The Opener: Ragans, Mets, Pitchers’ Duel

Sean Manaea delivered an impressive performance in his fourth outing of the season, allowing just one earned run over five innings against the Padres, with a season-high of 86 pitches. After initially facing trouble, he settled down to retire 12 consecutive batters, showcasing a strong 2.08 ERA and 0.87 WHIP, while expressing confidence in his recovery to full strength. Want More Context? 🔎

The Cardinals' bullpen is set for significant changes, with closer Ryan Helsley likely to be traded alongside impending free agents Phil Maton and Steven Matz. JoJo Romero, a lefty reliever with a strong 2.12 ERA this season, is also a trade candidate, attracting interest from teams like the Padres, as St. Louis may seek to bolster their prospects amid diminished playoff chances. Want More Context? 🔎

The Astros signed right-hander Cody Bolton to a minor league contract after his release from the Guardians, where he was sidelined due to injuries from a car accident. Bolton, who has a 5.79 ERA in the majors and a stronger 3.42 ERA in Triple-A, will initially work at the team's Florida complex before potentially joining Triple-A Sugar Land. Want More Context? 🔎