Barry M. Bloom

Shohei Ohtani's two-way career is indefinitely stalled as the Dodgers have shelved him from pitching due to a left knee injury. Despite an All-Star break injection, Ohtani still felt pain, leading to the decision. Manager Dave Roberts stated Ohtani pitching isn't a current necessity, with other starters recovering, and the goal is his return by the postseason. Ohtani continues to excel as a hitter, maintaining MVP-caliber numbers with a .291 average, 22 homers, and 58 RBIs. The injury, sustained June 11, primarily affects his pitching mechanics. While his Cy Young chances are diminished, he remains an MVP favorite. Roberts admits uncertainty regarding the exact timeline for Ohtani's return to the mound.

The Yankees and Giants, on opposite ends of the winning spectrum, are eyeing a potential blockbuster trade as the August 3 deadline approaches. The Yankees, aiming for a World Series title and facing an injured Aaron Judge, seek significant upgrades to avoid another early playoff exit. Meanwhile, the Giants are desperate to shed over $400 million in long-term contracts and rebuild. A bold proposal suggests swapping infields: the Giants would send Luis Arraez, Willy Adames, and either Rafael Devers or Matt Chapman to New York. In return, the Yankees would offer Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Volpe, Ryan McMahon, and prospects, absorbing some salary. This move would give the Yankees potent bats like Arraez and Devers, complementing their strong pitching to form a true contender. The Giants would gain crucial salary relief and future flexibility. Challenges include no-trade clauses for Adames and Chapman, and Devers' substantial contract. Both teams acknowledge the need for change, with Yankees manager Aaron Boone stating, "It takes two to tango."

Carlos Beltran will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame this Sunday, a bittersweet moment given his past. He made it on his third attempt with 84.2% of the vote, joining Andruw Jones and Jeff Kent. Beltran acknowledged his role in the 2017 Astros sign-stealing scandal, describing it as a team effort that cost him the Mets managerial job. He felt being named in MLB's report was his "suspension" and wondered if he'd ever reach the Hall. Now an advisor to Mets owner Steve Cohen, he recently declined the interim managerial position, feeling it wasn't the right time. Beltran plans to focus on enjoying his induction.

If there's a theme that runs through the induction ceremony Sunday for the National Baseball Hall of Fame on the stage behind the Clark Sports Center, it's that the three players had to wait.

Jones played in 107 games for the Sox in 2010, batting .230 with 19 home runs, 48 RBI and an .827 OPS. Charles Rex Arbogast/AP

Baker, who managed the Cubs for four seasons (2003-06), is among the candidates who will be up for election at the end of the year.

The Padres did what they had to do at Monday's trade deadline : bolster their starting pitching. Padres general manager A.J.

Major League Baseball and its players' union are on a collision course for a lockout beginning December 1, regardless of the Dodgers making a trade with the Tigers for top pitcher Tarik Skubal. Owners argue high payrolls, exemplified by the Dodgers' record spending and success, create an unfair fight. However, the union points to lower-payroll competitive teams and the Mets' high spending with poor results, asserting that competitive balance already exists. The current luxury tax fails to curb spending by deep-pocketed owners, making a lockout seem inevitable as negotiations remain stalled.

The Dodgers have beefed up again trading for one of the best pitchesr in MLB. That won't changed the course of collective bargaining between the owner and players.

The pending sale of the Padres should close sometime this month, John Seidler, the team's control person, told Times of San Diego on Wednesday night before they lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks, 10-4, at Chase Field.