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MLB News

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

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Aroldis Chapman Holds Yankees Offense in Check During Red Sox Game 1 Win

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Aroldis Chapman was a key figure in the Boston Red Sox's pitching effort against the New York Yankees in their Game 1 Wild Card Series victory. The Yankees struggled to generate offense throughout the game, having only a few chances to get to Chapman and fellow pitcher Garrett Crochet. Ultimately, the New York offense never came through against Chapman, contributing to their missed opportunities and eventual 3-1 loss to the Red Sox.

Tarik Skubal Dominates Guardians with Career-High 14 Strikeouts in Wild-Card Game 1 Win

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Tarik Skubal, the 28-year-old Detroit Tigers southpaw, delivered one of the best postseason pitching performances in franchise history, securing a 2-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 1 of the wild-card series on Tuesday. Skubal recorded 23 of 27 outs, including a career-high and Tigers postseason record 14 strikeouts, tying Joe Coleman's 1972 ALCS mark. This outing served as redemption after a previous chaotic game against Cleveland. Catcher Dillon Dingler noted Skubal was "all business" pre-game, contrasting with his usual relaxed demeanor. Over 7⅔ innings and 107 pitches, Skubal's four-seam fastball averaged 99.1 mph, topping out at 101.2 mph, and he generated 26 whiffs, including a dozen on his changeup. Despite a bizarre Guardians rally in the fourth inning that tied the game 1-1, Skubal maintained control. Manager AJ Hinch lauded him as "a beast" and "the best pitcher in the big leagues." Skubal expressed excitement for teammate Casey Mize, who will start Game 2.

Lucas Giolito Avoids Structural Elbow Damage, Postseason Return Unlikely

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Lucas Giolito, a 31-year-old right-hander for the Boston Red Sox, appears to have avoided structural damage to his right elbow, though he is unlikely to pitch in the postseason. Giolito was excluded from Boston’s Wild Card Series roster against the New York Yankees due to elbow pain and was examined by Dr. Jeffrey Dugas. Manager Alex Cora confirmed "no structural damage," calling it "good news" for Giolito personally, avoiding offseason surgery. This follows Dugas's internal brace surgery on Giolito's UCL on March 12 last year, and a prior Tommy John surgery in 2012. An All-Star in 2019, Giolito finished this season 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts, and holds a career record of 71-66 with a 4.30 ERA over nine major league seasons.

Kevin Herget Elects Free Agency After Mets Outright, Showing Success in Brief Bullpen Role

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Kevin Herget has elected free agency after being sent outright to the minors by the New York Mets. He was DFA’d in the closing days of the season to open roster spots and, after going through waivers unclaimed, opted to hit the open market rather than accept an assignment to Syracuse. Herget was signed to a minor league deal and contributed to the Mets' bullpen rotation. He experienced a bit more success than some of his counterparts, posting a 3.00 ERA over his six appearances for the team.

Richard Lovelady Opts for Free Agency After Mets Outright Following Bullpen Stint

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Richard Lovelady has elected free agency after being sent outright to the minors by the New York Mets. He was DFA’d in the season's final days to create roster space and, after clearing waivers, chose to enter the open market instead of accepting an assignment to Syracuse. Lovelady was initially signed to a minor league deal and was part of the Mets' revolving door of bullpen arms throughout the season. The left-hander pitched in eight outings for the Mets, posting a 6.30 ERA during his time with the club.

Jose Siri Elects Free Agency After Mets Outright, Concluding Injury-Plagued Stint

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Jose Siri has elected free agency after being sent outright to the minors by the New York Mets. He was DFA’d in the closing days of the season to open roster spots and, after going through waivers unclaimed, opted to hit the open market rather than accept an assignment to Syracuse. Siri was acquired from the Rays in an offseason deal for relief prospect Eric Orze and was expected to split time in center field with Tyrone Taylor. However, he missed most of the season due to a fractured tibia suffered against the Athletics. Upon his return, the speedster struggled significantly, recording just two hits in 32 at-bats as a Met before being let go when Taylor returned from the IL.

