The Seattle Mariners are currently embroiled in a significant gambling investigation by Major League Baseball, sparked by incidents involving Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz. On June 15, during a game against the Mariners, Ortiz's first pitch in the bottom of the second inning was flagged for its notable betting activity, which saw wagers placed on whether it would be a ball or hit batsman. The pitch was a slider that missed the strike zone markedly, leading to alerts from a betting-integrity firm.

This type of betting, known as microbetting, is increasingly popular, especially in states like Ohio, New York, and New Jersey, where betting on specific outcomes such as first pitches is permitted. Further scrutiny has been placed on Ortiz following another similar incident on June 27 against the St. Louis Cardinals. As a precautionary measure during the investigation, Ortiz has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through the All-Star Break.

The Boston Red Sox remain in the playoff chase, but their postseason fate hinges on their performance in the coming weeks. If they falter, a shift to a seller's mentality may occur as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. Aroldis Chapman, currently thriving with a 1.29 ERA and 15 saves, is likely to draw interest from contenders seeking a reliable bullpen arm. One potential trade partner could be the Seattle Mariners, who could utilize both Chapman and their current closer, Andrés Muñoz, to strengthen their bullpen.

With Muñoz already performing well, adding Chapman would provide the Mariners with a formidable one-two punch in late-game situations. Both pitchers have proven track records, and a deal could enhance Seattle's chances of returning to the playoffs after a lengthy absence. The Red Sox's approach to the trade deadline will reveal how they assess their season and the future of players like Chapman.

Cal Raleigh's breakout season has placed him as a top contender in the AL MVP race, currently sitting just behind Aaron Judge in latest polls. The Seattle Mariners catcher is enjoying a stellar performance, boasting a .272 batting average with 33 home runs before the All-Star break, which marks a record for catchers at this point in the season. Raleigh's contributions have been pivotal in keeping the Mariners in the playoff hunt, currently positioned second in the AL West.

This strong showing comes after the Mariners' disappointing prior season, where expectations were low. Raleigh's six-year, $105 million contract is looking like a bargain for a player who not only delivers offensively but also provides elite defense behind the plate. As the season progresses, there's growing optimism that Raleigh can continue this momentum and perhaps even secure the MVP title, reinforcing his status as a dark horse candidate.

The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby is set to take place on July 14 at Truist Field in Atlanta, featuring an exciting eight-player lineup. Leading the charge is Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr., who hopes to reclaim his power status after returning from an ACL injury. Joining him are Dominant hitters like reigning champion Teoscar Hernández and breakout star James Wood of the Washington Nationals, who has already eclipsed 20 home runs this season. Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh, the current home run leader, will also look to showcase his power in this fan-favorite event.

While many stars are ready to compete, several big names have opted out, including Aaron Judge and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., citing various reasons such as prior commitments and personal preferences. This year's format, which continues to evolve from a strict bracket to a more inclusive system, allows all participants the chance to showcase their hitting prowess from the start. Fans can expect a thrilling event as these hitters vie for the trophy and bragging rights.

The Kansas City Royals (40-47) are set to face off against the Seattle Mariners (45-41) at T-Mobile Park. In the recent series, the Mariners captured game three with a narrow 3-2 victory, bringing the series score to 2-1 in their favor. The Royals have struggled lately, holding a 2-9 record in their last 11 games, while the Mariners have a favorable 7-4 record over the same span.

Both teams will send strong pitchers to the mound: Seth Lugo for the Royals (5-5, 2.74 ERA) and Bryan Woo for the Mariners (7-4, 2.93 ERA). Lugo recently pitched 5.2 innings allowing no earned runs, while Woo also delivered a stellar performance in his last outing, striking out nine batters.

The betting odds favor the Mariners at -156, while the Royals are at +130. The game total is set at 7 runs, with the Mariners favored to cover the 1.5-run spread. Bettors are leaning towards the over, considering the recent offensive inconsistencies of the Royals against American League teams.