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MLB News

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

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Reigning Cy Young Winner Tarik Skubal Throws Bullpen, Set to Start Thursday

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Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, is slated to return to the mound on Thursday against the Cleveland Guardians. On September 16, 2025, Skubal successfully completed a bullpen session, indicating his readiness to pitch. This positive development follows a brief concern less than a week prior, when the star left-hander felt tightness on his left side during his last start.

Astros' Yordan Alvarez Diagnosed with Significant Ankle Sprain, Expected to Miss Time

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Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has been diagnosed with a "significant" left ankle sprain, an injury that will sideline him for an extended period. Manager Joe Espada confirmed on September 16, 2025, that Alvarez will be out of the lineup "for a while." This development comes as a significant blow to the Astros, as Alvarez is a key offensive contributor. The team will now have to navigate without their powerful hitter as he recovers from the ankle injury, impacting their lineup for the foreseeable future.

Red Sox Rookie Connelly Early Impresses in Fenway Debut Despite Early Exit

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Boston Red Sox rookie left-handed pitcher Connelly Early delivered an impressive performance in his first Fenway Park start against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Early, who previously threw five scoreless innings in his MLB debut against Oakland, scattered four hits over 5.1 innings, retiring the side in the second and third frames. Manager Alex Cora pulled Early after 80 pitches (55 strikes) and one out in the sixth inning, citing a challenging matchup against Brent Rooker. Despite Cora calling Early's outing "amazing," the Red Sox ultimately suffered a 2-1 loss after the bullpen struggled to close out the inning.

Yankees Catcher Austin Wells Involved in Collision Leading to Bichette's Injury

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New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells was a central figure in an incident on September 6, 2025, that resulted in a significant injury to Toronto Blue Jays star Bo Bichette. During a play at home plate, Bichette slid in and collided forcefully with Wells’ shin protectors while being tagged out. This collision led to Bichette sustaining a knee injury, which has subsequently ruled him out for the remainder of the regular season. Wells' involvement in the play highlights the physical nature of baseball and the risks involved in plays at the plate.

Mets' Tyrone Taylor Returns from Paternity Leave, Resumes Hamstring Rehab

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New York Mets center fielder Tyrone Taylor is set to resume his rehab activities on September 17, 2025, after stepping away for paternity leave. His baby was born on September 15, as confirmed by manager Carlos Mendoza on September 16. Taylor, who landed on the IL earlier this month with a hamstring strain, is expected to begin rehab games shortly. The injury came at an unfortunate time, as Taylor had been performing well, recording 10 hits and six RBI with a 1.208 OPS in his final seven games before the IL stint. For the season, he has a .218/.277/.315 slash line and a .592 OPS over 109 games.

Mets Catcher Luis Torrens Resumes Rehab Assignment at Triple-A Syracuse

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New York Mets catcher Luis Torrens is actively progressing in his rehab from a right forearm contusion, playing at Triple-A Syracuse on September 16, 2025. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Torrens was scheduled to catch seven innings, with the team monitoring his progress closely. Before landing on the IL on September 7, Torrens had shown improved performance, batting .275 with a .764 OPS in his final 74 plate appearances after the All-Star break. Overall, he holds a .225/.287/.348 slash line with five home runs and 29 RBI across 87 games for the Mets this season.

Mets' Kodai Senga to Make Second Triple-A Rehab Start; Organization Eyes Stuff Improvement

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New York Mets starter Kodai Senga is scheduled to make his second rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse later this week, as confirmed by manager Carlos Mendoza on September 16, 2025. The organization has yet to determine the subsequent steps for the right-hander. In his initial Syracuse outing last Thursday, Senga impressed, yielding just one run on three hits over 6.0 innings, striking out eight without issuing a walk. He threw 74 pitches, with his forkball proving especially effective, generating 11 whiffs on 11 swings. President of baseball operations David Stearns emphasized that Senga's return to the majors hinges on both results and his "stuff" consistently getting major league hitters out.

