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MLB News

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

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Sean Manaea Returns from Paternity List to Start Sunday for New York Mets

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New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea is set to return from the paternity list and start the team's final home game of the regular season on Sunday against the Washington Nationals. This decision comes after the Mets previously utilized a flipped pitching plan where Manaea followed Clay Holmes. In his last start on September 9 against the Philadelphia Phillies, Manaea allowed four runs on five hits, including two home runs, over 5.0 innings. However, he showed improvement in a subsequent bullpen performance, giving up only one run on a solo home run over 5.0 innings. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted Manaea's flexibility, acknowledging his preference to start while also being on board with bullpen roles when needed, given his past experience in both capacities.

Rays' Junior Caminero Shines in 2025, Earning Superstar Hitter Status at 22

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Junior Caminero delivered a memorable breakout season for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2025, surpassing 40 home runs and 100 RBI in his first full MLB campaign at just 22 years old. This performance marks him as a superstar hitter, a significant win for an organization historically focused on pitching development. Caminero's next challenge involves proving his effectiveness away from the hitter-friendly George M. Steinbrenner Field, where he excelled this year. Looking ahead to 2026, he is set to anchor third base for the Rays. In fantasy baseball, Caminero is projected as a top contributor, with some managers potentially drafting him in the second round due to his rare power at a young age.

Juan Soto Emerges as Top Home Run Prop Bet for Saturday, September 20th

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New York Mets slugger Juan Soto has been highlighted as one of the premier selections for Saturday's home run player props on September 20, 2025. The 'Inside the Lines' team, renowned for their nightly home run bets throughout the season, has seen significant success, reporting an increase of almost 30 units on the year. This strong track record positions Soto as a compelling choice for those seeking daily picks across various sports, with further free daily selections available via the 'Inside the Lines' blog.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. Records Historic Fourth 30-30 Season for New York Yankees

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On September 20, 2025, Jazz Chisholm Jr. achieved a significant milestone, recording his fourth 30-30 season in New York Yankees history. This impressive feat places him in an elite category, as only Bobby Bonds and Alfonso Soriano have previously accomplished a 30-30 season while playing for the Yankees. Chisholm's consistent performance and impact on the team have been highlighted, with observers noting that 'He's moving the needle' for the franchise.

Kodai Senga Set to Face Live Hitters, Playoff Roster Spot Remains Murky for Mets

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New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga is scheduled to face live hitters next week, a crucial step in his recovery process. However, as of September 20, 2025, his status for a potential playoff roster spot remains 'even murkier.' The Mets, who recently secured a series opener victory, are closely monitoring Senga's progress as they evaluate their options for the postseason, with his availability being a key factor in their pitching plans.

Clayton Kershaw's Impending Retirement Sparks Mixed Reactions and Playoff Role Debate Among Dodgers Fans

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is reportedly set to retire at the end of his 18th season, a decision that has generated varied responses from fans. While some readers express gratitude for his illustrious career and hope for a championship exit, others are content with his retirement or even suggest he transition into a pitching coach role for the team. The timing of Kershaw's retirement is seen as challenging for the Dodgers, particularly given their current pitching woes and the critical need for reliable starters in the playoffs. Discussions among fans include his potential role in a playoff rotation alongside pitchers like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Emmet Sheehan, highlighting the team's ongoing bullpen concerns.

Friday, September 19, 2025

Clayton Kershaw Receives Emotional Farewell in Final Regular-Season Start Against Giants

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On September 19, 2025, Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw made his final regular-season start against longtime rival San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium, a highly anticipated "Kershaw Night." Despite initially being outdueled by Robbie Ray, Kershaw delivered a strong outing, with the Giants managing only one additional run off him after Heliot Ramos's early aggressive at-bat. He was pulled in the fifth inning, receiving multiple standing ovations from the appreciative crowd, soaking in every moment of his farewell appearance. The Giants ultimately failed to spoil his goodbye outing. Following the game, which saw the Dodgers clinch a postseason spot, Kershaw returned to the mound to wave at fans and take pictures with his large family, marking an emotional conclusion to the night.

