Jacob Misiorowski’s Velocity Sets New Standard for Pitchers
Jacob Misiorowski, a rookie pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, has become one of the most talked-about players in Major League Baseball this week. In just three starts, he has pitched 16 innings and allowed only three hits and one run. What stands out most is his extraordinary fastball velocity, which averages 99.6 mph and has reached as high as 102.4 mph. Misiorowski has thrown eight of the nine fastest pitches by a starter this season, and 11 of the 13 fastest overall. Since pitch-tracking began in 2008, he already ranks 15th in total pitches thrown at or above 100 mph as a starter, with 62 such pitches in his short career. His slowest fastball is still above the average for both starting pitchers and relievers, making him a unique force on the mound.
Standing at 6-foot-7, Misiorowski’s long extension toward home plate—about 7.6 feet—means he releases the ball very close to the batter. This gives hitters even less time to react, making his pitches even more difficult to hit. So far, batters are hitting just .045 against him, going 1-for-22. This velocity surge is changing how teams and fans view the potential of starting pitchers. While some experts worry about the physical limits of throwing so hard, Misiorowski continues to push boundaries and redefine what is possible for MLB starters.
Kansas City Royals Struggle with Home Run Power at Kauffman Stadium
The Kansas City Royals have faced a major challenge this season: a dramatic drop in home run production at their home field, Kauffman Stadium. In their first 44 home games, the Royals have hit only 15 home runs, which is about one homer every three games. This is the lowest total in the league by a wide margin. For comparison, the Los Angeles Dodgers have hit 79 home runs at home, and individual sluggers like Eugenio Suárez, Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Cal Raleigh have each hit more home runs than the entire Royals team at Kauffman.
Only seven Royals players have homered at home this year, with Vinnie Pasquantino and Bobby Witt Jr. leading the way with four each. The team’s lack of power has become a talking point, especially after a recent 10-game home losing streak. Pasquantino himself admitted the team’s power output has been poor. Historically, teams that hit so few home runs at home are rare, with most examples coming from the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, it is only July, and power numbers often rise in the warmer months.
The Royals’ struggles are not as severe on the road, where they have hit 43 home runs in 41 games, which is close to the league average. The main issue is that Kauffman Stadium is known for suppressing home runs, producing only about 82% of the league average over the past three years. The ballpark is more favorable for singles, doubles, and triples, making it tough for power hitters to succeed. This home run drought is a key storyline as the season moves into its second half.
Wild Pitches and Passed Balls Reach Historic Lows
Another major trend in MLB this week is the historic decline in wild pitches and passed balls. Over the past two decades, the catcher position has changed a lot, with more focus on pitch framing and game planning. Most catchers now use a one-knee stance, which helps them frame low pitches better. While some thought this might hurt their ability to block wild pitches, the data shows otherwise. The rate of passed balls and wild pitches is now at its lowest since 1956, with about 0.340 per game. This is a big drop from 2021, when the rate was 0.455 per game.
One reason for this decline is the use of PitchCom technology, which allows catchers and pitchers to communicate electronically. This reduces the risk of miscommunication, or “cross-ups,” that can lead to wild pitches. With PitchCom, teams have almost eliminated confusion about pitch selection, making games smoother and safer for catchers. This technological advance, combined with new catching techniques, is changing the way defense is played in MLB.
Los Angeles Dodgers Face Injury Challenges and Roster Moves
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been in the news this week due to a series of injuries and roster changes. Several key pitchers are on the injured list, including Blake Snell (left shoulder inflammation), Blake Treinen (right forearm sprain), and Tyler Glasnow (right shoulder inflammation). All three are expected to return in July, with Snell and Treinen starting rehab assignments soon and Glasnow possibly being activated for the next start. Other pitchers, like Roki Sasaki and Tony Gonsolin, are also recovering from injuries, with Sasaki possibly returning in August and Gonsolin shut down from throwing for now.
Position players have not been spared either. Max Muncy is out with a left knee bone bruise, and his return is expected in August. The Dodgers have made several roster moves to adjust, including recalling Jack Little and Esteury Ruiz from Triple-A and claiming CJ Alexander off waivers. These changes are part of the team’s effort to stay competitive as they deal with a tough stretch of injuries. The Dodgers’ ability to manage their roster and keep winning will be a key factor as the season progresses.
John Oliver and the Erie SeaWolves’ Moon Mammoth Mascot
In a lighter but still significant story, John Oliver and his show Last Week Tonight have brought national attention to the Erie SeaWolves, a Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Oliver’s team offered to rebrand a Minor League Baseball team with full creative control, and the SeaWolves were chosen after submitting a passionate letter. The result is the creation of the Moon Mammoth mascot, inspired by a prehistoric mammoth discovered in Erie County, Pennsylvania.
The new mascot, named Fuzz E. Mammoth, is a giant purple mammoth wearing an astronaut helmet and moon-walking boots. The unveiling was a major event, with Oliver and the original mammoth discoverer, George Moon, expected to attend the debut game on July 19. The SeaWolves hope this unique mascot will boost community pride and bring positive attention to Erie, a city often overlooked in the baseball world. The team will play several games as the Moon Mammoths, and officials believe fans will embrace the new identity because of its deep local roots and quirky spirit.
Looking Ahead: All-Star Break and Trade Deadline
As the MLB season moves past the halfway point, teams are preparing for the All-Star break and the upcoming trade deadline. These next few weeks will be crucial for teams hoping to make a playoff push. The trends of the past week—Misiorowski’s velocity, the Royals’ power struggles, the drop in wild pitches, the Dodgers’ injury management, and the SeaWolves’ mascot rebrand—show how dynamic and unpredictable the season has been.
Fans can expect more surprises as the postseason race heats up. Teams will look to strengthen their rosters, address weaknesses, and build momentum for the final stretch. With new stars emerging, technology changing the game, and communities rallying around their teams, the 2025 MLB season continues to deliver excitement and drama for baseball fans everywhere.