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MLB News

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

Saturday, October 4, 2025

Injured Bo Bichette Sidelined, Left Off Blue Jays' ALDS Roster

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Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette has been left off the team's roster for the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees due to injury. Bichette, who ranked second in the major leagues with a .311 batting average, trailing only the Yankees’ Aaron Judge, has not played since Sept. 6. His absence stems from spraining his left knee in a collision with Yankees catcher Austin Wells on that date, making him unavailable for the postseason series.

Harrison Bader's Energy, Evolved Bat, and Leadership Spark Phillies' Championship Push

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Harrison Bader has seamlessly integrated into the Philadelphia Phillies since his Trade Deadline acquisition from the Twins, bringing energy, defense, and an all-out style crucial for October baseball. Before the trade, he had a solid season in Minnesota, tallying 25 extra-base hits in 96 games with a .778 OPS, including a hot July where he hit five homers with a .914 OPS and 11 RBIs. Initially, Bader faced frustration with playing time and struggled, hitting just .171 in his first 41 Phillies at-bats. However, from August 20th, he dramatically improved, slashing .346/.390/.522 with 15 extra-base hits to end the regular season. His 85th-percentile sprint speed stabilized center field, and when Trea Turner was injured in late September, Bader moved to the leadoff spot, hitting .339 over 13 games and sparking nine wins, including a Mets sweep and a statement series victory in Los Angeles. A veteran of nine seasons, Bader's "winning baseball" mindset is fueled by his 2022 postseason heroics with the Yankees, where he homered five times in nine playoff games. After a 2023 injury, he reworked his mechanics with a biomechanist, evolving his hitting to reverse his career splits; in 2025, his OPS against righties is .845 (344 AB) compared to a career .670, and .689 versus southpaws (157 AB) compared to a career .775. Off the field, his personality, including inspiring a "crop top" pregame routine, has fostered team unity, and he expresses gratitude for the city's passionate fans. In just two months, Bader has proven a perfect fit, embodying the Phillies' October potential.

Will Smith Active on Dodgers' NLDS Roster Amid Fractured Hand Recovery

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Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith remains active on the team's National League Division Series roster, as the club opted to carry three catchers for the postseason. Smith is continuing his recovery from a fractured hand, an injury that has limited him to only live at-bats in the past week. Despite being on the roster, he did not appear in the wild-card series. Manager Dave Roberts stated Friday that Smith "will be available to catch" in the NLDS, though his ability to start Game 1 against the Philadelphia Phillies was uncertain. Smith took more live at-bats during the team’s Friday night workout at Citizens Bank Park.

Clayton Kershaw Returns to Dodgers' NLDS Roster for Anticipated Postseason Role

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Veteran left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been officially added to the Los Angeles Dodgers' National League Division Series roster, a move announced Saturday morning after manager Dave Roberts confirmed it Friday. Kershaw's inclusion marks his return to a postseason roster after being left off the wild-card round, the first time since his 2008 rookie season he hadn't pitched in a healthy playoff series. The Dodgers are bringing back the 18-year veteran, who posted an 11-2 record with a 3.36 ERA this season, to provide crucial left-handed pitching depth against a Philadelphia Phillies lineup featuring threats like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. Expected to pitch out of the bullpen, Kershaw's steady presence is hoped to address the struggles of younger relief pitchers in the wild-card round. This series could potentially be Kershaw's final career postseason appearance before his anticipated retirement this offseason.

Trey Yesavage Set for Postseason Debut with Blue Jays After Limited Starts

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Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage is expected to make his postseason debut in the American League Division Series. This marks a significant moment for the young hurler, who enters the playoffs with a limited track record of just three career regular-season starts to his credit, indicating a rapid progression to the major league postseason stage.

Daulton Varsho Named Top Home Run Prop Bet for Saturday's MLB Action

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Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho has been identified as the premier choice for Saturday's home run player props. According to the Inside the Lines team, Varsho is considered the best bet, continuing their successful trend of dishing out nightly home run wagers throughout the season. The Inside the Lines team has been notably profitable, reporting to be up nearly 30 units on the year. For those seeking additional free daily picks across various sports, the Inside the Lines blog is recommended as a resource.

