The second half is underway, with a huge series between the top two teams in the power rankings beginning today.
The American League beat the National League again in the All-Star Game (eight consecutive victories), with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who hit a home run during the game like his dad, winning MVP.
Is the American League a dynasty?!
That's 8 straight #AllStarGame wins for the AL! pic.twitter.com/T0zb5UTN6b
— MLB (@MLB) July 14, 2021
At 22 years, 119 days old, Vlad Guerrero Jr. is the youngest player ever to win #AllStarGame MVP. pic.twitter.com/CaN0Ov1TwC
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) July 14, 2021
Mets slugger Pete Alonso wins his second straight Home Run Derby, beating Trey Mancini in the final round.
BACK-TO-BACK 🏆🏆
PETE ALONSO IS YOUR 2021 HOME RUN DERBY CHAMP! pic.twitter.com/tiQtC3pkRe
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 13, 2021
The Mets have placed Cy Young pitcher Jacob deGrom on the Injured List with right forearm tightness.
Jacob deGrom "frustrated" as forearm tightness forces #Mets ace to injured list | @timbhealey https://t.co/nGO6utbd0N pic.twitter.com/o8U11bJbhL
— Newsday Sports (@NewsdaySports) July 18, 2021
Cardinals closer Alex Reyes recorded his 24th consecutive save, setting the MLB record for most saves to start a career without a blown save.
A NEW MAJOR LEAGUE RECORD!
Congratulations, @AlexReyes_67 👏 pic.twitter.com/SDda8bQ8eH
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 18, 2021
Gold Glover: Rays centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier crashes into the wall while making spectacular catch.
🤯 @KKiermaier39 pic.twitter.com/FlrqrmNeKw
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) July 18, 2021
Pirates score three on ground ball after Mets pitcher Taijuan Walker pushed a ball into foul territory and Mets players argued with the call while the ball was still live.
In play, run(s) pic.twitter.com/bdTzc0SU9r
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 18, 2021
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Power Rankings
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (58-36) | PREV: 2 (+1)
2. San Francisco Giants (58-34) | PREV: 1 (-1)
3. Chicago White Sox (56-36) | PREV: 3
4. Boston Red Sox (56-38) | PREV: 4
5. Tampa Bay Rays (55-38) | PREV: 6 (+1)
6. Houston Astros (56-38) | PREV: 5 (-1)
7. San Diego Padres (55-41) | PREV: 7
8. Milwaukee Brewers (56-39) | PREV: 8
9. Oakland Athletics (53-42) | PREV: 9
10. Toronto Blue Jays (48-42) | PREV: 12 (+2)
11. New York Yankees (48-44) | PREV: 13 (+2)
12. New York Mets (48-42) | PREV: 10 (-2)
13. Philadelphia Phillies (47-45) | PREV: 14 (+1)
14. Seattle Mariners (50-44) | PREV: 17 (+3)
15. Cleveland Indians (47-43) | PREV: 18 (+3)
16. Atlanta Braves (45-47) | PREV: 15 (-1)
17. Cincinnati Reds (48-45) | PREV: 11 (-6)
18. Los Angeles Angels (46-46) | PREV: 16 (-2)
19. Chicago Cubs (46-47) | PREV: 19
20. St. Louis Cardinals (46-47) | PREV: 20
21. Washington Nationals (43-49) | PREV: 21
22. Detroit Tigers (43-51) | PREV: 23 (+1)
23. Colorado Rockies (41-53) | PREV: 22 (-1)
24. Miami Marlins (40-53) | PREV: 25 (+1)
25. Minnesota Twins (39-53) | PREV: 24 (-1)
26. Pittsburgh Pirates (36-57) | PREV: 28 (+2)
27. Kansas City Royals (37-55) | PREV: 26 (-1)
28. Texas Rangers (35-58) | PREV: 27 (-1)
29. Baltimore Orioles (30-62) | PREV: 29
30. Arizona Diamondbacks (27-68) | PREV: 30