Everything you need to know halfway through the MLB season
As MLB teams play their 81st game of 2019, here's what we've seen so far and where things are headed from here.
2019 ScheduleAll times ET
2019 Schedule
39-40, 4th in AL West
Power Rankings: Yankees, Braves rise to challenge Dodgers for No. 1
Some of the game's most famous franchises are back in the mix to take over as MLB's top team.
BBTN: Pujols in STL, Mets' Issues, Uni Quiz
Buster talks to Tim Kurkjian about Albert Pujols' return to St. Louis, the Mets' continued issues and the sinking Phillies (17:10). Plus, an interview with Angels IF Tommy La Stella (34:18) and a "Uni Quiz" with Todd Radom (36:37).
Picking between peak Pujols or Trout today, who's better?
One Angel is the best player in baseball, but his teammate held that title for an even longer stretch in his prime seasons.
Albert Pujols' return to St. Louis: It was as if he never left
With a standing ovation for every at-bat and an endless series of emotional moments, Albert Pujols' homecoming was all he and Cardinals fans could have hoped for.
Pujols concludes STL return with 2 hits, Molina jersey swap
Angels slugger Albert Pujols had two hits and exchanged jerseys with former teammate Yadier Molina to conclude an emotional return to St. Louis, and Los Angeles beat the Cardinals 6-4 on Sunday night.
Pujols: This weekend one of the best of my career (1:23)
Pujols, Molina swap jerseys after the game (0:39)
Pujols gets curtain call after last at-bat of series (0:32)
Rengifo tagged out after falling down (0:30)
Pujols gets another ovation, records single in 3rd (0:36)
Pujols gets curtain call at Busch Stadium after HR
Ex-Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols got his curtain call Saturday after homering in just his second game back in St. Louis.
Pujols saluted after HR for Angels vs hometown Cards in loss
Albert Pujols took a curtain call for his adoring fans at Busch Stadium after homering against the Cardinals, but Marcell Ozuna connected to lead Dakota Hudson and St. Louis over the Los Angeles Angels 4-2 on Saturday.
Bradford Doolittle ESPN Staff Writer
You just knew it would happen, right? Albert Pujols homers at Busch Stadium, taking Dakota Hudson into the left-field bullpen. The crowd is still buzzing. You would have thought the Cardinals had just won the World Series. Of course, Pujols doesn't play for the Cards and despite his visiting player status, he answered the crowd's plea for a curtain call. Just an amazing moment.
Pujols cheered in return, but Angels fall to Cardinals 5-1
Albert Pujols drew huge cheers in his long-awaited return to St Louis, but Marcell Ozuna spoiled the homecoming with a home run that helped the Cardinals beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-1 on Friday night.
Bradford Doolittle ESPN Staff Writer
The announced attendance at Busch Stadium tonight for Albert Pujols' return: 48,423. It's the second-largest crowd in the history of Busch Stadium III.
Pujols' Busch Stadium return 'just pretty amazing'
It had been nearly 11 years since Albert Pujols last played in Busch Stadium prior to Friday night. Greeted with ovations before all three plate appearances, he said there were several times when he nearly shed tears during the game.
Bradford Doolittle ESPN Staff Writer
The ovation for Albert Pujols at Busch Stadium went on for about 1 minutes and 20 seconds when he stepped to the plate for the first time tonight. It may have never stopped if Michael Wacha had not finally thrown a pitch. Pujols tipped his helmet to the crowd, pointed to the Cardinals' dugout and hugged St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina. Then he just missed barreling one up, flying out to medium-deep center. Great moment in St. Louis.
Bradford Doolittle ESPN Staff Writer
Hopelessly lost in the shuffle of Albert Pujols' return to St. Louis is the fact that this is Mike Trout's first game here. Trout singled and scored on Justin Upton's double to open tonight's scoring.
Bradford Doolittle ESPN Staff Writer
Who is the home team tonight? Fans came out early on a wet evening to crowd near the field beyond the Angels' dugout, hoping to catch a glimpse of Albert Pujols.
Bradford Doolittle ESPN Staff Writer
Well, it's SUPPOSED to be Albert Pujols' first game back in St. Louis tonight ...
Alden Gonzalez ESPN Staff Writer
Albert Pujols used to be bothered by how long it took for the Angels to go back to St. Louis, but he sees it differently now. "It's coming at the right time," he said.
Alden Gonzalez ESPN Staff Writer
Before this road trip, Albert Pujols pulled out a white envelope and showed me a six-inch stack of tickets he purchased for friends and family at Busch Stadium. He spent tens of thousands of dollars, but he was most looking forward to his kids being there. Most of them were too young to fully experience him in St. Louis.
Pujols makes incredible gesture, gives young fan jersey off his back (0:40)
BBTN: Rays' Move? Bumgarner Status, Austin Meadows
Before a conversation with Rays OF Austin Meadows (41:32), Buster discusses the possibility of the Rays splitting time between TB and Montreal with Marc Topkin (10:04) & Boog Sciambi (18:04). Plus, Boog weighs in on Madison Bumgarner's future, Albert Pujols' return to St. Louis & more.
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2019 AL West Standings
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 49 | 30 | .620 | - | W1 |
| Texas | 42 | 36 | .538 | 6.5 | W2 |
| Oakland | 41 | 38 | .519 | 8 | L1 |
| Los Angeles | 39 | 40 | .494 | 10 | W1 |
| Seattle | 35 | 47 | .427 | 15.5 | W1 |
2019 Team Leaders
- Batting
- Pitching
BATTING AVERAGE
Home Runs
RUNS BATTED IN
Earned Run Average
Wins
Strikeouts
Team Stats
- Batting
- Pitching
Runs401
Batting Average.260
On Base Percentage.338
Slugging Percentage.439
Earned Run Average4.98
Quality Starts13
WHIP1.35
BAA.247