MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

[Itsma806]

2026 Houston Astros 06/30-07/02

Overall Record: 43-43 (1st AL West/2.5 over Texas Rangers)

Game Results:

Game 1
Nationals-2
Astros-1

Game 2
Astros-10
Nationals-5

Game 3
Astros-6
Nationals-4

Astros take series in Washington to again return to .500.

Houston is taking full advantage of the weak AL West as they once again return to .500 with a 2-1 series over the Nationals.

Houston fell to 41-43 after their series opening loss to Washington. They then won the last two games of the series, 10-5 and 6-4 with Braxton Garrett and Ronel Blanco collecting wins. Rumor has it that despite the win, Houston is currently shopping Garrett who came over to Houston earlier in the year but has struggled since joining the team

Houston brought Garrett over to be their missing LHP in the rotation but he has not settled in and each of his starts have seen the team bracing for another loss.

With the trade rumors swirling, Houston will look to continue their hot start to July as they travel to Tampa to take on the Rays (46-42/4th AL East).

Walker wins AL player of the month.

Christian Walker was great for Houston in June and took home the player of the month honors. In June, Walker had a .371 average, 11 HR and 22 RBI's in 97 at bats. He joins Hunter Brown as the first twon Astros to receive a monthly award in 2026. Brown was the pitcher of the month in May with his 5-0 record, 1.71 ERA and 50 strikeouts. Houston is currently waiting on his return and he seems to be a week or so away from that.

[countryboy]

Cardinals trade Tony Gonsolin to the Marlins for prospect

The Cardinals have traded RHP Tony Gonsolin to the Marlins for RHP prospect Willie Sawyer. Gonsolin was claimed off waivers by the Cards last season and was a vital piece to the rotation thru the end of the season and into the playoffs. The Cardinals who are looking for younger arms for the bullpen made the trade for Sawyer who was 4th round pick in the 2028 draft by the Marlins. The 20 year old will likely join the Springfield club in AA.

[The Gamer]

Cubs Salvage Finale in Philadelphia, Eye Momentum at Wrigley

By Chicago Tribune Staff
June 12, 2025

PHILADELPHIA — For two nights, the Cubs looked stuck in the same gear that’s haunted them much of June. Kerry Wood couldn’t escape a tough inning in the opener, and Kevin Tapani was roughed up the following night. The Phillies rode those cracks to back-to-back wins, pushing Chicago into a corner.

But Wednesday afternoon, the bats finally punched back. Mark Clark got enough support behind him, and the middle of the order delivered timely power as the Cubs pulled out an 11–5 victory, salvaging the series before returning home.

Game 1 (June 9) — Phillies 6, Cubs 1

Rookie ace Kerry Wood didn’t have his sharpest command, allowing four earned in seven innings. Chicago’s lone run came off the bat of catcher Sandy Martínez, whose RBI double was a bright spot. Errors by Shawon Dunston and twin double plays from Sammy Sosa short-circuited any late push.

Game 2 (June 10) — Phillies 10, Cubs 6

Tapani’s struggles continued — seven runs in just over four innings. Sosa, however, nearly dragged the Cubs back on his own. The slugger homered and drove in four, part of a three-hit night. Scott Servais and Brant Brown chipped in, but the staff couldn’t stop the bleeding.

Game 3 (June 11) — Cubs 11, Phillies 5

Everything clicked at last. Henry Rodríguez launched two home runs, Jason Maxwell added one of his own, and Lance Johnson sprayed three hits. The Cubs piled up 16 knocks, while Clark survived five shaky frames before the bullpen slammed the door.

> “That’s the fight we needed,” manager Jim Riggleman said afterward. “We’ve got a long homestand coming, and we want to ride this into Wrigley.”




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What’s Next: Four with the Pirates

The Cubs (34–34) return home for a crucial stretch against the Pittsburgh Pirates (26–43), who sit buried in the standings but bring several tricky arms to the mound.

