The San Diego Padres will have an impressive presence at the upcoming 2025 MLB All-Star Game, with relief pitcher Jason Adam leading the charge. After a trade from the Tampa Bay Rays last summer, Adam has excelled in his role, securing a 6-3 record with a stunning 1.65 ERA and 51 strikeouts over 43.2 innings pitched this season. Alongside Adam, superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. and star third baseman Manny Machado will also represent the Padres. This marks Adam's first All-Star selection, highlighting his significant comeback since his debut in 2018. His journey includes time with the Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, and the Rays, culminating in a breakout performance in 2025.

With the All-Star Game scheduled for July 15, Adam's journey and performance have garnered attention, making him a key player to watch. The Padres, known for their powerful lineup, are banking on Adam's continued success to bolster their postseason hopes. His ability to navigate high-pressure situations will be crucial as the Padres aim for a deep playoff run. Adam's evolution into a reliable bullpen option could redefine his career and impact fantasy leagues significantly, especially for those tracking relief pitching stats.

Major League Baseball has reinstated four players after their one-year suspensions for betting on the sport ended. The players, who had violated Major League Rule 21, include San Diego Padres pitcher Jay Groome, Oakland Athletics pitcher Michael Kelly, Philadelphia Phillies infielder José Rodríguez, and Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Andrew Saalfrank. Each player bet less than $1,000, with Kelly specifically betting while in the minors, while the others wagered on MLB games.

The Oakland Athletics welcomed back Kelly, who made an impressive return with two strikeouts in 1.1 innings during a game against the Minnesota Twins. However, Groome and Rodríguez were not offered contracts by their respective teams, making them free agents. Saalfrank was optioned to the Diamondbacks’ rookie level squad. The league’s strict regulations underscore the consequences of gambling on the game, even for those not actively participating in the matches.

Four MLB players, including Jay Groome and Andrew Saalfrank, had their one-year betting suspensions lifted. The San Diego Padres have not yet made a decision regarding Groome's future, while the Arizona Diamondbacks assigned Saalfrank to their rookie league. Michael Kelly has been reinstated by the Oakland Athletics, who also made roster adjustments by optioning two players to Triple-A. José Rodríguez's future with the Philadelphia Phillies remains uncertain.

All four players were suspended for betting on baseball, with amounts under $1,000. While Kelly's betting occurred in the minors, the others acted on major league games. Notably, violations of Major League Rule 21 result in strict penalties, with lifetime bans for betting on games in which they participated.

Four MLB players have had their one-year suspensions for betting on baseball lifted, including Jay Groome (San Diego Padres), Michael Kelly (Oakland Athletics), José Rodríguez (Philadelphia Phillies), and Andrew Saalfrank (Arizona Diamondbacks). While the Athletics have reinstated Kelly, Groome remains a free agent, as reports indicate he was not offered a new contract. Rodríguez's future with the Phillies is still uncertain. All four players were suspended for wagering less than $1,000, breaching Major League Rule 21, which strictly prohibits betting on games.

The Kansas City Royals have locked in left-hander Cole Ragans with a three-year, $13.25 million contract extension, ensuring his financial security before he hits free agency in 2028.

This deal covers the 2025-2027 seasons, with Ragans set to earn $1.25 million this season, $4 million next year, and $8 million in the final year of the extension. The 27-year-old has rapidly transformed into one of baseball's most effective pitchers after overcoming two Tommy John surgeries that sidelined him for nearly three years.

After joining the Royals from Texas, Ragans quickly established himself as a frontline starter, posting a commendable 3.14 ERA and earning his first All-Star selection last season. His impressive strikeout capabilities and control have contributed significantly to Kansas City's surprising playoff aspirations.