Sports
Slumping Giants, Angels meet with deadline questions looming
Jul 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) during the first inning for the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Two teams taking inventory as the trade deadline approaches go head-to-head Friday night when the San Francisco Giants host a three-game interleague series against the Los Angeles Angels.
The Angels have lost 13 of their last 18 and the Giants 12 of their last 19, falling a combined 33 games out of first place in their respective divisions following their most recent defeats Wednesday.
Los Angeles has scheduled right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (3-3, 8.23 ERA) for the series opener, opposed by San Francisco ace Logan Webb (5-7, 3.87).
The curtain-raiser will feature a somewhat rare Oracle Park appearance by Angels legend Mike Trout, who has hit just one home run in 21 plate appearances over five visits dating back to 2015. In fact, the homer came in Trout’s second game in San Francisco on May 2, 2015, when he took Tim Hudson deep.
At the time, the Giants were the defending World Series champions, while the Angels were coming off a playoff appearance. Los Angeles hasn’t been back to the postseason, while San Francisco has experienced just nine playoff games in the past 11 seasons.
The Trout-Webb matchup has been entirely one-sided. They hadn’t gone head-to-head until last April, when Webb struck out his rival three consecutive times in some epic duels that lasted a combined 21 pitches. They haven’t seen each other since.
They also missed each other at the All-Star Game earlier this month in Philadelphia, when Trout started for the American League. Webb was not summoned from the National League bullpen.
The Angels and Giants enter the lead-up to the Aug. 3 trade deadline as potential sellers, and both Trout and Webb’s names have been mentioned.
Trout recently took time to claim he’s more interested in helping drive the Angels back into the postseason.
“Could I take the easy way out and just leave? Yeah,” Trout admitted to reporters. “But, for me, right now, my focus is on trying to get this club back in the playoffs.”
The 34-year-old hasn’t homered since July 8 at Texas.
Webb is winless in three July starts, allowing 15 earned runs across 16 2/3 innings. He’s served up four homers in those outings after allowing just five through his first 14 starts.
Though the Giants find themselves in a deeper hole than the Angels in terms of playoff contention this season, Webb shares Trout’s attitude: fix the problem rather than leave it to someone else.
“We know we are capable of better,” he expressed recently to the media, “and we keep pushing ahead.”
The 29-year-old will be facing the Angels for just the third time. He has an 0-1 record and a 1.54 ERA from the previous two meetings.
Rodriguez has never faced the Giants, but he does have a winning record (4-2) in career interleague games.
The 26-year-old has been much better on the road (2-0 with a 3.48 ERA) than at home (1-3, 10.22 ERA) this season.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Blue Jays place LHP Patrick Corbin (shoulder) on injured list
Jun 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Patrick Corbin (46) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images The Toronto Blue Jays placed left-hander Patrick Corbin on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a shoulder injury.
Corbin, who turned 37 on Sunday, is dealing with a strain of the left teres major muscle. The two-time All-Star is 3-4 with a 5.51 ERA in 19 games (15 starts) in his first season with Toronto.
Corbin allowed four runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings of relief during Tuesday’s 12-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Blue Jays also optioned infielder Sean Keys to Triple-A Buffalo and recalled infielder/outfielder Davis Schneider and left-hander Adam Macko from Buffalo.
–Field Level Media
Sports
9 Under-the-Radar MLB Trade Candidates to Watch Before the Deadline
May 24, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King (34) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Athletics at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images Everybody knows the big names in Major League Baseball circulating in trade rumors, including Tarik Skubal, Aroldis Chapman, Sonny Gray, and Joe Ryan. Looking beyond the obvious, let’s check some under-the-radar possibilities who could be traded before the deadline on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. ET.
Adrián Morejón, San Diego Padres
The Padres are postseason contenders as usual, but they’re also hovering round .500, and seem suited for a reshuffling. They have several players to trade who could help general manager A.J. Preller reset quickly. The best available relief pitcher not named Chapman is probably another left-hander born in Cuba. One of the league’s hardest throwers, Morejon has 58 strikeouts, 12 walks and three home runs allowed in 50 innings heading into second-half action. A free agent in the offseason, he turns 28 in February.