Thursday (June 12): Geremi González (6–1, 3.95) vs. José Silva (5–3, 3.87)

Friday (June 13): Steve Trachsel (6–3, 2.68) vs. Jon Lieber (1–8, 4.66)

Saturday (June 14): Kerry Wood (8–3, 3.62) vs. Francisco Córdova (6–3, 3.10)

Sunday (June 15): Kevin Tapani (3–7, 5.44) vs. Jason Schmidt (3–4, 3.07)


Pittsburgh’s rotation is stronger than its record suggests. Silva and Córdova have kept ERAs near 3.00, while Schmidt owns one of the league’s best curveballs. Chicago will counter with three-fifths of its regular rotation, though Tapani remains a concern after repeated rough outings.

The spotlight, though, stays on Sosa and Rodríguez. Both outfielders are swinging some of the hottest bats in the league, and a friendly Wrigley breeze could make for fireworks against a Pirates club that struggles to score in bunches.

> “We need to take care of business at home,” said first baseman Mark Grace. “.500 isn’t where we want to be. This is the stretch to climb.”

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[countryboy]

Cardinals re-sign Nolan Arenado to one year deal

The Cardinals and 3B Nolan Arenado agreed to a one year reunion this winter. Arenado is coming back to St.Louis next year for $7.5M. The 38 year old hit .255 for the Cards last year, but did hit 23 homeruns and drive in 87 runs. The Cardinals looked to address 3rd base via free agency but missed out on Jose Ramirez and Josh Jung, so they decided to reach out to Arenado for a possible reunion which he accepted.

The Cardinals did have internal options at 3rd base in Jordan Walker, Luis Ravelo and Jackson Holliday (putting JJ Wetherholt at 2nd base) but decided they want the veteran Arenado to man the hot corner one more season while they develop a plan for the position going forward.

This signing likely means the only positional open competition will be right field when Spring Training starts in 2 weeks.

[Bgrd1080]

Got another series in. These Rockies are bad man..

[Bgrd1080]

Reds Sweep Rockies as Pitching Woes Continue

Game 1: Reds 5, Rockies 2
CINCINNATI — Rookie Jaden Hill looked sharp early but unraveled in the 6th as Cincinnati capitalized. Matt McLain’s two-run triple opened the scoring, while Nick Martini answered with an RBI triple for Colorado. Kyle Farmer tied things with his fourth homer of the year, but Jeimer Candelario’s RBI single in the 6th put Cincinnati back on top. Angel Chivilli bailed Hill out of a bases loaded jam, but Tyler Kinley later surrendered a two-run shot to T.J. Friedl.
Alexis Díaz and Emilio Pagán shut it down in the 8th and 9th.
On the bright side for Colorado: Hunter Goodman extended his hitting streak to 11 games, and Martini finished a homer shy of the cycle.

Game 2: Reds 6, Rockies 4
Colorado welcomed back Austin Gomber from the injured list, sending Angel Chivilli down after a rough start to the year (17 runs in 12.1 IP). Gomber was steady, but the bullpen once again collapsed.Victor Vodnik blew his third save of the season, surrendering three runs in the 9th.
Matt McLain, who tormented the Rockies all series, homered to cap Cincinnati’s comeback.

Game 3: Reds 6, Rockies 5
The finale was a back-and-forth slugfest that came down to the late innings.
Stuart Fairchild broke a tie in the 7th with a solo homer, giving the Reds the lead for good.
Neither starter, Andrew Abbott for Cincinnati or Kyle Freeland for Colorado — was especially sharp, but the Reds’ bullpen held firm. Colorado’s bats hung in, but once again, relief pitching and missed opportunities sealed their fate.

[Bgrd1080]

Rockies Fall Again

Game 1: Braves 3, Rockies 0
Marcell Ozuna extended his hit streak to 15 games with a single in the 6th, setting the table for Austin Riley’s RBI single that gave Atlanta a 1–0 lead. Rockies starter Antonio Senzatela was chased with the bases loaded in the 6th, and reliever Jake Bird limited the damage by inducing a double play after Jarred Kelenic drove in one run. The Braves added two more late while the Rockies managed just two hits all game, one in the 1st and one in the 9th.

