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MLB News

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

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Shohei Ohtani Set for Postseason Pitching Debut with Dodgers in NLDS Game 1

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Shohei Ohtani is slated to make his highly anticipated postseason pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Dodgers will open the best-of-five series on Saturday in Philadelphia. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani as the starter following the Dodgers' sweep of the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Wild Card Series. Ohtani, who did not pitch last season while recovering from elbow surgery in September 2023, is a two-way superstar. He previously became the first player in MLB history with at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. Ohtani never reached the playoffs during his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. At the plate, he showed strong form in September, hitting .312 with 10 home runs and a 1.165 OPS, finishing the regular season with a career-high 55 homers. In Game 1 against the Reds, he hit two home runs and in the closeout win on Wednesday, he went 1 for 4 with a walk, a run scored, and an RBI.

Buster Posey Endorses Mariners' Cal Raleigh as Deserving AL MVP After Historic 60-Homer Season

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Giants president of baseball operations and former MVP catcher Buster Posey has emphatically endorsed Seattle Mariners star catcher Cal Raleigh as his pick for the American League MVP award, as revealed on KNBR 680’s “Murph & Markus” on Thursday. Posey, a fellow Florida State alum, described Raleigh's incredible 60-homer 2025 MLB season as "immeasurable" in value to the AL West-winning Mariners, who secured their first division title in 24 years. Posey highlighted Raleigh's demanding work behind the plate, his leadership of the pitching staff, and his clutch hitting down the stretch. Raleigh concluded the regular season batting .247/.359/.589 with 60 home runs, 125 RBI, and a .948 OPS in 159 games. While the MVP race also features New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who posted a .331/.457/.688 line with 53 homers and 114 RBI in 152 games, Posey believes Raleigh's comprehensive impact, particularly defensively, should put him over the top.

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Yoshinobu Yamamoto Dominates Reds, Strikes Out Nine as Dodgers Advance to NLDS

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Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a stellar performance, striking out nine batters and pitching into the seventh inning, as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Cincinnati Reds 8-4 on Wednesday night to sweep the Wild Card Series and advance to the National League Division Series. Yamamoto allowed two runs on four hits and walked two, throwing a career-high 113 pitches. After the Reds took an early 2-0 lead in the first, Yamamoto retired the next 13 batters and later escaped a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the sixth with back-to-back swinging strikeouts. He received two standing ovations from the crowd of 50,465. Despite a dropped ball by Teoscar Hernández in the first that cost him a scoreless inning, Yamamoto's outing was crucial in securing the Dodgers' spot against the Phillies in the NLDS, which begins Saturday in Philadelphia. The Dodgers' offense broke the game open with a four-run sixth inning, complementing Yamamoto's strong start.

Alex Vesia Delivers One-Pitch Strikeout Amidst Bullpen Struggles for Dodgers

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Alex Vesia, arguably the Los Angeles Dodgers' most consistent reliever this season, showcased a mixed performance in the NL Wild Card Series against the Cincinnati Reds. In Game 1, he, Edgardo Henriquez, and Jack Dreyer collectively struggled, yielding two hits, four walks, and three runs after entering with a 10-2 lead, throwing a combined 59 pitches—the most in a single MLB postseason inning since tracking began. However, in Game 2 of the 8-4 victory, Vesia was summoned mid-plate appearance in the eighth inning to replace Emmet Sheehan, inheriting a 1-2 count on pinch-hitter Miguel Andujar. He then executed a rare one-pitch strikeout with a high fastball past Andujar. Despite walking Matt McLain, Vesia rebounded to strike out TJ Friedl, escaping a bases-loaded jam, as the Dodgers advanced to the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Shohei Ohtani Set for Historic MLB Postseason Pitching Debut in NLDS Game 1

