Andrew McCutchen, at 38, stands as the last active position player to have played in the Metrodome, highlighting a remarkable career. He recalls hitting his first MLB home run off Francisco Liriano in 2009, a moment that solidified his place in baseball history as he now competes at Target Field. Drafted by the Pirates in 2005, McCutchen's journey reflects the evolution of player management strategies, particularly regarding service time and arbitration eligibility.

Returning to Pittsburgh after stints with several teams, McCutchen's commitment to the game remains evident. His performance and work ethic continue to inspire both teammates and fans. Despite the struggles of the Pirates this season, McCutchen embodies resilience and professionalism.

The National League triumphed over the American League 4-2 in the All-Star Futures Game, thanks in large part to Josue De Paula's impressive three-run homer during a four-run fourth inning. This victory marked the NL's strong performance since the format changed to AL vs. NL in 2019, bringing their record to 4-1-1. Noah Schultz, a left-hander for the Chicago White Sox, struggled, allowing four runs and four hits, including De Paula's soaring 416-foot blast. The AL initially led 2-0 before the NL surged ahead in the later innings.

Notably, the game featured promising prospects like George Lombard Jr. and Josue Briceño, who contributed to the AL's early lead with their respective performances. JR Ritchie and Parker Messick pitched well for the NL, setting the stage for their team's comeback. Managers Chipper Jones and Marquis Grissom, both former Atlanta stars, added a nostalgic flair to the event, reminiscing about their playing days. The game showcased the future of baseball, with young talents like De Paula and others making their mark on this prestigious stage.

Josue De Paula's impressive three-run home run propelled the National League to a 4-2 victory over the American League during the MLB All-Star Futures Game held at Atlanta's Truist Park. This win marks the NL's third consecutive victory in the series, following a format change from a U.S. versus World setup to a head-to-head league matchup.

De Paula, a promising talent from the Los Angeles Dodgers and their number one prospect, showcased his skills by launching a 79.5 mph slider from Noah Schultz, the Chicago White Sox's top minor-league pitcher, to give the NL the lead in the fourth inning. The performance is a continuation of De Paula's solid season in the minors, where he has been batting .265 with 12 doubles, 10 homers, 30 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases across 78 games for the Great Lakes Loons.

Although the AL started strong with an early 2-0 lead thanks to an RBI triple from Detroit Tigers prospect Josue Briceño, the NL's comeback illustrates the depth of talent in its farm systems, emphasizing the exciting prospects that teams can look forward to in the near future.

The MLB betting landscape is heating up as July 11, 2025, approaches, bringing a slate ready for No Runs First Inning (NRFI) wagers. With ace pitchers like Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes undefeated in their NRFI bets this season, bettors are eager to capitalize on their performances. Skubal's 15-3 record and Skenes' 18-0 mark highlight the opportunities for savvy bettors keen on maximizing value.

In key matchups tonight, the Seattle Mariners face the Detroit Tigers where Luis Castillo and Skubal are set to duel. The New York Mets’ Kodai Senga returns from injury against Michael Wacha, while Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins goes up against Skenes, creating a tantalizing pitching battle for NRFI enthusiasts. The Atlanta Braves will send Grant Holmes to the mound against the St. Louis Cardinals' Matthew Liberatore, with both pitchers showing strong NRFI records, adding to the excitement.

The Minnesota Twins faced a disappointing end to their series against the Chicago Cubs, suffering an 8-1 loss at Target Field. Despite holding a strong lineup in check earlier in the series, the Twins couldn't contain the Cubs' offense in the finale. Pitcher Chris Paddack struggled, yielding six runs in five innings, while the Cubs found their rhythm, thanks largely to Pete Crow-Armstrong, who broke out of a slump with two home runs and three RBIs. The Twins' only offensive highlight came from Kody Clemens' solo shot. Looking ahead, the Twins will aim for redemption against the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates this weekend.