Player news from trusted outlets

MLB News

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

Monday, September 15, 2025

Astros All-Star Yordan Alvarez Sprains Ankle, Status Uncertain for Key Series

AutoDraft Pro AI

Houston Astros All-Star slugger Yordan Alvarez sustained a sprained left ankle after slipping on home plate during Monday night's 6-3 win over the Texas Rangers. The injury occurred in the first inning, forcing Alvarez to exit the game in immediate and obvious pain. This comes at a critical time for the Astros, who are in a tight AL West race, trailing the Seattle Mariners by a half-game with 12 games remaining, including an upcoming pivotal series against Seattle. Alvarez, who previously missed nearly four months with a hand fracture before returning on August 26, led the Astros in 2024 with a .308 batting average, 35 home runs, and 86 RBI. Rookie Zach Cole replaced Alvarez, hitting a crucial two-run home run. The severity of Alvarez's sprain is not yet clear, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the season.

Bo Bichette Seeks Second Opinion on Knee, Could Return as DH for Blue Jays

AutoDraft Pro AI

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette, who has been sidelined since September 7 due to a sprained left knee, sought a second medical opinion on Monday, September 15. As the Blue Jays continue their preparations for the postseason, there is a possibility that Bichette could initially rejoin the lineup in a designated hitter role. This update provides crucial insight into his recovery progress and potential return, impacting the team's strategy for their upcoming playoff push.

Michael Soroka Activated by Cubs, Set for Reliever Role After IL Stint

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chicago Cubs right-hander Michael Soroka has been activated from the 15-day injured list, with the team confirming his return on Monday, September 15, 2025. Following his activation, Soroka is slated to transition into a new role, as the Cubs plan to utilize him out of the bullpen as a reliever. This move marks his return to active duty and a strategic shift in his deployment for the remainder of the season, as he joins the bullpen to contribute in a relief capacity.

Otto Kemp Reflects on Surreal Rookie Season, Strong Recent Play, and Playoff Hopes

AutoDraft Pro AI

Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Otto Kemp is experiencing a "surreal" rookie season, highlighted by his first game at Dodger Stadium on September 15th, with nearly 30 family members in attendance as the team chases an NL East title. Kemp, who was initially called up on June 7th, sent down on August 15th, and recalled on September 8th, has found his stride, batting an impressive .375 (9-for-24) with three home runs and seven RBIs since his latest return. The Fullerton native, despite growing up an Angels fan, described playing in the historic stadium as "unbelievable." He's focused on contributing and hopes his strong recent performance, which has seen him feel "a lot more comfortable" and "a part of this team," will secure him a spot on the Phillies' playoff roster, a decision manager Rob Thomson and the front office will make soon. His journey from Double-A last year to the big leagues has been unexpectedly swift.

Aaron Judge Named AL Player of the Week Amidst Another MVP-Caliber Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge was honored as the American League Player of the Week on Monday, September 15, 2025, for his exceptional performance from September 8-14. During this dominant stretch, Judge posted a .450 batting average, .560 on-base percentage, and a 1.200 slugging percentage, including five home runs and nine runs scored. His remarkable 1.760 OPS led all American League hitters for the week. Judge is currently enjoying an outstanding season, batting .326—a potential single-season best—with a .447 OBP, .678 slugging percentage, 48 home runs, and 102 RBI. The two-time AL MVP (2022, 2024) is widely considered the overwhelming favorite to win the award again this year, with Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh also mentioned in contention. The Yankees went 3-3 last week and are actively competing for a playoff berth, currently 4.0 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East and 1.5 games ahead of the Boston Red Sox for the top Wild Card spot.

Paul Skenes' Cerebral Approach and Evolving Arsenal Drive Historic Cy Young Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Paul Skenes, 23, is having an MLB-best season with a 1.92 ERA, leading the NL in strikeouts (203), WHIP (0.92), and fWAR (6.2), putting him on track for his first Cy Young Award. His career 1.94 ERA through 53 starts is the lowest in the live-ball era. Skenes attributes his success to a "cerebral approach," focusing on body mechanics ("feeling the flow") and using in-game pitch-tracking data for real-time adjustments. Despite recent outings showing slight velocity dips due to workload (178 innings this year), he remains highly effective, as seen in his 5 scoreless innings against Baltimore and a sweep of the Dodgers. His arsenal has evolved significantly, adding a sinker and seeing a surprising velocity spike in his changeup (now averaging 90 mph with a .093 wOBA allowed, MLB's lowest for a frequently thrown pitch). He has developed strong synergy with catcher Henry Davis, who has caught all but his first four starts this season, contributing to the Pittsburgh Pirates' strong run prevention.

