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MLB News

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

Friday, October 17, 2025

Geraldo Perdomo's Superstar Breakout Season Earns MVP Buzz for Diamondbacks

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Geraldo Perdomo of the Arizona Diamondbacks experienced a legendary breakout season in 2025, transforming from a contact-oriented, defensive shortstop into a superstar. He is expected to receive top-of-ballot MVP votes, finishing as one of baseball's best players. His 2025 statistics include a .290 batting average, .389 OBP, .462 slugging, 20 home runs, 98 runs, 100 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases, significantly surpassing his previous career highs. As of September 2, 2025, he boasted 5.4 fWAR and a 134 wRC+. While his 2025 performance ranked him third among shortstops, his 2026 fantasy projection places him tenth due to the position's deep talent and concerns about the volatility of his batting average-driven profile, prompting questions about his sustained elite performance.

Brett Baty's Strong 2025 Season Puts Mets in Offseason Dilemma Regarding His Future

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Brett Baty enjoyed a significant rebound in 2025 for the New York Mets, slashing .254/.313/.435 with 18 homers and 13 doubles in 130 games, achieving a .748 OPS (111 OPS+). This marked a substantial improvement from his prior .633 career best and underwhelming 2022-2024 seasons. His strong offensive metrics, including elite bat speed and above-average hard hit/barrel percentages, were complemented by reliable third base defense. However, his 51.0% groundball rate and high strikeout frequency remain concerns. Entering the 2025-26 offseason, Baty's future is debated amidst potential Mets offensive upgrades at first or third base. Despite this, his versatility at third and second, young age (26), low cost ($774,000 in 2025), and team control through 2029 make him valuable. The Mets are expected to retain Baty unless a trade for an impact player arises, positioning him as a potential starter or key bench piece, with Jeff McNeil's possible departure further solidifying his importance.

Roki Sasaki Anchors Dodgers Bullpen, Records Historic Postseason Saves Amidst Adjustments

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Los Angeles Dodgers closer Roki Sasaki has emerged as a key component in the team's postseason success, becoming the first pitcher to register each of his first three career saves in the playoffs. The converted starter, known for his 100-mph fastball and vanishing forkball, has helped solidify the Dodgers' bullpen alongside Alex Vesia and Blake Treinen. After a challenging Game 1 of the NLCS where he nearly blew a two-run lead, Sasaki attributed the struggles to his delivery crumbling, not physical exhaustion. He spent two days adjusting his mechanics, leading to a dominant Game 3 performance against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he retired the side with pitches touching 99.8 mph. Sasaki, a popular player who emerges to 'Bailalo Rocky,' expressed that his improved performance as a reliever, after earlier struggles at Dodger Stadium, will lead to future success for both him and the team.

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Max Scherzer Turns Back Time with Historic Pickoff and Managerial Defiance in Blue Jays' ALCS Game 4 Victory

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At 41 years old, future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer delivered a vintage performance in ALCS Game 4, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to an 8-2 victory over the Mariners, evening the series. Despite a challenging September and a long layoff, Scherzer recorded 17 outs, moving to 10th all-time in postseason innings. A pivotal moment occurred in the third inning when he picked off Leo Rivas at first base—his first career postseason pickoff and first at first base since 2013, a skill he's actively refined. Scherzer's competitive spirit was evident in the fifth inning when he emphatically refused to be pulled by manager John Schneider, stating, 'I'm not coming out of this ball game. I feel too good.' Schneider trusted his ace, who then struck out Randy Arozarena, securing his first postseason win since Game 1 of the 2019 World Series. His 96.5 mph fastball was his hardest since June 2023, highlighting his crisp stuff and improved command.

Roki Sasaki Overcomes Rookie Struggles, Injury to Become Playoff Game-Changer

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Rookie flame-thrower Roki Sasaki, still highly reliant on interpreter Will Ireton for communication and pitch-data relay, faced a tumultuous debut season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. At 23, Sasaki, who underperformed in his final NPB years and sought help recapturing fastball velocity during free agency, initially struggled to build trust and hit the injured list in May with a shoulder issue. The Dodgers' pitching group initially adopted a hands-off approach. However, after poor Triple-A outings in late August and early September, Sasaki sought help, leading to a mechanical adjustment that unlocked his lost velocity. This transformation propelled him into a "shocking ascension" as a playoff game-changer for the bullpen. Despite a tough NLCS Game 1, Sasaki's overall postseason stats are impressive: 7 innings, 1 earned run, 2 hits, 6 strikeouts, and only 2 walks.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto Overcomes Early Struggles, Becomes All-Star and Postseason Ace

