Joey Votto wasn't highly sought after in draft season. Votto, who turns 38 in September, had an OPS of .768 in 2019 and .800 last season, but he's showing he's not done yet. Votto homered for the fifth straight game Wednesday. Votto went 2-for-3 with two home runs and two walks. He has a slash of .276/.373/.548 with 19 home runs and 56 RBI in 261 at-bats. He has five home runs and 10 RBI in the series against the Cubs and eight home runs and 16 RBI in 12 games since the All-Star break. The last seven hits for Votto have all been home runs.

Manaea Rolling

Sean Manaea continued his excellent season, taking a perfect game into the sixth inning. He went six scoreless innings and allowed one hit, one walk and struck out nine in a 10-4 win for the A's over the Padres. Manaea is 8-6 with a 3.01 ERA, with a 1.14 WHIP and a 137:29 K:BB ratio in 122.2 innings.

Twins and Tigers Slug it Out

The Twins hit seven home runs and the Tigers hit none, but Detroit won, 17-14. Eric Haase and Jeimer Candelario each had three RBI for the Tigers as every player had at least one hit. Miguel Sanó and Ryan Jeffers each had two home runs for the Twins.

Reyes Stays Hot

Franmil Reyes was scratched from Sunday's game due to back spasms. The Monday off day came at a good time. After going 0-for-4 Tuesday, Reyes eased any concern about the back going 3-for-3 with two home runs and a walk. Reyes has 19 home runs and 47 RBI. He has eight home runs in the last 18 games.

Ohtani Homers... Again

Another day, another Shohei Ohtani home run. Ohtani went 2-for-3 with two runs, a home run, three RBI and two walks. Ohtani has a slash line of .280/.367/.691 with 72 runs, 37 home runs, 81 RBI and 14 stolen bases. Ohtani has homered eight times in 73 at-bats in July.

Trading Season

The trade deadline is Friday and several deals were made Wednesday. The A's acquired Starling Marte from the Marlins for pitcher Jesús Luzardo. Marte is a free agent at the end of the season. Yimi García was closing for the Marlins and he was traded to the Astros for pitcher Austin Pruitt and and outfielder Bryan De La Cruz. Garcia had 15 saves and will no longer close with Ryan Pressly in Houston. The Diamondbacks traded Eduardo Escobar to the Brewers for infielder Alberto Ciprian and outfielder Cooper Hummel. The Yankees deal to acquire Joey Gallo isn't finalized yet, but they will trade four prospects and Joely Rodríguez to the Rangers.

Castro Mashes for Pirates

The trade of Adam Frazier opens up playing time for Rodolfo Castro. He was with the team briefly a few weeks ago and sent down, but was brought back up with Frazier off to San Diego. Castro hit two home runs and drove in all three runs for the Pirates in a loss. He has five home runs in nine games.

Injuries

Rafael Devers left the game early in Game 2 of a doubleheader against the Blue Jays with quad tightness. He likely will sit on Thursday. In the same game, Lourdes Gurriel left after being hit by a pitch on his right elbow. Nolan Arenado left the game with a bruised right forearm after being hit by a pitch. Eloy Jiménez made his season debut on Monday, but left last night early with right groin tightness. The White Sox say it was precautionary. The Angels placed Jared Walsh on the 10-day IL with a right intercostal strain. Nico Hoerner left Wednesday's game with a side injury. Buster Posey left the game after getting hit by a foul ball on his mask. Garrett Cooper's season is over. He has a partial tear of his UCL and will have surgery. Cooper can be cut in redraft leagues.

COVID Concerns Postpone Game

The Nationals-Phillies game was postponed due to COVID issues. Twelve players and coaches from the Nationals tested positive for COVID-19. Trea Turner left in the middle of the game Tuesday after finding out he tested positive. The teams are expected to play a doubleheader Thursday.

Here's what's on tap for Thursday in Major League Baseball

Betting Favorites

The Padres are the biggest favorites at -280 against the Rockies with Joe Musgrove taking on Kyle Freeland. The Brewers are -190 against the Pirates with Freddy Peralta taking on Chad Kuhl. The Giants-Dodgers cap a four-game series with David Price taking on Johnny Cueto. There are several afternoon games beginning at 12:05 p.m. ET with the Phillies and Nationals playing Game 1 of a doubleheader.