Jonah Tong Earns Mets' 2025 Pitcher of the Year Award, Makes MLB Debut

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Mets right-hander Jonah Tong, a 2022 seventh-round pick, has been named the organization's 2025 Pitcher of the Year, capping a swift rise through the minors that included his major league debut. Tong started the 2024 season with Low-A St. Lucie and finished with Binghamton. In 2025, he posted staggering minor league numbers with Binghamton, recording a 1.59 ERA and 162 strikeouts over 102.0 innings in 20 starts. After two scoreless appearances with Triple-A Syracuse, Tong was called up, allowing just one earned run on six hits over 5.0 innings in his MLB debut against the Marlins, despite a subsequent rough outing against Texas.

Rafael Devers Named a Top Home Run Prop Bet for September 15th

AutoDraft Pro AI

Rafael Devers, affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, has been identified as one of the premier selections for home run player props on Monday, September 15th, 2025. This recommendation stems from the 'Inside the Lines team,' which has shown considerable success throughout the current season, reporting a gain of nearly 40 units on their nightly home run wagers. The team's consistent track record in providing free daily picks across various sports, as detailed on their blog, underscores Devers' inclusion among the 'best bets' for hitting a home run on the specified date.

Sunday, September 14, 2025

Cal Raleigh Matches Mickey Mantle's Switch-Hitter Home Run Record, Sets New Catcher Mark

AutoDraft Pro AI

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made history on Sunday, matching Mickey Mantle's season record for most home runs by a switch hitter with his 54th blast. Batting left-handed in the first inning, Raleigh launched a first-pitch homer to left-center off Angels pitcher Kyle Hendricks, giving the Mariners an early 2-0 lead. This monumental home run also marked his record-setting 43rd of the season as a catcher, surpassing Atlanta's Javy López's 2003 mark of 42. Raleigh's powerful performance contributed to the Mariners' dominant 11-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, extending their winning streak to nine games and securing sole possession of the AL West lead for the first time since June.

Garrett Crochet Dominates Yankees with 12 Strikeouts in Red Sox's Crucial Victory

AutoDraft Pro AI

Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet delivered a stellar performance on Sunday, matching his season high with 12 strikeouts over six innings. His dominant outing was crucial in the Red Sox's 6-4 victory over the rival New York Yankees at Fenway Park, helping his club avoid a series sweep. This impressive display improved Crochet's season record to 16-5, solidifying his role as a key pitcher for Boston in a pivotal game.

Randy Arozarena Contributes with Lead-Off Single in Mariners' Win

AutoDraft Pro AI

Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena contributed to the team's offensive outburst against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. Arozarena led off the bottom of the first inning with a single, setting the stage for Cal Raleigh's record-tying home run that followed immediately. The Mariners went on to secure an 11-2 victory, extending their winning streak to nine games and claiming sole possession of first place in the American League West.

Jorge Polanco Ties Mariners Franchise Record with Three Doubles

AutoDraft Pro AI

Seattle Mariners infielder Jorge Polanco contributed significantly to the team's 11-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. Polanco tied a Mariners franchise record by hitting three doubles in the game. His performance helped the Mariners extend their winning streak to nine games, pushing them to an 82-68 record and sole possession of first place in the American League West, alongside Cal Raleigh's record-tying home run.

Kyle Hendricks Pitches Against Mariners as Cal Raleigh Ties Home Run Record

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Kyle Hendricks faced the Seattle Mariners on Sunday afternoon, during which he gave up a historic home run to Cal Raleigh. Raleigh hit Hendricks' sinker, thrown on the outside corner, 409 feet into the left-center field bullpen. This blast marked Raleigh's 54th home run of the season, tying Mickey Mantle’s record for a switch hitter. The Mariners ultimately defeated the Angels 11-2, taking sole possession of first place in the American League West.