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Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who signed the largest free-agent pitching contract in MLB history with the Los Angeles Dodgers, faced initial communication challenges with his interpreter, Yoshihiro “Hiro” Sonoda, who lacked a baseball background. The Dodgers addressed this by putting Sonoda through an intensive "baseball boot camp" and leveraging Will Ireton's expertise to help both Sonoda and Yamamoto adapt. Ireton, the team's director of Japanese player operations, regularly assists during mound visits and pitch-data relay. Despite an underwhelming first half in his 2024 debut campaign, the Dodgers' infrastructure helped Yamamoto overcome these hurdles. He became an All-Star this season and is now performing as one of the best pitchers globally, recently throwing the first complete game in the MLB postseason since 2017.

Shohei Ohtani Thrives with Dodgers' Support, Poised for NLCS Sweep Pitch

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Shohei Ohtani, in his eighth big-league season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is thriving thanks to the team's robust infrastructure for Japanese players. Following the theft by his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, Will Ireton stepped in as Ohtani's primary interpreter and director of Japanese player operations. Ireton, fluent in English, Japanese, and baseball, assists Ohtani during mound visits, bullpens, and flatgrounds to ensure effective pitch-data relay. While Ohtani has grown less dependent on Ireton for daily interactions, the Dodgers' support has been crucial in steering him back to his frontline arm capabilities. Now fully healthy and overpowering on the mound, Ohtani is set to pitch for the Dodgers in Game 4 of the NLCS, with a chance to secure a sweep.

Tyler Glasnow Overcomes Early Struggles, Delivers Crucial 5 2/3 Innings in Dodgers' NLCS Game 3 Win

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Tyler Glasnow delivered 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLCS, helping them to a 3-1 victory and putting them one win away from the World Series. Despite early struggles, including 40 pitches through two innings, a throwing error on a pickoff attempt, and allowing an RBI single to Jake Bauers, Glasnow found his rhythm in the third, striking out the side and regaining command. Manager Dave Roberts praised his ability to keep his wits and compete for length. Glasnow, who missed the Dodgers' 2024 World Series run due to injury, expressed personal satisfaction in contributing this year. His performance contributed to the Dodgers' starting pitchers' dominant NLCS run, collectively allowing just two runs over 22 2/3 innings.

Gold Glove Finalist Mookie Betts Shines Defensively and Offensively as Dodgers Near World Series

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Mookie Betts, recently named a Gold Glove finalist, delivered a spectacular defensive play at shortstop in the ninth inning of the Dodgers' 3-1 NLCS Game 3 win, throwing out Andrew Vaughn. His impressive transition to shortstop, a position he attempted last year without confidence, has been lauded by manager Dave Roberts as "incredible." Teammate Miguel Rojas highlighted Betts' relentless work ethic and dedication to improving, noting he watches video of every play. Despite a career-low .258 regular season average, Betts has excelled offensively in the postseason, slashing .297/.381/.459 with 11 hits and five extra-base hits, while remaining error-free defensively. Betts stated his belief in his ability to play shortstop, prioritizing winning over individual awards.

Jackson Chourio's Game 3 Exit Confirmed as Cramps, Brewers Star Optimistic for NLCS Game 4

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Milwaukee Brewers star Jackson Chourio exited Game 3 of the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to an apparent injury, but fortunately, it was confirmed to be "continual" cramps in his hamstring rather than a re-aggravation of his long-standing hamstring issues. Chourio sustained the injury on a foul ball, immediately grabbing his right leg, sparking concerns given his history. Manager Pat Murphy confirmed the cramps, expressing hope for Chourio's availability in Game 4. The 21-year-old outfielder echoed this optimism, stating, "It was a cramp, just a cramp... Right now, I feel physically good, and I think tomorrow I can play." Chourio has been Milwaukee's best hitter this postseason, slashing .320/.333/.640 with two homers and eight RBI in seven games entering Game 3, including the team's only home run of the series in Game 2. His previous hamstring injury on July 29 led to an IL stint, and he struggled in September before aggravating it again in NLDS Game 1 without missing time. His presence is vital for the Brewers as they face elimination.