George Springer Rejuvenated, Aims to Lead Blue Jays to World Series Title

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Toronto Blue Jays veteran George Springer, 36, has demonstrated a rejuvenated form, looking like his old All-Star self throughout the regular season. The Blue Jays are now relying on him to lead the team in their pursuit of another World Series championship. His strong performance has restored his conviction as he swings for a title, with hopes he can guide Toronto to success.

Giants' Top Prospect Bryce Eldridge Undergoes Wrist Surgery, Faces Eight-Week Recovery

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San Francisco Giants' top prospect, Bryce Eldridge, underwent surgery Thursday to remove a bone spur from his left wrist, with an estimated eight-week recovery period targeting readiness for 2026 spring training. Stanford Medicine's Dr. Amy Ladd detailed bone spurs as extra bone, potentially congenital or developing from chronic tendinitis or injury. Post-surgery, Eldridge will undergo immobilization in a splint for a few weeks, followed by progressive range of motion, with strength training beginning in month two (4-8 weeks). Return-to-play activities like throwing, catching, and fielding will lead up to the eighth week. Eldridge previously missed the first month of the 2025 minor league season with a left wrist injury, but excelled upon return, hitting 18 home runs in 66 Triple-A games before a challenging big-league debut where he batted .107 in 10 games. Dr. Ladd highlighted that batting, due to extreme left-hand wrist motion, and catching could be aggravating factors for the injury.

Friday, October 3, 2025

Cam Schlittler Reveals Family Harassment Fueled Dominant Playoff Debut Against Red Sox

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New York Yankees rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler delivered one of MLB history's best postseason debuts, striking out 12 in eight scoreless innings against the Boston Red Sox in a winner-take-all game. Speaking a day later, Schlittler confirmed his motivation was personal, stemming from Red Sox fans harassing his family, including his mother, on social media. He stated, "They’re just trying to get under your skin but I thought they crossed the line a little bit," adding, "At the end of the day, there’s not much they can say now." Schlittler, a Massachusetts native and former Red Sox fan drafted by the Yankees in 2022, even engaged with trolls on social media after his performance. His friends, also Red Sox fans, were "bummed out" but happy for him. Schlittler is now on track to start Game 4 of the ALDS against the Toronto Blue Jays if needed, a remarkable ascent for a pitcher not considered a top prospect in 2024, who made the jump from Double-A to the playoff rotation due to significant velocity gains.

Rookie Troy Melton Tapped to Start ALDS Game 1 for Detroit Tigers

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Rookie Troy Melton has been named the starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of their American League Division Series on Saturday. He is set to counter George Kirby, who will be on the mound for the Seattle Mariners in the series opener, as Melton makes his postseason debut for the Tigers.

Mariners Ace George Kirby Set to Start ALDS Game 1 on Saturday

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George Kirby, the ace for the Seattle Mariners, is slated to start Game 1 of their American League Division Series on Saturday. He will face rookie Troy Melton, who is pitching for the Detroit Tigers in the series opener, marking a pivotal start for the Mariners in their postseason campaign.

Cubs Lefty Matthew Boyd to Start NLDS Game 1 Against Brewers

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Chicago Cubs lefthander Matthew Boyd is scheduled to start Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Brewers on Saturday. This will be a quick turnaround for Boyd, as he previously started Game 1 of the Cubs' wild-card series against the Padres just four days prior to this upcoming NLDS showdown.

Red Sox Rookie Roman Anthony's Emergence Highlights Promising Future

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Star rookie Roman Anthony's emergence was the most important development of the Boston Red Sox's season, despite a series of unfortunate late-season injuries that contributed to the team's downfall. The 21-year-old outfielder is recognized as a 'difference-making hitter,' and Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is credited for signing him to a long-term deal. Anthony is projected to make 'a ton of All-Star Games' and become the 'centerpiece of Boston’s lineup for years to come,' signaling a bright future for the powerful slugger.

Red Sox Ace Garrett Crochet Emerges as Foundational Piece Despite Playoff Exit

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Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet delivered a scintillating performance in the AL wild-card opener, initially putting the team in the driver's seat. He has proven to be a foundational piece for the franchise, described as an 'ace’s ace' strong enough to carry the city's hopes. His trade and extension are considered a 'magnificent win,' making the Red Sox a force. However, despite his individual brilliance, the article notes that one Cy Young-caliber pitcher cannot singlehandedly win a title, drawing comparisons to Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal.

