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

Wednesday, September 16

Pete Alonso Hits 301st Career Home Run in Orioles Sweep

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Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso continued his dominance at Citi Field, launching his 301st career home run in a 7-1 victory over the Mets one night after hitting his 300th homer in Queens. Alonso added a diving defensive stop and finished the three-game sweep going 2-for-12 with two homers. The former Met, who signed a $155 million deal last winter, was cheered by fans as Baltimore pulled within 2.5 games of an AL wild-card berth.

Robert Stock Hits IL With Season-Ending Finger Numbness, Optimistic On Future

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The New York Mets placed right-hander Robert Stock on the 15-day injured list with season-ending finger numbness stemming from poor circulation related to thoracic outlet syndrome. Stock, 36, was scratched from his start against the Orioles and replaced by Xzavion Curry. An MRI showed his arm remains structurally sound, and he is treating the hand issue with medication. Stock finished his 2026 season posting a 5.93 ERA and 1.75 WHIP across eight appearances (seven starts).

Pete Crow-Armstrong Homers Twice as Cubs Defeat Braves 8-4

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Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong had a historic night Wednesday, going 3-for-4 with two home runs (his 43rd and 44th), an RBI triple, three RBIs, and three runs in an 8-4 win over the Atlanta Braves. Crow-Armstrong set the Cubs' single-season franchise record for homers by a left-handed hitter, surpassing Billy Williams' 1970 mark. He has 102 RBIs and 37 stolen bases this season, pairing with Alex Bregman in a historic extra-base hit performance.

Pete Fairbanks Re-injures Median Nerve Following Brief Return

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Relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks made a brief return from the injured list and converted a save before being forced to exit his subsequent appearance early. Fairbanks suffered a recurrence of right median nerve irritation, sending him back to the sideline. The injury set off adjustments in the bullpen, leading the Marlins to utilize starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara in late-game relief duties to secure a victory.

JR Ritchie Struggles in Return as Braves Fall to Cubs 8-4

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Atlanta Braves right-hander JR Ritchie struggled in his return to the majors Wednesday, allowing six earned runs on seven hits—including two home runs—and two walks with five strikeouts over 4.2 innings in an 8-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Recalled from Triple-A to give Chris Sale extra rest ahead of the postseason, Ritchie surrendered long balls to Pete Crow-Armstrong and Alex Bregman, raising questions about his readiness and depth for the Atlanta playoff rotation as they chase a division title.

Blake Snell Exits Start Early Due to Left Groin Tightness

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Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell left Wednesday's start against Cincinnati after just one 19-pitch inning due to left groin tightness. Snell felt his groin grab during a pregame bullpen session and noticed diminished velocity. While manager Dave Roberts evaluates the rotation with Tyler Glasnow also sidelined, Snell is optimistic he avoided a severe strain and can make his next start, having previously missed a month with a left groin strain in 2024.

Mason Adams Struggles With Command in Rockies' 9-3 Loss to Padres

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Colorado Rockies rookie right-hander Mason Adams struggled with command in Wednesday's 9-3 loss to the San Diego Padres, surrendering six runs on eight hits and three walks over 4.1 innings. Adams threw 84 pitches (54 for strikes) and managed just one swing-and-miss while surrendering a home run to rookie Ethan Salas. The outing raised his ERA as he remains searching for his first career Major League victory.

MacKenzie Gore Exits Early Due to Back and Shoulder Spasms

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Texas Rangers starter MacKenzie Gore suffered through back and shoulder spasms during Wednesday's no-decision against Boston, allowing three runs on two hits and three walks over four strikeout-less innings. Manager Skip Schumaker noted the injury explained Gore's early exit after 69 pitches. The southpaw holds a 4.67 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 172:69 K:BB through 165.2 innings, with his next start against the Mets on Tuesday uncertain.

Samuel Basallo Returns With Home Run in Orioles' Win Over Mets

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Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo returned to the starting lineup Wednesday after missing a game with a shoulder issue, going 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two RBI in a victory over the Mets. Basallo launched his 18th home run of the season in the third inning, marking his first homer of September after struggling significantly post-All-Star break. Baltimore hopes his performance behind the plate and at the bat sparks momentum.

Daniel Lynch Shines With Five Scoreless Innings in Royals' Victory

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Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Daniel Lynch delivered his best outing of the 2026 season on Wednesday, earning the win in a 5-2 victory over the Houston Astros. Lynch tossed five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out three on 72 pitches. The sharp performance marked Lynch's most commanding start of the year as Kansas City pulled even in their race at the end of the regular season.

