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MLB News

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

Friday, August 22, 2025

Joey Ortiz Placed on 10-Day IL with Hamstring Strain

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Milwaukee Brewers starting shortstop Joey Ortiz has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a low-grade strained left hamstring. Ortiz sustained the injury during Thursday's game against the Chicago Cubs, but manager Pat Murphy expects his absence to be relatively brief. Prior to the injury, the 27-year-old was hitting .233 with seven homers and 43 RBIs, showing improved performance in August with a .343 average and .830 OPS. Andruw Monasterio is expected to fill in at shortstop during his recovery.

All-Star Shortstop Jacob Wilson Activated from Injured List

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All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson has been activated from the injured list by the Athletics. Wilson had been sidelined after breaking his left forearm but returns after an impressive season where he was batting .312 with 10 homers and 45 RBI. The 25-year-old made history as the first fan-elected rookie shortstop for the All-Star Game.

Adley Rutschman's Orioles Future Discussed Amidst Injury and Basallo Extension

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Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman is currently on the injured list, dealing with oblique, abdomen, and concussion issues this season, which has scuttled his 2025 performance and could potentially sideline him for the remainder of the season. His future with the team is a topic of discussion, especially following Samuel Basallo's recent extension. The Orioles envision a potential timeshare behind the plate next season, with both catchers also seeing time at designated hitter and first base, though his trade value might be at a low point currently.

Cubs Place Ryan Brasier on Injured List with Groin Strain

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Chicago Cubs reliever Ryan Brasier has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left groin strain. The 37-year-old right-hander has recorded an 0-1 record with a 4.50 ERA across 28 games for the Cubs this season. Brasier was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers on February 4 and had previously been sidelined by the same left groin injury from March 25 to May 23.

Cubs Recall Javier Assad to Start Against Angels

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The Chicago Cubs have recalled right-hander Javier Assad from Triple-A Iowa, and he is slated to start the team's series opener against the Los Angeles Angels. Assad had previously been activated from the 60-day injured list on August 12 after recovering from a left oblique strain that sidelined him for the season's start. Prior to his recall, he posted an 0-1 record with a 5.63 ERA in two starts before being optioned back to Iowa on Monday.

Josh Rojas Designated for Assignment by White Sox

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Infielder Josh Rojas was designated for assignment by the White Sox, after the team recalled catcher Korey Lee from Triple-A Charlotte. Rojas, 31, had agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with Chicago in January. He was batting just .180 with two homers and 11 RBIs in 69 games this season.

Luis Torrens Benched Due to Sore Hand, Available Off Bench

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New York Mets catcher Luis Torrens was benched for his second consecutive game due to a sore glove hand, which he sustained after taking a swing in Wednesday's game. Despite the soreness, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza stated Torrens is available off the bench for Friday's game against the Braves. There are currently no plans to get imaging done on his hand.

Jeff McNeil Undergoes Precautionary MRI for Shoulder Soreness

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New York Mets infielder Jeff McNeil was not in the starting lineup for the second straight game due to shoulder soreness. He underwent a precautionary MRI which 'didn’t show anything' concerning. Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated McNeil will play through the issue day-to-day and is available to pinch-hit as medicine begins to work.

Brandon Nimmo 'Better Today' with Recurring Neck Issue

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New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo remains out of the starting lineup due to a recurring neck issue that flared up during Wednesday's game. Manager Carlos Mendoza provided a promising update, stating Nimmo is 'better today,' has received treatment, and is moving around and participating in pregame baseball activities. While not starting, an appearance in Friday's game against the Braves is not ruled out, pending how he feels after these activities.

Nolan Arenado's Past Trade Connection Highlighted by Gomber's Release

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The recent release of pitcher Austin Gomber by the Colorado Rockies served as a reminder of the blockbuster 2021 trade that sent Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado to the St. Louis Cardinals. Arenado was acquired by the Cardinals in a deal where the Rockies also agreed to cover a significant portion of his contract.

Rockies Release Left-Hander Austin Gomber

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The Colorado Rockies announced on Friday the release of left-handed pitcher Austin Gomber, who was a significant part of the 2021 trade involving Nolan Arenado. Gomber struggled this season, posting an 0-7 record with a 7.49 ERA over 12 starts for the last-place Rockies, with his last win dating back to September 2024. During his tenure with Colorado, he compiled a 28-44 record with a 5.31 ERA across 125 appearances.