Cristopher Sánchez's Remarkable Journey Culminates in Phillies Ace Status and NLDS Game 1 Start

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Cristopher Sánchez, the Philadelphia Phillies' 28-year-old lefty, has completed a remarkable transformation, evolving from an overlooked prospect to an undisputed ace, now slated to start Game 1 of the NLDS on October 4. After a solid 2023 season, Sánchez dedicated his 2024 offseason to building velocity and strength, increasing his fastball speed and refining his compact delivery. This led to a breakout 2024 campaign where he delivered 181 2/3 innings with a 3.32 ERA, earned his first All-Star nod (despite an initial snub), and finished 10th in NL Cy Young voting. He also secured his financial future with a four-year, $22 million extension. This season, Sánchez ranks in MLB's top 10 for ERA, innings, and strikeouts, showcasing an elite three-pitch mix, highlighted by his "dastardly" changeup. His ascension is particularly crucial for the Phillies, who are World Series front-runners, especially after Zack Wheeler's season-ending injury, with manager Rob Thomson praising his unprecedented evolution.

Rangers' Josh Smith Becomes Priority Waiver Add for Base Steals Against Weak Opponents

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Texas Rangers infielder/outfielder Josh Smith is highlighted as a priority waiver wire addition for fantasy managers needing stolen bases. While his season total of 12 steals in 15 attempts is solid, his value surges this week as the Rangers face the Astros and Marlins, two teams notorious for allowing the most and second-most stolen bases in the league, respectively. Smith, who hits leadoff daily, benefits from a high volume of plate appearances and the Rangers' aggressive running game, which ranks ninth in the league in attempted steals. He has accounted for three of the team's ten successful steals since September 1st, positioning him to potentially swipe three or four bases this week and significantly impact fantasy standings.

Giants Call Up Power-Hitting Prospect Bryce Eldridge Amidst Pennant Race, Despite Swing-and-Miss Concerns

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The San Francisco Giants have called up 20-year-old first baseman Bryce Eldridge, thrusting him into a pennant race following Dom Smith's hamstring injury. Eldridge, one of the youngest position players to debut this season, went 0-for-3 with a strikeout in his first game, though he hit two hard-hit balls, including a 106 mph shot that traveled 407 feet. His promotion is driven by significant power potential, evidenced by 18 homers and a .250 ISO in 66 Triple-A games, with a max exit velocity near 115 mph. However, Eldridge exhibits considerable swing-and-miss, particularly against non-fastballs (47.7% whiff rate on off-speed, 51.7% on breaking pitches). He is expected to maintain a consistent spot in the lineup for the next two weeks, needing to hunt fastballs for early success.

Blue Jays' Trey Yesavage Dazzles in MLB Debut with Record-Setting Whiff Rate and Diabolical Splitter

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Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospect Trey Yesavage made a stunning MLB debut on Monday, striking out nine batters over five-plus innings while allowing just one run. Drafted less than 14 months ago, Yesavage quickly ascended through the minors, reaching the majors in under 100 innings. His debut featured 19 swings-and-misses, translating to a 53% whiff rate—the highest by any pitcher in their debut during the pitch-tracking era. Yesavage's extreme over-the-top release point (7.11 feet, highest in the league) generates significant vertical action on his fastball, but his 'diabolical' splitter is the star, inducing 11 whiffs on 14 swings. While his repertoire lacks glove-side movement, his strong performance likely secures him another turn in the rotation as the Blue Jays push for the Postseason.

Paul Skenes Dominates as Pirates' Ace, Cy Young Front-Runner Despite Team's Offensive Woes

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Paul Skenes emerged as the undeniable highlight of the Pittsburgh Pirates' 2025 season, establishing himself as a top pitcher in baseball. The sophomore ace is on track to conclude his first two big-league seasons with an ERA under 2.00, showcasing dominance with high strikeout rates and minimal walks or home runs. Skenes is the front-runner for the NL Cy Young Award and is already considered on a Hall of Fame trajectory. However, his individual brilliance was overshadowed by the Pirates' anemic offense, which struggled to score runs and led to the team's early elimination from postseason contention. For 2026, Skenes is expected to anchor a strong Pirates rotation. In fantasy baseball, he is projected as a top-three pitcher in 2026 drafts, potentially a first-round pick, despite concerns over his team's run support.

Cody Bellinger Emerges as Yankees' Second-Best Player, Future Uncertain for 2025

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Cody Bellinger has solidified his role as an essential and impactful presence in the New York Yankees lineup throughout the 2025 season. Described as "underrated," Bellinger has reportedly become the team's second-best player, a testament to his significant contributions. His consistent performance has been crucial for the Yankees, leading to discussions and questions about what 2025 and beyond might hold for his future with the club, as reported on September 16, 2025.

