MLB News: Munetaka Murakami, Yordan Alvarez, All-Star Game, ABS system, Mets losing streak
Plus, why are the Mets, Phillies, and Astros so bad this season?
Apr 18, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) hits a solo home run during the seventh inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images | Scott Marshall-Imagn Images Happy Wednesday, everyone! Did you know the Cubs are in the most interesting division in baseball?
Of course, we always knew that, but it seems like the NL Central is getting a lot of attention this week. Other things on people’s minds? The Phillies, Mets, and Astros are the talk of the town, and it’s largely because of how bad they’ve been.
Not bad? Astros’ slugger Yordan Alvarez. Likewise, Japanese star Munetaka Murakami might be striking out a lot, but he’s still exactly what the White Sox hoped for.
We’ve got all that and more—including goats—in today’s news brief, so let’s just jump right into it. Ben Clemens looks at how Munetaka Murakami has been exactly what the White Sox hoped he would be . Yordan Alvarez swings a hot bat, and it has been a real bright spot for the Astros this season .