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last wk.

Bullpens Falter and Rotation Returns Highlight Tight Second-Half Kickoff

Early restart games exposed late-inning fragility, underscored staffs’ rebuilding health, escalated front-office deadline decisions.

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Carlos Rodón #55, Aaron Judge #99 and Max Fried #54 of the New York Yankees look on before the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on July 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Overview

  • Narrow division races define the restart as the Phillies lead the NL East by half a game over the Mets, the Blue Jays top the AL East, the Cubs snapped the Red Sox’s 10-game streak to hold a one-game edge over the Brewers in the NL Central, and the Rangers’ 2-0 win stunned the Tigers in the AL Central.
  • Key starters are rejoining staffs: the Mets activated Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea, the Phillies prepare for Aaron Nola’s mid-summer return, and the Tigers and Dodgers rotations remain among baseball’s best.
  • Second-half openers laid bare bullpen depth issues, with the Yankees’ bullpen game unraveling in a 7-3 loss to the Braves and other clubs seeing relievers taxed in high-leverage spots.
  • Offensive inconsistency haunted several teams as the Giants outhit the Blue Jays 11-10 but went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and the Mets’ middle-inning rallies fell short in an 8-4 loss to Cincinnati.
  • With July 31 looming, front offices face high-stakes decisions over impact arms and bats, from Dave Dombrowski’s go-big-or-go-home mandate in Philadelphia to the Giants’ plans to address lineup power and bullpen depth.