Royals Expect Captain Salvador Perez, 35, Back for 2026 Playoff Push

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The Kansas City Royals, coming off their second consecutive winning season with an 82-80 record, anticipate the return of their 35-year-old captain and nine-time All-Star catcher, Salvador Perez, for the 2026 season. His expected presence is a key factor as the team sets its sights on securing a return trip to the American League playoffs. Perez's leadership and experience are considered vital for the Royals' continued pursuit of postseason success.

Ben Rortvedt Thrust into Dodgers' Postseason Starting Catcher Role Amidst Injuries

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Journeyman catcher Ben Rortvedt, 28, has been unexpectedly thrust into the Los Angeles Dodgers' postseason plans, earning the starting role for Game 1 of the NL Wild Card series against the Cincinnati Reds. Traded from the Tampa Bay Rays at the deadline, Rortvedt was called up in early September due to injuries to Will Smith and Dalton Rushing. Despite a challenging start to 2025 and a nomadic career with the Twins and Yankees, he provided a steady presence behind the plate, improved defense, and subtly useful offense, hitting 11-for-49 with two doubles and a home run, and a .224 average with three sacrifice bunts. Dodgers pitchers posted a 2.89 ERA in his 18 games caught. Manager Dave Roberts named him primary catcher, and Game 1 starter Blake Snell praised his "clutch" play and "contagious" excitement. With Smith limited to pinch-hitting, Rortvedt's critical role ensures his first playoff start.

Yankees' Will Warren Added to Wild Card Roster for Versatile Bullpen Role

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New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed Will Warren's inclusion on the 26-man Wild Card roster for the series against the Boston Red Sox, despite not being needed as a starter. Boone anticipates Warren, 26, could be utilized in various capacities, including "short-verse," providing "length," or in "extra innings," citing his effective pitching all season. Warren, who is on his fourth day, is expected to be in "pretty good shape" to contribute. He posted a 4.44 ERA and 1.37 WHIP over a career-high 33 starts this season, with only one prior big-league bullpen appearance.

Dodgers' Will Smith Makes Wild-Card Roster Despite Hairline Hand Fracture

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Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith has been included on the team's 26-man wild-card roster for their series against the Cincinnati Reds, despite nursing a hairline fracture in his right hand. Smith, a two-time All-Star, missed the last three weeks of the season due to the injury but made late progress in his recovery, making his inclusion possible. While his presence as a potential pinch-hitter is seen as a boon, it remains unclear if he will be able to start Game 1 at Dodger Stadium. Ben Rortvedt is also on the roster and is expected to start behind the plate if Smith is unable to play. The Dodgers will carry three catchers for the series.

Mets' Sean Manaea May Avoid Surgery for Loose Bodies in Left Elbow

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New York Mets left-hander Sean Manaea may not require surgery to remove loose bodies from his pitching elbow, according to SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino. A final decision on surgery will be made after Manaea has time to physically cool down post-season. Manaea endured a challenging year, with his season debut delayed by an oblique injury in spring training, followed by a diagnosis of loose bodies in his elbow. He finally made his first start on July 13 but pitched to a 5.64 ERA in 2024, making 12 starts and three bullpen appearances. Despite being under contract through 2027, his rotation spot for 2026 is uncertain, contrasting with his 2024 second-half performance where a delivery tweak made him the team's ace.

Clayton Kershaw Not on Wild-Card Roster, Awaiting NLDS Activation

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Future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw is not included on the Los Angeles Dodgers' Wild-Card Series roster. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that Kershaw, who is on the brink of retiring after 18 seasons, would only be activated if the Dodgers advance to a National League Division Series, and he likely wouldn't start then. Despite missing time, Kershaw returned on May 17 and finished the season with an impressive 11-2 record and a 3.36 ERA across 22 games. His potential activation hinges on the team's playoff progression.

