked in his garage.”
Police could not find any evidence to corroborate Barnea’s description or to dispute Chapman’s. Charges were never filed. He no longer owns a gun.
While not knowing his depression triggers or personality disorders that emanate from them, my “GUESS” is that people in the know were more concerned with what he would do to himself, more than him hurting others. I “GUESS” that because I know how that works.
Chapman has been a model citizen since. He has been considered standoffish and moody as a player. I am sure he has been. Same comments have been directed towards Kyle Tucker. AF has to be sure that his personality will mesh with his current dugout, but if satisfied, there is absolutely no reason to not get him. if that is what they believe will help with the 3-peat.
Yankees said to be looking for a RH hitting catcher to pair with Austin Wells. Pitching matchups for the Orioles. Tonight: Trey Gibson vs Sasaki, Saturday Night: Trevor Rogers vs Yamamoto, Sunday Evening: Brandon Young Vs Sheehan
Really great stuff in Longenhagen’s chat:
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/eric-longenhagen-prospects-chat-6-19-2026/
Touches on DePaula, MLB’s development proposal, Manfred, International draft adn more…
Friday’s Dodger Affiliates’ Schedule
4:05 p.m. PT: Great Lakes (Brooks Auger) vs. Lake County (Michael Kennedy)
5:05 p.m. PT: Oklahoma City (Charlie Barnes) vs. Sacramento (Joe Whitman)
5:05 p.m. PT: Tulsa (Roque Gutierrez) at NW Arkansas (Hunter Owen)
6:35 p.m. PT: Ontario (TBA) vs. Rancho Cucamonga (Alton Davis II)
Has anyone heard any updates on Kendall George, since his knee injury while avoiding the dog?
Bobby Witt Jr sustained a knee injury in yesterday’s game against the Cardinals.
It’s good to see Logan Wagner back in action in the Rookie League.
Hopefully, he is back with Great Lakes when I go see them play the last week of this month.
Joey Bart was traded by the Pirates to the Braves. He is rehabbing in the minors right now from a foot infection.
What happened to Zazueta? I didn’t listen to the clip. Thx
It would appear MiLB pitching in general is not sparkling. But, yes, maybe the repaired broken parts will be good enough.
“Remember… when you are negotiating, if you want 100, you ask for 300.”
Ok, what’s your counter?
I’ve seen those rumors too. But isn’t this the same guy the dodgers said no thank you to a few years ago for his off field problems? I guess he’s reformed! Also saw the Glaber rumors to play second base. I question his defensive skills, although he has been better in Detroit. Good bat. Rumor was he could be part of a Skubal package.
Anxious to get Phillips back. Don’t know what to expect from Brock S. But we deal with that every time Enriquez takes the mound. He kind of reminds me of Graterol. 102 going somewhere!
Rumors are that the Dodgers MAY BE interested in Aroldis Chapman of the Red Sox Per Passan of ESPN. He has the odds of acquiring him at 90%. Passan is one of the more reliable MLB sources.
Soon to be ,Phillips and Stewart will be welcome additions to an overworked bullpen.
Santiago Espinal has cleared waivers and elected free agency, according to the MLB.com transaction log. The Dodgers designated the veteran infielder for assignment on Tuesday when Tommy Edman returned from injury.
The major explanation for why Ward came up over Tibbs is that Ward is on the 40-Man Roster and Tibbs is not. If they had called up Tibbs instead of Ward, they would have had to DFA Ward, and I don’t think they are ready to do that. Tibbs has been dealing with a minor forearm strain that affects his throwing but not his batting, thus the DH play. He is actively on a throwing program to rebuild his arm strength so he can return to the outfield or first base. If Ward does not pan out, he may very well be DFA’d, and JT3 called up… if he stays hot! His defense is a “work in progress.” That’s a kind way of saying, “defense is not his thing.”
I too believe in Sirota, but I can’t see them starting his “clock” this year… unless disaster strikes. I never say never, but I might say “never” on Root this year. I can’t see any way we see him in LA this season.
Kike is also progressing and can play CF as can Call.
Great stuff, Jeff. Gracias.
Funny, but I find it encouraging that Shelton hit two singles instead of his usual HR….Two singles are two times he didn’t strike out!….
I wonder why Tibbs is DHing. Previously, it was reported he had some sort of wrist injury that kept him from playing in the field, but didn’t prevent him from hitting. Odd. That was, as I recall it, a partial explanation for why Ward got summoned to LA and not the red-hot Tibbs…
If, heaven forbid, Pages goes down with a serious injury, the Dodgers would need a centerfielder. I’d like to see Sirota get thrown into the deep end, considering the hype. The “safe” move would be to promote Suwinski or Alek Thomas or maybe Ehrhard. But Sirota allegedly has the “it” factor….
Bood to see Brock Stewart progressing. If the Dodgers need extra arms or relief help down the stretch, I’m guessing that Zach Root might get the call.