Game 2: Braves 13, Rockies 10 (12 innings)
A marathon in Denver saw both offenses trading blows. Ryan McMahon belted two home runs, but a costly Keston Hiura bobble at first base in the 11th extended the inning. In the 12th, rookie Jaden Hill surrendered back to back homers, sealing the Rockies fate. Michael Harris drove in four runs, and the Braves finished with 18 hits and 13 runs. Colorado battled with 12 hits and 10 runs, but Atlanta pulled away in extras.

Game 3: Rockies 2, Braves 0
The Rockies avoided a sweep with a rare shutout. Bradley Blalock tossed eight innings of four hit ball, with seven strikeouts, and Victor Vodnik closed it out for the save. Offensively, Keston Hiura and Hunter Goodman delivered RBI doubles to account for the game’s only runs.

Atlanta takes two of three and improves to 11–20, heading to Los Angeles to face the defending World Series champion Dodgers (16–15).
Colorado falls to 8–22, and heads to San Francisco (18–13) on a positive note after the shutout win.

[Bgrd1080]

Rockies Avoid the 4 Game Sweep Continue to Lose

Game 1: Giants 7, Rockies 6
The Rockies welcomed back Thairo Estrada from the IL, while Mickey Moniak was DFA’d after hitting just .119 in 59 at-bats. Estrada slotted in at short, giving Ezequiel Tovar his first day as DH this season and moving Kris Bryant to first base.

The Rockies jumped ahead early with a Tyler Fitzgerald leadoff homer, an Estrada sac fly, and a Hunter Goodman three-run blast (3) for a 4–0 lead. San Francisco chipped away, and by the 5th, a Sam Huff homer tied it at 4–4.
Back and forth action followed, Willy Adames gave the Giants the lead in the 6th, but Kyle Farmer’s two run shot (5) swung it back to Colorado. Fitzgerald answered again with his second homer of the night, and Heliot Ramos doubled home the go ahead run. Ryan Walker closed it out for the Giants’ 5th straight win.

Game 2: Giants 5, Rockies 0
A complete reversal of Game 1, this was all Giants. Matt Chapman and Jung Hoo Lee homered, while the pitching staff dominated, holding Colorado to just 5 hits with 11 strikeouts. San Francisco extended their win streak to six.

Game 3: Giants 4, Rockies 2 (10 innings)
Extra innings brought heartbreak for Colorado. Kris Bryant homered, and doubles from Jordan Beck, Estrada, and Goodman kept them in the fight. But in the 10th, Mike Yastrzemski walked it off with a two run homer. To make matters worse, Jordan Beck suffered a severe hamstring tear and is expected to miss two months.

Game 4: Rockies 4, Giants 0
Colorado avoided the sweep behind a vintage performance from Germán Márquez, who tossed a four hit complete game shutout with 9 strikeouts. The Rockies scratched across runs in the 1st, 2nd, and 8th to back him.
San Francisco took 3 of 4, running their winning streak to 7 before the Rockies’ finale win snapped it. Colorado (9–25) heads home to host the Tigers (17–18), then the Padres (18–16).
The loss of Jordan Beck (hamstring, out 2 months) is a major blow to Colorado’s lineup as he appeared to be turning the corner.

[Itsma806]

2026 Houston Astros 07/03-07/05Crustua

Overall Record:43-46 (2nd AL West/0.5 behind Texas Rangers)

Game Results:

Game 1
Rays-5
Astros-3

Game 2
Rays-6
Astros-4

Game 3
Rays-5
Astros-1

Astros fall to 2nd in West after suffering sweep to Rays.

Houston lost all three games against the Rays, 5-3, 6-4 and 5-1.

