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MLB News

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

Tuesday, September 15

Ben Rice Catches Fire and Solidifies Role Atop New York Yankees Lineup

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New York Yankees infielder Ben Rice is heating up just in time for the postseason, going 2-for-3 with a go-ahead two-run single in an 8-3 win over the Twins. Rice has reached base multiple times in 16 of his last 23 games since August 19, batting .333 with 14 RBIs. Taking over the regular leadoff spot against righties on August 31, Rice has hit 38 home runs this year, tied for second-most in the American League alongside Yordan Alvarez.

Shane McClanahan Timeline Remains Uncertain For Tampa Bay

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Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash announced that left-hander Shane McClanahan has resumed playing catch after being sidelined since early September with left forearm tightness. While Cash is encouraged by the progress, McClanahan still has a long way to go and his return before the end of the regular season remains uncertain. If he does pitch later this month, it would likely occur during the final week of the season and be restricted to a strict pitch count.

David Peterson Dominates With Six Innings In Cubs Win

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David Peterson delivered a stellar performance for the Chicago Cubs, throwing six innings of one-run ball while allowing three hits and three walks with seven strikeouts against the Braves. Peterson has been a massive mid-season acquisition for Chicago, providing a crucial lift to the starting rotation during their playoff push. His strong outing earned him a WPA score of .213 as the Cubs secured a 7-3 victory to improve their standing late in the regular season.

Keibert Ruiz Sustains Remarkable Offensive And Defensive Surge

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Keibert Ruiz is enjoying a breakout season for the Washington Nationals, batting .289 with a .790 OPS and 10 home runs. His success is fueled by a league-leading 59.7% pull rate and a 34.2% air pull rate. Under catching coach Bobby Wilson, Ruiz has also made a stunning defensive turnaround, raising his fielding run value to +2 with significant improvements in blocking and framing. He signed an 8-year, $50 million contract and has produced 2.4 bWAR this year.

Cole Irvin Honored as Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week

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Veteran left-hander Cole Irvin of the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets was named Pacific Coast League pitcher of the week after tossing 9 2/3 scoreless innings across two starts against Sugar Land, allowing zero runs with eight strikeouts and five walks. The 32-year-old also highlighted his week with a defensive web gem double-play stab. On the season, Irvin leads the PCL in innings pitched with 134, ERA at 3.09, and wins with 12, serving as a vital stabilizing rotation force.

Corbin Carroll Launches Walk-Off Home Run for Diamondbacks

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Arizona Diamondbacks superstar Corbin Carroll launched a dramatic walk-off home run down the right-field line to lift Arizona to an 8-7 win over the Miami Marlins. Facing a 7-6 deficit in the ninth inning against rookie reliever Jack Ralston, the struggling and banged-up Carroll delivered the clutch blast with the tying run at second base. Recently named Arizona's Roberto Clemente nominee, Carroll provided a galvanizing moment to keep the D-backs' playoff hopes alive.

Andrés Muñoz Shows Progress With Improved Changeup in 2026

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Seattle Mariners reliever Andrés Muñoz has experienced a rocky 2026 season overall, but a notable bright spot has been the development of an improved and virtually un-hittable changeup. As the Mariners fight through a tough stretch in their schedule—including a recent 6-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels—Muñoz continues to refine his secondary offerings to anchor the back end of Seattle's bullpen down the stretch of the regular season.

Julio Rodriguez Named Mariners Roberto Clemente Award Nominee

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Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodriguez has been officially named the team’s nominee for the prestigious 2026 Roberto Clemente Award. The announcement comes as the Mariners look to bounce back following a 6-4 series-opening loss to the Los Angeles Angels. Rodriguez continues to be a central figure for Seattle both on the field and in the community, earning recognition for his leadership and character as the Mariners navigate the final stretch of the regular season.

Anthony Volpe Shines in Return With Grand Slam and Five RBIs

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In his first MLB action since an August demotion, Anthony Volpe made an immediate impact by going 3-for-4 with a grand slam and a career-high five RBIs in a 10-3 rout of the Rockies. Showcasing new swing mechanics—including higher hand positioning and a small step back with his back foot to keep his weight back—Volpe hit an opposite-field grand slam off Jimmy Herget in the seventh inning to power the Yankees' offense and highlight his mechanical adjustments.

Owen Murphy Called Up to Atlanta Braves in Roster Shakeup

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Owen Murphy is heading to Atlanta as part of a youth movement following the Braves' 7-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs. The Braves designated Bailey Falter for assignment to clear space on the roster for Murphy. Additionally, J.R. Ritchie is slated to start Wednesday's game as a corresponding move for Reynaldo Lopez returning to the injured list due to recurring shoulder issues, marking a significant youth shift for Atlanta down the stretch.

