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

Friday, September 11

Merrill Kelly Issued Quick Hook After Allowing One Run in Short Outing

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Merrill Kelly struggled with command during Friday's start against the Rangers, lasting just 4.1 innings in a no-decision. The right-hander allowed one run on two hits and three walks while striking out three batters on 80 pitches before getting pulled in the fifth inning. Kelly laboured through a 31-pitch second frame and hit a batter before an RBI double gave Texas an early lead. Arizona's bullpen ultimately rescued the jam, and the offense rallied for a 9-1 victory.

Corbin Carroll Homers in Return to Diamondbacks Lineup

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After being cleared for action following a clean MRI on his lower back, Corbin Carroll returned to the Diamondbacks' lineup Friday and hit a two-run home run in a 9-1 victory. The blast was his 20th home run of the year, allowing him to reach the 20-20 mark in each of his four full major-league seasons. Through 142 games, Carroll is batting .240 with an .803 OPS, 20 home runs, 63 RBI, 86 runs scored, 30 doubles, 16 triples, and 21 stolen bases.

Dylan Beavers Spark Orioles Victory With Second-Pitch Home Run

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Baltimore Orioles outfielder Dylan Beavers ignited an early offensive surge by hitting a home run on the second pitch of the game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Beavers' lead-off blast sparked a multi-run opening stretch as Baltimore scored six unanswered runs through the first two innings. The early advantage proved decisive in Baltimore's 7-4 victory, dealing a blow to Toronto's postseason Wild Card positioning.

Vladimir Guerrero Picked Off First in Blue Jays Loss to Orioles

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Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero went 2-for-4 but committed a costly baserunning error in a 7-4 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. Guerrero was picked off first base with one out in the bottom of the first inning to halt an early scoring opportunity. Although he singled in the ninth to bring the tying run to the plate, Toronto fell short and dropped two games back of the final American League Wild Card playoff spot.

Justin Martinez Throws Immaculate Inning in Relief for Diamondbacks

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Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Justin Martinez pitched the fifth immaculate inning in franchise history during Friday's sixth inning against Texas. Martinez struck out Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter, and Jake Burger on nine consecutive pitches, reaching 102.6 mph on his fastball. Returning from Tommy John surgery, the 25-year-old right-hander has not surrendered an earned run across eight appearances this season, striking out 11 batters over 7.2 total innings pitched.

Cody Bellinger Belts Key Three-Run Homer to Lift Yankees Over Mets

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Cody Bellinger powered the New York Yankees to a 6-4 victory over the Mets in Friday's Subway Series opener on the 25th anniversary of September 11th. Bellinger finished 2-for-4 with a double and a decisive three-run home run off Nolan McLean in the second inning. Driving a full-count curveball into the right-field stands after a lengthy at-bat by Ben Rice, Bellinger provided the key offensive spark to give the Yankees a lead they would not relinquish.

Nolan McLean Impresses Yankees Major League Stars Despite Taking Defeat

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Nolan McLean took the loss Friday against the Yankees, surrendering five earned runs on a career-high 10 hits across five innings, ending a streak of five straight quality starts. Despite giving up two home runs, including a three-run shot to Cody Bellinger, the Mets rookie earned high praise from Yankees hitters and Aaron Judge, who called him "one of the best young pitchers in the game." McLean (11-9) holds a 3.24 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 184 strikeouts over 166.2 innings.

Aaron Judge Returns to Lineup, Praises Mets Rookie Nolan McLean

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Aaron Judge went 1-for-3 with a single and a walk in Friday's 6-4 win over the Mets, playing in his third game back after missing three months with a right rib stress fracture. Manager Aaron Boone noted the team will monitor whether Judge plays all three games of the Subway Series. Following the victory, the two-time AL MVP praised Mets starter Nolan McLean, calling him "one of the best young pitchers in the game" after facing him for the first time.

Matthew Liberatore Starts Homestand Opener for Cardinals vs. White Sox

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Matthew Liberatore took the mound for the St. Louis Cardinals in Friday's 7-3 series-opening win over the Chicago White Sox. Liberatore surrendered a leadoff home run on his first pitch following a rain delay and allowed another solo shot, finishing with 4.1 innings pitched, six hits, two earned runs, two strikeouts, and three walks before being relieved.

