Sam Connon

Joined: Jul 10, 2023

Sam Connon is a staff writer covering baseball for “Fastball on SI.’’ He previously covered UCLA Athletics for On SI’s All Bruins site, and is a UCLA graduate, with his work there as a sports columnist receiving awards from the College Media Association and Society of Professional Journalists. Connon also wrote for On SI’s New England Patriots site, Patriots Country, and he was on the Patriots and Boston Red Sox beats at Prime Time Sports Talk. Sam lives in Boston.

Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Pittsburgh Pirates take batting practice before the game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

History

The reigning World Champions were no match for their crosstown rivals this week, getting swept in the Freeway Series for the second time in 2025.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Blake Perkins (16), outfielder Brandon Lockridge (20) and outfielder Sal Frelick (10) celebrate a 12-5 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at American Family Field.

History

William Contreras, Christian Yelich and Sal Frelick each played major parts in the Milwaukee Brewers' blowout win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.

Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser (17) scores during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Injuries

Colton Cowser won't be ready to rejoin the Baltimore Orioles' lineup when he is eligible Thursday, while Tyler O'Neill isn't set to be back until September.

Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) runs to third base in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.

History

The very first triple play in the history of the Freeway Series just happened to feature Shohei Ohtani lining out against his former team.

South Williamsport, PA, USA; A fan holds a Korean flag during the game between the Asia-Pacific Region and the Great Lakes Region at Howard J. Lamade Stadium.

News

Baek-Ho Kang has played eight seasons with the KT Wiz in KBO, all apparently in preparation to make the jump to MLB in 2026.

San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants left fielder Heliot Ramos (17) is congratulated by third baseman Matt Chapman (26) after scoring a run against the Washington Nationals in the eighth inning at Oracle Park.

News

Fans across the country are buying into MLB with playoff races heating up, as league-wide attendance reached its highest point over an August weekend since 2015.

Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman (2) waves to the crowd after being honored with a video tribute before the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park.

History

Despite winning two World Series titles across his nine seasons with the Houston Astros, Alex Bregman didn't pull any punches at the plate Monday night.

Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) celebrates hitting a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning with teammates at Rogers Centre.

Injuries

Bobby Witt Jr. got the day off Sunday due to back stiffness, but the Kansas City Royals shortstop will be back on the field for Monday's series opener against the Washington Nationals.

Aug 10, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Isaac Collins (6) gets a postgame dunk after hitting a walk-off home run against the New York Mets at American Family Field.

History

Isaac Collins did more than cap off a crazy comeback against the New York Mets on Sunday, extending one of the most dominant runs by a rookie in MLB history.

Cumberland, Georgia, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park.

History

Justin Verlander tossed the 3,500th strikeout of his career in the San Francisco Giants' showdown with the Washington Nationals on Sunday, becoming the 10th pitcher in MLB history to hit the mark.

Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) argues with umpires Derek Thomas (53) and Jordan Baker (71) in the third inning against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium.

News

It didn't take Aaron Boone very long to get under umpire Derek Thomas' skin on Sunday, as the New York Yankees' skipper got tossed for arguing balls and strikes in the third inning.

New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) follows through on a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning at Citi Field.

History

Ryan Helsley fired a 103.8 mile-per-hour fastball against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday, but the good vibes were short-lived for the New York Mets' headlining trade deadline acquisition.

Sam Connon

Joined: Jul 10, 2023

Jet Flyover Shocks Fans, Players During Chicago Cubs' 7th-Inning Stretch

George Springer Eying Return to Toronto Blue Jays Lineup Following Concussion

Philadelphia Phillies Veteran Set to Rejoin Rotation Following Injured List Stint

Baltimore Orioles Pitcher Continues Breakout With Historic Home Dominance

History

Los Angeles Angels Complete Historic Season Sweep Over Los Angeles Dodgers

History

Milwaukee Brewers Extend Historic Winning Streak With Continued Offensive Onslaught

Injuries

Baltimore Orioles Still Waiting For Outfielders to Recover From Injuries

History

Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Hits Into Historic Triple Play vs. Zach Neto, Angels

News

Korean Slugger Baek-Ho Kang Expected to Hit MLB Free Agency in 2026

News

MLB August Attendance Surges to Heights Not Seen in a Decade

History

Boston Red Sox Star Joins Historic Company With Home Run Against Former Team

Injuries

Kansas City Royals Superstar Set to Rejoin Lineup Following Back Injury

Milwaukee Brewers Rookie Matches Yasiel Puig With Historic Walk-Off Home Run

San Francisco Giants' Justin Verlander Reaches Historic Career Milestone

New York Yankees Manager Ejected For MLB-Leading 5th Time This Season

New York Mets Reliever Delivers Record-Breaking Heat Prior to Meltdown