Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
As the 2025 MLB regular season enters its crucial dog days, Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays is noted for his home run history. While the article focuses on broader league trends, Caminero's offensive capabilities are a point of interest within the context of the ongoing season. The Tampa Bay Rays are part of the league-wide narrative as teams push towards the postseason.
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes is experiencing a great season, showcasing remarkable performance within the context of modern baseball. A September 17, 2025 article notes his significant impact, placing him at the center of conversations regarding the definition of an 'ace' in 2025. His current success is being analyzed in comparison to historical pitching legends to determine what constitutes a star pitcher's achievement in the contemporary MLB landscape.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal is currently enjoying a great season, performing exceptionally well within the framework of modern baseball. His impressive 2025 campaign, as highlighted in a September 17, 2025 article, has positioned him as a key figure in discussions about what defines an 'ace' in today's game. Experts are evaluating his success against the standards of past pitching greats to understand the evolving metrics of top-tier performance for star pitchers.
David Stearns, reflecting on the New York Mets' season, has indicated that all options are on the table for the remainder of the season, including the possibility of utilizing Kodai Senga in the bullpen. Senga is scheduled to make one final start for Triple-A Syracuse before a potential call-up. This news comes as the Mets secured an 8-3 victory over the Padres, with strong performances from Clay Holmes and Sean Manaea. Stearns also commented on trade deadline moves, acknowledging that he would have approached them differently with hindsight, and expressed confidence in manager Carlos Mendoza.
In Mets Land, a significant development involves the potential deployment of Clay Holmes and Kodai Senga in the bullpen. Holmes, who started a recent 8-3 win over the Padres, along with Sean Manaea, expressed willingness to do "whatever it takes to win." Manager Carlos Mendoza received a vote of confidence from David Stearns, who also reflected on trade deadline decisions with the benefit of hindsight. Stearns indicated that all options are on the table for the stretch run, including Senga and Holmes potentially moving to relief roles. Senga is slated for one more start with Triple-A Syracuse before a possible return to the majors. Additionally, Luis Torrens and Tyrone Taylor are nearing their returns to the team.
On Tuesday night, September 16, 2025, Shohei Ohtani delivered a stellar pitching performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers, throwing five no-hit innings against a formidable Phillies lineup. During the game, Ohtani also hit his 50th home run of the season. Despite his dominant outing on the mound, Ohtani exited the game as a pitcher, only to witness the Dodgers' bullpen falter once again. The team ultimately suffered a 9-6 loss, spoiling Ohtani's impressive individual efforts and his milestone home run.
New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez appears to have avoided serious injury after being hit by a 99.8 mph sinker on his left arm during Tuesday's 8-3 win over the Padres. Despite exiting the game immediately, Alvarez was later seen in the dugout icing his arm and laughing, with manager Carlos Mendoza noting the pitch struck his triceps muscle area, not the elbow. The Mets do not plan X-rays, deeming the injury not serious. This incident adds to Alvarez's recent injury history, as he is already playing through a sprained UCL in his right thumb and a broken left pinky. He has been hit by four pitches in the Majors this season, plus another that fractured his pinky at Triple-A. Alvarez remains a key offensive player for the Mets, boasting a .255/.340/.426 slash line with eight home runs in 66 games.
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge was recently referenced in news regarding Shohei Ohtani's MVP pursuits. Judge's historic 62-homer season in 2022 was highlighted as the reason Ohtani finished as the MVP runner-up that year. This mention underscores the elite company Ohtani keeps and the high bar set by Judge's own remarkable power-hitting performance. The comparison serves to illustrate the caliber of Ohtani's current achievements and his ongoing push for multiple MVP awards.
Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber has achieved a significant milestone in the 2025 MLB season, joining the exclusive 50-homer club. He is one of three players, alongside Shohei Ohtani and Cal Raleigh, to reach this impressive mark this year. This makes 2025 only the third season in MLB history to feature three players hitting 50 or more home runs, and notably, the first time this has occurred without the influence of performance-enhancing drugs. Schwarber's power display highlights a remarkable season for sluggers across the league, solidifying his status among the game's elite power hitters.
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette is poised to be the most intriguing free agent this winter, entering the market for the first time after a significant bounce-back season following a poor 2024. While the Blue Jays, having recently extended Vladimir Guerrero Jr., are expected to pursue him, Bichette's desire for a winning environment and a top contract will be key. He stands out as the premier shortstop available, though industry experts question his long-term defensive viability at the position, citing declining metrics and sprint speed, suggesting a potential move to second or third base. This positional uncertainty could influence his contract, potentially preventing a $300 million deal. Despite his close relationship with Guerrero Jr., financial offers will likely dictate his decision. Potential suitors include the Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, and New York Yankees. Currently recovering from a left knee sprain, a strong postseason showing will be critical for Bichette to maximize his market value, as his offensive upside clashes with defensive concerns, making him a highly debated player this offseason.
