Mickey Togs

The 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game is going to look a little strange due to all the big-name stars either dealing with injuries or having bad seasons. 

• Aaron Judge, voted in as a starter, will miss the game due to a rib injury.
• Mike Trout, also voted in as a starter, is on the injured list (hamstring), although he’s hoping to play in his first All-Star Game since 2019.
• All-Star mainstay Jose Ramirez is having his worst season and is also on the IL (hand).
• Francisco Lindor has played just 31 games because of a left calf injury.
• Mookie Betts has been hot of late but missed time with an oblique injury and got off to a slow start.
• Cal Raleigh, last year’s American League MVP runner-up, is still struggling with a batting average well under .200.
• Future Hall of Famer Manny Machado is likewise scuffling with a sub-.200 average.

The 96th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard will take place on July 14 at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park, airing on FOX at 8 p.m. ET.

Prada Group has agreed to purchase Versace from Capri Holdings in a deal valued at $1.4 billion. The acquisition will be financed through $1.6 billion in new debt, following more than $1 billion already borrowed by Prada. The boards of both companies have approved the transaction.

“Versace will maintain its creative DNA and cultural authenticity, while benefiting from the full strength of the Group’s considerable consolidated platform, retail execution and operational expertise,’’ Prada said in a statement.

Donatella Versace, who served as Versace’s chief creative officer for nearly 30 years, stepped down last month, which influenced the negotiations. The luxury brand, founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace, was acquired by Capri Holdings (formerly Michael Kors) for $2.1 billion in 2018. This latest acquisition marks a significant shift in the luxury fashion industry, as Prada expands its influence and market share.

“We aim to continue Versace’s legacy, celebrating and re-interpreting its bold and timeless aesthetic,” said a spokesperson.

The Mets were blown out in the finale against the Blue Jays, 9-3, at Rogers Centre, to drop the series. The Mets have now lost ten of their last twelve, and are 2-4 in the Andy Green era.

Starter Freddy Peralta was awful again putting the Mets behind early. Of all the Mets’ disappointments this season, the alleged ace’s shortcomings might be the most perplexing. Peralta is in his career prime and physically hasn’t provided any hint of ailment.

Offensively, the Mets didn’t show life until the eighth, when Carson Benge delivered a two-run homer. Francisco Lindor hit a solo homer in the ninth. The Mets finished with five hits. All told it was just another sloppy loss in a season full of them.

Luke Weaver has been one of the most dominant relievers in all of baseball, but should the Mets trade him at the deadline since he still has another year on his contract?

The Mets’ next stop is Atlanta for four games. The Mets won two of three games against the NL East-leading Braves at Citi Field last month.