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MLB News

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

Monday, August 18, 2025

Cubs' Kyle Tucker to Get Days Off Amid Prolonged Slump and Fan Frustration

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Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker will be given several days off to help him reset after a significant slump, as confirmed by manager Craig Counsell. Tucker's performance has dropped sharply since the All-Star break, hitting just .182 with only one home run since July 19, which led to him being booed by fans during Monday's doubleheader loss. While Tucker denies it, Cubs GM Jed Hoyer suggests a June 1 finger injury may be contributing to his struggles by impacting his swing mechanics. The All-Star outfielder will use this time to address his prolonged batting woes.

Michael Wacha Set to Start for Royals Against Rangers

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Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha is scheduled to start Monday night's game against the Texas Rangers. His regular catcher, Salvador Perez, was scratched from the lineup due to an illness and will not be behind the plate for Wacha's start.

Salvador Perez Scratched from Royals Lineup Due to Illness

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Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez was scratched from Monday night's starting lineup against the Texas Rangers due to an illness. Perez, who was initially slated to bat fifth and catch for starter Michael Wacha, was replaced by Luke Maile. Currently, Perez is batting .244 with 22 home runs and 70 RBIs. He also holds the single-season home run record for catchers, having hit 48 in 2021.

Trea Turner Reaches 1,500 Career Hits with Three-Run Homer

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Trea Turner achieved a significant milestone for the Philadelphia Phillies by notching his 1,500th career hit with a three-run home run, his 13th of the season and first at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies shortstop also contributed an RBI double and an RBI single in the eighth inning, marking his 16th three-hit game of the season in Philadelphia's 12-7 victory.

Robbie Ray Pitches Strong Outing as Giants Defeat Padres

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray delivered a dominant performance against the San Diego Padres, taking a shutout into the seventh inning before ultimately allowing three unearned runs due to defensive errors. Ray threw 89 pitches, lowering his ERA to 2.85, which currently ranks seventh in the National League. His strong outing helped the Giants secure a 4-3 victory, getting their daunting road trip off to a positive start.

Yankees to Activate Amed Rosario Off Injured List Ahead of Rays Series

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The New York Yankees are expected to activate infielder/outfielder Amed Rosario from the injured list prior to Tuesday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Rosario, who was acquired from the Washington Nationals, suffered a shoulder injury on August 8 after crashing into the Yankee Stadium wall. In 50 combined games this season for both teams, he has posted a .277/.315/.432 slash line with five home runs and 19 RBI.

Mets Shortstop Francisco Lindor Named NL Player of the Week

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Francisco Lindor, the New York Mets shortstop, has been named National League Player of the Week for his outstanding performance from August 12-17. During this period, Lindor went 14-for-25, slashing .560/.607/1.040 with three home runs, three doubles, seven RBI, and seven runs scored. This strong showing follows a challenging July and indicates Lindor has successfully gotten back on track, proving to be a key offensive contributor for the Mets.

Spencer Strider Projected for Under 7.5 Strikeouts Despite Facing White Sox

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Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (5-10, 4.69 ERA) is projected by SportsLine's model to finish under 7.5 strikeouts in his Monday start against the Chicago White Sox. Strider has struggled recently, allowing a combined 13 runs over his last two outings and failing to pitch five innings in either game. He has also not recorded eight strikeouts in four consecutive starts and holds an 11-5 record against the 7.5 strikeout line this season.

Alec Bohm Returns from Injured List with Crucial Hits for Phillies

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Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm made an immediate impact upon his return from the injured list, contributing significantly to the team's offense. In his first game back, Bohm delivered a crucial hit in the first inning and followed up with his ninth home run of the season in the second, driving in runs with runners on base. His performance helped the Phillies achieve a 7-for-14 mark with runners in scoring position for the day, reinforcing his value as a run producer with a .302/.343/.458 slash line in such situations this year.

Mariners' Victor Robles Ejected After Bat Incident, Issues Apology

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Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles was ejected from a Triple-A rehab game after throwing his bat toward the pitcher, Joey Estes, following a near inside pitch. Robles, who had been hit by a pitch three times in his previous four games with Triple-A Tacoma, also yelled at the pitcher and threw a box of snacks after entering the dugout. Robles later issued an apology via Instagram, citing frustration from his long rehab for a dislocated shoulder since April, a recent personal loss, and frequent hit-by-pitches during his rehab appearances. He is likely to face discipline from the league for his actions during the game.

