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MLB News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Friday, September 18

Christian Scott Featured as Fantasy Lineup Option for Strikeouts

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New York Mets pitcher Christian Scott has been highlighted in fantasy baseball analysis as a recommended lineup addition for Saturday's MLB slate, specifically targeted by managers seeking a boost in strikeout production as the regular season reaches its final weeks.

Dylan Cease Maximizes Potential With Career-High Strikeouts in Toronto

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In his first season with Toronto, right-hander Dylan Cease has excelled, posting a 2.38 ERA and a career-high 236 strikeouts over 35.3%. Cease added a lethal changeup with a 48.8% whiff rate to complement his elite slider and fastball. Overcoming early skepticism about his 2025 struggles, he has anchored the Blue Jays rotation with high durability and a 0.60 HR/9 mark, cementing himself as a top American League Cy Young contender.

Chase DeLauter Returns to Guardians Lineup for Series Opener

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Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter returned to the starting lineup, batting third and playing right field for Friday's series opener against the Athletics. DeLauter had been held out of action Tuesday and Wednesday against the White Sox after his sprained right wrist flared back up. The 24-year-old boasts a .815 OPS on the season, anchored by 12 doubles, two triples, and 23 walks since the All-Star break.

Jackson Flora Shines in Dominant Double-A Debut

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San Francisco Giants pitching prospect Jackson Flora delivered a dominant Double-A debut for the Richmond Flying Squirrels during their playoff matchup against the Erie SeaWolves. The July draft's fourth overall selection needed just 28 pitches to complete two perfect innings, racking up four strikeouts without allowing a hit or walk. Flora showcased electric stuff, touching 99 mph with his fastball alongside an unhittable kick changeup in an impressive postseason outing.

Johan Oviedo Makes Long-Awaited Return to Mound in Rehab Game

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Boston Red Sox pitcher Johan Oviedo made his first appearance at any level since March 30, pitching 2 1/3 innings in a rehab game for Worcester. Oviedo struck out four batters, allowed two hits, one walk, and one earned run while taking the loss. He averaged 95.9 mph on his fastballs and maxed out at 98.5 mph. Acquired last offseason, Oviedo was originally expected to be a key rotation piece for Boston before missing the bulk of the 2026 campaign.

Pete Crow-Armstrong Chases Rare History With 37 Stolen Bases

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Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has reached 37 stolen bases as he aggressively chases a historic 40-homer/40-stolen-base season, needing three more steals over the final nine games. His 37 steals match Kiki Cuyler's 1930 franchise mark, putting him in rare Chicago Cubs territory. Manager Craig Counsell praised the presumptive National League MVP, noting that his remarkable dual-threat performance is something rarely witnessed on a baseball field.

Victor Mesa Jr. Returns From Hamstring Injury and Mashes

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Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. was activated from the injured list on September 1st after missing two weeks with a hamstring strain and immediately resumed his offensive dominance. Over his first 12 games back, he is batting .383 with three home runs, 12 runs scored, eight RBI, and three stolen bases. Benefiting from a less stringent platoon role lately, Mesa has delivered consistent production across the board whenever on the field for the Rays.

Yuki Matsui Emerges as High-Leverage Reliever for Padres

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San Diego Padres reliever Yuki Matsui has rebounded strongly from a Spring Training left groin strain to become a vital high-leveraging bullpen option down the stretch. Featuring a mid-90s four-seam fastball, a sharp slider, and a devastating split-finger fastball, Matsui boasts a 1.57 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in September. His breakout 2026 season includes a career-high strikeout rate and a prominent role eyed by manager Craig Stammen for the upcoming postseason Wild Card round.

Charles Davalan Records RBI as Tulsa Drillers Fall in Division Series

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Recently promoted outfielder Charles Davalan recorded an RBI for the Tulsa Drillers, going 1-for-4 in a hard-fought 6-4 loss to the Springfield Cardinals. The defeat eliminated Tulsa from the postseason in three games. Davalan wraps up a strong organizational campaign after previously being elected the Midwest League MVP for his exceptional efforts in High-A with the Loons.