Sean Manaea followed Clay Holmes in a piggyback outing for the New York Mets, delivering five innings of one-run ball on 73 pitches in their 8-3 win against the Padres. Leaning on past relief experience, Manaea exceeded expectations for his length, emphasizing his commitment to “whatever it takes to help this team win.” Manager Carlos Mendoza noted Manaea's improved aggressiveness, conviction, and fastball elevation, a significant turnaround from his season-long struggles (5.76 ERA, 1.240 WHIP) where he often “ran out of gas.” President of Baseball Operations David Stearns highlighted Manaea's importance for the stretch run and playoffs, despite past frustrations. Manaea, feeling good but cautious, is set for another piggyback appearance Sunday, potentially starting.
Clay Holmes started for the New York Mets against the San Diego Padres, pitching four innings of two-run ball on 53 pitches in an 8-3 victory. He surrendered two solo home runs but focused on attacking the strike zone aggressively. Manager Carlos Mendoza strategically pulled Holmes after four innings to optimize matchups against left-handed hitters. Holmes, who prepared as a normal starter, expressed his willingness to adapt, stating, “whatever it takes, we’re willing to do.” The plan is for Holmes to participate in another piggyback outing on Sunday against the Nationals, potentially reversing roles with Sean Manaea, a scenario Holmes is comfortable with as the team aims for a National League Wild Card spot.
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh delivered a historic performance on Tuesday night against the Royals, hitting his 55th and 56th home runs of the season in consecutive at-bats. His 55th homer, a 419-foot blast batting left-handed against Michael Wacha, officially broke Mickey Mantle's 1961 record for most home runs by a switch-hitter, a mark Raleigh had tied just days prior. Following up in the next inning, Raleigh, batting right-handed against Daniel Lynch IV, launched his 56th home run 425 feet, tying Ken Griffey Jr.'s Seattle Mariners single-season record, which Griffey set in both 1997 and 1998. This multi-homer game was Raleigh's 20th career and 10th this season, earning him standing ovations as he continues his impressive pursuit of a rare 60-homer season.
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor hit a home run shortly after his wife, Katia Lindor, performed the national anthem on her violin. Katia, who minored in music at St. Mary's University in Texas, is a classically trained violinist. This memorable moment occurred on September 17, 2025, adding a unique personal touch to the game. Lindor's timely homer provided an exciting highlight, connecting his on-field performance with a special family event.
On September 17, 2025, Kansas City Royals right-hander Michael Wacha was on the mound when Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh hit his 55th home run of the season. This particular home run was significant as it allowed Raleigh to break Mickey Mantle's record for homers by a switch-hitter. Wacha, a pitcher for the Royals, was the opposing pitcher during this historic moment for Raleigh, contributing to a notable event in MLB history.
Philadelphia Phillies infielder Edmundo Sosa has been officially placed on the injured list, the team announced on Tuesday, September 17, 2025. The reason for his placement on the IL is a right groin strain, which will sideline the key infielder. This development impacts the Phillies' roster, requiring adjustments to their lineup and defensive strategies in the coming games. Sosa will now focus on recovery and rehabilitation to return to the field as soon as medically cleared.
The Los Angeles Dodgers activated catcher Dalton Rushing from the injured list on Tuesday. Rushing, who had been sidelined with a hand injury, returns to boost the team's depth behind the plate. His activation comes as the first-place Dodgers continue their series against the Philadelphia Phillies, a team they anticipate potentially facing again in the National League postseason. This move strengthens the Dodgers' roster as they head into the crucial final stretch of the season.
Anthony Volpe made his anticipated return to the New York Yankees' starting lineup on Tuesday, marking his first appearance since receiving a cortisone shot in his left shoulder. This development, reported on September 17, 2025, signifies a positive step for the young infielder as he rejoins his teammates on the field. Volpe's return is expected to provide a boost to the New York Yankees' roster, as he steps back into action after addressing his shoulder discomfort.
The New York Mets honored former infielder Jose Iglesias with a tribute video at Citi Field before their game against the San Diego Padres. Iglesias was a vital 'sparkplug' for the 2024 Mets, helping them overcome an 0-5 start to reach the NLCS. During his 85 games with New York, he posted an impressive .337/.381/.448 slash line with an .830 OPS and showcased Gold Glove caliber defense, though he struggled in the postseason. After becoming a free agent and not re-signing with the Mets, he joined the Padres. This season, in 106 games with San Diego, Iglesias has provided bench depth for the postseason-bound team, posting a .227/.297/.273 slash line with a .569 OPS and 32 RBI.
On September 16, 2025, the Texas Rangers officially activated left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe from the 15-day injured list. Coulombe had been sidelined for the past 13 games, missing crucial time due to a bout of shoulder fatigue. His return marks a positive development for the Rangers' bullpen, providing an experienced arm as the team navigates the remainder of its schedule. This activation signals his readiness to contribute again after a period of recovery.
