Tuesday was Roberto Clemente Day in MLB, celebrating one of the most outstanding humans to ever play baseball, and annually it is used as an opportunity to honor both Latin players and also the humanitarian and charitable efforts of players on every team by nominating a candidate for the season’s Roberto Clemente Award. It’s a good day to remember all the good that Clemente did, but also all the good he continues to inspire.
We will also look at some more controversial topics, like whether or not
it’s time for the Braves to consider selling the team, or if it’s time for Shohei Ohtani to give up pitching for good. Plus, is Gerrit Cole putting too much blame on the ABS system for his pitching woes?
There’s all that and more below, so let’s get right into it!
- Dan Szymborski wonders if Gavin Williams is a legit ace.
- Arizona Fall League rosters have been revealed. (MLB)
- A look at some other players who have managed to have a 10 WAR season. (MLB)
- Ryan Phillips thinks it’s time that Shohei Ohtani give up pitching for good.
- Evan Drellich explains why one Braves’ investor thinks now is the time to sell the team. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- On Roberto Clemente Day, Jorge Castillo takes a deep dive into the declining numbers of Puerto Rican players in MLB.
- Aaron Judge got his first home run after his return from the IL, and helped the Yankees clinch a postseason berth. (AP)
- Jim Bowden assesses what is and isn’t fair in the CBA negotiations from the perspective of a former exec. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- This is a crazy at-bat.
- David Laurila talks to the delightful Sean Doolittle about pitching.
- Does height really matter? In baseball it sure does, and Davy Andrews explains why.
- With 14 straight, the Dodgers have tied the record for consecutive playoff clinches. Story by Sonja Chen.
- Andy Demetra shares the story of a banned minor leaguer who changed his name to sneak back into the majors.
- Terry Francona seemed relieved by reports that there would be no major changes in the Reds’ front office. (AP)
- Tom Verducci explains why Gerrit Cole can’t blame the ABS for his pitching woes.
- Pete Alonso was touched by the crowd’s welcome in his return to Citi Field. (AP)
- Tyler Kepner bemoans the Mets’ loss of Alonso and their inability to replace him. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Your 2026 Roberto Clemente Award nominees.
- Jay Jaffe checks in on the Cy Young races and the leading candidates for both leagues.
- Jared Greenspan also checks in on the likely (and possibly unanimous) Cy Young winners.
- Ben Clemens talks to Noah Cameron about how his worst pitch actually made him better.
- Kiri Oler checks in on how the San Francisco Firebells are dominating the WPBL postseason.
- Ian Browne looks at what the return of Garrett Crochet could mean for the Red Sox.
- Karl Rasmussen rounds up some milestones that could be set in the final weeks of the season.
- David Purdum looks at the rising threat of angry bettors as sports betting continues to grow.
- The biggest success and disappointment on each MLB team. Story by Bradford Doolittle.
- Sam Blum revisits Yasiel Puig’s conviction and wonders why he has yet to be sentenced. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- A good reminder on Roberto Clemente Day.
And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster. Make it so.
