Mariners News
The Mariners made a pair of big moves ahead of today’s trade deadline.
They acquired outfielder Taylor Ward in a trade with the Orioles this afternoon to complete their quest for a right-handed bat. In exchange, they sent right-handed reliever Alex Hoppe and a pair of minor league pitchers to Baltimore.
Ward has taken a step back in the power department, going from 36 home runs last year to just seven so far this season, but currently leads the American League in walks. The 32-year old will enter free agency after the season ends.
Over the weekend, the M’s also dealt Luis Castillo to the White Sox in exchange for veteran reliever Seranthony Dominguez, veteran outfielder Nolan Jones and Double-A catching prospect Boston Smith. Smith was ranked as the #15 prospect in the White Sox farm system, according to MLB Pipeline.
Chicago will also absorb the entirety of Castillo’s contract, which is valued at roughly $30 million through the end of next season.
The trades come on the heels of a thrilling weekend for the Mariners, who walked off the Minnesota Twins in back-to-back games.
Cal Raleigh hit a game-winning groundout on Saturday to snap Seattle’s three-game skid. Then, Colt Emerson delivered his first career walk-off yesterday to give the M’s the win after they nearly fumbled a 6-0 lead.
The Mariners have the day off today before continuing their homestand with a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers tomorrow.
Coverage begins at 5:30 and first pitch is at 6:40 on KPUG with Emerson Hancock on the mound.
MLB News
There was plenty more action around the majors before today’s trade deadline.
The defending champion Dodgers got the biggest prize by adding 2x Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal from the Tigers.
The Mariners’ division rival Astros also made a splash, acquiring center fielder Daulton Varsho from the Blue Jays in exchange for their starter Spencer Arrighetti. The Astros have been one of the hottest teams in the majors along with the Red Sox, who traded for 3x All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman from the Orioles.
Elsewhere in the AL West, the Angels shipped off outfielder Jo Adell to the Guardians, who Mariners fans will remember for robbing them of three home runs in a single game earlier this season.
Former Mariner Robby Ray got traded from the Giants to the Padres. The Giants also traded 3x batting champ Luis Arraez to the Phillies.
Bells News
The Bells are officially playoff-bound.
Bellingham swept the Victoria HarbourCats over the weekend to clinch the #2 seed in the North Division.
They’ll now host Game 2 and Game 3, if needed, for the opening round of the West Coast League playoffs. Tickets are on sale now at BellsTickets.com for their first home playoff game, which will take place this Saturday against a to-be-determined opponent.
The Bells are kicking off their final series of the regular season tonight against the Edmonton Riverhawks. It could be a preview of their first playoff series, with Edmonton and Victoria currently tied for the third seed in the North.
First pitch is at 6:35, and make sure to bring your friendship bracelets for Taylor Swift Night at Joe Martin Field.
UW Huskies News
A former Huskies standout is calling it a career after just one season.
The New Orleans Saints announced today that they’re placing wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk on the retired list.
The 24-year-old was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2024 draft after playing three seasons at UW. He caught for nearly 1,200 yards and 9 touchdowns in his final year as a major piece of the Huskies’ run to the national title game.
Polk has not yet spoken on his decision to retire.
In other NFL news, ESPN reports Chicago Bears safety Coby Bryant will be sidelined for 8 to 10 weeks after injuring his left knee in practice today. Bryant was the Seahawks’ starting safety during their Super Bowl run last season before signing a three-year, $40 million deal with the Bears.
US Soccer News
U.S. Soccer announced this morning that Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new contract to continue as manager through the 2030 World Cup.
Most of his staff will also stay on the team.
Pochettino was hired in 2024 after the US had a disastrous group stage exit at the 2024 Copa America. He led the U.S. to their second-ever knockout round win and a Round of 16 appearance at this year’s World Cup before falling to Belgium.
Storm News
The Storm are back tonight.
They’re on the road for the first leg of back-to-back games against the New York Liberty with a chance to snap their eight game skid.
Seattle’s coming off a nine-point loss to the Atlanta Dream on Friday The Storm still sit at the bottom of the league standings with just six wins on the year.
They now face a Liberty team that’s fighting for a playoff spot with two months left in the regular season.
Tipoff is at 4:00 from Barclays Center.