Mets' Brandon Sproat Navigates Shortened Outing, Manager Mendoza Cites Playoff Urgency

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New York Mets right-hander Brandon Sproat made his third big league start on September 20, 2025, lasting just four innings against the Washington Nationals despite throwing only 71 pitches. Manager Carlos Mendoza explained his decision to pull Sproat, citing the Mets' tight playoff race—currently 79-74 and 2.0 games ahead of the Diamondbacks and Reds—and the need to be aggressive. Mendoza noted that while Sproat's first two innings were "nasty" with effective breaking balls and a sinker, a four-run third inning, partly due to defensive miscues, and hard contact from Nationals lefties prompted the early exit. Sproat, who allowed four runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five, expressed frustration over his mistakes but was pleased with his fourth-inning bounceback. He respected Mendoza's decision, acknowledging the need to take it "pitch by pitch" in the majors. Across his three starts, Sproat holds a 3.94 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over 16.0 innings with 15 strikeouts.

Mariners Starter Bryan Woo Exits Game Early After Warmup Pitches in Sixth Inning

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Seattle Mariners starter Bryan Woo was forced to exit Friday night's game against the Houston Astros prematurely. The right-hander departed the contest after throwing just a couple of warmup pitches during the sixth inning. This unexpected departure, occurring on September 20, 2025, immediately raised questions about his status and potential implications for the Mariners' pitching staff. His early exit marks a significant development for the team as they navigate the season.

Brooks Raley Continues to Be a Versatile and Reliable Asset for Mets Bullpen

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New York Mets left-handed reliever Brooks Raley continued his impressive return from Tommy John surgery on Friday, September 20, 2025, earning his second win of the season against the Nationals. Raley provided crucial relief, securing three outs across the fifth and sixth innings after Huascar Brazoban struggled. Manager Carlos Mendoza lauded Raley as a "total pro" and a "luxury" for his ability to pitch multiple innings in various high-leverage situations from the fifth through eighth innings. Since rejoining the team in mid-July, Raley has been highly effective, posting a 2.42 ERA and 0.85 WHIP over 25 appearances, covering 22.1 innings.

Ryan Helsley Delivers Crucial High-Leverage Performance for Mets Bullpen

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New York Mets reliever Ryan Helsley showed encouraging signs of a turnaround on Friday, September 20, 2025, delivering a "huge" performance in a high-leverage situation against the Nationals. Acquired at the trade deadline, Helsley had struggled but has recently strung together strong outings. In the seventh inning, with the Mets holding an 8-6 lead, he pitched a clean 1-2-3 frame, securing a ground out, a strikeout looking, and a line out. Manager Carlos Mendoza praised Helsley's execution of his slider and fastball, emphasizing the team's need for his proven talent, marking a significant step forward for the right-hander. Over his last three appearances, he has allowed just one hit and one walk across three innings with one strikeout.

Jose Siri Struggles Defensively and Offensively in Mets' Victory Over Nationals

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New York Mets outfielder Jose Siri endured a challenging night on Friday, September 20, 2025, during the team's 12-6 win against the Nationals. Siri made two defensive errors in center field, misplaying a line drive and taking a poor route on a grounder, contributing to Nationals' runs. At the plate, he went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, drawing boos from the Citi Field crowd. Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged Siri's tough day but urged him to "keep your head up." Since returning on September 9 from a fractured leg suffered in April, Siri has struggled, recording just one hit in 12 at-bats with nine strikeouts across four games.

Juan Soto Achieves Career-High 42nd Home Run, Nears Historic 40/40 Season with Mets

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Juan Soto continues his legendary first season with the New York Mets, setting a new career high with his 42nd home run on Friday, a blast that gave the Mets an 8-4 lead. This milestone is the third-most by a Met in a single season, with 21 homers at home. Manager Carlos Mendoza lauded Soto's consistency and impact, calling him a "special guy, special player." Soto expressed satisfaction, attributing his success to hard work. Over his last 20 games, dating back to August 29, Soto boasts a .368/.462/.829 slashline with 10 home runs, 24 RBI, and 20 runs, leading the majors in several categories. He also recorded his 121st walk, just four shy of a Mets franchise record, and his 34th stolen base, a career high and the most by a Met since 2013. With eight games remaining, Soto is six stolen bases away from becoming the first Met and only the seventh MLB player to achieve a 40/40 season.

