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MLB News

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

Monday, August 4, 2025

Orioles RHP Grayson Rodriguez to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery

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Baltimore Orioles right-hander Grayson Rodriguez is scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery on his pitching elbow next week, as announced by interim manager Tony Mansolino. Rodriguez has not pitched in the majors since July 31, 2024, having started the current season on the injured list with right elbow inflammation. The 2018 first-round draft pick also previously dealt with a strained lat muscle, which canceled a rehab outing in April.

Kenta Maeda Joins Yankees on Minor League Deal, Assigned to Triple-A

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Right-hander Kenta Maeda, 37, has signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees and has been assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Maeda was recently released by the Chicago Cubs' Triple-A Iowa affiliate, where he posted a 3-4 record with a 4.85 ERA over 12 starts, including allowing just one run in his last 12 innings. He previously pitched for the Detroit Tigers this season before being designated for assignment and missed the 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery.

Dodgers Activate Max Muncy from Injured List, Returns to Lineup

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Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy has been activated from the injured list and returned to the lineup, batting fifth and playing third base. He had been sidelined since July 2 due to a bone bruise in his knee sustained during a collision, but returned quicker than the initial six-week projection. Manager Dave Roberts stated that Muncy's return strengthens and lengthens the Dodgers' lineup, as he had shown significant improvement in June prior to his injury.

Nick Lodolo Exits Start Due to Blister Injury

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Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo was forced to exit Monday night's game against the Chicago Cubs in the second inning due to a blister on his left index finger. After retiring the first five batters, Lodolo gestured toward his hand and was replaced by Nick Martinez. Before this abrupt departure, Lodolo had compiled an 8-6 record with a 3.09 ERA, including a 1.32 ERA in his last four starts.

Mookie Betts Remains in No. 2 Spot Despite Recent Hitting Struggles for Dodgers

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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Mookie Betts will remain in the No. 2 spot in the batting order, despite his ongoing hitting struggles. Betts is currently hitless in his last four games, going 0-for-16 with one walk and two RBI, and has expressed being "out of answers" for his slump. Roberts, however, maintains confidence in Betts' approach at the plate.

Yankees' Austin Slater Exits Game Due to Hamstring Tightness

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Yankees outfielder Austin Slater exited Monday's game against the Texas Rangers in the first inning due to left hamstring tightness. Slater, who was making just his second start since being acquired at the MLB Trade Deadline from the White Sox, experienced discomfort running to first base after hitting a grounder. He had been providing significant value against left-handed pitchers, holding an .825 OPS in 72 at-bats against southpaws this season.

Derek Hill Reinstated from Injured List by Marlins

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Outfielder Derek Hill was activated from the 10-day injured list by the Miami Marlins on Monday after missing two weeks due to a left middle finger sprain, which he sustained during a batting cage session. He returned to the team following a short rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville. Hill is batting .211 with two home runs in 33 games this season.

Mets' Frankie Montas Confirmed to Pitch Saturday Against Brewers, Role TBD Amidst Struggles

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Mets right-hander Frankie Montas is confirmed by manager Carlos Mendoza to pitch on Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers, despite a recent disastrous outing where he allowed seven runs in four innings. His exact role, however, is still to be determined, with the team considering the possibility of using an opener in front of him. Montas has struggled since returning from a lat strain, posting a 6.68 ERA and 1.54 WHIP over seven starts this season, having not completed six innings in any outing. He has expressed willingness to do whatever is needed by the team.

Mariners Catcher Cal Raleigh Leads MLB with Power Surge and MVP Candidacy

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Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, known as "Big Dumper," is having a staggering season, currently leading MLB with 42 home runs and tied for the RBI lead, while slugging almost .600. He is on pace for 60 homers, potentially nearing Aaron Judge's American League record of 62 and poised to surpass Salvador Perez's single-season catcher record of 48. An All-Star, Home Run Derby champion, and Gold Glove winner, Raleigh is vital to the Mariners' 60-53 playoff push, also effectively guiding their pitching staff, and is now considered a strong contender for the AL MVP award.

Mets Option Austin Warren to Triple-A Syracuse

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Following a relief appearance where he pitched 4.0 scoreless innings for the Mets against the Giants, Austin Warren has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. This transaction was made to clear a roster spot for the promotion of fellow pitcher Dom Hamel.

