Cal Raleigh climbs another milestone as record-breaking season rolls on
Cal Raleigh powered Seattle’s offense with two long balls, bringing his total to 48 and 49 homers on the season after a pair of shots off Athletics left-hander Jacob López. The 48th and 49th homers push Raleigh past Salvador Pérez’s single-season mark for most homers by a catcher (or by a player who has played at least 75 percent of his games at catcher). Raleigh now sits at 40 homers as a catcher, a figure that puts him on a direct path to the 42-homer record Javy López posted for a Braves catcher in 2003.
With 31 games left, Raleigh is on pace for roughly 61 homers this season, which would extend his hold on a moving target that includes milestones like:
– 50 homers: 33rd player to reach the 50-homer mark
– 54 homers: matches the switch-hitting record held by Mickey Mantle (1961)
– 56 homers: tied to Ken Griffey Jr.’s Mariners era (1997–1998) as a Mariners catcher’s benchmark
– 60 homers: 7th player to reach the 60-homer club
– 62 homers: would set the American League single-season mark (Aaron Judge, 2022)
Raleigh’s chase adds an extra layer of intrigue to a Seattle lineup that has leaned on him as a spark during a season full of offensive highs and, at times, stormy periods.
Padres rely on flexibility, and arbitration could feel the ripple
In San Diego, the bullpen story continues to evolve as the Padres have embraced a flexible closer/role approach since adding Mason Miller. Miller’s mindset — “I’m here to do anything to help the team” — reflects a broader shift in how teams evaluate reliever value beyond traditional saves.
Although saves remain a stat that carries weight in arbitration, Miller noted that postseason performance also matters, and that the ability to contribute in various late-inning roles can be just as valuable. Since joining San Diego, Miller has converted 1 of 2 save opportunities and recorded four holds. By contrast, the Athletics had five save chances after the trade and were 5-for-5 with four different relievers while going 12–9 in the interim.
Padres closer Robert Suárez has remained the go-to option when appropriate, but Jason Adam — entering his final arbitration year — and other relievers have embraced earlier-inning work as part of a team-first philosophy. First baseman/DH Ryan O’Hearn has also emphasized a similar mindset, saying he’s prepared to contribute in any role that helps the team reach the playoffs and contend for a World Series.
In Memoriam: Bob Uecker remembered as Milwaukee bids farewell
Milwaukee celebrated the life of Bob Uecker, “Mr. Baseball,” in a ceremony described as pitch-perfect by attendees who gathered for a 90-minute tribute. Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Costas emceed, recreating a Tonight Show vibe that Uecker often brought to Brewers broadcasts. Joined by a parade of Hall of Famers — including Bud Selig, Robin Yount, George Brett and Ted Simmons — the tribute highlighted Uecker’s impact both on and off the field. Costas reminded listeners of Uecker’s enduring persona, noting the bittersweet moment of signing off on air during a recent farewell broadcast as a cultural touchstone in Brewers history. The event underscored Uecker’s legacy not only as a voice of baseball but as a beloved figure in Milwaukee and across the sport.
Volpe benched as Yankees seek spark in a rough stretch
Anthony Volpe’s latest absence from the Yankees’ lineup was explained by manager Aaron Boone as a one-day rest during a rough stretch, though the situation could extend beyond a single game. Volpe has slumped to a 1-for-28 run, and over the last 20 games his line sits at .121/.171/.242. His defensive numbers have also raised concern, with 17 errors ranking near the top of the majors.
Utilityman José Caballero started at shortstop, and Volpe came in as a defensive replacement in the eighth inning. With a difficult slate of opponents looming — including the Nationals, White Sox, Astros, Blue Jays, Tigers and Red Sox — a short window to reset could help Volpe regain his footing as the Yankees chase a playoff spot and navigate a tight AL East race.
Other notes and quick updates
– A broad mix of pop culture and baseball crossover signals continues to ripple through the sport, including public comments about Hall of Fame considerations and recognition for players who shaped the game in meaningful ways.
– Jayson Stark recently highlighted why the BBWAA’s Relief Pitcher of the Year Award is overdue, arguing for greater recognition of non-closer late-inning contributions that have a sizable impact on teams’ success.
– Josh Naylor’s recent pace and base-running squints into a new role for him with Cleveland, and his evolving impact as a basestealer, are drawing attention as the season heads toward September.
– The Little League World Series crowned Chinese Taipei as champion, marking another chapter in the global reach of the sport.
– MLB’s Field of Dreams game is slated to return with a Phillies–Twins matchup in Dyersville, Iowa, next season, providing another nostalgic crossroad for fans.
– The Astros continue to lean on rookie Cam Smith, who has faced a challenging post-All-Star break period, yet remains a focal point of their bullpen and lineup discussions.
– A recent fan-favorite bobblehead moment drew attention, as crowds lined up for hours to snag a George Costanza-themed item tied to the Yankees’ block of coverage in the press.
A positive, forward-looking takeaway
The season’s narrative is a tapestry of record-breaking performances, strategic bullpen management, and memorable tributes to sports figures who shaped the game. Raleigh’s pursuit of the catcher-specific home run record adds a historic layer to an already electric year, while teams like the Padres show how flexibility and teamwork can redefine traditional roles. The Brewers’ tribute to Uecker and the Yankees’ ongoing chase for a strong finish provide multiple threads for fans to rally around as the calendar turns toward meaningful October baseball. If Raleigh keeps this pace, and rosters stay flexible in high-leverage moments, the remainder of the season could be as compelling as it is unpredictable.
Summary
– Cal Raleigh’s two home runs push him past Salvador Pérez for the single-season catcher home run record (for players meeting the catcher-playing threshold), with a realistic path toward a 60s-era season if the pace holds.
– San Diego’s bullpen strategy emphasizes versatility and team-first roles, with Miller and other relievers contributing in varied late-inning situations as arbitration-era incentives evolve.
– Milwaukee honored Bob Uecker in a heartfelt tribute that highlighted his lasting impact on baseball and broadcasting.
– The Yankees’ Volpe continues to face a slump and defensive challenges, prompting a possible periodic rest as the schedule intensifies.
– The broader landscape features notable notes on awards, international youth competition, and the return of the Field of Dreams game, underscoring baseball’s ongoing storytelling as the season heads toward September and October.