Raleigh Leads the Pack with Home Run No. 23
Cal Raleigh is making waves in the baseball world this season. While he may not have been a household name before 2025, he’s doing everything in his power to change that. The Mariners’ catcher was already appreciated by Seattle fans for his skills, but this season has been nothing short of spectacular for the player affectionately known as “Big Dumper.”
Raleigh, who accumulated 101 homers from 2022 to 2024, is now leading the majors with 23 home runs following a solo shot against Twins’ starter Chris Paddack that gave the Mariners a critical 1-0 lead in the seventh inning.
Paddack was exceptional on the mound, going eight innings and allowing just one run, striking out 10 and keeping the baserunners limited to five over 110 pitches. However, the Mariners found a way to edge out the Twins, utilizing a strong bullpen performance and clinching a walk-off win with Randy Arozarena’s single in the ninth.
Currently, Raleigh boasts an impressive slash line of .264/.379/.637 and holds a slim lead over Shohei Ohtani in the home run race, as well as being ahead of Aaron Judge by two home runs. All three sluggers put on a power display over the weekend, captivating fans’ attention in Los Angeles.
Caminero’s Emerging Power
On the topic of home runs, Rays third baseman Junior Caminero had a standout week, adding to his tally with two more homers on Saturday, bringing his weekly total to four. The 21-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance, even if he’s working through some aspects of his game; his current batting line sits at .262/.291/.505 with 13 home runs to his name.
Caminero’s impressive performance is noteworthy, especially considering the power potential he showcased in the minors. After hitting 31 home runs as a 19-year-old in the minors and demonstrating significant pop at Triple-A the following year, expectations were high for his big league debut in 2024. Although his power didn’t shine through as much last year, this season indicates that he’s still developing and finding his footing, which is promising for Rays fans looking toward the future.
Phillies’ Disastrous Weekend
If you’re a Phillies fan, this past weekend won’t make for pleasant viewing. They suffered a sweep at the hands of the Brewers, which came at a time when the Mets were capitalizing on a matchup against the struggling Rockies. As a result, Philadelphia dropped three games in the standings in a matter of days, slipping to one game out of first place in the NL East. While it’s still early in June, witnessing such a downturn can sting.
To add insult to injury, Sunday’s loss was a thorough beating. The Phillies scored seven runs but were dramatically outscored by 10 as the Brewers erupted for 17 runs. Former Phillies slugger Rhys Hoskins put on a show with six RBIs and two homers, while Jackson Chourio contributed five RBIs and added his own long ball. The weekend was a stark reminder of the ups and downs of baseball.
A’s Struggles Continue into June
The Athletics began May with the promise of a wild-card spot but have since collapsed dramatically. From a commendable 20-16 record on May 5, the A’s have stumbled to a dismal 3-24 since then, culminating in a rough sweep by the Blue Jays as they transitioned into June—Toronto outscored Oakland 31-14 in that series.
The A’s woes extend beyond just a few games. After a solid start earlier in the season, they’re now on pace for a daunting 100 losses—particularly concerning given their early promise. The offense has held its own, with a modest .256/.328/.413 line for the month, but the pitching has been a disaster. Key pitchers like Jeffrey Springs and Gunnar Hoglund have struggled to find their rhythm, each with respective ERAs that raise eyebrows. As summer approaches, the A’s pitching staff faces even greater trials, with hotter temperatures likely impacting performance.
Tensions Rise in O’s vs. White Sox Game
In Saturday’s matchup, rookie Coby Mayo made headlines not only for collecting his first MLB RBI but also for finding himself caught in a pickle that led to a benches-clearing incident. After colliding with White Sox second baseman Lenyn Sosa during a rundown, Mayo appeared to push Sosa aside, igniting tensions between the two teams.
While Mayo is still learning the ropes in the big leagues, this incident serves as a reminder that, even during tough seasons, basic fundamentals and a level head are crucial for maintaining composure on the field. As the season rolls on, lessons like these can be pivotal for a young player’s development.
As we progress through the season, each game reveals fresh storylines, statistics, and drama that keeps fans engaged. Buckle up—there’s plenty more baseball left to unfold!
