On deck for MLB's 2nd half: Trades, playoff races and prizes

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Across the globe, everybody is watching Shohei Ohtani in awe and intrigue.

Major League Baseball can only love the attention from around the world surrounding the Angels' two-way star and the spotlight he's brought to the sport.

Can Ohtani keep this up? An encore to a sensational first half? He leads the majors with 33 home runs and has shown no signs of slowing down or slumping — and should soon have a healthy Mike Trout back in the lineup with him.

Pitchers across the big leagues are doing their part so far, too.

There have already been seven no-hitters in the majors this season, matching the mark for most in one year during the modern era. The record of eight was set in 1884, the first season overhand pitching was allowed.

Will Jacob deGrom, Walker Buehler and Gerrit Cole join the list soon? And will the uproar over sticky substances tamp down?

Manager Torey Lovullo and the Arizona Diamondbacks are eager for a fresh start, determined to forget that record 24-game road losing streak in which they went more than two months without a win out of Chase Field.

The rush to the playoffs — and the judgments — for fans all over begin Thursday night when the second half opens with one game: Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers and the AL East-leading Red Sox visiting Yankee Stadium to start an early stretch that could decide New York's fate.

Here are some things to watch when play resumes:

TRADE STORY-LINES

Trevor Story, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Gibson are sure to attract plenty of attention as the July 30 trade deadline — moved up a day this year — rapidly approaches.

Story becomes a free agent after this season and Colorado might try to get something for the star shortstop. Rockies teammate C.J. Cron also will...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/On-deck-for-MLB-s-2nd-half-Trades-playoff-races-16314840.php