Dodgers Reliever Michael Kopech Returns to Injured List for 'Reset'

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Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed reliever Michael Kopech has been placed on the injured list, effective September 20, 2025. The move comes as Kopech reportedly needs a 'reset,' indicating a potential need for a break or adjustment. This marks his return to the IL, impacting the Dodgers' bullpen depth as the season progresses. Further details regarding the specific nature of the 'reset' or the expected duration of his absence were not immediately provided, but his placement on the injured list confirms his temporary unavailability for the team.

Athletics' Jacob Wilson Celebrates Family Legacy and Strong 2025 Season at PNC Park

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Oakland Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson returned to PNC Park on Friday, September 19, 2025, for an emotional moment, reversing a childhood tradition by catching the first pitch from his father, Jack Wilson. Nearly two decades prior, his father, then a Pirates shortstop, had caught Jacob's first pitch as a four-year-old. Despite going 0-for-4 in the Athletics' 4-3 victory against the Pirates, the 23-year-old Wilson is enjoying a successful 2025 season, slashing .317/.360/.451 from his premium defensive position. Drafted sixth overall in 2023 and making his MLB debut last season, Wilson, alongside Rookie of the Year frontrunner Nick Kurtz, is a key source of optimism for the transitioning Athletics and is projected to be a central piece when the team relocates to Las Vegas.

Alec Bohm Returns from Injured List with Three RBIs in Phillies' Victory

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Alec Bohm made a significant and positive return from the Injured List on Friday, making his first start since September 7th. He played a crucial role in the Philadelphia Phillies' 8-2 triumph over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Bohm opened the scoring for the Phillies in the second inning with an RBI double after seeing eight pitches. Demonstrating his defensive prowess, he also made a spectacular diving play at third base in the fourth inning. Later in the game, he reached base on an error in the eighth inning and scored, then drove in two more runs with a bases-loaded single to center in the ninth, totaling three RBIs for the night. The Phillies improved their record to 92-62, positioning them two games behind the No. 1 seed in the National League.

Kodai Senga's MLB Return Delayed After Rocky Triple-A Outing, Citing Unreadiness

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New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga's anticipated return to the major league level has hit a significant snag. Following a challenging Triple-A outing on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Senga informed club officials on Friday, September 19, 2025, that he does not feel ready to pitch in the majors. His self-assessment of unreadiness after the 'rocky' performance has led to a delay in his comeback, indicating a cautious approach by the Mets organization regarding his reintegration into the pitching rotation.

Paul Skenes Reflects on Pirates' Losing Season, Potential Two-Start Week

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Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes recently commented on the team's 29th losing season since 1992, asserting that the year would be 'wasted' if the team and players fail to learn any lessons. As the 2025 MLB season concludes, the Pirates are employing a six-man rotation, which typically means no pitcher will make two starts in the final week. However, there's a slim chance Skenes could be moved up to start on Tuesday, potentially lining him up for two outings against the Reds and Braves. Despite this possibility, the article notes that such a move is 'not particularly likely' and would not impact fantasy managers, as Skenes is considered a locked-in option regardless of his schedule.

Guardians Prospect Daniel Espino Returns to Game Action After Multi-Year Injury Battle

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Cleveland Guardians pitching prospect Daniel Espino is set to make his first game appearance since 2022 this weekend, marking a significant comeback after multiple right shoulder surgeries. The 24-year-old, once ranked as the Guardians' No. 2 prospect and No. 53 overall in 2022, endured operations in May 2023 and Spring Training 2024 to repair his capsule and rotator cuff. Espino spent the bulk of 2025 building up at the Guardians’ player development complex in Goodyear, Ariz., and recently transitioned to Columbus. He is also slated to play in the Arizona Fall League, beginning October 6, as he continues his progression back to elite form. Before his injuries sidetracked him, Espino showcased a four-seam fastball touching 103 mph and a mid-80s power slider, posting a 2.45 ERA with 35 strikeouts and four walks in 18 1/3 Double-A innings over four starts in 2022.

Cole Ragans Offers Strikeout Upside in Two-Start Week Finale

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Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans is slated for two road starts against weak divisional opponents (Angels, Athletics) in the final week of the 2025 season, presenting an opportunity to conclude a 'major disappointment' of a year on a high note. Throughout 11 starts, Ragans has posted a 2-3 record with a 5.16 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and an 80/18 K/BB ratio over 52 1/3 innings. Despite his season-long struggles and fantasy managers' frustration, he is expected to 'pile up strikeouts' and has a 'good position to earn a victory' in these matchups, making him a recommended start in all leagues.