Pedro Ramirez Leads Cubs Offense With Home Run and Double

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Pedro Ramirez powered the Chicago Cubs' offense in their series win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, going 2-for-6 with a home run, a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Ramirez was a key offensive star in Saturday's 4-3 victory, highlighting a weekend where hitting opportunities were otherwise limited for Cubs batters. His standout performance contributed significantly to the team's narrow series win as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.

Elly De La Cruz Extends Hot Streak With Another Home Run

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Elly De La Cruz went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's 4-1 loss to the Dodgers, mashing his sixth homer and 10th extra-base hit over his last nine games. Over his last 21 contests, the Cincinnati Reds shortstop has posted an elite .419/.468/.767 slash line with nine doubles, seven home runs, three steals, 15 RBI, and 21 runs scored, maintaining a dominant offensive stretch.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Finally Homers at Home in 2026 Season

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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. finally hit a home런 at home this season, providing a major highlight for Toronto amidst the final stretch of the 2026 MLB campaign. While specific details remain limited, the long-awaited blast at the home ballpark breaks a surprising drought for the star slugger, injecting a much-needed spark into the Blue Jays' offense as the team navigates the closing weeks of the regular season schedule.

Justin Verlander Nears Career's End as Future Hall of Famer

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As Justin Verlander's brilliant pitching career winds down from the 60-day IL with the Astros, discussions swirl around retiring his No. 35. Across seven magical Houston seasons, the legend secured two World Series titles, two Cy Young Awards, an ALCS MVP, and 73 wins following his blockbuster 2017 arrival. The first-ballot Cooperstown lock leaves behind an unforgettable legacy marked by fierce perseverance on the mound, unforgettable postseason moments, and storied stints with Detroit.

Tigers Prospect Zyhir Hope Heading to Arizona Fall League

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Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Zyhir Hope will join teammate Bryce Rainer in playing for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League starting October 3. After conquering the Double-A level during the 2026 season, the top hitting talent is heading to the AFL to refine specific aspects of his game, including outfield defense, baserunning, and finer operational details. Hope is considered one of the highest-rated prospects in the Detroit organization.

Tigers Top Prospect Bryce Rainer Headed to Arizona Fall League

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Detroit Tigers top shortstop prospect Bryce Rainer has been assigned to play for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League starting October 3. The 21-year-old infielder overcame 2025 shoulder surgery to put together a strong High-A season with West Michigan, posting a .260/.368/.465 slash line with 19 home runs, 17 stolen bases, and a 14.4% walk rate over 106 games. The AFL stint aims to help Rainer address a 35.8% strikeout rate and refine his swing mechanics.

Cam Schlittler Entrenched in AL Cy Young & MVP Conversations

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After tossing six scoreless frames against the Mets to lower his ERA to a stunning 1.95, New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler is separating himself in the AL Cy Young race while drawing dark-horse chatter for the AL MVP Award. Schlittler deflected the MVP talk as a great compliment, while teammate Aaron Judge endorsed him for the Cy Young. Schlittler aims to keep focusing on pitching zeroes as the season winds down and the Yankees secure a playoff spot.

Monday, September 14

Aaron Judge Smashes Three-Run Home Run As Yankees Clinch Postseason Berth

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Aaron Judge launched his 18th home run of the season, a majestic three-run shot to left field, powering the Yankees to an 8-3 victory over Minnesota that officially clinched their playoff berth. The blast marked his first homer since returning from a three-month IL stint for a broken right rib and quelled timing concerns after a slow start. Manager Aaron Boone plans to give Judge Wednesday off before ramping him up for the final weeks of the regular season.

Gunnar Henderson Hits Go-Ahead Solo Homer in Orioles Victory

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Gunnar Henderson broke a late-game tie with a go-ahead solo home run in the top of the eighth inning, driving the Baltimore Orioles to a 2-1 win against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Crushing a slider off reliever Dedniel Núñez for his 23rd home run of the season, Henderson provided the game-winning offense in a 1-for-4 performance. Though holding a .710 OPS this year, he continues to deliver key power output.

Rico Garcia Locks Down Third Save as Emerging Orioles Closer

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Rico Garcia pitched a perfect ninth inning on 14 pitches to record the save in Baltimore's 2-1 victory over the New York Mets. It marks Garcia's third save in six days, establishing him as the Orioles' primary closer in the absence of Ryan Helsley, who remains on a rehab assignment after missing over two months. Garcia retired the side in order with nine strikes to secure the low-scoring win without drama.