Chicago White Sox Move Struggling Luis Castillo to the Bullpen

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Following a difficult stretch of performances in Chicago, the White Sox are shifting starting pitcher Luis Castillo to the bullpen. The move comes as the team looks to adjust its pitching staff rotation and find effective deployment strategies for the veteran right-hander down the stretch of the season.

Sandy Alcantara Maintains Playoff Belief Despite Long Odds for Marlins

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Despite fierce statistical odds against a late-season playoff appearance for the Miami Marlins, starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara continues to maintain his belief in the team's postseason chances. Alcantara remains focused on leadership and competitive performance as the organization navigates the final stretch of the grueling 2026 baseball season.

Justin Verlander Makes Headway Toward Final Start Next Week

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Detroit Tigers veteran ace Justin Verlander completed a bullpen session this week, making it increasingly likely that he will return to the mound to pitch one final start during "Verlander weekend" next week as the team nears the conclusion of the 2026 regular season.

Sal Stewart Snaps Home Run Drought With 32nd Long Ball

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Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a run scored in an 8-2 loss to the Dodgers. The blast was Stewart's 32nd of the season, snapping a 16-game home run drought for the infielder, who had managed just three RBI over his previous 15 contests.

Ethan Anderson Homers Again for Triple-A Norfolk Tides

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Baltimore Orioles catching prospect Ethan Anderson continued his strong minor league output by launching another home run for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides. The switch-hitter, selected in the second round of the 2024 draft, went deep from the right side after hitting his first Triple-A homer left-handed.

Ryan Feltner Weighs Permanent Move to Colorado Rockies Bullpen

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Colorado Rockies pitcher Ryan Feltner has endured an injury-plagued career as a starter, making 24 starts with a 5.63 ERA in 2026. However, limited relief appearances—including five scoreless frames against the Padres—suggest a permanent move to the bullpen could provide better longevity and success.

Pete Alonso Absence Sparks Frustration Among New York Mets Fans

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The return of Pete Alonso to Citi Field has served as a painful reminder for New York Mets fans, sparking backlash against the front office over questionable offseason roster choices. Supporters openly lament missing Alonso's presence as the team navigates a disappointing and turbulent season.

Jesús Luzardo Navigating Injury Concern for Philadelphia Phillies

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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jesús Luzardo is currently dealing with an injury issue, creating potential concern for the team's rotation plans. While any setback at this stage of the regular season poses a challenge, the club remains hopeful the situation will not cause long-term alarm. The Phillies continue to evaluate Luzardo's status as they manage their pitching staff ahead of the upcoming postseason stretch.

Framber Valdez Struggles Early in Tigers' Series-Opening Loss to White Sox

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Framber Valdez experienced a difficult outing in the Detroit Tigers' 3-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Thursday night. Valdez struggled early in the game, surrendering all three of the White Sox's first-inning runs before the Tigers' offense went quiet against Chicago's pitching staff. The early setback handed Detroit a series-opening defeat at Rate Field as the team looks to bounce back in Game 2 of the four-game set.

Carlos Lagrange Hits 102 MPH in Scoreless Triple-A Return

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Carlos Lagrange made a dominant return to the mound for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, striking out two in a scoreless inning. The New York Yankees' top pitching prospect topped out at 102.1 mph and threw four pitches in triple digits during his first action since late June, when he was sidelined by a right shoulder capsular sprain. Formerly transitioned to a relief role, Lagrange could potentially reinforce the Yankees' bullpen down the stretch.

Thursday, September 17

Thayron Liranzo Blasts Game-Tying Home Run to Fuel Erie Playoff Victory

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Detroit Tigers prospect Thayron Liranzo sparked the Erie SeaWolves' offense with a crucial game-tying three-run home run in the sixth inning of a 5-3 win over the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Liranzo finished the contest 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBIs, a run scored, and a walk. His clutch blast helped propel the SeaWolves into the Eastern League championship series for the fifth consecutive season.