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We have exactly one month left until the conclusion of the 2025 regular season. Let’s dive into the current pennant and wild-card races.
Also, Ken shares insights on the risks faced by sideline reporters. I’m Levi Weaver, joined by Ken Rosenthal. Welcome to The Windup!
The East(s): Toronto and Philadelphia Fending Off New York Teams
Division leaders: Phillies (76-57 — 4 games ahead), Blue Jays (78-56 — 4 games ahead)
Current wild-card teams: Red Sox (74-60), Yankees (73-60), Mets (72-61)
Other contenders: None
The Blue Jays’ largest division lead was 6.5 games on July 26. It has since fluctuated, hovering around five games due to a recent surge from the Red Sox and some bullpen struggles for Toronto.
However, the acquisition of Shane Bieber, who had an impressive season debut, has heightened their postseason potential. The imminent returns of Anthony Santander and others might augment their chances. The question is: can the bullpen maintain composure?
Ken’s Notebook: The Risks of the Job
During last Thursday’s broadcast, Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. made a high throw that nearly hit me in my position as Fox’s dugout reporter. While it looked close, I managed to track the ball’s path without incident.
Over 20 years, I’ve faced two direct hits and a few near misses. One close call occurred in Cincinnati when a line drive struck my pinky finger, requiring ten stitches. Despite the injuries, I completed the game.
Even in perilous moments, the excitement of being on the field is unmatched. Most importantly, the throw by Chisholm could have struck someone else—namely, Novak Djokovic, who was seated nearby at the time.
The Central(s): Brewers and Tigers Steadily Advancing
Division leaders: Tigers (78-57 — 8.5 games ahead), Brewers (83-51 — 6.5 games ahead)
Current wild-card teams: Cubs (76-57)
Other hopefuls: Reds (68-66), Royals (69-65) and Guardians (66-66)
Initially, the Central divisions appeared promising, with multiple playoff competitors. Yet, the Brewers and Tigers have surged ahead, establishing the largest divisional leads currently in Major League Baseball.
Despite Detroit’s issues in the second half of the season, they have a comfortable cushion. Meanwhile, Milwaukee recently placed their closer on the Injured List, while the Cubs remain hopeful of regaining the division lead.
The West(s): Intrigue and Competition
Division leaders: Dodgers (77-57 — 2 games ahead), Astros (73-60 — 1.5 games ahead)
Current wild-card teams: Mariners (72-62), Padres (75-59)
Other contenders: Rangers (68-67)
The Dodgers and Padres are set to keep the NL race thrilling. Los Angeles boasts a strong roster, but injuries and errors have created opportunities for the Padres to keep pace.
The Astros face challenges in maintaining their slim division lead against the Mariners, who have been performing well. The Rangers, lagging behind in the wild-card race, face a steep uphill battle to catch up as their key players are sidelined.
Handshakes and High Fives
Evan Drellich interviewed Jesse Cole, the founder of the Savannah Bananas, discussing the potential emergence of a legitimate competitor to Major League Baseball. Meanwhile, Eno Sarris analyzed the metrics behind A’s rookie Nick Kurtz’s swing, drawing comparisons to stars like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.
On “Rates & Barrels,” Eno, Jed, and DVR explored a study on hitter swing decisions.
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(Photo: Jim Rassol / Imagn Images)
