Cubs Top Prospect Owen Caissie Hits First Big League Home Run
Owen Caissie, a highly-touted prospect for the Chicago Cubs, achieved a career milestone by launching his first home run in the major leagues.
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Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Paul Blackburn Released by Mets After Clearing Waivers
Veteran right-hander Paul Blackburn was officially released by the New York Mets on Tuesday after clearing waivers and declining an outright assignment. Blackburn, who joined the Mets last season, posted a 0-3 record with a 6.85 ERA in seven games (four starts) this season, which was marred by right knee inflammation and a right shoulder impingement.
Francisco Lindor Documentary to Debut on MLB Network
MLB Network Presents will debut a new documentary titled "Behind The Smile: Francisco Lindor" on Sunday, August 31st at 8 p.m. ET. The program chronicles New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor's journey, detailing his path from Puerto Rico to the bright lights of New York.
Xander Bogaerts' Home Run Overturned on Fan Interference in Padres' Loss
Xander Bogaerts of the San Diego Padres had a potential home run overturned due to fan interference during a critical 4-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants. Bogaerts hit a flyball to left field that went over the fence after appearing to be touched by a fan, leading to a lengthy review and the home run being disallowed. Padres manager Mike Shildt was ejected for vehemently disputing the call, emphasizing its significant impact on the one-run game and questioning the clarity of the evidence used to overturn the play.
Paul Skenes Shines with Cy Young-Caliber Season Despite Win-Loss Record, Showcasing Advanced Preparation
Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes, a 2024 NL Rookie of the Year and 2025 Cy Young favorite, continues to impress despite his 7-9 win-loss record, leading the majors with a 2.16 ERA and ranking highly in innings and strikeouts. The 23-year-old has accumulated 10 no-decisions in 26 starts, allowing two runs or fewer in nine of them. Skenes showcases a diverse seven-pitch arsenal and is recognized for his exceptionally organized and cerebral preparation, including throwing bullpen sessions almost daily between starts to maintain his routine and peak performance.
Hunter Brown, Detroit native and Astros ace, anticipates homecoming matchup
Houston Astros right-hander Hunter Brown, a Detroit native and AL Cy Young Award candidate, is preparing for an anticipated matchup against fellow ace Tarik Skubal. Brown, who still conducts a significant portion of his offseason training in the Detroit area, expressed admiration for Skubal's pitching while emphasizing his focus on competing against the opposing lineup. He expects a large support group of familiar faces at Comerica Park for his upcoming start.
Mike Trout eyed for home run against Reds amidst productive season
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout is highlighted as a top pick for a home run against the Reds on Tuesday, as he approaches 400 career homers with 398 currently. Despite a history of injuries, Trout has remained relatively healthy this season, reaching 20 home runs for the 10th time in his career. He has also been consistently getting on base, including 12 walks in his last eight games, and maintains a strong .869 OPS at home, particularly effective against right-handed pitchers.
Blue Jays Catcher Tyler Heineman Reacts to Bench-Clearing Exchange with Tommy Pham
Toronto Blue Jays catcher Tyler Heineman was involved in a bench-clearing exchange with Pirates outfielder Tommy Pham following a four-pitch walk. Heineman described the incident as "super weird" and "unprovoked," stating he took offense to Pham's bat flip and subsequent look back at him. Despite the clearing of benches, order was quickly restored.
Pirates Outfielder Tommy Pham Involved in Bench-Clearing Incident
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Tommy Pham was involved in a bench-clearing incident during a game against the Blue Jays after a four-pitch walk. Pham flipped his bat and exchanged words with catcher Tyler Heineman, later stating that Heineman's complaints about a pitch being disrespectful prompted his reaction. Cooler heads ultimately prevailed, and no further action was taken.
Brandon Lowe acquires Ichiro jersey, reflects on strong offensive season
Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe acquired an Ichiro Suzuki jersey during a recent road trip to Seattle, adding a key piece to his home collection. Lowe, who grew up admiring Ichiro's game, has been having a resurgent campaign, currently boasting a .272 batting average with 24 home runs. He concluded the Rays' recent two-week road trip with a robust .279 average, five homers, and a .949 OPS.
Ketel Marte Apologizes for All-Star Break Absence, Addresses Teammate Frustrations
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte publicly apologized to his teammates on Monday night for missing games after the All-Star break, explaining his absence was due to being 'frustrated' and 'in a bad spot' following a home burglary. Reports indicated some teammates were frustrated with his decision to return to the Dominican Republic, but Marte has since started all but two games. The 31-year-old is hitting .295/.395/.553 with 23 home runs and three stolen bases this season, leading manager Torey Lovullo to express pride in his vulnerability.