Francisco Alvarez to Undergo MRI Following Thumb Injury Against Mariners

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New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez will undergo an MRI on his right thumb after jamming it during a head-first slide into second base in the team's 7-3 victory over the Mariners at the MLB Little League Classic. Despite initially staying in the game after his seventh-inning double, Alvarez was pulled from catching duties in the eighth inning. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Alvarez would return to New York for the MRI, stating the team is currently uncertain about the extent of the injury, which occurred after Alvarez had a productive 3-for-4 outing with two runs and an RBI.

Marlins' Dane Myers Hits Tying Homer Amidst Fan Heckling at Fenway Park

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Miami Marlins right fielder Dane Myers experienced inappropriate heckling from a fan at Fenway Park, which began in the eighth inning. Despite the verbal abuse, Myers hit a tying home run in the ninth inning, contributing to Miami's 5-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Myers directly responded to the fan, leading to the fan's ejection by security, and later reflected on handling such situations as a professional while asserting his right to respect as a person.

Jack Leiter Identified as Top Fantasy Streaming Option with Favorable Matchups

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Jack Leiter, pitcher for the Texas Rangers, is highlighted as the best two-start streaming option for fantasy baseball this week. Despite walking too many batters, Leiter has allowed two or fewer runs in seven of his last eight starts and displayed strong strikeout totals recently. He is slated to face the Royals and Guardians, both teams ranking low in runs scored, making him a promising source of 10-12 strikeouts.

Mason Miller Referenced in Leo De Vries Promotion to Double-A Midland

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Mason Miller, the All-Star closer, was the subject of a trade three weeks ago that sent him to the San Diego Padres. This transaction is being highlighted again as the Oakland Athletics are now promoting top prospect Leo De Vries, who was acquired as a critical piece in the Miller trade, to Double-A Midland.

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Nathaniel Lowe Expected to Sign with Red Sox After Nationals DFA

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First baseman Nathaniel Lowe, 30, is reportedly set to sign with the Boston Red Sox for the remainder of the 2025 season. He was recently designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals on August 14th after struggling significantly this year, posting a .216 batting average with 16 home runs and 68 RBIs in 119 games. The Red Sox, seeking first base help due to Triston Casas' season-ending injury, hope Lowe can provide a boost, leveraging his prior success as a 2022 Silver Slugger and 2023 Gold Glove winner and World Series champion with the Texas Rangers. The Nationals will cover most of his remaining $10.3 million salary, with the Red Sox paying the prorated league minimum.

Mariners' Victor Robles Ejected from Rehab Game After On-Field Outburst

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Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles was ejected from a Triple-A rehab game on Sunday night after an aggressive reaction to being hit by a pitch. Robles, who is on a rehab assignment for a dislocated shoulder sustained in April, launched his bat at the opposing pitcher and later scattered seeds on the field. This incident occurred during his stint with the Tacoma Rainiers, and he is likely to face disciplinary action from the league.

Pitcher Joey Estes Involved in Altercation During Minor League Game

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Pitcher Joey Estes was involved in an incident during a Triple-A game in Las Vegas on Sunday when Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles threw his bat in Estes' direction. The exchange occurred after Estes threw an inside pitch that nearly hit Robles. Estes is a starter for the Las Vegas Aviators, the Triple-A affiliate of the Athletics.

Cal Raleigh Nears Catcher Home Run Record with 47th Homer and 102nd RBI

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Seattle Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh hit his 47th home run of the season on Sunday, a two-run shot against the New York Mets, bringing him within one homer of Salvador Perez's single-season record for catchers. This blast also marked his 102nd RBI, making him the first catcher since Mike Piazza to achieve consecutive 100-RBI seasons. Raleigh, a first-time All-Star and Home Run Derby champion, continues his impressive offensive performance for the Mariners.

Mark Vientos Delivers Offensive Spark for Mets with Homer and Four RBIs

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Mark Vientos provided a significant offensive boost for the New York Mets during Sunday's Little League Classic, hitting a crucial three-run home run off Seattle starter George Kirby and accumulating four RBIs in a 2-for-3 performance. Despite a challenging 2025 season with inconsistent playing time and a .633 OPS, Vientos' standout night, which included an earlier sacrifice fly, raised his slash line to .232/.276/.372, leading manager Carlos Mendoza to express hope that this performance signals a resurgence for the young slugger.

Mets' Francisco Alvarez to Undergo MRI on Jammed Thumb

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New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez will undergo an MRI on his right thumb after jamming it on a head-first slide during Sunday night's MLB Little League Classic against the Mariners. Although he initially stayed in the game after his seventh-inning double, Alvarez was replaced in the eighth. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Alvarez would return to New York for the MRI, adding that the team is currently unaware of the injury's severity. Alvarez had a productive night at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI before his exit.