The Cincinnati Reds outslugged the Pittsburgh Pirates 14-8 to take a 2-2 split in the four-game set. Miguel Andújar delivered his first Reds homer, a three-run shot that sparked a four-run second inning, and he helped spark a decisive rally in the sixth. Spencer Steer and Noelvi Marte each collected three hits and four RBIs, with Steer delivering a go-ahead two-run double in the sixth and a two-run homer in the eighth, while Marte added a tiebreaking double in the sixth and belted a three-run homer in the ninth. Elly De La Cruz and Andújar started the sixth with back-to-back singles to breathe life into Cincinnati. Pittsburgh mounted a late charge, cutting the deficit to 9-8 in the eighth, but Graham Ashcraft struck out Jared Triolo with a runner aboard to quell the threat. The Reds piled on with a five-run ninth as Marte launched a three-run homer. The game featured 30 total hits, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa leading Pittsburgh with three hits and two RBIs. Reds pitcher Zach Littell gave up four runs in 1 1/3 innings, while Cincinnati starter Zach Littell and Scott Barlow (6-0) were part of a rocky early stretch for the Reds' bullpen. Cincinnati stretched its streak of not being swept in 40 straight series dating back to last season, and now heads into a three-game home set with Philadelphia behind Andrew Abbott in a marquee pitching matchup against Taijuan Walker.

The Cincinnati Reds have completed a trade to acquire third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates, as reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan. In return, the Pirates will receive reliever Taylor Rogers and 20-year-old shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura. Hayes, 28, is currently in his sixth MLB season with a contract that runs through 2029, valued at $70 million over eight years.

This season, Hayes holds a batting average of .236 with a .569 OPS, alongside two home runs and 36 RBIs through 100 games. While his offensive numbers may not stand out, he is highly regarded for his defensive skills, evidenced by his Gold Glove Award and leading the league with 21 Defensive Runs Saved in 2023. The Reds currently find themselves 8.5 games back of the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers, yet they are only three games away from a wild card spot.

The Cleveland Guardians seem poised to become sellers ahead of the approaching trade deadline, particularly following the recent placement of standout closer Emmanuel Clase on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of an ongoing MLB investigation into sports gambling. This development has significant implications for the Guardians' plans to reshape their roster for next season.

During a recent episode of "Foul Territory," former MLB general manager Jim Bowden highlighted the Philadelphia Phillies' interest in acquiring Clase along with outfielder Steven Kwan, both players who could bolster their World Series aspirations. However, with Clase's current status, the Phillies may pivot towards other targets within the AL Central, leaving them to consider potential alternatives like Jhoan Duran and Luis Robert Jr. The dynamics of the trade market are shifting rapidly, and it will be interesting to see how these developments affect the Guardians’ future as they navigate the fallout of Clase's situation.

Paul Skenes is a must-start pitcher today for DraftKings and FanDuel, boasting a stellar 1.91 ERA against a Diamondbacks lineup missing key players. Brandon Woodruff, back from injury, faces a struggling Marlins offense and could provide value. Zack Wheeler is another top option post-Aaron Judge's IL stint, with double-digit strikeouts in recent games.

Among infielders, Will Smith is positioned for success against Walker Buehler's cutter, while Jordan Westburg continues to excel for the Orioles. Josh Smith of the Rangers offers potential against Bryce Elder’s sinker. In the outfield, Mickey Moniak is riding a hot streak, and Adolis Garcia is primed to capitalize on this matchup as well. Expect offensive fireworks today!

The Arizona Diamondbacks have initiated a significant roster overhaul, trading outfielder Randal Grichuk to the Kansas City Royals and acquiring relief prospect Andrew Hoffman in return. This move follows their earlier trade of first baseman Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners. Grichuk, who had a breakout 2024 season with a .291 batting average, has struggled this year, which influenced the team's decision. With a current record of 51-53, the D-backs find themselves trailing in the competitive NL West, prompting expectations for further changes before the trade deadline.