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MLB News

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

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Garrett Crochet Projected Under 7.5 Strikeouts for Saturday's Game

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The SportsLine Projection Model suggests betting on Garrett Crochet to record under 7.5 strikeouts for Saturday's game against the Yankees, despite his 7.25 projection. While he averages 8.1 strikeouts in road starts, his last three road outings have seen him record 5, 5, and 7 strikeouts in shorter appearances. Crochet's K per inning and K/BB ratio were better with the White Sox, but his average innings pitched has increased to 6.4 with Boston, with the model projecting him for 5.9 innings in this upcoming start.

Anthony Volpe's Struggles Lead to Consideration for Time Off

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Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe is facing significant struggles both at the plate and in the field, prompting manager Aaron Boone to consider giving him a day off soon. Volpe's batting average remains at .209, matching his rookie season, and he has recently slashed .127/.179/.254 over his last 18 games. Additionally, his defense has regressed with 16 errors this season and a recent mental error in Friday's game, though he still ranks eighth among qualified shortstops in defensive runs saved.

Aaron Judge Progresses in Throwing Program as Yankees Await Outfield Return

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Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is showing progress in his throwing program, extending his throws to 150 feet with more intensity, as he continues to recover from a flexor strain in his right arm. Manager Aaron Boone hopes Judge is nearing a return to the outfield, though he has been limited to hitting since returning from the IL in early August. Despite his hitting-only role, Judge's offensive production has been moderate, posting a .216 average with three homers and an .806 OPS in his first 15 games back as a designated hitter.

Tyler Fitzgerald optioned to Triple-A Sacramento by Giants

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Infielder/outfielder Tyler Fitzgerald was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento by the San Francisco Giants to clear a roster spot for the returning Matt Chapman. Fitzgerald has struggled to replicate last season's success, bouncing between the majors and Triple-A this year. In 72 games with the Giants, the 27-year-old is hitting .217/.278/.327 with four home runs and 14 RBI.

Nolan McLean Shines as Mets Dominate Braves, Other Mets News

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Nolan McLean delivered a superb seven innings of two-run ball with seven strikeouts in the Mets' 12-7 victory over the Braves. The team pounded out a season-high 21 hits. Ryan Helsley struggled again, prompting discussion about supporting him through his rough patch. Updates were also provided on Brandon Sproat's potential MLB debut, Pete Alonso vs. Edwin Diaz's future with the team, Tylor Megill's rehab start, Jeff McNeil's MRI, Brandon Nimmo's improvement, and the signing of Ali Sanchez to a minor league deal.

Juan Soto Continues Hot Streak for Mets, Targeted for Saturday HR Prop Bet

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New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto delivered a strong performance on Friday, going 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and four RBIs in a 12-7 victory over the Braves. Maintaining a hot streak since June, Soto has batted .269 with 23 home runs and 49 RBIs in his last 303 plate appearances. He is highly favored for a home run on Saturday with +340 odds, particularly excelling against right-handed pitchers with a .965 OPS and performing better on the road. Soto is expected to face Cal Quantrill, who recently allowed 7 earned runs in two of his last three starts before being designated for assignment.

Friday, August 22, 2025

Mookie Betts Helps Spark Ninth-Inning Rally in Dodgers' Loss to Padres

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Mookie Betts contributed a single in the ninth inning, initiating a late rally for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite Betts reaching base, the Dodgers ultimately fell 2-1 to the San Diego Padres, resulting in a tie for first place in the NL West. The team's offense struggled to convert opportunities throughout the game, with Betts' effort being one of the few bright spots.

Mets' Nolan McLean Impresses with Seven Strong Innings Against Braves

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Rookie pitcher Nolan McLean delivered a highly impressive performance for the New York Mets, pitching seven innings and allowing only two runs while striking out seven in the team's 12-7 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Despite issues with his secondary pitches early on, McLean showed veteran-like composure by adjusting and relying on his fastball and sinker, even retiring 11 straight batters at one point. Manager Carlos Mendoza praised the 24-year-old's poise and competitiveness, calling him "special" for his ability to perform against a rival lineup. His outing marked the first time a Mets starter, other than David Peterson, pitched six or more innings in 62 games.

Mets' Ryan Helsley Continues to Struggle in Latest Outing

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New York Mets reliever Ryan Helsley allowed three runs on three hits in the ninth inning of Friday's 12-7 win against the Atlanta Braves, continuing his struggles since being acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in July. Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged Helsley's difficulties, noting he's "not getting swings and misses" or "chases," and stated the team needs to help the "elite" pitcher. In August, Helsley has allowed 12 runs (eight earned) across 7.1 innings over nine appearances, contrasting with his 21 saves in 36 games with St. Louis earlier in the season.