Houston had a strong outing from starter Cristian Javier in game three but a walk off grand slam by Lawrence Butler sealed their fate as they lost the game 5-1 and the series, 3-0. Houston is now 2-3 in July and will look to get back on the right track as they head home to face the 4th place Mariners (41-49).

[The Gamer]

CHICAGO CUBS SERIES RECAP – JUNE 12–15, 2025

Pirates take three of four at Wrigley; Tapani halts slide in finale


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Game 1 – June 12: Pirates 3, Cubs 1

The series opened with frustration for Chicago as the offense left 15 hits stranded on the bases. Geremi González was sharp early but cracked in the middle innings, surrendering all three Pirate runs.
Mark Grace delivered the lone RBI, while Sammy Sosa stayed hot with a 4-for-4 night that raised his average to .325. The Cubs rolled into the weekend still searching for timely hits.

Highlights:

Grace: 2-for-4, 2 doubles, RBI

Sosa: 4-for-4

González: 7.0 IP, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K



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Game 2 – June 13: Pirates 9, Cubs 8

A slugfest broke out on Friday as the Cubs launched four home runs but couldn’t protect an early lead. Brant Brown, Henry Rodríguez, and Shawon Dunston all went deep, with Rodríguez driving in three more to bring his total to 31 homers on the season.
Steve Trachsel left with a 3-3 tie before the bullpen imploded — Terry Adams gave up five runs as Pittsburgh stormed back late. Chicago’s bats nearly rescued the night, but the rally fell short.

Highlights:

Rodríguez: 3-for-4, HR (30), 3 RBI

Dunston: HR (4), 2 RBI

Brown: HR (9), 2 RBI



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Game 3 – June 14: Pirates 8, Cubs 3

Kerry Wood’s strikeout stuff was electric — 10 punchouts — but the Pirates made him work hard, tagging him for five earned over eight innings. Henry Rodríguez provided the Cubs’ lone spark with his 31st homer, while Lance Johnson added three hits and a stolen base.
It was a tough afternoon for the North Siders, who dropped their third straight and watched the Pirates clinch the series.

Highlights:

Rodríguez: HR (31), RBI

Johnson: 3-for-5, SB (10)

Wood: 8.0 IP, 10 H, 5 ER, 10 K



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Game 4 – June 15: Cubs 5, Pirates 1

Finally, a sigh of relief. Kevin Tapani went the distance, scattering 11 hits but limiting the damage to a single run in a vintage 1998-style performance.
Henry Rodríguez stayed scorching, belting his 31st homer and driving in three, while Sammy Sosa doubled and homered for RBI No. 67 on the year. Kevin Orie joined the fun with a solo shot — his third — as the Cubs avoided the sweep and regained some momentum heading into the next set.

Highlights:

Tapani: CG (9.0 IP, 11 H, 1 ER, 5 K)

Rodríguez: HR (31), 3 RBI

Sosa: HR (23), 2 R, 2 H



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PLAYER OF THE SERIES: HENRY RODRÍGUEZ

The left-field slugger was unstoppable — 7-for-14 (.500) with 3 HR and 8 RBI in the series. He now sits among the league’s elite in both home runs and RBIs, carrying the Cubs’ offense through a rough weekend.

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[The Gamer]

CUBS.COM SERIES PREVIEW – JUNE 17–19, 2025

Astros (48–25) at Cubs (35–37)

Venue: Wrigley Field • Night games Tuesday/Wednesday, Day game Thursday
TV: WGN Chicago • Radio: 720 AM – The Score


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Storylines: Power Meets Pressure

Fresh off a much-needed Father’s Day win over Pittsburgh, the Cubs now turn their attention to the powerhouse Houston Astros — owners of the National League’s best record and a deep, veteran rotation.

Chicago enters at 35–37 and looking to climb back to .500, powered by the red-hot middle of the order. Henry Rodríguez (31 HR, 72 RBI) continues to lead the league in long balls, while Sammy Sosa (26 HR, 67 RBI) is heating up in classic June fashion — closing fast on his real-life 1998 home run pace.


