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MLB News

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

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Astros Closer Josh Hader Hopes for Postseason Return After Shoulder Strain

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Houston Astros All-Star closer Josh Hader has been diagnosed with a left capsule shoulder strain, leading to his first career stint on the injured list. He will undergo three weeks of rest and strengthening exercises, with a re-evaluation to determine when he can resume a throwing program. Hader anticipates needing an additional three weeks to ramp up, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season, though he remains optimistic about pitching in the 2025 postseason. This season, Hader holds a 6-2 record with a 2.05 ERA and 28 saves in 48 appearances.

Seiya Suzuki's Tiebreaking Single Lifts Cubs Over Pirates

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Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki delivered a crucial tiebreaking single in the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates. His hit brought home Kyle Tucker, who had previously singled and stolen second base. This decisive play secured a 3-1 victory for the Cubs, providing a much-needed win after they had dropped four of their last five games.

Marcus Semien Undergoes X-Rays for Sore Wrist, Sits Out Saturday Game

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Texas Rangers infielder Marcus Semien was out of the starting lineup for Saturday's game in Toronto due to a sore left wrist, prompting manager Bruce Bochy to send him for X-rays. The three-time All-Star was hit by a 91 mph fastball from Chris Bassitt on Friday, but remained in that game and hit a two-run homer off Louis Varland. Semien had been a near-everyday player for Texas, appearing in 122 of their first 123 games before this absence.

Phillies Closer Jhoan Duran '100 Percent' After Ankle Scare

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Philadelphia Phillies closer Jhoan Duran reported he felt "100 percent" on Saturday, just a day after he exited Friday's game against Washington after taking a line drive off his right ankle. Duran, who has recorded four saves in five scoreless appearances since being acquired last month, was hit by a Paul DeJong shot in the ninth inning and had to be carted off the field. Manager Rob Thomson confirmed X-rays were negative and stated Duran was "good to go," noting the injury likely caused a temporary "dead foot" sensation due to hitting a nerve.

Shane Bieber Nearing Blue Jays Debut After Tommy John Recovery

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Former AL Cy Young winner Shane Bieber is poised to make his Toronto Blue Jays debut soon, having been acquired from the Cleveland Guardians last month despite recovering from Tommy John surgery in April 2024. Bieber has completed seven minor-league rehab starts, posting a 1.86 ERA with 37 strikeouts and only three walks over 29 innings, indicating he's regained some fastball velocity. His return will bolster the first-place Blue Jays' rotation, potentially necessitating a six-man rotation or a bullpen move for an existing starter.

George Springer Activated from Concussion IL, Returns to Blue Jays' Lineup as Leadoff DH

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The Toronto Blue Jays have activated George Springer from the seven-day concussion injured list after he missed 16 games since July 28. Springer, who was hit in the head by a 96 mph pitch, completed rehab games with Triple-A Buffalo before his activation. He is immediately returning to the lineup as the leadoff designated hitter for Saturday's game against the Texas Rangers, carrying a season batting average of .291 with 18 home runs and 57 RBIs in 101 games.

Christian Yelich Continues Hot Streak, Among Top Home Run Prop Bets for Saturday

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Following a dominant 4-for-5 performance with two home runs and five RBIs in Friday's game, Christian Yelich is considered a top home run prop bet for Saturday's MLB slate. Yelich has been exceptionally hot at the plate, hitting safely in 10 of his last 12 games and accumulating four home runs in his last four outings, bringing his season total to 25. He is listed at +310 odds to hit another home run against Zack Littell, who has given up an MLB-leading 27 home runs this season.

Max Muncy's Oblique Strain Creates Challenges for Dodgers Offense

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Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy was placed on the injured list Friday afternoon with a strained oblique muscle, an injury expected to sideline him for at least several weeks. His absence is considered a significant blow to the Dodgers' offense, which struggled previously when he missed 25 games last month due to a knee injury, ranking last in runs after leading the majors. Muncy's left-handed bat provides crucial balance against both right-handed and left-handed pitching, and his ability to get on base and elevate his play in the postseason will be missed by the team.

Clayton Kershaw Reasserts Legendary Status with Crucial Dodgers Win Over Padres

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Veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw delivered a masterful performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing just one earned run on two hits over six innings in a crucial 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres. This outing, which improved his record to 7-2 with a 3.01 ERA, was hailed by manager Dave Roberts for setting the tone and elevating the team's play. Kershaw was strategically removed after 76 pitches to protect him for a potential deep postseason run, demonstrating his continued importance as the Dodgers regained a share of first place in the NL West.