Jhoan Duran Available for Phillies, Discussed After Record-Breaking Outings

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Jhoan Duran, who recently finished a game against the Tigers with 103 mph fastballs and broke the fastest pitch record at Citizens Bank Park, was confirmed available for the Phillies' game against the Orioles. Manager Rob Thomson stated that while Duran hasn't pitched three days in a row, he's accustomed to going four times in five games. Duran's recent performances and saves, since his acquisition last Thursday, have been a significant topic of discussion.

Braves' Austin Riley Returns to 10-Day IL with Lower Abdominal Strain

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Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a strained lower abdominal muscle, marking his second IL stint in two months for the same injury. He sustained the re-aggravated injury on Sunday while stretching to tag out Cincinnati's Elly De La Cruz at home plate, leading him to leave the game. Riley, who returned from his previous IL stint on July 25, is currently batting .260 with 16 home runs and 54 RBI over 102 games this season.

Elly De La Cruz Involved in Play Leading to Austin Riley's IL Stint; Appears in Stolen Base Props

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Cincinnati's Elly De La Cruz was tagged out by Austin Riley near home plate on Sunday in a play that led to Riley's subsequent placement on the injured list. De La Cruz is also projected to steal a base, with SportsLine's model indicating a 0.338 stolen base projection and current odds of +196 for him to swipe a bag.

Pete Alonso Nearing Mets Home Run Record, Reflects on Career and Future

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Mets first baseman Pete Alonso is three home runs shy of breaking Darryl Strawberry’s 37-year-old franchise record of 252, having already set the Mets' single-season home run and RBI records. The two-time Home Run Derby champion, who has made five All-Star teams, signed a two-year, $54 million deal that he views as a bridge to his next contract. Alonso, who is 30 and expecting his first child, plans to play through his age-40 season and was on pace for career highs in several offensive categories at the All-Star break, with an outside chance to reach 40 homers for the fourth time this season.

Casey Mize Aims to Rebound Despite Recent Subpar Outings

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Detroit Tigers' American League All-Star pitcher Casey Mize is motivated to bounce back after three consecutive starts where he has not completed more than four innings. Despite these recent outings, he maintains a 9-4 record with a 3.43 ERA through 18 starts this season, having already accumulated 84 strikeouts. The model projects his strikeout total for his next start at 5.0.

Oneil Cruz Showcases Power and Speed Ahead of Matchup Against Justin Verlander

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Pittsburgh Pirates star Oneil Cruz has compiled 18 home runs, 48 RBI, and an impressive 34 stolen bases on 38 attempts this season. He is slated to face Giants starter Justin Verlander in Monday's game. SportsLine's model projects a good chance for Cruz to steal a base, valuing his stolen base odds at +229.

Christian Yelich Continues Strong Hitting, Faces Braves Pitcher Erick Fedde

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Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich has recorded 21 home runs this season, hitting his latest on Saturday and collecting seven hits in his last three games. He is set to face newly acquired Braves pitcher Erick Fedde. SportsLine's model assigns his home run odds at +346 for the upcoming matchup.

Giants Third Baseman Matt Chapman Named Top Home Run Pick for Monday

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Giants third baseman Matt Chapman is highlighted as a top MLB home run pick for Monday, August 4. Despite a recent slump, the five-time Gold Glove winner has 16 home runs in 88 games this season and boasts impressive offensive metrics, including a 95th percentile average exit velocity. He faces a favorable matchup against Johan Oviedo, who is making his season debut after a nearly two-year layoff, and performs significantly better against right-handed pitchers.

Dustin May Acquired by Red Sox, Pitches Hope for Improved Performance

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Dustin May, a right-handed pitcher, was recently acquired by the Boston Red Sox from the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has compiled an 84 ERA+ over a career-high 104 innings pitched. The Red Sox are hoping to enhance his performance, potentially by adjusting his pitch mix, specifically by using his sinker less often against left-handed hitters who have historically tagged it.

Andrew Vaughn Shines for Brewers, Secures Everyday Role

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Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn is emerging as a valuable fantasy asset, displaying a torrid pace since joining the team. He has recorded a hit in nine consecutive games, slashing .371/.431/.726 with 6 home runs and 24 RBIs in just 18 games with the Brewers, including a six-RBI night with a grand slam. Vaughn has secured regular playing time in the Brewers’ strong lineup following Rhys Hoskins' injury, putting his early-season struggles with the White Sox behind him.