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Shohei Ohtani is slated to make his historic MLB postseason pitching debut as the Los Angeles Dodgers' Game 1 starter in the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, as confirmed by manager Dave Roberts. This marks a significant milestone, making Ohtani the first player in MLB history to start at least one game as a pitcher and one as a non-pitcher in a single postseason. Ohtani did not pitch last season due to surgery recovery and had not reached the postseason in his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. He has gradually returned to pitching this season after a second surgery, making his debut on June 16 against the San Diego Padres (one inning) and pitching six full innings on September 23 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, his last appearance. This season, he boasts a 2.87 ERA with 62 strikeouts in 47 innings, while also excelling as a designated hitter with 55 home runs (third-most in the league) and 102 RBIs, following his NL MVP season last year.

Roki Sasaki Emerges as High-Leverage Reliever for Dodgers After Injury Return

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Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old rookie, has emerged as a potential high-leverage arm for the Los Angeles Dodgers, making a dominant third career relief appearance in the Wild Card Series. Returning from the injured list roughly a week prior, Sasaki pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning with a triple-digit fastball, securing two strikeouts to end the series. His journey to the bullpen followed a highly-hyped signing and initial struggles as a starter; his velocity saw a downturn, leading to a 4.72 ERA and 6.19 FIP in eight starts before a shoulder impingement landed him on the IL in May for four-and-a-half months. Upon his return, with the Dodgers' rotation full, he transitioned to the bullpen, where his "Bullpen Edition" showed significant improvement. In two relief appearances last week, he threw two scoreless innings, with his fastball hitting 99 mph and his splitter proving effective, while his slider was no longer used. Manager Dave Roberts expressed trust in Sasaki for leverage situations, noting, "I trust him, and he's going to be pitching in leverage."

Aaron Judge's Clutch RBI and Enthusiastic Support Fuel Yankees' Game 2 Victory

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New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge displayed immense jubilation and support for his teammates during Game 2, vaulting over the dugout railing and celebrating wildly after Jazz Chisholm Jr. scored the winning run. Judge, who admitted, "I'm a fan of all these guys in this room... I'm their biggest supporter, biggest fan," also contributed significantly on the field with a clutch RBI single in the fifth inning. His leadership and emotional investment were evident as he reacted to Austin Wells' timely hit and Chisholm's game-winning dash, helping to keep the New York Yankees' season alive and force a winner-take-all Game 3.

Ben Rice Blasts Early Two-Run Homer, Igniting Yankees' Offense in Game 2

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Ben Rice contributed significantly to the New York Yankees' early offense in Game 2 of the MLB playoffs. He opened the scoring for New York with a two-run home run in the first inning, a "two-run tank" that set the tone for the game. His early blast helped the Yankees build a lead against the Red Sox, playing a part in their eventual 4-3 victory that forced a decisive Game 3.

Austin Wells Delivers Game-Winning Hit, Driving Home Jazz Chisholm Jr. for Yankees

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Catcher Austin Wells emerged as a key hero in Game 2, delivering a game-winning single in the bottom of the eighth inning. With two outs and Jazz Chisholm Jr. on first, Wells stroked a full-count changeup fair down the right-field line, enabling Chisholm's "mad dash" home. This timely knock brought Chisholm across the plate, giving the New York Yankees a crucial 4-3 lead they would not relinquish, and sending Yankee Stadium into pandemonium. His clutch hit was instrumental in keeping the Yankees' season alive and forcing a winner-take-all Game 3.

Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s Game-Winning Dash Propels Yankees to Game 3, Overcomes Prior Frustration

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Jazz Chisholm Jr. scored the decisive run in Game 2 of the MLB playoffs, sliding home just ahead of the tag in the bottom of the eighth to give the New York Yankees a 4-3 lead against the Red Sox. His "mad dash" from first to home in 9.16 seconds, following Austin Wells' timely hit, was made possible by his full-gas sprint on a full count, arriving ahead of a 98.4-mph throw. This jubilant moment contrasted sharply with his frustration from Game 1, where manager Aaron Boone benched him against left-hander Garrett Crochet despite Chisholm's 30-homer, 30-steal season and starting 26 of the previous 27 games against lefties. Chisholm was visibly displeased about not starting, fueling speculation of a disagreement with Boone, though both parties insisted they were "good." Chisholm reportedly overcame his Game 1 disappointment by playing "MLB The Show."