Brewers All-Star Brandon Woodruff Out for NLDS, Postseason Return Possible

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Milwaukee Brewers All-Star pitcher Brandon Woodruff has been officially ruled out for the upcoming NL Division Series as he continues to recover from a right lat strain. Despite his confirmed absence for the initial round of the postseason, the Brewers organization is not closing the door on a potential return for Woodruff later in the postseason, indicating hope for his availability should the team advance. His recovery from the right lat strain is being closely monitored, with the team holding out optimism for his contribution in later stages.

Clayton Kershaw Confirmed for Dodgers' NLDS Bullpen Role Against Phillies

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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that star pitcher Clayton Kershaw will be on the NL Division Series roster, pitching out of the bullpen against the Philadelphia Phillies. This marks another postseason appearance for the franchise's all-time strikeout leader in what is expected to be his final season, after he was previously left off the wild-card roster. The Dodgers intend to utilize the 37-year-old southpaw in the longer series, especially against dangerous left-handed Phillies hitters like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. Despite a late start to 2025 due to offseason surgery, Kershaw had a positive year, ranking second on the team with 112 2/3 innings pitched and a 3.36 ERA in 23 appearances (22 starts), including a recent bullpen cameo. Roberts also outlined the rest of the pitching staff, with Shohei Ohtani starting Game 1, Blake Snell Game 2, Yoshinobu Yamamoto Game 3, and Tyler Glasnow for Game 4 if needed.

Shohei Ohtani Set for Unrestricted NLDS Game 1 Start Against Phillies

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Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani is slated to start Game 1 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday night, marking his MLB postseason pitching debut. Crucially, he will pitch without the workload restrictions that limited him earlier in the season and led to his removal from a no-hit bid against the Phillies on September 16. That September 16 start, where he spun five no-hit innings over 68 pitches using his full arsenal (fastball up to 101.7 mph, slider with 50% whiff rate), was the first time he truly looked like a starting pitcher again after his second Tommy John surgery. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani will be treated "like a regular pitcher," potentially going six or seven innings, a moment the team has "been waiting for all year." President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman added that the club plans to use Ohtani like "a normal starting pitcher now," free from pre-determined restrictions or health considerations, a progression Ohtani himself is "grateful for." Ohtani expressed nervousness but also gratitude for playing baseball at this time of year.

Cody Bellinger Bruised Heel Not Expected to Sideline Yankees Outfielder for ALDS Game 1

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New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger is expected to be ready for Saturday's Game 1 of the ALDS against the Blue Jays, despite visibly limping during his final at-bat in Thursday's Game 3 Wild Card win. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed on Friday that Bellinger 'bruised his heel,' stating, 'He should be okay... He should be good to go.' Bellinger reaggravated his bruised heel when he ran for home and scored the first run in the fourth inning of Game 3, with Boone explaining he 'just kind of jammed his heel a little bit when he was rounding third.' In his first season with the Yankees, Bellinger has been a key contributor, batting .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs, alongside playing plus-defense in left field. During the recent three-game series with the Red Sox, Bellinger went 3-for-12 with a double, a walk, and two runs.

Yankees' Luis Gil Named Game 1 ALDS Starter Against Blue Jays

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Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced Luis Gil will start Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. Boone stated, "Just feel like he’s ready for this. He’s in line for it," and preferred Gil over Will Warren to keep Warren as a bullpen option. Gil, the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year, had a delayed start to his sophomore year due to a right lat strain in the offseason, making his 2025 debut in early August. He made 11 starts, posting a 3.32 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP. The 27-year-old has prior postseason experience, making two starts last year, allowing two runs in four innings against the Guardians and four runs in four innings against the Dodgers in Game 4 of the World Series, which the Yankees won 11-4. He faced Toronto once this season, allowing one run in six innings at home on September 6.

Lawrence Butler Undergoes Patellar Tendon Surgery, Aims for Spring Training Return

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Oakland Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler recently underwent patellar tendon surgery on Friday, a significant step in his recovery process. The procedure was performed with the primary objective of ensuring he is fully prepared and ready to join the team for spring training next year. As a key player for the Athletics, his successful rehabilitation and timely return for the start of spring training are crucial for both Butler's individual performance and the team's preparations for the upcoming season.