Diamondbacks first baseman Ildemaro Vargas and Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy are both fine after slamming into each other on a close play at first base last night (video via Talkin’ Baseball on X). Vargas is dealing with some bruises, and Muncy went through concussion protocol, but the infielders are expected to return to the lineup this weekend.
1. Cubs’ wild comeback
The Cubs were in danger of getting swept at home by the Athletics on Thursday. Chicago cut into a 6-1 deficit with an Ian Happ two-run homer in the seventh inning, but went into the final frame down three runs. Joel Kuhnel entered for the A’s and quickly got into trouble. The righty permitted five hits and recorded just two outs, one of which came via caught stealing. Luis Medina relieved Kuhnel with two runners on and the A’s clinging to a one-run lead. Dansby Swanson knocked in the game-tying tally, and Pete Crow-Armstrong followed with a walk-off single. PCA also homered earlier in the game, redeeming himself after losing a Shea Langeliers fly ball in the twilight, leading to an inside-the-park home run.
2. Seager, Langford expected back
The Rangers are getting reinforcements on Friday. Shortstop Corey Seager and outfielder Wyatt Langford are expected to return for a series against the Guardians, per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. Seager has missed a couple of weeks with back inflammation. Langford has been sidelined since late April with a forearm strain. Outfielder Alejandro Osuna and utilityman Cody Freeman are heading back to the minors to clear spots for Seager and Langford, relays Grant. Texas has recovered since getting swept by the Angels and dropping three of four against the Astros (including a no-hitter). The club has won five of six games heading into a weekend matchup against Cleveland.
3. Nootbaar returning Friday
The Cardinals are also getting an important bat back into the lineup. Outfielder Lars Nootbaar is expected to make his season debut on Friday against the Reds, relays Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Nootbaar is returning from offseason surgery on both heels. Injuries have limited him in multiple seasons, but the outfielder played a career-high 135 games in 2025. Nootbaar should provide a boost to a lineup that ranks 29th in scoring since the beginning of May. “He takes his walks, he controls the strike zone, he puts it in play, so that will be helpful,” manager Oli Marmol said.
Photo courtesy of Matt Marton, Imagn Images
Muncy runs a foot in fair territory, then veers even further into play at the last second, to collide with Vargas. Throwing up his arms for maximum impact. Classless.
He’s on the Dodgers, so he can get away with anything.
PCA is currently not as good as everyone thinks he is.
Better offensively than Harris, and better defensively than Merrill. Best CF in the NL.
You’re right, even with a slow start.
However, he could be so much better.
I’ve been trying to mute you for months and the site just won’t let me. Why can’t I have relief from my suffering
Just ignore me man. Most of what I say is rage-bait anyway.
Not you, slider with cheese
PCA is not a superstar, HOF type player. At least at this point in his career. The guy’s still young. He is however, a good all round major league ball player who’s going to have a solid career for years. Through out a professional athlete’s career, in any sport, there’s always ups and downs.
Is it just me or has Nick Deeds been pulled from the MLBTR rotation? I’ve noticed that he’s no longer doing the Openers and I haven’t seen his byline in other places. If he has, indeed, moved on I wish him well, preferably in a career that does not include writing.