FT Leadoff

The NL West race is intensifying.

The Padres pulled even with the Diamondbacks for second place after a THRILLING 9-8 win over Pittsburgh in extras on Wednesday.

The Diamondbacks did work as well. A Wednesday doubleheader sweep of the Guardians pumped them up to four straight wins and seven consecutive series victories. Eduardo Rodriguez made his season debut in game two, back from a shoulder injury.

Both San Diego and Arizona are still three games back of the Dodgers, who expect Mookie Betts to return to the lineup as early as Monday.

Watch - Could a more traditional postseason strategy work to LA’s benefit?

The NL MVP race might be more of a race than you think.

Shohei Ohtani is the obvious frontrunner, but FT’s AJ Pierzynski says we should look a little closer at Ketel Marte.

DM us on Instagram and let us know your NL MVP pick with some reasoning. We’ll read some replies on the show!

Watch - AJ and Scott Braun explored the MVP debate on Wednesday’s FT Live.

• View - Jackson Holliday becomes youngest player in AL history to homer in three straight games.

• View - Dave Roberts ejected after atrocious obstruction call.

• View - Grayson Rodriguez placed on 15-day IL with right lat/teres discomfort.

• View - Elly De La Cruz has ridiculous two-game stretch in Miami.

• View - White Sox 21-game losing streak comes to an end.

• View - Corey Seager breaks up no-hitter with two outs in the ninth AGAIN.

• View - Astros regain first in AL West after taking series from Rangers.

• View - Aroldis Chapman pumps 105 MPH at 36 years old.

• View - Parker Meadows makes catch of the year?

• View - Bristol Motor Speedway to host Braves-Reds in 2025.

Watch - White Sox Dave blasts the historically bad season for his team and addresses fans feeling hated.

Watch - Tarik Skubal weighs in on the rumors that surrounded him during the trade deadline, losing Jack Flaherty to the Dodgers and possibly new Tigers uniforms?

Watch - Blake Snell dishes on his first career no-hitter, the uncertainty he faced in free agency and misconceptions about his image.

Catch all of our content on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!

Orion Kerkering will join us tomorrow on FT Live!

Check out North Side Territory, Hammer Territory, The Phillies Show, and Dodgers Territory for the latest on the Cubs, Braves, Phillies, and Dodgers!

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