Dodgers Exclude Offseason Signing Michael Conforto from Wild-Card Roster

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Offseason signing Michael Conforto was notably absent from the Los Angeles Dodgers' 26-man wild-card series roster. The $17 million acquisition struggled significantly throughout the regular season, batting a career-low .199 with just 12 home runs and 36 RBIs in 450 plate appearances, alongside 121 strikeouts. Despite drawing 56 walks and maintaining an on-base percentage above .300, and showing some improvement late in the season (.228 with a .678 OPS after July 1, and a .246 average in September), the Dodgers opted for other options. The team instead rostered Alex Call, defensive specialist Justin Dean, and infielder Hyeseong Kim, despite Conforto's potential value as a left-handed pinch-hitter.

Roki Sasaki Makes Dodgers Wild Card Roster After Strong Reliever Audition

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Roki Sasaki has secured a spot on the Los Angeles Dodgers' 26-man roster for the 2025 National League Wild Card Series, primarily as a reliever. After a challenging rookie season where he struggled with velocity and control, leading to a right shoulder injury and a 4.72 ERA through eight starts, Sasaki was activated in late September with the intention of using him in relief. He made two strong, scoreless relief appearances, striking out four batters across two innings, which convinced the Dodgers of his readiness. Manager Dave Roberts noted Sasaki's improved "edge" and "emotion." Crucially, Sasaki's four-seam fastball velocity significantly increased from 94.8 mph in May to 99.2 mph in September, nearing his elite Japanese league form. His triple-digit fastball and devastating splitter position him as a potentially vital asset for the Dodgers' bullpen in the playoffs.

Cade Horton Not Named to Chicago Cubs Wild Card Series Roster

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Chicago Cubs player Cade Horton was among those not selected for the team's Wild Card Series roster. With all four Wild Card Series set to kick off on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Horton's absence from the roster means he will not be participating in the Cubs' initial playoff contests. The article did not provide specific reasons for his exclusion.

Luis Gil Left Off New York Yankees Wild Card Series Roster

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New York Yankees pitcher Luis Gil was notably left off the team's Wild Card Series roster. This decision comes as all four Wild Card Series are scheduled to commence on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The article highlights that Gil, among other players, was excluded from the roster, indicating he will not be active for the Yankees' initial playoff games this season.

Jarren Duran Considered in Roster Comparison for Wild Card Series

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Jarren Duran is being considered in a hypothetical roster construction scenario, where he is compared against Cody Bellinger. This evaluation is part of the broader "Yankees vs. Red Sox: Comparing AL East rivals position by position ahead of Wild Card Series matchup," highlighting his potential for a Wild Card Series. The article, published on September 30, 2025, delves into player choices for building a competitive roster.

Cody Bellinger Featured in Hypothetical Wild Card Roster Build

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Cody Bellinger is included in a hypothetical roster construction discussion, where he is compared against Jarren Duran. This comparison is part of a larger analysis titled "Yankees vs. Red Sox: Comparing AL East rivals position by position ahead of Wild Card Series matchup," indicating a potential role in a Wild Card Series. The article, published on September 30, 2025, explores player selections for building a competitive roster.

Guardians Outfielder Chase DeLauter Set for Historic MLB Playoff Debut

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Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter is slated to make his highly anticipated MLB playoff debut, a significant event that will mark him as only the sixth player in league history to achieve this milestone. The Guardians are scheduled to commence their Wild Card Series against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, when DeLauter is expected to take the field for the first time in an MLB postseason game. This debut adds an intriguing storyline to Cleveland's playoff opener.

Manny Machado Named Best Home Run Prop Bet for September 30th

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San Diego Padres star Manny Machado has been highlighted as the top selection for Tuesday's home run player props on September 30th. The Inside the Lines team, known for consistently providing nightly home run bets throughout the season, has identified Machado as the premier choice for the upcoming action. This team has demonstrated significant success, reporting to be up nearly 40 units on their home run picks for the year. Readers seeking additional free daily picks across various sports are encouraged to visit the Inside the Lines blog for more information.