Hayden Birdsong’s demotion combined with Justin Verlander’s inconsistency highlight the team’s need for major-league rotation depth as the July 31 trade deadline looms. It’s an issue that has been brewing since the team sent Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Rafael Devers.

The Dodgers seem to have the NL West wrapped up; D-backs set to sell by MLB deadline. The Padres and Giants may shop at the deadline in order to contend.

After debuting in June 2014, Ahmed played for some of the biggest franchises in the majors. These include the Arizona Diamondbacks, LA Dodgers, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers. Ahmed won two Gold Gloves in 2018 and 2019. He opened up about making the "hardest decision" of his life.

Ever since they joined MLB as an expansion team in 1969, the San Diego Padres have struggled when they have visited the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.

San Diego Padres (35-25, second in the NL West) vs. San Francisco Giants (34-28, third in the NL West) 24/7 Live Fresno County North Valley South Valley Foothills/Sierra Welcome, Mickey

At this point, the Orioles probably don’t need anymore cause to get Elias out of Baltimore, but if he moves Rutschman over the next few days, it would certainly be the final straw. When he fired Brandon Hyde earlier this season, it sparked an uproar because Hyde became the scapegoat for the real problem.

Verlander posted an 0-8 record in 16 starts with the Giants prior to Wednesday's win. The winless streak in his first 16 games was the longest for a pitcher in Giants history. He entered Wednesday with a 4.99 ERA, which would stand as the second-worst of his 20-year career (5.48, 2024) if carried over the course of a full season.

As the Cleveland Guardians have played themselves back into wild-card contention in the American League, their desire to sell prior to the trade deadline remains a mystery even though teams are calling them.