🔴 Phillies Send Andrew Painter to Triple-A | Byron Buxton Stays in Minnesota | Mets Beat Phillies & MLB Labor Talks The Philadelphia Phillies made a major roster move this week, optioning struggling right-hander Andrew Painter to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. With a 1-8 record and an ERA climbing over 7.00, the decision had been building after four straight poor starts. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski called the decision “difficult,” but expressed confidence that a reset in the minors can help the young arm get back on track. We break down what went wrong and what comes next for one of Philadelphia’s most hyped pitching prospects. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins find themselves at the center of trade deadline buzz — but their star centerfielder isn’t going anywhere. Byron Buxton made his stance crystal clear, saying “I ain’t said nothing about leaving, nor will I. I’m a Twin.” Buxton holds full no-trade protection through the end of 2026, meaning he is not leaving Minnesota unless he decides he wants to. We discuss what this means for the Twins ahead of the August 3rd trade deadline. On the field, Juan Soto hit two solo home runs and made a sliding catch to rob Bryce Harper of an extra-base hit as the New York Mets beat the Phillies 6-4 to open their series at Citizens Bank Park. And with the season rolling along, the clock is ticking on baseball’s future. The MLB’s Collective Bargaining Agreement expires at the end of the 2026 season, with a salary cap shaping up as the central and most contentious issue between owners and the MLBPA. It is widely expected the two sides will not reach a deal before the December 1st deadline, which would trigger a lockout and put the 2027 season at risk.