Roman Anthony's Impressive Performance and Swing Tweak Lead to Red Sox Success

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Boston Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony is making a significant impact, recently delivering a two-run home run at Yankee Stadium. A swing adjustment, inspired by top hitters like Shohei Ohtani, has drastically improved his performance against left-handed pitching. Anthony's maturity and talent have led to an eight-year contract extension, solidifying his potential as the Red Sox's next superstar.

Top Prospect Jhostynxon Garcia Set to Make MLB Debut for Red Sox Against Yankees

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Boston Red Sox prospect Jhostynxon Garcia, nicknamed "The Password," is set to make his Major League debut on Friday against the New York Yankees, batting fifth and starting in centerfield. The 22-year-old slugger was called up from Triple-A Worcester where he posted a .932 OPS in 66 games and is considered Boston's third-best prospect. Manager Alex Cora noted Garcia's aggressive approach at the plate, ability to drive the ball to right-center, and strong defensive skills, adding that he is expected to start every game against left-handed pitchers given his .964 OPS against southpaws this season. His call-up addresses the team's outfield needs while Wilyer Abreu and Rob Refsnyder are on the injured list.

Francisco Alvarez Continues to Deal with Thumb Injury; Mets Sign Catcher Ali Sanchez

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Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez is currently sidelined with a thumb injury that he hopes to play through before eventually needing surgery. Due to Alvarez's ongoing injury and the need to bolster their minor league catching depth, the Mets are signing veteran catcher Ali Sanchez to a minor league deal. Alvarez's status continues to impact the team's roster decisions behind the plate.

Blake Snell Set to Start for Dodgers, Eyes Extended Scoreless Streak and High Strikeout Projection

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Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell is slated to start on Friday against the San Diego Padres. He enters the game having thrown 12 consecutive scoreless innings over his last two starts, including a six-inning shutout performance against the Padres last Thursday. SportsLine projects Snell to exceed 5.5 strikeouts, noting he has averaged seven strikeouts per start since returning in August after missing the season's first four months. If he keeps the Padres scoreless, he will tie his career-best streak of three straight scoreless outings.

Bryce Miller Faces Tough Two-Start Week After Injured List Return Struggles

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Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryce Miller is projected for two starts in the upcoming week of August 25, despite struggling in his return from the injured list. In his last outing, he surrendered four runs and two home runs over five innings. With a season ERA of 5.87 and a 1.51 WHIP through 11 starts, Miller faces challenging matchups against the Padres and Guardians, leading to recommendations to consider sitting him in shallower fantasy leagues.

Hunter Greene Named Two-Start Pitcher for August 25 Week After Strong Return from IL

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Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene is a projected two-start pitcher for the week of August 25, with matchups against the Dodgers and Cardinals. Since returning from the injured list, Greene has impressed by allowing only three runs over 12 1/3 innings across his first two starts, recording 18 strikeouts. His strong performances indicate he's quickly back in form and should be a confident start in fantasy leagues.

Tarik Skubal Leads Two-Start Pitching Options for August 25 Week, Strengthening Cy Young Bid

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Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is highlighted as the top two-start pitcher option for the week of August 25, facing the Athletics and Royals. Regarded as the best pitcher in baseball, Skubal is expected to dominate, especially against offenses prone to strikeouts. He currently leads Major League Baseball with 200 strikeouts and continues to build a strong case for back-to-back American League Cy Young awards.

Jackson Merrill Questionable for Padres Series Due to Ankle Injury

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San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill is listed as questionable for the upcoming weekend series against the Dodgers due to an ankle injury that has caused him to miss the last four games. Manager Mike Shildt confirmed imaging revealed a bone bruise, not a more serious issue. The Padres are considering placing Merrill on the injured list, which could see him return in about a week if his condition improves, thanks to rules allowing IL stints to be backdated.

Ketel Marte Targeted as Top Home Run Prop Bet for Friday's Games

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Ketel Marte, currently a free agent, is highlighted as a strong home run prop bet for Friday's MLB action with +500 odds. He enters the game with 23 homers this season and boasts a .311 batting average and .998 OPS against right-handed pitchers when hitting from the left side. Marte is positioned to capitalize against pitcher Zack Littell, who has conceded 27 home runs this year, with 19 of those coming in road starts.