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MLB News

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

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Nolan McLean Set for Second Major League Start, Showcasing Elite Spin Rate

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New York Mets 24-year-old Nolan McLean is slated to make his second big-league start on Friday against the Atlanta Braves. McLean previously impressed in his MLB debut with an eight-strikeout gem against the Seattle Mariners, featuring a world-class curveball that averaged 3,279 rotations per minute. Originally a two-way player in college, McLean has excelled since focusing solely on pitching, becoming a key arm for the Mets as they seek a rotation boost.

Mets' Brandon Nimmo Out of Lineup with Stiff Neck

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New York Mets left fielder Brandon Nimmo was absent from Thursday's starting lineup against the Nationals due to a stiff neck. This injury had previously forced him to exit Wednesday night's game in the second inning. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted that Nimmo showed no significant improvement overnight.

Mets' Jeff McNeil Sidelined by Sore Right Shoulder

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New York Mets infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil was held out of Thursday's lineup against the Nationals due to a sore right shoulder, an issue that began last week and previously led him to serve as a designated hitter. Manager Carlos Mendoza stated the problem primarily affects throwing, not swinging, and the team does not believe it is serious, hoping a day off will provide relief. Despite the discomfort, McNeil recently had a strong performance, going 4 for 8 with a homer and five RBIs in his last two games.

Kyle Tucker Returns to Cubs' Lineup, Battling Slump and Recovered Hand Fracture

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Chicago Cubs slugger Kyle Tucker returned to the lineup Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers after missing three games. Manager Craig Counsell confirmed that Tucker played with a small fracture in his right hand, sustained on June 1, which may have contributed to his ongoing offensive struggles, including batting just .148 in August. Despite this, there are no current medical restrictions on Tucker, who was given time off to help him break out of his slump.

Mason Miller receives Hall of Fame advice on handling blown saves from Trevor Hoffman

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San Diego Padres reliever Mason Miller recently received valuable advice from Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman after experiencing his first career blown save. Hoffman, a former Padres closer and current advisor, spoke with Miller about the crucial mindset needed for high-leverage situations and the importance of bouncing back from adversity, which significantly impacted Miller. Since joining the Padres in a blockbuster deal, Miller has excelled in a setup role, striking out 15 of his first 27 hitters and contributing to a bullpen poised for the postseason.

Pete Alonso eyed for home run prop bet against struggling MacKenzie Gore

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Mets slugger Pete Alonso is a strong candidate for a home run prop bet on Thursday, listed at +375 to go yard. Alonso has 28 homers this season, including six this month, and has previously homered against Nationals pitcher MacKenzie Gore. Gore has struggled recently, allowing 17 home runs this season and holding an 8.13 ERA over his last six starts, making Alonso's matchup favorable despite a career 2-18 record against Gore.

Sonny Gray projected to exceed 5.5 strikeouts against Rays

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Cardinals pitcher Sonny Gray is favored to go Over 5.5 strikeouts in his upcoming start against the Rays, with a prop line of -136. Despite a tough last outing where he allowed six earned runs, Gray still recorded seven strikeouts. He has averaged 6.4 strikeouts on the road this season compared to 6.1 at home and holds a 5-4 record to the Over on this line.

Carson Whisenhunt to Start for Giants on Friday

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Giants prospect Carson Whisenhunt has joined the team in San Diego and is set to start Friday night's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. His call-up allows the pitching staff to provide Logan Webb and Robbie Ray with an additional day of rest. Whisenhunt's return comes amidst a series of injuries impacting the Giants' pitching rotation.

Blade Tidwell Undergoes MRI for Shoulder Discomfort, Season Potentially Concluded

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Giants right-handed prospect Blade Tidwell is undergoing an MRI for shoulder discomfort, raising concerns that his 2025 season might be over. Tidwell, who was next in line to join the Giants' rotation, had been impressive since being acquired in the Tyler Rogers deal, posting a 1.69 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 16 innings across three starts for the Sacramento River Cats. His injury adds to the Giants' growing list of pitching staff setbacks.

Zack Wheeler's Blood Clot Presents Tough Test for Phillies

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Phillies ace Zack Wheeler is currently dealing with a blood clot near his right shoulder, a health scare deemed the team's most significant challenge this season. His absence requires a replacement in the starting rotation and puts the Phillies' division lead and playoff expectations under pressure. Manager Rob Thomson addressed the team about Wheeler's condition, with other starting pitchers recognizing the need to collectively elevate their performance during this period.