Brayan Bello's Short Outing Undermines Red Sox in Wild Card Game 2 Loss

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Boston Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello had a brief outing in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series on Wednesday night, lasting just 28 pitches. His early exit contributed to the Red Sox's struggles, as the Boston bullpen subsequently failed to contain the New York Yankees, ultimately leading to a loss that forced a win-or-go-home Game 3.

Cal Raleigh's Unforeseen Rise: From Draft Doubts to Mariners' Platinum Glove, 60-Homer Star Catcher

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Cal Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners' star catcher, has defied expectations, winning a Platinum Glove in 2024 and becoming the first catcher to launch 60 homers in a season. Drafted 90th overall in 2018, Raleigh faced significant doubts coming out of Florida State, including struggles with wood bats, mixed defensive reviews, and a 150th prospect ranking by MLB Pipeline, with the Mariners' data model initially ranking him 379th. However, area scout Rob Mummau's invaluable insights, including knowledge of Raleigh playing hurt with a thumb injury during his sophomore year (.227/.330/.398), convinced the team. Despite signability concerns and Braves' interest, Raleigh signed for $854,000. Mummau, who knew Raleigh's family, recognized his raw power (graded 70), good hands, strong arm, and athleticism early on. While evaluators saw him as a backup, Mummau envisioned a starter. Raleigh's rapid development saw him hit 29 homers and reach Double-A in his first pro season, leading to his 2021 MLB debut and a 2022 pinch-hit walk-off homer that ended the Mariners' 21-year playoff drought. He has since amassed 151 home runs in four seasons, excelling in pitch framing and erasing baserunners. His exceptional "makeup," including toughness, desire to play daily, and relentless work ethic (e.g., blocking drills, weighted balls, early arrival for game-planning), has been crucial to his transformation, with scouting director Scott Hunter admitting, "We were all wrong about Cal Raleigh."

Cubs Manager Defends Decision to Keep Shota Imanaga in Game Against Machado

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Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell defended his strategic decision to leave left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga in the game to face Padres slugger Manny Machado. Despite Counsell's defense, Machado capitalized on the opportunity, hitting a two-run home run off Imanaga on October 2, 2025, which ultimately made the Cubs pay for the pitching decision.

Manny Machado's Crucial Home Run Powers Padres to Game 2 Victory

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Manny Machado delivered a no-doubt home run in Game 2, staking the San Diego Padres to a 3-0 lead in their 3-0 victory over the Cubs, forcing a winner-take-all Game 3. Despite being 0-for-6 at that point, Chicago elected to pitch to Machado, who carries a career .846 OPS with 99 home runs against left-handed pitching, a decision Cubs manager Craig Counsell admitted backfired. Padres manager Mike Shildt noted Machado was "heading in a great direction" and "starting to get his groove." Machado himself stated he was "more than happy to swing the bat," focusing on getting to Imanaga. Looking ahead, Machado emphasized the "do or die" nature of Game 3, stating, "We've got to win to advance."

Rookie Cam Schlittler Tapped as Yankees' Game 3 Starter, Poised to Deliver After Impressive Debut Season

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Rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler, a 24-year-old Massachusetts native who always dreamed of playing for the Yankees, has been named the Game 3 starter for New York in the decisive AL Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox. Manager Aaron Boone expressed full confidence, stating Schlittler is "ready to roll" and won't find the moment "too big for him." Schlittler, who knew of his start from public reports, posted a 2.96 ERA (3.74 FIP) and 1.219 WHIP with 84 strikeouts in 73 innings over 14 starts since his big league debut before the All-Star break. Boone lauded him as "super coachable, accountable," and a "stabilizing force" with a "right competitive edge." His "big stuff" includes a 98 mph average fastball (95th percentile, used 54.8% of the time) and effective cutter and curveball, contributing to a 27.6% strikeout rate (82nd percentile). Schlittler's last regular season outing was his best, with seven shutout innings against Baltimore. He believes watching the Red Sox hitters in the previous games provided valuable mental insights, and Boone sees him as a long-term rotation piece.