Jefry Yan Returns With Three Perfect Innings in Relief for Mets

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New York Mets southpaw Jefry Yan made a dominant return to the big leagues Wednesday, hurling three perfect relief innings with three strikeouts against Baltimore. Recalled to replace the injured Daniel Duarte, Yan threw 32 pitches (reaching 100 mph) and retired all nine batters faced. After being optioned Sept. 6 to address control issues, Yan demonstrated strong pitch command to help preserve the bullpen ahead of Thursday's series opener.

Shota Imanaga Strikes Out Eight Over Six Innings in Win vs. Braves

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Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga earned his 11th win of the season Wednesday, permitting just one run on four hits over six strong innings in an 8-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Imanaga issued zero walks and struck out eight batters, bringing his season strikeout total to 164 across 168.1 innings pitched. The 33-year-old southpaw lowered his ERA to 3.80 with a 1.10 WHIP as Chicago earned a decisive home victory over their National League rivals.

Alex Bregman Falls Single Short of Cycle in Cubs' Win Over Braves

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Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman fell a single shy of recording his first career cycle during Wednesday's 8-4 victory over Atlanta. Bregman went 3-for-4 with an RBI double in the first inning, a solo home run in the fourth, a two-run triple in the fifth, and four total RBI. The veteran slugger now boasts an .812 OPS with 26 home runs, 88 RBI, and three stolen bases across 681 plate appearances this season.

Jhoan Duran Secures 31st Save With Clean Ninth Inning

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Philadelphia Phillies closer Jhoan Duran struck out two batters in a perfect ninth inning to seal a 3-0 shutout win over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday. Duran threw 13 of 21 pitches for strikes while preserving the victory, converting his 31st save in 33 opportunities this season. The fiery right-hander has not blown a save since July 27 and lowered his season metrics to a 1.79 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and a sparkling 77:9 K:BB ratio through 55.1 innings of work.

Zack Wheeler Fires Seven Shutout Innings to Defeat Nationals

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Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler dominated the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night, pitching seven shutout innings to lead his team to a 3-0 victory. Wheeler (13-5) scattered four hits and one walk while striking out five batters on 91 pitches, lowering his ERA to 2.99 with a 1.06 WHIP over 150.1 innings this season. The right-hander has allowed only three runs over 26 innings in his last four starts and now sits just three strikeouts away from reaching 2,000 in his career.

Elly De La Cruz Blasts 28th Home Run in Reds' Victory Over Dodgers

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Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz went 1-for-3 with a crucial two-run home run and two runs scored in Wednesday's 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. De La Cruz put Cincinnati ahead for good in the third inning with a two-out blast off Seth Halvorsen, marking his 28th home run of the season and fifth against L.A. this year. Over his last 23 games, De La Cruz is batting .435 (40-for-92) with 18 extra-base hits, pushing his season slash line to .286/.364/.521.

Edwin Díaz Struggles on Minor-League Rehabilitation Assignment

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Díaz has experienced disastrous form while on a minor-league rehabilitation assignment. As various physical problems surface for key Dodgers players down the stretch, the team evaluates their roster depth and pitching staff stability. Despite these concerning setbacks during his recovery, management continues monitoring Díaz's progress closely as they prepare their pitching staff and bullpen for the upcoming postseason push.

Freddie Freeman Battles Knee Soreness As Dodgers Manage Rest

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Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman went 3-for-5 in a 4-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds, recording his first multi-hit game since September 2. Freeman continues to play through right knee soreness that has sapped his power and limited his production, prompting manager Dave Roberts to utilize frequent off days and designated hitter appearances rather than an injured list stint to ensure the veteran is at optimal health for the upcoming postseason.

Shohei Ohtani Takes First Tee Swings Ahead of Postseason Return

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Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani took his first tee swings on Wednesday since going on the 15-day injured list on Sept. 8 due to right biceps inflammation. Manager Dave Roberts reported Ohtani felt good and expressed confidence the four-time MVP will return for regular-season action before the postseason. Dodgers management prioritizes getting Ohtani healthy to hit while the team sits one win away from clinching the NL West title.

Aaron Judge Exits Early Precautionarily With Lower Leg Tightness

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New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge exited in the sixth inning of Wednesday's 5-4, 13-inning loss to the Minnesota Twins due to right lower leg tightness. Judge went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts before pinch-hitter Heliot Ramos replaced him. Characterizing the exit as precautionary, Judge experienced discomfort while fielding in his seventh game back after missing three months with a broken rib. He does not expect to undergo testing on Thursday.