Shohei Ohtani's Thigh Injury Not Serious, Expected Back Friday

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Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was hit in the right thigh by a line drive during Tuesday's game, leading to his removal from the contest. Fortunately, the injury is not considered serious, and Ohtani is expected to be back in the lineup on Friday. This incident occurred after Ohtani struggled on the mound, giving up five earned runs over four innings, though he is otherwise having another fantastic season.

Lucas Erceg Shares Sobriety Journey and Inspires Others

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Kansas City Royals reliever Lucas Erceg is using his personal journey of sobriety, which began on June 10, 2020, to inspire others. He recently visited Boonville Correctional Center, sharing his struggles with alcoholism and how he found purpose through baseball and a strong support system. Erceg's story highlights his commitment to helping others navigate similar challenges, emphasizing that past decisions do not define future ones.

Corbin Carroll Evaluated in All-Star Outfielder Comparison

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All-Star outfielder Corbin Carroll was recently discussed in a comparison of young talents to build an MLB team around. While recognized as an amazing and entertaining player who has previously finished fifth in MVP voting, experts noted his role as a corner outfielder and his history of shoulder injuries as factors in the comparison.

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Landen Roupp Undergoes MRI for Left Knee Injury, Season Potentially Over

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Landen Roupp is returning to San Francisco for an MRI on his left knee after sustaining an injury that led to him being carted off the field. While the team is hopeful, there's a realistic chance that the young right-hander may have thrown his last pitch of the 2025 season. This injury is a significant setback for the Giants' pitching staff, which is already dealing with a slew of other ailments.

Shohei Ohtani's Rough Outing and Leg Injury in Dodgers' Loss to Rockies

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Shohei Ohtani experienced a difficult pitching start against the Colorado Rockies, allowing a season-high five earned runs and matching a career-high nine hits in four innings. He was hit on his right knee by a 93 mph line drive in the fourth inning, causing him to limp but remain in the game. Ohtani also walked in the fifth before being replaced, marking his last action of the game. This outing increased his ERA significantly, raising concerns after his recent struggles.

Luis Torrens Avoids Serious Hand Injury Despite Scare

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Luis Torrens of the New York Mets experienced a scare during Wednesday night's game when he injured his glove hand on a swing that resulted in catcher's interference. Although he felt soreness, Torrens did not leave the field with the training staff and was able to finish the game. He indicated the injury was nothing out of the ordinary and not severe enough to warrant tests.

Kodai Senga Struggles in Mets' Loss, Fails to Go Deep into Game

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Kodai Senga had another challenging outing for the New York Mets against the Nationals, giving up five runs (four earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out four batters across 5.1 innings. He allowed a solo home run to Josh Bell and left pitches in the middle of the zone that the Nationals capitalized on. Senga has not completed six innings in his last seven starts since returning from the injured list in mid-July, with his second-half ERA rising to 6.00.

David Bednar Records Blown Save as Yankees Win in Extra Innings

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David Bednar struggled in the ninth inning against the Rays, allowing a walk and a single before a two-run hit tied the game at 3-3, resulting in a blown save for the New York Yankees. Despite his difficulties, the Yankees ultimately went on to win the game 6-4 in extra innings.

Giancarlo Stanton's Pinch-Hit Homer Lifts Yankees to Extra-Innings Win

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Giancarlo Stanton delivered a decisive two-run pinch-hit home run in the 10th inning, breaking a 3-3 tie and securing a 6-4 extra-innings victory for the New York Yankees over the Rays. His crucial blast, which came off the bench, shifted the game's momentum and earned him Game MVP honors.

Cubs Outfielder Kyle Tucker Diagnosed with Hand Fracture Amidst Slump

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Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker was diagnosed in June with a hairline fracture in his right hand, sustained while sliding into second base, though he opted to continue playing through the injury. Since July, his performance has significantly declined, hitting just .189 overall, with an alarming .160 average in August, and no home runs since July 19. Tucker has been benched for a few days to reset and is expected to return to the lineup during the team's upcoming west coast trip, as the Cubs hope this time off will help him regain his form for the stretch run.