Sports
Surging White Sox return to comfort of home to face Astros
Jul 17, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago White Sox infielders Munetaka Murakami (5) and Chase Meidroth (10) celebrate with outfielder Sam Antonacci (17) after scoring on a three-RBI double hit by shortstop Colson Montgomery (not pictured) against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images A timely attack and solid bullpen have helped the American League Central-leading Chicago White Sox match their season high at seven games over .500.
Chicago’s bid to keep climbing continues Friday with a visit from the Houston Astros for a three-game series, but the White Sox prefer to take things one game at a time.
“A lot of it is going day to day and not thinking too much about what’s going on the day before,” reliever Bryan Hudson said. “Focus on what’s in front of us and how we can win that day. Just keep going that way. It’s a good feeling.”
The White Sox have won three straight series as they return to Rate Field for the first time since sweeping the Athletics in the final three games before the All-Star break. The White Sox are 31-17 at home.
Chicago was idle Thursday after defeating the host Texas Rangers 4-2 on Wednesday. Chase Meidroth went 4-for-4 with two RBIs, Andrew Benintendi had two hits and two RBIs, and the pitching staff limited Texas to five hits.
Houston enters the opener of a six-game road trip coming off a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins.
Yordan Alvarez drilled a go-ahead, two-run home run in the eighth inning before Isaac Paredes followed with a solo shot to key a 5-2 victory on Wednesday.
Although Alvarez carries the American League’s top marks in batting average (.328), home runs (34) and RBIs (77), the Astros designated hitter prefers to avoid discussing what maintaining that pace would entail.
“I’m just focused right now on playing ball,” Alvarez said. “There’s more than two months remaining in the season, so I’m not going to talk anymore about the Triple Crown. I don’t want to answer any more questions about the Triple Crown.”
The Astros would rather address their pursuit of an AL playoff spot. Despite being four games under .500, they stand two games out of the AL West lead and also are part of a jumbled wild-card race.
“The expectation is to win,” said shortstop Jeremy Pena, who has homered in three consecutive games. “How do we get there? Everyone is showing up every single day. Everyone is trying to figure that out.”
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti is set to oppose Davis Martin of Chicago in a matchup of right-handers.
Arrighetti (7-5, 4.34 ERA) will aim to win for the first time since he faced the Texas Rangers on May 28, a span of eight starts. After pitching to a 9.00 ERA in June, Arrighetti has allowed just one run in two of his three outings this month.
He took a no-decision against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, spacing one run, one hit, four walks and six strikeouts in five innings. Arrighetti is 0-1 with a 6.30 ERA in two career starts against the White Sox, covering 10 innings.
Martin (9-5, 3.31) has similar numbers versus the Astros — 0-1 with a 5.73 ERA in two starts over 11 innings.
Although he is coming off Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Toronto, when he worked 5 2/3 innings of one-run, four-hit ball, Martin said he felt “back in sync” mechanically after recent struggles.
“It’s a good tone-setter for the second half,” he said. “I think there’s some things we can get better on, but for the most part, just really happy with how we could make adjustments on the fly. I kind of felt more like myself, compared to the prior month.”
–Field Level Media
Sports
Dallas signs Benji Flowers, 15; reportedly reaches deal with Chelsea
Mar 15, 2025; Frisco, Texas, USA; A view of the logo and stadium during the game between FC Dallas and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images FC Dallas signed 15-year-old U.S. forward Benji Flowers to a first-team deal Thursday and reportedly agreed to a future transfer to Chelsea FC when he turns 18.
Dallas will receive an initial fee of about $3 million from the Premier League side and up to an additional $7 million in performance-based add-ons, according to The Athletic.
Flowers is the youngest player ever to sign a first-team deal with FC Dallas. The homegrown contract runs through 2030-31 and includes an option for 2031-32.
“Benji’s signing is another proud day for FC Dallas and our Academy,” said club president Dan Hunt. “Our commitment has always been to develop young players and provide them with a clear pathway to the professional game. Benji has embraced every step of that journey through hard work, determination and the support of his family.
“His signing is a reflection of the tremendous work being done throughout the FC Dallas Academy and reinforces what is possible for the next generation of players. We are excited to watch him continue his development with FC Dallas and North Texas SC.”
The future is bright ??
Benji Fowers has been named to the MLS NEXT All-Star Game! pic.twitter.com/xk0HuFk16q
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) June 24, 2026
Last month, Flowers was named to the MLS NEXT All-Star Game. The FC Dallas Academy product made his debut with North Texas SC on March 21 at 14 years, 11 months and seven days old, making him the second-youngest player in that club’s history.
“Benji is a special talent, and today is an important milestone for both him and our club,” said Andre Zanotta, FC Dallas chief soccer officer. “He has come through the FC Dallas Academy and has earned this opportunity through his work ethic, commitment and the support of his family.
“Every step of his development has come because he has embraced the process and continued to challenge himself every day. We believe he has a very bright future, but this is only the beginning of his journey as a professional. We’re excited to continue helping him develop here at FC Dallas before the next chapter of his career.”
–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.
Dallas signs Benji Flowers, 15; reportedly reaches deal with Chelsea
Blue Jays place LHP Patrick Corbin (shoulder) on injured list