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Projected Pitching Matchups

GameDateMatchupNotes

Game 1Tue 6/17 • 7:05 PMGeremi González (6–2, 3.94) vs Pete Schourek (10–1, 1.94)González draws the NL’s hottest starter; both right-handers lean on sharp command and heavy fastballs.
Game 2Wed 6/18 • 7:05 PMMark Clark (4–6, 5.64) vs Sean Bergman (5–7, 2.90)Clark seeks consistency after a rollercoaster June; Bergman’s ERA ranks top ten in the NL.
Game 3Thu 6/19 • 1:20 PMSteve Trachsel (6–3, 2.81) vs John Halama (3–2, 3.93)The rubber match (and potential getaway win) features one of the NL’s stingiest arms in Trachsel.



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Players to Watch

Sammy Sosa, RF — Up to 26 HR, matching his trademark June surge; has homered in three of his last five.

Henry Rodríguez, LF — Leads MLB with 31 HR and 72 RBI; continues to carry the middle of the lineup.

Mark Grace, 1B — Quietly raking at .340, with doubles in nine of his last ten games.

Geremi González, SP — Club leader in wins and innings; draws Houston for the first time this year.



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By the Numbers

Team ERA: Cubs 4.35 | Astros 2.89

Runs per Game: Cubs 4.7 | Astros 5.1

Home Record: Cubs 18–17 | Astros 21–11 (road)



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What’s at Stake

Chicago’s trying to shake off its early-June slump and reclaim momentum. A strong showing against Houston could pull the Cubs within one game of .500 before the weekend and set the tone for a big homestand that includes Seattle next.

Manager Jim Riggleman summed it up best: “We don’t back down from anybody. This is Wrigley Field in June — we expect fireworks.”


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After Houston

The Cubs will welcome the Seattle Mariners (June 20–21) for a rare interleague matchup before heading to St. Louis for a three-game weekend set.

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[Bgrd1080]

Want to try a different format, so that im not posting every few hours. Especially when Im playing as a terrible team. No need to let you know everytime we lose lol. Having a lot of fun. Doyle and McMahon are a lot of fun to hit with, Goodman appears to be legit and Kyle Farmer has been a hidden gem. Now if I could get my starters to pitch more than 4.5 innings before imploding or pitching a gem to watch the bullpen fall apart, we'd have a few more wins. Contemplating bringing up a few of the prospects like Yanquiel or Chase. But trying to give them time to progress too.

Detroit (17-18) @ Colorado (9-25)
Win 6-5: Rockies walk it off on a Michael Toglia 2 run HR.
Loss 5-4: Jack Fkaherty 7 IP of 2 run ball, 11 K's
Win 7-3: First series win since end of March. Rockies score early & often.

Colorado (11-26) @ San Diego (20-16)
Win 10-4: 5 run 2nd with Toglia, Martini & Estrada HR's
Win 3-2: 1st 3 game winning streak of the season. Marquez 6 IP 2 ER.
Loss 6-2: Bogart and Arraez go deep. Rockies give up 15 hits.

Colorado (13-27) @ Texas (20-21)
Loss 4-1: Josh Jung 2 RBI. Another Rockies starter struggles. again.
Win 6-5: Rockies score 5 in the 9th, Doyle 2 HR's.
Win 3-2: Rockies score go ahead run in 9th on Toglia homerun.

Colorado (15-28) @ Arizona (23-21)
Win 15-1: 6 homeruns for Colorado and Pfaadt gives up 7 in 3.1 IP
Loss 6-3: Gallen and Diamondbacks strong.
Loss 8-5: Marte and Carroll go deep in AZ win.
5/19/25:

Rockies Season Over In May?

Rockies still struggling but have had a better May than April. They've begun 7-5 includ8ng their first 3 game qin streak if the season. A team that struggled to pitch and score runners ins coring position have suddenly had much better luck. The long ball is also in play with the Likes of Doyle and Toglia both going yard a few times. Doyle sits at 10 homeruns on the season. Good enough for 6th in the NL. Unfortunately in a strong NL West theyre already 9.5 games back on the division leading Dodgers.