Shane Bieber Makes Historic Blue Jays Debut After Tommy John Surgery

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Shane Bieber made his highly anticipated debut for the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night, pitching his first big-league game since April 2024 after recovering from Tommy John surgery. The veteran right-hander delivered a historic performance in Toronto's 5-2 win over the Miami Marlins, becoming the first Blue Jays pitcher to strike out nine or more batters, allow two or fewer hits, and walk none in a team debut. Bieber pitched six innings, giving up only one solo home run, and showcased improved fastball velocity and his full five-pitch repertoire, earning 14 swings and misses. He had previously made seven successful rehab starts at the minor-league level, posting a 1.86 ERA.

Max Fried Returns to Form in Yankees' Shutout Loss to Red Sox

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Yankees pitcher Max Fried showcased his best form in almost a month, throwing six scoreless innings against the Boston Red Sox, scattering four hits and striking out seven. Despite his strong performance, the Yankees offense provided no run support, leading to a 1-0 shutout loss. Fried's rebound effort marked his best outing since late June, though he received a no-decision.

Willy Adames Blasts Two Homers in Emotional Milwaukee Homecoming Despite Giants' Loss

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San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames hit two home runs in his highly anticipated return to Milwaukee against his former team on Friday night. Adames received a minute-long standing ovation before his first at-bat, then promptly launched a 419-foot homer, later adding a second blast in the eighth inning. Despite his emphatic performance, which pushed his season total to 22 home runs, the Giants ultimately fell to the Brewers 5-4 on a walk-off home run. Adames expressed appreciation for the emotional reception from the crowd, acknowledging the playful boos that followed his powerful hits.

Dodgers Activate Tanner Scott from Injured List

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The Los Angeles Dodgers activated reliever Tanner Scott from the injured list on Friday, where he had been sidelined for a month with left elbow inflammation. Scott, who led the majors with seven blown saves when he was injured, currently holds a 1-2 record with a 4.14 ERA and 19 saves in 26 chances this season. Manager Dave Roberts has not yet committed to reinstating Scott as the team's designated closer, as the bullpen continues to manage other key injuries including Kirby Yates and Michael Kopech.

Evan Carter Sustains Season-Ending Wrist Fracture, Placed on IL

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Texas Rangers outfielder Evan Carter has been placed on the injured list with a right wrist fracture, an injury that manager Bruce Bochy indicated would likely end his season. Carter, who sustained the 'freak injury' after being hit by a pitch, had been hitting .308/.419/.462 in his last eight games before this setback. This marks his third stint on the IL this season, significantly hindering the young outfielder's development after contributing to the Rangers' 2023 World Series win.

Tylor Megill Dominates in Latest Rehab Start for Triple-A Syracuse

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Mets starter Tylor Megill delivered a dominant performance in his third rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse on Friday night, pitching five shutout innings. Returning from an elbow sprain, Megill threw 65 pitches, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out four Indianapolis batters. This extended outing marked his third consecutive shutout appearance and a positive step for the Mets as he progresses in his recovery.

Red Sox Demote Walker Buehler to Bullpen Amidst Season-Long Struggles

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The Boston Red Sox have moved pitcher Walker Buehler to the bullpen for the remainder of the season, manager Alex Cora announced, citing his ongoing struggles. Buehler, 31, who signed a one-year, $21.05 million contract, posted a 5.40 ERA over 22 starts, averaging career-low strikeouts and career-high walks per nine innings. He expressed understanding of the move, which he views as an "opportunity to reset" after missing 2023 due to his second Tommy John surgery and struggling to regain his past All-Star form. Buehler will now focus on embracing his new relief role to help the team, while planning his offseason around returning to a starting pitcher identity.

Giants Place Landen Roupp on 15-Day IL with Left Knee Inflammation

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Landen Roupp has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to left knee inflammation after being hit by a batted ball on Wednesday. Manager Bob Melvin described the injury as a "pretty good bone bruise" but noted it was "good news" as surgery does not appear to be required at this time. Roupp, 26, holds a 7-7 record with a 3.80 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 106⅔ innings this season. Left-hander Carson Whisenhunt has been recalled from Triple-A Sacramento to fill his roster spot.

Jhoan Duran Blows First Save for Phillies in Loss to Nationals

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Phillies closer Jhoan Duran blew his first save opportunity in seven attempts on Friday, leading to a 5-4 loss against the Washington Nationals. In the ninth inning, Duran gave up a double to Dylan Crews and a game-tying single to Dayle Lile, who then scored on an errant throw. Despite the rare stumble, manager Rob Thomson expressed "super confidence" in Duran, comparing it to Mariano Rivera's occasional blown saves, while Duran himself remained unfazed, stating he would be ready for the next game.

Craig Kimbrel Joins Houston Astros

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The Houston Astros have signed veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel to a major league contract. The 37-year-old Kimbrel previously pitched for the Orioles and the Atlanta Braves last year, and spent time in the minors with Texas. He has 440 career saves and was a nine-time All-Star.

Marcus Semien's Foot Injury Requires Further Testing

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Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien is awaiting results from additional testing on his aching left foot, sustained after fouling a pitch. Manager Bruce Bochy reported Semien is in significant pain and can barely walk while wearing a boot. Despite the injury, there has been no immediate roster move for Semien, who has been highly durable for the Rangers.