NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
It’s June and that means a ton of exciting summer baseball. Unfortunately injuries have a grip on pitchers league wide and changing seasons for teams. But all is not lost and this is not a doom and gloom column this is the week in baseball through my eyes. So here is what I have been taken a look at the last few weeks across MLB.
The last few weeks/months, several high-profile MLB pitchers landed on the injured list, reflecting a troubling trend across the league. Notably, Corbin Burnes (Diamondbacks) and Pablo López (Twins) will undergo Tommy John surgery, sidelining them for the season. Hunter Greene (Reds) was placed on the IL with an unspecified injury, while Shane Bieber (Guardians) paused his Tommy John rehab due to soreness. George Kirby (Mariners) also faced a setback, though specifics remain unclear. These injuries add to a growing list, with 132 of 166 players on the IL at the season’s start being pitchers, per MLB data. The league’s 2024 report noted a rise in UCL surgeries from 104 in 2010 to 281 in 2024, driven by increased velocity and max-effort pitching. While the pitch clock is debated, the focus on “stuff” over durability continues to fuel this epidemic, impacting rotations league-wide. Maybe old school is still cool and we need to see a serious refocus on pitching and taking care of pitchers who are elite for teams.
Aaron Judge’s .400 Pursuit Intensifies
Aaron Judge is flirting with history, boasting a .390 batting average that has fans buzzing about a potential .400 season—the first since Ted Williams in 1941. While his career-high average is .322, Judge’s current tear, fueled by his 21 home runs and .746 slugging percentage, has him on the cusp of this rare milestone. Every at-bat is a spectacle, especially after his recent 4-for-4 game against the Dodgers. With the Yankees holding a 4.5-game lead in the AL East, Judge’s MVP-caliber season is a cornerstone of their success. The challenge? Maintaining this pace as pitchers adjust and the summer grind sets in. I am here for all of it!
Cubs and Tigers Steal the Spotlight
The Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers are defying expectations, emerging as potential contenders in a season dominated by talk of powerhouses like the Phillies and Braves. The Cubs, tied for the NL’s best record, have capitalized on a softer schedule against teams like the Marlins, with prospects Matt Shaw and Pete Crow-Armstrong leading the charge. Meanwhile, the Tigers have flirted with the AL’s top record, showcasing a balanced roster. Their recent series against each other highlighted their potential to disrupt the postseason picture. Can these underdogs sustain their momentum against elite competition? The coming weeks will tell. And with fan bases that live and die for their teams through thick and thin this is fun. I really hope both can keep it up and be a factor in October. It’s a good thing for baseball.
Shohei Ohtani’s Home Run Rampage
Shohei Ohtani is rewriting the record books, tied for the MLB lead with 23 home runs and on pace for a possible 60-homer season—while gearing up to resume pitching for the Dodgers. His .635 slugging percentage and 11 stolen bases underscore his singular brilliance. Fresh off a standout performance in the Dodgers’ high-profile series against the Yankees, Ohtani’s chase for 60 homers—a mark reached by only six players in history—captivates the baseball world. As he balances hitting and pitching prep, every game adds to his legend as the reigning NL MVP. We are ALL watching history every time he takes the field. Stay up and watch him play you will not regret it.
Looking Ahead: Dodgers vs. Cardinals
Mark your calendars for the Dodgers-Cardinals series (June 9-11), a clash with playoff implications. The Dodgers, holding a one-game lead in the NL West, face a Cardinals team riding a two-game winning streak. St. Louis, powered by breakout star Victor Scott II, has transformed from rebuilders to contenders, making this series a litmus test for both squads. Expect fireworks as Ohtani faces the Cardinals’ surging rotation, while Scott looks to cement his status as a rising star. This matchup could reshape the NL standings and offer a glimpse of October’s intensity.
June will provide us with so much to discuss. And with more afternoon games popping up this is the time to catch a game or 3. Nothing like summer baseball with a cold beer and some crazy food creation in your hand.