[Itsma806]

2026 Houston Astros 07/06-07/09

Overall Record: 44-49 (3rd AL West/3.0 behind Texas Rangers)

Game Results:

Game 1
Mariners-6
Astros-5

Game 2
Astros-5
Mariners-4

Game 3
Mariners-6
Astros-4

Game 4
Mariners-11
Astros-0

Astros welcome Brown back to a team that continues to faulter.

Hunter Brown was really the lone bright spot of the Astros 3-1 series loss to their Rivals, the Seattle Mariners. Brown's game two was the only one that Houston won although he wasnt credited with the win himself.

Still, he was great in his return from a two week stint on the IL after taking a line drive to his head that could have been much worse. In his return, Brown went 7 innings, gave up 6 hits, 4 runs and struck out 8 while he walked just a one. Also funnily enough, game two was when a lot of the starters got their game off to not only give them some rest but to give the reserves some playing time. Wouldnt you know it, one of those reserves, catcher Joe Hudson was the hero of the night when he belted his first homerun of the season in walkoff fashion to give Houston the 5-4 lead.

Speaking of Hudson, he has been great in the few chances he has had (.308 avg/.726 OPS). He along with other reserves, Pedro Leon and Cam Smith have all been good in those roles. Still, I dont think that would stay the same if they were given a bigger role.

Either way, with one last series to go before the All-Star break, Houston is guaranteed to enter the break under .500. And, it seems like at least the Rangers have started to play winning ball (7 game winning streak). So Houston will need a good second half performance to avoid their second straight season of missing the playoffs.

For now, for that last series, Houston welcomes the Giants (52-42/2nd NL West) to town for three.

[countryboy]

Cardinals finish Spring with 14-11 record..head towards Opening Day

The Cardinals have concluded Spring Training with a 14-11 record as they now leave Florida and begin the 2029 season. The Cardinals will begin the season in New York with a 4 game series against the Mets and then travel to Toronto for a 3 game series with the Blue Jays before getting their home opener against the Rays a week into the season.

The Cardinals lineup:

LF - Jarren Duran
SS - Masyn Winn
1B - Alec Burleson
3B - Nolan Arenado
DH - Nolan Gorman
CA - Ivan Herrera
2B - Jackson Holliday
RF - Jordan Walker
CF - Victor Scott II

Bench:

CA - Leonardo Bernal
IF - JJ Wetherholt
OF - Elijah Green
OF - Chase Davis


Rotation:

Jack Flaherty
Mattthew Liberatore
Sandy Alcantara
Johan Oviedo
Quinn Matthews


Bullpen:

Dennis Santana
Andre Pallante
Jordan Hicks
Mason Miller
AJ Puk
Luke Weaver
Tyler Holton
Ryan Helsley

[countryboy]

Cardinals drop series to Mets on Opening Weekend

RECORD: 1-3
DIVISION: 2 GB
WILCARD: 1 GB

The Cardinals got the new season off to rocky start by dropping 3 games of their 4 game series with the Mets in New York over Opening Weekend. The Cardinals lost Thursday and Friday as the bullpen was responsible for both losses while the offense did little to help. Saturday Sandy Alcantara tossed 8 innings of solid baseball giving up just 2 runs on 4 hits and recording his first win of the year. Ryan Helsley would get his first save of the year as well. Sunday it was the same ol, same ol, as the bullpen turned a 3-1 lead into a 8-4 defeat when the game ended.

Masyn Winn was the star of the weekend extending his 10 game winning streak from the end of last year to 14 games after this 4 game series hitting a homerun and driving in 4 over the series. Jack Flaherty, Matthew Liberatore, and Johan Oviedo all deserved to win their respective starts but the bullpen of Andre Palante, Luke Weaver, Zack Thompson, and Jordan Hicks turned those wins into losses.

Next up is a 3 game series in Toronto with the Blue Jays