Overview
- Boston opened the second half by sweeping a Friday doubleheader against Tampa Bay to push its winning streak to 11 games and tighten its hold on a wild‑card spot.
- Los Angeles beat New York 2-1 on Friday when Max Muncy hit a two‑run homer off Gerrit Cole in the seventh inning to decide the series opener in the Bronx.
- Yankees captain Aaron Judge is still sidelined with a fractured right rib after re-imaging on Friday showed healing but not enough clearance to return to baseball activities.
- Canadian wildfire smoke forced the Rogers Centre roof closed and led to the postponement of Cleveland’s home game against Pittsburgh, creating short‑term air‑quality and scheduling concerns.
- With the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaching, teams are accelerating roster talks — sources report interest in Nationals first baseman Luis García Jr. — as clubs weigh injuries and controllable upgrades.