Friday, August 15, 2025

Clayton Kershaw Delivers Crucial Performance, Helps Dodgers Reclaim Share of NL West Lead

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Clayton Kershaw provided a crucial six-inning, one-run performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing them to snap a four-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres and tie for first place in the NL West. The 37-year-old left-hander, who returned in mid-May after offseason knee and foot surgeries, continued his recent strong form, yielding only a solo home run while efficiently throwing 76 pitches. This outing improved his season record to 7-2 with a 3.01 ERA over 15 starts, providing much-needed stability to an injury-plagued Dodgers pitching staff.

Paul Skenes Set for Elite Two-Start Week for Pirates

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Pittsburgh Pirates' ace Paul Skenes is an elite two-start option for the week of August 18, having compiled a brilliant 2.13 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 166/36 K/BB ratio across 148 innings through 25 starts. He is particularly appealing with one of his matchups being a home game against the Rockies. Skenes is projected to pitch against the Blue Jays and Rockies, offering double production for fantasy managers.

Brandon Woodruff Delivers Remarkable Performance as Brewers' Two-Start Pitcher

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Brandon Woodruff is a strong two-start pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, showcasing a remarkable return with a 4-0 record, 2.06 ERA, and 0.74 WHIP through seven starts. His performance has been impressive given his long layoff, making him a valuable asset. Woodruff is slated to take the mound against the Cubs and Giants in the upcoming week.

Trevor Rogers Emerges as Strong Two-Start Option for Orioles

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Baltimore Orioles southpaw Trevor Rogers is a strong two-start pitching option for the week of August 18, showing impressive form with a 5-2 record, 1.43 ERA, and 0.81 WHIP through 11 starts. The 27-year-old has allowed just three earned runs over his last 21 innings, demonstrating reliability even in tough matchups. Rogers is scheduled to pitch against the Red Sox and Astros.

Joe Ryan Headlines Two-Start Pitcher Options for Upcoming Week

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Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan is highlighted as a top two-start pitcher for the week of August 18, boasting a 12-5 record with a 2.72 ERA and 0.92 WHIP over 139 innings. He enters the week after two straight wins, including a dominant performance against the Yankees. Ryan is projected to face the Athletics and White Sox, making him a strong fantasy option.

Mets Rookie Nolan McLean Set for MLB Debut After Surprise Promotion

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Nolan McLean, a 24-year-old right-hander, is set to make his MLB debut for the New York Mets on Saturday against the Seattle Mariners, a promotion that reportedly caught him by surprise. McLean earned the call-up after a dominant minor league season, posting an 8-5 record with a 2.45 ERA and 127 strikeouts over 113 2/3 innings across Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. He brings a five-pitch arsenal, including a mid-to-high 90s fastball, and looks to provide a much-needed boost to the Mets' struggling rotation, replacing Frankie Montas.

Mets Designate Paul Blackburn for Assignment

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The New York Mets have designated right-hander Paul Blackburn for assignment, a move made to clear a roster spot for Nolan McLean's upcoming MLB debut. Blackburn's season was marked by struggles and two injured list stints for knee inflammation and a shoulder impingement. In seven appearances, including four starts, he recorded an 0-3 record with a 6.85 ERA for New York.

Luis Gil Solid in Third Start of Season for Yankees

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Luis Gil delivered a solid performance in his third start of the season for the New York Yankees, contributing to their 4-3 win over the Cardinals. He pitched 5.1 innings, allowing one run on four hits and three walks while striking out four batters. Gil was pulled after 83 pitches, with his outing including early double plays and some command struggles in later innings.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. Blasts Two-Run Homer in Yankees Win

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Jazz Chisholm Jr. contributed a crucial two-run blast that proved to be the difference in the New York Yankees' 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night. Chisholm's first-inning laser into the right field stands off Cardinals starter Andre Pallante gave the Yankees an early 3-0 lead.

Orioles Rookie Brandon Young Flirts with Perfect Game, Pitches Eight Scoreless Innings

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Baltimore Orioles rookie right-hander Brandon Young lost his bid for the first perfect game in franchise history with four outs remaining on Friday night against the Houston Astros. Young retired the first 23 batters he faced before a slow grounder by Ramón Urías in the eighth inning resulted in an infield single and a throwing error. Despite the unearned run, the 26-year-old completed a career-high eight scoreless innings, matching his career best with six strikeouts.

Christian Yelich Fuels Brewers' Historic Comeback with Two Homers, Extending Win Streak to 13

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Christian Yelich led the Milwaukee Brewers to an incredible comeback victory over the Cincinnati Reds, hitting two home runs and a double as part of a four-hit, five-RBI performance. Yelich's go-ahead blast in the sixth inning helped the Brewers erase an 8-1 deficit, securing their 13th consecutive win, which ties a franchise record for the longest single-season streak. Notably, Yelich achieved this feat using a Bob Uecker bat on Players Weekend, honoring the late Brewers legend. The win improved Milwaukee's MLB-best record to 77-44, marking their 28th victory in the last 32 games.