Carlos Santana, now in his sixteenth MLB season, continues to be a significant contributor for the Cleveland Guardians. He recently made history by hitting a home run against the Chicago White Sox, placing him fifth on the franchise's all-time home run leaderboard. Santana's transition from catcher to first base has been pivotal, allowing him to extend his career while offering stability in the infield.

With 11 home runs and 40 RBIs this season, he has maintained a .230 batting average and a .679 OPS. Despite the Guardians facing challenges and sitting five games back from a wild card spot, Santana's experience is expected to play a crucial role in their second-half efforts to revive their postseason ambitions.

At the Baltimore Orioles game against the New York Mets, attendees experienced an unexpected performance by local electronic musician Dan Deacon, who creatively reimagined the national anthem. His rendition featured a heavy use of autotune, giving the classic song a modern, electronic twist that surprised fans at Camden Yards.

Deacon's artistic expression during the game not only showcased his unique musical style but also added an eclectic vibe to the event, making it memorable for those in attendance. As the Orioles continue their season, such innovative presentations may enhance the overall fan experience.

The Houston Astros are set to promote Brice Matthews, their top remaining prospect, ahead of Friday's game against the Rangers. Matthews, a 23-year-old middle infielder, was drafted 28th overall in 2023 from the University of Nebraska. He has split his time between second base and shortstop in the minors, adapting to injuries at the major league level, particularly with Jeremy Peña and Brendan Rodgers currently sidelined. Matthews has been impressive in Triple-A, boasting a .283 batting average with 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases this season.

As the Astros navigate their infield challenges, Matthews could play a key role in stabilizing the middle positions. His ability to hit for power and speed, combined with the Astros' need for contributions amidst injuries, makes this promotion particularly timely. Houston currently leads the AL West despite recent struggles, and Matthews will look to make an immediate impact.

Aaron Ashby, a left-handed pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, has faced significant challenges in his career, including a shoulder surgery that kept him sidelined for nearly a year. After struggling to regain his form post-surgery, he found success in a relief role in 2025, boasting a 1.66 ERA over 13 appearances and securing his third career save. Recently, Ashby was placed on the paternity list, likely missing the upcoming series against the Los Angeles Dodgers as the Brewers push for a playoff spot.

The Brewers are currently on a hot streak, winning four consecutive games to bring their record to 53-40, just two games behind the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. In Ashby’s absence, Tobias Myers has been recalled from Triple-A Nashville. Myers has had a rocky season so far, with an ERA of 4.95 in five games. The team's recent momentum indicates they are preparing for a competitive second half of the season.

Alex Bregman has returned to the Red Sox lineup after a lengthy recovery from a right quad strain that sidelined him for 43 games. The All-Star third baseman was reinstated just ahead of a crucial matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays, where he will bat in the second spot. Prior to his injury, Bregman was hitting .299 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs, showcasing his impact and value to the team.

Having signed a lucrative $120 million, three-year contract earlier this year, Bregman aims to bolster the Red Sox's playoff aspirations as they currently vie for an AL wild-card spot. The team’s manager, Alex Cora, expressed confidence in Bregman's readiness to contribute, emphasizing his hard work during rehabilitation.