The work stoppage looming over the baseball world doesn’t seem to be dissipating anytime soon.

Speaking before Tuesday’s All-Star Game, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred was asked about the MLB Players Association’s explicit refusal to accept a salary cap.

Despite that staunch opposition, Manfred said team owners are undeterred.

“I have an ownership group that is more united than any group in my entire time in baseball,” he said, as reported by Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.

Manfred supports salary cap despite union opposition

As detailed by Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Manfred made the case that the union has previously opposed changes that many believe drastically improved the sport, including the pitch clock and ABS.

“We got that momentum by listening to our fans and making changes that you know candidly, the MLBPA was not interested in,’’ Manfred said. “Those changes have paid off in terms of creating that momentum, and the best way to lose momentum is to stand still. We’re doing exactly the same thing that we did with the rule changes, we’re listening to our fans.”

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MLBPA interim executive director Bruce Meyer, however, believes owners want a salary cap not for competitive reasons, but instead to increase their profits and limit their costs.

“The owners, many of them, want a system that not only guarantees their profits, not only increases their franchise values,’’ Meyer said, “but essentially is a former of subsidized mediocrity, owner protection, protection from competition.

“Salary cap is the ultimate excuse not to compete. It’s the ultimate excuse for an owner to say, “Gee, I would like to make the team better, but you know I can’t.’

“Salary caps are bad for fans. Salary caps present teams from doing the things that they believe are in their interest to make the team better.’’

Is there a chance to avoid a work stoppage?

The union and the league continue making their cases, but neither seems willing to budge on the salary cap, meaning a potential lockout ahead of the 2027 season is more and more likely.

Can a deal be reached? Of course, anything is possible, but it seems this will be the defining battle of the offseason.

If neither side wants to compromise, enjoy the rest of this season, because it could be a while before MLB returns.

A pioneering catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers has died at the age of 85.

Puerto Rican journalist Hector Marrero broke the news in a Facebook post in Spanish that Héctor Valle had passed away.

Valle played only one season with the Boys in Blue in 1965, but it was an eventful one, as the team took the World Series that year over the Minnesota Twins.

Héctor Valle’s career with the Dodgers

Valle’s role was limited — he appeared in nine games, batting .308/.400/.308/.708 with two RBIs and one run scored. Six of those games he played at catcher, while the other three he served as a pinch hitter.

The bulk of his career was spent in the minors and in Mexico.

His impact was larger than just numbers, though, as he was one of the first Puerto Rican catchers to play in the majors.

“Baseball in Puerto Rico is mourning the passing of Puerto Rican catcher Hector Valle… one of the most beloved, admired, and accessible ballplayers to his fans,” Marrero wrote, as detailed by Matt Connolly of Mass Live. “I had the privilege of interviewing him and visiting him on several occasions at his residence in Joyuda. He showed me newspaper clippings, photos, and awards, including the silver glove. I still have photos of everything and recordings of the interviews.

“Hector was very friendly, humble, and accessible to all his fans. During the interview, he spoke about his memory for remembering pitches and knowing what the opponents couldn’t hit. He even told me about various players and what made them strike out or miss. We spent a wonderful, unforgettable time laughing together.”

Puerto Rico’s impact on the current Dodgers dynasty

It’s quite possible this current golden era of the Dodgers wouldn’t have happened without Valle blazing the trail.

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One of the most impactful players during this run is utility player Kiké Hernández. Among his playoff moments is the double play that ended Game 6 of the 2025 World Series.

And he was instrumental in bringing over star closer Edwin Diaz. Once he returns from injury, Diaz could be key to the three-peat.

AUGUSTA, GA (WJBF)- Former GreenJackets pitcher Cam Caminiti played in the MLB All-Star futures game in Philadelphia. The 19-year-old pitched a perfect top of the third inning, with two groundouts and a strikeout on a 97 mile per hour fastball.

The number one Braves prospect is now in high A with the Rome Emperors, with a 4.08 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 68 strikeouts. This marks the second year in a row that a Braves prospect pitched in the Futures Game. Last year, JR Ritchie started in Atlanta last season, while Grovetown native Hayden Harris entered as a reliever.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Former Kansas men’s basketball player Lagerald Vick has been charged with attempted murder and using a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.

This story was first reported by the Kansas City Star, as Vick was charged and booked into the Shelby County Jail in Memphis, Tenn., on July 11, according to court records obtained by KSNT.

On July 5, at approximately 2:05 a.m., Memphis Police responded to a “shooting with person struck” call at Regional One Hospital.

Police say the victim told investigators he became involved in a verbal confrontation with a man carrying a handgun tucked under his arm. The victim said he attempted to leave the confrontation, but as he turned to run, he was shot once in the back. He was later transported to Regional One Hospital in a private vehicle.  

The victim was able to provide the first name of the suspect, which led investigators to develop Lagerald Vick as a potential suspect.

On July 7, the victim identified Vick as the person responsible for shooting him from a lineup.

Court records show Vick’s bond has been set at $1.5 million. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday, July 13 for an arraignment, followed by a bond review hearing Tuesday.  

Vick, a Memphis native, played four seasons at Kansas from 2015-19, appearing in 94 games and making 41 starts. During his senior season, he averaged 14.1 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, before taking a leave of absence from the program in February 2019.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.