FT Leadoff

After missing the weekend showdown against the Dodgers, Juan Soto returned to a lineup that’s outscored the Royals by 17 runs through the first three games of this series.

Their pitching has also been stellar, as Yankees starters have gone at least four innings in all 70 games this season, a franchise record. Check out our conversation with pitching coach Matt Blake about the staff’s dominance, the plan for Luis Gil, and having Gerrit Cole as his assistant.

New York has won 14 of 16 and sit 2.5 games up on Baltimore in the AL East as they go for a sweep of KC this afternoon.

Two of baseball’s best have faced off on polar opposite trajectories.

Baltimore is surging, having won 16 of their last 20 games following their sixth-straight win on Wednesday.

On the other hand, Atlanta’s offense has been missing in action since last season. After losing the first two to the O’s, they’ve now lost five in a row and are hitting .195 as a team during their current skid.

For more on the Braves, check out Hammer Territory.

Back-to-back days with a walk-off make for some immaculate vibes in San Diego.

The Padres completed their first sweep of the year in historic fashion thanks to a walk-off round-tripper from rookie standout Jackson Merrill off A’s flamethrower Mason Miller on Wednesday.

At 37-35, San Diego is only 1.5 GB in the Wild Card race, and trade season is heating up.

Context - Could they make a move to acquire Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes?

Watch - FT Senior Insider Ken Rosenthal discusses the Yankees approach at the deadline, explores how Cavan Biggio fits with the Dodgers, and explains how Michael Lorenzen used his frustration over free agency to his advantage.

Watch - Max Muncy updates the FT Crew on how his recovery from his oblique injury is progressing.

Watch - Rubén Amaro, Jr. explores the Phillies rotation and its impact on their insane season.

North Side Territory - Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down how the Cubs can improve as they approach the trade deadline.

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