Michael King, Padres
King isn’t frequently mentioned as likely to be traded, but he’s been one of the 25-30 most effective starters in the league since 2024. Not as good as Ryan, but about as effective as Freddy Peralta. King figures to opt into free agency in 2027, but if he doesn’t, he is owed $28 million. The Padres ought to consider moving him, regardless of his contract decision.
Ty France, Padres
A number of contenders could use a strong defensive first baseman who hits well vs. left-handed pitching (.344/.406/.574). The Diamondbacks, Mariners, Rangers, and Marlins are among them. France recently turned 32 and will be a free agent in the offseason.
Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets
May 12, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) leaves the game with an injury during the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images It has been written that everyone on the Mets but Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing, Christian Scott, Nolan McLean and Juan Soto are available. Alvarez hits for more power than most catchers, doesn’t turn 25 until November and won’t reach free agency until 2030. He also hasn’t stayed healthy and his overall defense seems to be regressing, but he’s got a solid history of pitch framing. With Shea Langeliers, Hunter Goodman and Adley Rutschman seemingly less likely to be traded, Alvarez could help any number of contenders.
Antonio Senzatela, Colorado Rockies
It’s funny, but Senzatela actually has (slightly) better career numbers at Coors Field than on the road. This season, he’s pitching well everywhere, allowing a .240/.303/.344 slash line over 49 innings after converting to the bullpen at age 31. About three years removed from Tommy John surgery, he still throws hard (87th percentile) but he’s not a big strikeout pitcher compared to some late-inning relievers. He’ll be a free agent after the season.
Jeffrey Springs, Athletics
We talk about the effect Coors has on pitchers, but somebody needs to rescue this guy from Sutter Health Park. Springs, 33, had a career 3.64 ERA with 497 strikeouts in 484 2/3 innings coming into this season, which includes mediocre results with the A’s a year ago. This season, he has allowed a league-worst 26 home runs, including 16 homers in 10 starts in West Sacramento, yielding a 6.08 ERA overall. His 4.59 expected ERA isn’t great, but better results seem possible. He has a $10.5 million team option for 2027.
Spencer Steer, Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds central fielder Spencer Steer (7) catches a fly ball in the ninth inning between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Sunday, July 12, 2026. With a .333/.436/.603 slash line against lefties, Steer figures to be one of the most sought-after right-handed hitters at the deadline. He hasn’t been effective against righties this season, but he has performed well there previously. He plays multiple positions, but first base is the only one where he’s a plus defender. At 28 years old, he’s not a free agent until 2029.
Jo Adell, Los Angeles Angels
He’s great against left-handed pitching, and is capable of performing better against righties, like he did in 2025. His defensive metrics are poor in right field, but he’s also capable of robbing multiple home runs in a single game. He’s still just 27 years old and not a free agent until 2028.
Matt Shaw, Chicago Cubs
Shaw would be a strong addition for a team focusing on the future. The Cubs have deep needs in the starting rotation, and Shaw should be one of the better MLB-ready chips available to deal. A onetime top 20-30 overall prospect who’s still just 24 years old, Shaw has shown improved hitting (.415 slugging) this season and the ability to play right field — though his future could still be at second base or third.
Sports
Raiders sign No. 1 overall pick QB Fernando Mendoza
Jun 3, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images The Las Vegas Raiders signed quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, on Thursday.
The Heisman Trophy winner’s four-year rookie deal is worth a fully guaranteed $57.27 million and includes a fifth-year option.
Mendoza, 22, guided Indiana to its first national championship and a 16-0 season in 2025. He completed 72.0% of his passes for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions in his lone season with the Hoosiers.
The Raiders signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as the likely Week 1 starter for this season, with Mendoza as the long-term face of the franchise.
Mendoza and the Raiders reportedly had been at odds over his signing bonus. The team did not disclose those details on Thursday.
Rookies were due to report to training camp for Las Vegas on Wednesday.
Mendoza played his first two collegiate campaigns at Cal from 2023-24, throwing for a combined 4,712 yards with 30 TDs and 16 interceptions in 20 games for the Golden Bears.
–Field Level Media
Blue Jays place LHP Patrick Corbin (shoulder) on injured list
9 Under-the-Radar MLB Trade Candidates to Watch Before the Deadline