Tarik Skubal's Dominance on the Mound Highlighted by Efficiency and Aggressiveness
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, a Cy Young favorite, is known for his aggressive approach, leading MLB with a 70% first-pitch strike rate and ranking third in innings pitched. He consistently goes deep into games, evidenced by 10 starts of seven or more innings, including a 13-strikeout shutout against the Guardians. Skubal's commanding presence and unwavering confidence in his pitches make him a formidable opponent, often leading to quick at-bats for his opponents.
Monday, August 18, 2025
Warming Bernabel Delivers Walk-Off Single to Snap Rockies' Skid Against Dodgers
Colorado Rockies infielder Warming Bernabel secured a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night. In the ninth inning, Bernabel hit a walk-off single off reliever Justin Wrobleski, driving in Ezequiel Tovar from second base. This crucial hit not only sealed the win but also snapped the Rockies' 10-game losing streak against the Dodgers, extended their season-high winning streak to four games, and marked their first win against Los Angeles in seven games this season.
Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte Apologizes for All-Star Break Absence Amidst Burglary Revelation
Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Ketel Marte apologized to teammates for missing three games after the All-Star break, explaining he was "frustrated" and "in a bad spot" following a home burglary. The incident, which reportedly caused a rift within the team and led to his placement on the restricted list for part of his absence, saw Marte fly to the Dominican Republic. Despite the controversy, Marte is having a strong offensive season, batting .295 with 23 home runs and 56 RBIs, and remains a key part of the team, having helped lead them to the World Series in 2023.
Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Exits Game with Hamstring Tightness, Awaiting MRI Results
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. exited Monday night's 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fifth inning due to left hamstring tightness, an issue that arose after he performed two splits on defensive plays at first base. Blue Jays manager John Schneider described the injury as "just tightness" and indicated that an MRI is scheduled to get a clearer look, with hopes that Guerrero will be good to go in the next day or two as a precautionary measure. Guerrero is a crucial part of the Blue Jays' offense, currently batting .298 with 21 home runs and 69 RBI this season.
Xander Bogaerts' Home Run Overturned by Controversial Fan Interference Call
San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts had a potential home run in the second inning against the San Francisco Giants overturned due to a controversial fan interference call. Despite the fan not making direct contact with the ball, umpires ruled that the fan's reach over the field of play prevented Giants left fielder Heliot Ramos from making the catch, citing MLB Rule 6.01(e). This decision, which kept the Giants' early lead intact and resulted in Bogaerts being called out, led to Padres manager Mike Shildt being ejected for arguing with the umpires.
Justin Wrobleski Takes Loss as Dodgers Fall to Rockies in Walk-Off
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Justin Wrobleski (4-5) was charged with the loss on Monday night after giving up the winning run in a 4-3 walk-off defeat to the Colorado Rockies. In the ninth inning, Wrobleski surrendered a single to Warming Bernabel, which allowed Ezequiel Tovar to score and complete the Rockies' comeback victory. This marked a disappointing end for the Dodgers after twice blowing leads in the game.
Heliot Ramos Hits Home Run, Involved in Interference Call, and Clarifies Past Comments
San Francisco Giants left fielder Heliot Ramos was notably involved in Monday's game against the Padres, where a controversial fan interference call overturned Xander Bogaerts' apparent home run after the ball bounced off Ramos's glove. Earlier in the game, Ramos ended a 34-game homerless streak by hitting a leadoff solo home run off Nestor Cortes. Additionally, Ramos took the opportunity to clarify previous comments made to a local paper, emphasizing his support for manager Bob Melvin and expressing appreciation for Giants fans, stating his remarks were taken out of proportion.
Jordan Westburg Exits Game with Ankle Soreness After Career Performance
Baltimore Orioles third baseman Jordan Westburg exited Monday night's game against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning due to a sore right ankle. This departure followed a strong performance on Sunday where he tied his career high with four hits and achieved a career-best five RBI. Westburg is currently batting .276 with 15 home runs and 34 RBI this season, having also missed time in May due to a left hamstring strain.
Phillies Ace Zack Wheeler Undergoes Blood Clot Surgery; Recovery Timeline Undetermined
Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler underwent surgery on Monday to remove a blood clot in his upper right arm, with the team stating a recovery timeline remains unknown. Manager Rob Thomson indicated uncertainty regarding Wheeler's return this season, prioritizing his health after he was placed on the injured list for shoulder discomfort. Wheeler, who leads the league with 195 strikeouts and holds a 2.71 ERA, faces potential long-term blood thinner therapy, impacting the Phillies' rotation for the remainder of the season.