Brewers Rookie Jacob Misiorowski Dominates Early, Fades in Crucial NLCS Game 3

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Milwaukee Brewers rookie right-hander Jacob Misiorowski delivered an electric performance for much of NLCS Game 3, setting a Brewers postseason rookie record with nine strikeouts. The 23-year-old, who topped 100 mph with 17 pitches, entered in the first inning, stranding two inherited runners and not allowing another runner until the sixth. However, his fastball velocity, previously 100 mph or more, dipped to 98-99 mph in the sixth as he began to fade. He then surrendered a tiebreaking single to Tommy Edman, giving the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. Misiorowski had previously dismantled the Dodgers with a 12-strikeout gem earlier in the season, earning a controversial All-Star nod.

Tommy Edman Delivers Crucial Tiebreaking Single in Dodgers' NLCS Game 3 Victory

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Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Tommy Edman played a pivotal role in Game 3 of the NLCS, hitting a tiebreaking single in the two-run sixth inning against Milwaukee Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski. Despite striking out twice earlier against Misiorowski, Edman lined a low, 94 mph slider into center field, scoring Will Smith and giving the Dodgers a crucial 2-1 lead. This clutch hit helped the Dodgers secure a 3-1 win, moving them within one victory of reaching the World Series.

Anthony Santander's Postseason Ends Early Due to Injury, Ineligible for World Series

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Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander has been removed from the ALCS roster due to injury, officially ending his postseason and making him ineligible for the World Series if the team advances. MLB approved the roster substitution on Thursday, just before the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners. Santander, one of Toronto's biggest offseason signings with a five-year, $92.5 million deal in January, has been hampered by injuries all year. A shoulder injury limited him to 54 regular-season games, where he recorded 6 home runs, 34 hits, and 18 RBIs, a significant drop from his 2024 All-Star season. He was a late scratch for Game 2 with back tightness and was replaced by Myles Straw in Game 3. Joey Loperfido will take his spot on the ALCS roster.

Joey Loperfido Joins Blue Jays ALCS Roster, Replaces Injured Santander

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Outfielder Joey Loperfido has been added to the Toronto Blue Jays' ALCS roster, replacing the injured Anthony Santander. MLB approved the roster substitution on Thursday, making Loperfido eligible for the remainder of the AL Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners. Santander's removal due to injury, which ended his postseason, means he will be ineligible for the World Series should the Blue Jays advance.

Phillies President Dave Dombrowski Questions Bryce Harper's Return to Elite Form

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Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has expressed wonder regarding whether two-time NL MVP Bryce Harper can regain his "elite" form. Harper currently has six years remaining on his substantial 13-year, $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Dombrowski's comments highlight a key focus for the team's brass as they look ahead to Harper's continued tenure and performance, hoping he can return to his peak capabilities.

2025 All-Star Bryan Woo Available for Mariners in ALCS Game 5 Relief Role

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Despite being a 2025 All-Star, Bryan Woo will not start Game 5 of the American League Championship Series for the Seattle Mariners. Instead, Bryce Miller has been named the starter, with Woo slated to be available out of the bullpen in a relief capacity. This strategic move by the Mariners indicates their plan to utilize Woo's talent in a high-leverage relief situation during the critical ALCS game, leveraging his All-Star caliber arm from the bullpen.

Bryce Miller Named Mariners' Game 5 Starter in ALCS Over All-Star Woo

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Bryce Miller has been officially named the starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series. This decision places Miller ahead of the team's 2025 All-Star, Bryan Woo, who will instead be available in a relief role for the crucial postseason matchup. The Mariners are entrusting Miller with a pivotal start as they continue their ALCS campaign, signaling confidence in his ability to deliver in a high-stakes game.

Gerrit Cole Progressing Post-Tommy John Surgery, Nearing Return for Yankees

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New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who underwent Tommy John surgery in March, is progressing well in his recovery. Manager Aaron Boone announced that Cole will begin throwing lightly off a mound and could be available to rejoin the team not long after opening day, indicating a positive outlook for his return to the rotation.

Giancarlo Stanton Cleared of Elbow Surgery Needs by Yankees

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New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton will not require surgery on his elbows, manager Aaron Boone confirmed. This update provides positive news regarding Stanton's health status moving forward, indicating he is clear of any surgical procedures on his elbows.

Carlos Rodón Undergoes Elbow Surgery, Faces Delayed Start to Season

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New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón, who turns 33 in December, underwent surgery performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache to remove loose bodies and shave a bone spur in his left elbow. Manager Aaron Boone stated that Rodón will have eight weeks of no throwing, which could delay the start of his season by a couple of weeks, potentially causing him to miss opening day. Rodón finished the previous season with an 18-9 record and a 3.09 ERA.