Will Warren Struggles Early, Settles Down in Yankees' Loss to Red Sox

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Yankees pitcher Will Warren endured a challenging start against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, allowing five straight hits and a six-run first inning that put his team in an early deficit. Despite the initial struggles, Warren managed to settle into the game, stranding five runners and holding Boston to 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position after the first frame. His final line for the outing was 5.0 innings pitched, yielding six runs on 10 hits and one walk, while recording two strikeouts on 89 pitches (59 strikes).

Pete Alonso's Three-Run Walk-Off Homer Lifts Mets, Ends Losing Streak

AutoDraft Pro AI

Pete Alonso delivered a pivotal performance for the New York Mets on September 15, 2025, hitting a crucial three-run walk-off home run. This dramatic blast not only secured a victory for the Mets but also snapped their challenging eight-game losing streak. Alonso's heroics were instrumental in helping his team regain momentum, reopening a 1 1/2-game lead in the tight race for the final National League wild-card spot. The walk-off homer allowed the Mets to 'take a deep breath,' providing a significant boost to their playoff aspirations and offering a much-needed turning point in their season.

Shohei Ohtani's Lawyers Seek Dismissal of Real Estate Lawsuit

AutoDraft Pro AI

On September 15, 2025, Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, alongside his agent Nez Balelo, initiated a move to dismiss a lawsuit that was filed against them last month. The legal action accuses Ohtani and Balelo of being directly responsible for a Hawaii real estate investor and broker being terminated from their position. This development highlights the ongoing legal proceedings involving the prominent MLB player, with his legal team actively working to contest the allegations and seek a dismissal of the case.

Orioles' Kyle Bradish Emerges as Top Fantasy Two-Start Pitcher After Injury Return

AutoDraft Pro AI

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kyle Bradish is highlighted as a premier two-start option for fantasy baseball managers this week, following his impressive return from Tommy John surgery. Since his return, Bradish has posted a stellar 2.65 ERA and 0.94 WHIP across three starts, building on his 2023-24 performance where he recorded a 2.81 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. Despite a late return date, the right-hander is considered a "waiver-wire gift" due to his high accomplishment and strong recent outings, making him a valuable addition for upcoming matchups against the White Sox and Yankees.

Jose Quintana Suffers Calf Injury, Leaves Brewers' Game in a Boot

AutoDraft Pro AI

Milwaukee Brewers veteran pitcher Jose Quintana sustained a calf injury during his four-inning appearance in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Brewers manager Pat Murphy confirmed after the game that the 36-year-old left-hander had departed the stadium wearing a boot. The injury occurred at the conclusion of his outing, raising immediate concerns about his status for upcoming games as the team continues its season.

Nolan McLean Delivers Six Shutout Innings, Continues Impressive Rookie Run for Mets

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Mets rookie pitcher Nolan McLean delivered another 'super impressive' performance, throwing six shutout innings in a crucial walk-off victory over the Rangers on Sunday, helping to snap the team's eight-game losing streak. Despite early command issues, McLean limited Texas to just five hits and two walks while striking out seven. Manager Carlos Mendoza lauded McLean's ability to adjust, noting his effective use of the sinker and changeup against lefties. This outing marks McLean as the first Mets pitcher to not allow a run in his first three Citi Field starts, and his 1.19 ERA is the lowest in franchise history through six big-league outings. He also tied Dwight Gooden for the third-most strikeouts (40) through six career starts.

Giants Promote Top Prospect Bryce Eldridge to MLB for Playoff Push

AutoDraft Pro AI

The San Francisco Giants are promoting their top prospect, Bryce Eldridge, to the MLB to aid in their playoff push, a significant move confirmed on September 14, 2025. The 2023 first-round draft pick, set to debut weeks before his 21st birthday, has shown impressive power with an .836 OPS in Triple-A, hitting 18 homers in 66 games and 25 across two minor league levels this season. This accelerated promotion comes after Dominic Smith strained his hamstring and the Giants struggled offensively. While the team anticipates Eldridge splitting time at first base and DH long-term, he is expected to provide an immediate offensive boost, particularly against the five right-handed starters the Giants are scheduled to face on their upcoming road trip, fulfilling his earlier desire to debut in 2025.