Evan Carter Named to Rangers Starting Lineup Against Diamondbacks

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Evan Carter was included in the starting lineup for the Texas Rangers in their matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks, playing center field. In the sixth inning, Carter fell victim to an immaculate inning by Diamondbacks reliever Justin Martinez, striking out on three consecutive pitches during a nine-pitch, three-strikeout frame.

Jake Burger Featured in Diamondbacks Lineup Against Texas Rangers

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Jake Burger was included in the Arizona Diamondbacks' starting lineup for their game against the Texas Rangers. During the sixth inning, Burger became the third batter struck out in an immaculate inning thrown by Arizona reliever Justin Martinez, who needed just nine pitches to retire the side.

Wyatt Langford Starts in Left Field as Rangers Face Diamondbacks

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Wyatt Langford was confirmed in the starting lineup for the Texas Rangers against the Arizona Diamondbacks, playing left field. During the sixth inning of Friday's game, Langford was the first victim in an immaculate inning thrown by Diamondbacks reliever Justin Martinez, striking out as part of a nine-pitch, three-strikeout frame.

Carlos Rodón Dominates With Eight Strikeouts in Yankees' Victory

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Carlos Rodón delivered his strongest performance of the season on Friday, pitching a season-high 6.1 innings with eight strikeouts to lead the New York Yankees to a 6-4 win over the Mets. Rodón allowed just two runs (one earned) on four hits and one walk over 93 pitches, displaying postseason-caliber form. Bothered by elbow inflammation earlier this year, the veteran left-hander has allowed only six earned runs across his past five starts as he solidifies his role down the stretch.

Top Prospect Josue De Paula Debuts for Dodgers in 6-2 Victory

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Top prospect Josue De Paula made his MLB debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, starting as designated hitter in a 6-2 win over Miami. Promoted straight from Double-A to fill the roster spot left by Shohei Ohtani, the 21-year-old went 0-for-3 with a walk. De Paula is the youngest Dodger to debut since 2017 and the first Dodgers position player to jump directly from Double-A to the majors since 1981.

Shohei Ohtani Placed on 15-Day IL with Knee and Bicep Inflammation

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Shohei Ohtani was placed on the 15-day injured list due to right biceps inflammation and right knee soreness, shutting him down through at least Sept. 23. Reports indicate concern over his postseason availability, with Ohtani hitting 6-for-52 since late August. The Dodgers promoted top prospect Josue De Paula and moved Eric Lauer to the 60-day IL to make room on the 40-man roster.

Josiah Hartshorn Promoted to Double-A Knoxville, Collects First Hit

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Chicago Cubs top prospect Josiah Hartshorn was promoted from South Bend to Double-A Knoxville. In his Double-A debut on Friday night, the 19-year-old first baseman went 1-for-3 with two walks, a stolen base, a sacrifice fly, two RBI, and one run scored, helping Knoxville to an 8-7 victory over the Birmingham Barons.

Ben Rice's Key ABS Challenge and 3-Hit Night Fuel Yankees Victory

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Ben Rice went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and three runs scored in the Yankees' 6-4 win over the Mets on Friday. In the second inning, Rice successfully used an ABS challenge to overturn a strikeout call, extending his at-bat to 10 pitches before hitting a single. That extended at-bat set the stage for Cody Bellinger's go-ahead three-run home run, providing a key spark for New York in the Subway Series opener.

Kazuma Okamoto Homers Again in Blue Jays' Loss to Orioles

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Kazuma Okamoto went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run in Toronto's 7-4 loss to Baltimore on Friday. Okamoto put the Blue Jays on the board in the fourth inning with his 31st home run of the season, marking his third home run in his last four games. The 30-year-old infielder is currently tied for 10th-most home runs in the majors during his debut MLB campaign.

Brett Bateman Hits First Career Home Run in Blue Jays' Loss to Orioles

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Brett Bateman went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run during Toronto's 7-4 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. The ninth-inning deep ball marked the first major-league home run of Bateman's career. The 24-year-old outfielder now owns an .826 OPS with seven extra-base hits, nine RBI, and three stolen bases across 134 plate appearances this season.

Taj Bradley Works Six Scoreless Innings in Twins' Loss to Guardians

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Taj Bradley delivered a strong start for the Minnesota Twins on Friday against Cleveland, throwing 6.0 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit. Despite issuing four walks—including walking the leadoff batter in three separate innings—Bradley managed to pitch out of trouble each time before the Twins bullpen ultimately surrendered a 5-2 loss.