Mason Miller Dominates with 104.5 MPH Fastball, Secures Game 2 for Padres

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San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller delivered a dominant performance in Game 2 against the Cubs, striking out the first five hitters he faced to help secure a 3-0 victory and force a decisive Game 3. Acquired from the Athletics at the deadline, Miller is a key component of the Padres' bullpen built for October. After striking out the side in Game 1, Miller continued his dominance in Game 2, hitting 104.5 mph on a pitch while striking out Carson Kelly in the seventh inning. This pitch was the fastest postseason pitch since tracking began in 2008 and the fourth-fastest in regular season or postseason history, solidifying his role in covering critical outs for the Padres.

Brayan Rocchio's Playoff Magic Ignites Guardians' Offense in Crucial Game 2 Victory

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Cleveland Guardians infielder Brayan Rocchio, known as "Playoff Rocchio," ignited a five-run eighth inning with a solo home run, leading to a 6-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers in AL wild-card Game 2 on October 2, 2025. This crucial blast, hit off a 99.9 mph fastball from rookie right-hander Troy Melton on an 0-2 count, broke a 1-1 stalemate. Rocchio's performance recaptured his October momentum, contrasting with his struggles earlier in the 2025 season (.165/.235/.198 over first 35 games) and 2024 (.206 batting average, 79 wRC+), which led to a Triple-A option. Manager Stephen Vogt praised the "huge" hit, and Rocchio noted his mindset to hit ground balls often leads to better results, a sentiment echoed by outfielder Steven Kwan.

Mookie Betts' Batting Prowess Influences Reds' Pitching Strategy Against Ohtani

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Mookie Betts, a former league MVP, is a significant deterrent for Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona when considering intentionally walking Shohei Ohtani in the wild-card series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Francona highlighted his respect for Betts and Freddie Freeman, who bat second and third in the Dodgers' lineup, stating on Wednesday, "You’re kidding, right? Have you heard of Mookie Betts or Freddie Freeman?" He warned that intentionally walking Ohtani with dangerous hitters like Betts following in the lineup would be "asking for trouble" and deemed it "a very poor decision."

Freddie Freeman's Presence Deters Intentional Walks for Dodgers Teammate Ohtani

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Freddie Freeman's formidable presence in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup is a key factor in Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona's decision not to intentionally walk Shohei Ohtani in their wild-card series. Francona expressed significant respect for Freeman and Mookie Betts, both former league MVPs batting second and third, stating on Wednesday, "You’re kidding, right? Have you heard of Mookie Betts or Freddie Freeman?" He emphasized that walking Ohtani with such dangerous hitters behind him would be "asking for trouble" and deemed it "a very poor decision."

Athletics' Zack Gelof on Track for 2026 Return After Successful Shoulder Surgery

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Athletics second baseman Zack Gelof is on track for the 2026 MLB season following successful surgery for a dislocated left shoulder, sustained on September 19 while diving for a ground ball. Dr. Marc R. Safran of Stanford Medicine outlined his recovery: a sling for four to six weeks, followed by range-of-motion exercises, strengthening around three months, and most activities by four months. However, diving will be restricted for six months, and initial batting will be limited to fungo. This marks Gelof's second major injury in 2025, after a right hand hamate fracture surgery in spring training delayed his season debut until July 4. With the Athletics missing the playoffs, Gelof will not miss any games during his recovery. He concluded the season batting .174 with two home runs and seven RBI over 30 games, aiming for a strong return to his 2024 performance.