Jazz Chisholm Emerges as Top Home Run Prop Bet for Tuesday, September 16th

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New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm has been highlighted as a premier selection for home run player props on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The 'Inside the Lines' team, renowned for their successful nightly home run betting picks, has included Chisholm among their 'best bets' for the day's MLB action. This analytical group has demonstrated significant profitability throughout the season, reporting nearly 40 units gained on their home run wagers. Chisholm's inclusion underscores his potential power at the plate, making him a key player to watch for those following the 'Inside the Lines' daily recommendations, which are available on their blog for various sports.

Monday, September 15, 2025

Giants Top Prospect Bryce Eldridge Debuts, Shows Power Despite Hitless Performance

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San Francisco Giants' top prospect Bryce Eldridge was called up on September 15, 2025, joining the team for their wild-card playoff push. The 20-year-old, ranked No. 13 overall by MLB.com and No. 15 by CBS Sports, was a 2023 first-round pick. He advanced quickly through the minors, hitting .260/.333/.510 with 25 home runs and 84 RBI across all levels, including .249 with 18 homers in Triple-A. Eldridge made his highly anticipated MLB debut as the designated hitter against the Arizona Diamondbacks, going 0-for-3. Despite being hitless, he showcased his power with a 407-foot flyout that would have been a home run in most ballparks. Manager Bob Melvin praised Eldridge's swings, noting he didn't appear overmatched. Eldridge, the youngest Giants position player to debut since 1981, is expected to primarily serve as a DH against right-handed pitching.

Weston Wilson's Home Run Contributes to Phillies' NL East Clinch

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On September 16, 2025, Weston Wilson made a significant impact for the Philadelphia Phillies, hitting a home run during their thrilling 6-5 win against the Dodgers. This crucial hit helped the Phillies secure their second consecutive NL East title. Wilson's offensive contribution, alongside teammates Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper who also went deep, was part of a strong team effort that led to the dramatic victory. His performance was a notable highlight in the Philadelphia Phillies' successful division-clinching game.

Kyle Schwarber's Homer Powers Phillies to Second Consecutive NL East Crown

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Kyle Schwarber played a key role in the Philadelphia Phillies' thrilling 6-5 victory over the Dodgers on September 16, 2025, by hitting a home run. His offensive contribution was vital as the Phillies clinched their second straight NL East title. Schwarber's powerful hit, alongside homers from Bryce Harper and Weston Wilson, helped propel the team to a dramatic win. This performance underscored the Philadelphia Phillies' successful season, culminating in another division championship.

Bryce Harper's Crucial Homer Helps Phillies Clinch Second Straight NL East Title

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On September 16, 2025, Bryce Harper delivered a significant performance for the Philadelphia Phillies, hitting a home run in a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Dodgers. This pivotal hit was instrumental in securing the Phillies' second consecutive NL East title. Harper's contribution, alongside teammates Kyle Schwarber and Weston Wilson who also homered, highlighted a strong offensive showing that led to the dramatic win. The victory solidified the Philadelphia Phillies' dominance in their division, marking a key moment in their season.

Blue Jays' Trey Yesavage Sets Franchise Record with Nine Strikeouts in Impressive MLB Debut

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Toronto Blue Jays' top pitching prospect Trey Yesavage made his highly anticipated MLB debut on Monday night against the Rays. Yesavage, who was the Blue Jays' first-round pick in 2024, delivered an impressive performance on the mound. He struck out nine batters, setting a new Toronto franchise record for the most strikeouts in a major league debut. His strong outing contributed to the Blue Jays' victory over the Rays.

Dodgers Weigh Shohei Ohtani's Playoff Role, Considering Bullpen Appearances

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Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman confirmed on September 16, 2025, that Shohei Ohtani is slated to be a starting pitcher for the team in the upcoming playoffs. Despite this primary role, the Dodgers are actively exploring scenarios where Ohtani could also pitch out of the bullpen in specific, late-game situations, a possibility echoed by manager Dave Roberts and pitching coach Mark Prior. Friedman noted Ohtani's 3.75 ERA and 49 strikeouts over 36 innings since returning from Tommy John surgery, calling him 'one of the best starters in the National League.' However, MLB's two-way rules present a significant hurdle for relief appearances; if Ohtani exits the mound, the Dodgers would lose him as a designated hitter, a rule Friedman criticized as having 'missed the mark.' This complication might limit his bullpen use to only the ninth inning, but the team continues to weigh the complex options for his postseason impact, with Ohtani currently lined up for Game 1 of a potential wild card series.