What to know about MLB’s ABS robot umpire strike zone system
MLB launches ABS challenge system as players test robot umpire calls in a groundbreaking season.
It’s the home stretch of the 2026 MLB season with teams jockeying for playoff position in hopes for lengthy postseason runs.
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani continues his quest for an NL MVP three-peat, but sluggers Juan Soto and James Wood are also compiling impressive campaigns.
The Dodgers once again look like the team to beat in the National League, having already amassed a double-digit games lead in the NL West. Meanwhile, the American League features astonishing parity; just one-third of the league had a winning record coming out of the All-Star Break, and no team had a division lead greater than three games.
Some standings surprises include the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets, both of whom occupied the basement of their respective divisions despite lofty expectations. Conversely, the Chicago White Sox have flipped the script on their recent run of malaise and are in a prime position to claim a postseason spot in 2026.
The MLB action continues on Friday as the San Diego Padres visit the Kansas City Royals. Here’s everything you need to know to tune in for the first pitch.
Here’s everything you need to know to tune in for the first pitch.
See USA TODAY’s sortable MLB schedule to filter by team or division.
What time is San Diego Padres vs Kansas City Royals?
First pitch between the Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. (ET) on Friday, July 17.
How to watch San Diego Padres vs Kansas City Royals on Friday
All times Eastern and accurate as of Friday, July 17, 2026, at 2:50 p.m.
Watch MLB all season long with Fubo
MLB regional blackout restrictions apply
MLB scores, results
MLB scores for July 17 games are available on usatoday.com . Here’s how to access today’s results:
See scores, results for all of today’s games.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.usatoday.com ’
