MLB News Today: Shohei Ohtani hits 35th homer; Mookie Betts set to make outfield return and more
Shohei Ohtani hits 35th homer; Mookie Betts set to make outfield return and more – Source: Imagn

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Another MLB day goes by as weekend games await. But prior to that, a lot happened on Friday, with teams making their push to claim a spot in the postseason.

Interestingly, all NL West teams emerged victorious in their games, while the NL Central took most of the beating. In the AL East, the Orioles regained the lead over the Yankees after beating the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1. Let’s take a look at some of the headlines from Friday:

#1 Shohei Ohtani regains NL HR lead with his 35th homer

The Dodgers lead-off hitter continues to shine, showing his MVP caliber yet again. In the third inning against Pittsburgh Pirates’ Mitch Keller, Shohei Ohtani took a deep swing for two runs, with the ball sailing a projected distance of 448 feet after coming off the bat at 113.9 mph velocity.

This was Ohtani’s 35th homer, taking over Marcell Ozuna’s 34th for the NL home run lead. In the majors, he trails New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge, who has 41 home runs.

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#2 Mookie Betts to make return to his old position

Mookie Betts, who started the year as an infielder, is now going back to his original position in right field.

Coming off a fractured left hand injury that he sustained in mid-June in a game against the Kansas City Royals, Betts will return on Monday, playing second to Shohei Ohtani in the lineup and right field, according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya.

#3 MLB announces MLB Speedway Classic at NASCAR race track

In an exciting announcement on Friday, MLB disclosed an upcoming series between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds to be played on Aug. 2, 2025, at the historic Bristol Motor Speedway in northeastern Tennessee.

“Major League Baseball is excited to deliver a special game at Bristol Motor Speedway, a unique setting that sports fans will remember forever,” said Commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement.

“The Reds and the Braves form an ideal matchup because of their dynamic talent and the proximity of their markets. We look forward to celebrating our game with a wide array of fans, both on and off the field throughout the weekend, and highlighting the rich traditions of sports, music and community in Tennessee and across the region.”

For the first time in the league’s history, a regular-season game will be played in Tennessee as the MLB continues to arrange series in unconventional settings.