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MLB News

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

Friday, August 1, 2025

Rays' Jonathan Aranda Placed on Injured List with Fractured Wrist

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Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a fractured left wrist. The injury occurred Thursday during a collision with New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton. Aranda, a first-time All-Star batting .316 with 12 home runs and 54 RBI in 103 games this season, is hopeful to return this year, though his wrist will be immobilized for approximately three weeks before reassessment.

Jackson Chourio Placed on IL with Severe Hamstring Strain, Expected to Miss Most of August

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Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio has been placed on the injured list, retroactive to July 30, due to a severe right hamstring strain suffered earlier in the week. The injury is more significant than initially expected, with manager Pat Murphy indicating Chourio is unlikely to return "anytime soon" and will receive a platelet-rich plasma injection. He is anticipated to miss more than the 10-day minimum, potentially most of August, after hitting .276/.311/.474 with 17 home runs and 18 stolen bases in 106 games this season.

Brock Stewart Returns to Dodgers as High-Leverage Reliever

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Right-handed reliever Brock Stewart has been reacquired by the Dodgers, returning to the team as a higher-leverage bullpen option. Manager Dave Roberts highlighted Stewart's reinvented pitching style, featuring a mid-to-upper 90s fastball and a swing-and-miss sweeper that has made him highly effective against right-handed hitters this season, holding them to a .104 average. Stewart is now considered a candidate for save situations in favorable matchups.

Dodgers Welcome New Outfielder Alex Call for Versatile Role

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The Dodgers have acquired outfielder Alex Call, who is expected to fill a versatile role in the lineup, primarily mixing in against left-handed pitching. Manager Dave Roberts described the 30-year-old as a "tough, feisty hitter" known for grinding out at-bats and getting on base. Call, who hit .297 with the Nationals over the last two seasons, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to compete for a World Series with Los Angeles.

Tyler Rogers Reflects on Giants Departure, Donates Beer Fridge, and Joins Mets Bullpen

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Tyler Rogers, recently traded to the New York Mets after seven seasons with the San Francisco Giants, shared that he left his beloved beer fridge as a "parting gift" to his former team's bullpen. He made his Mets debut on Friday against his former team, anticipating a similar late-inning role in New York's bullpen. This season, Rogers has posted a 1.80 ERA and 0.86 WHIP over 53 appearances. The veteran right-hander was traded to the Mets for pitchers José Buttó, Blade Tidwell, and outfielder Drew Gilbert.

Mike Yastrzemski Homers in Royals Debut Following Giants Trade

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Mike Yastrzemski, a longtime San Francisco Giants outfielder, made an immediate impact in his debut with the Kansas City Royals by hitting a two-run home run in his first at-bat on Friday night. Yastrzemski, who was traded to the Royals for minor-league pitcher Yunior Marte, previously hit 114 home runs over seven seasons with the Giants and recorded his ninth homer of the 2025 season with his new club. Despite his initial success, he is set to become a free agent at the end of the year.

Aaron Judge Expected to Return from IL Next Week as Designated Hitter for Yankees

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Aaron Judge is anticipated to be activated from the injured list next Tuesday or Wednesday against the Rangers, following a flexor tendon strain. The Yankees captain, who received a PRP injection, will take live at-bats in Tampa on Sunday and is expected to return primarily as a designated hitter. He has been taking on-field batting practice and is not scheduled to begin a throwing program for another week-plus, impacting Giancarlo Stanton's defensive role. Since the All-Star break, Judge has slashed .160/.267/.400 with two home runs, four RBI, and 11 strikeouts in 25 at-bats.

Dominic Smith Delivers Game-Winning RBI for Giants in Extra Innings

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Pinch hitter Dominic Smith came through for the San Francisco Giants, hitting a line-drive single in the 10th inning that served as the eventual game-winning RBI in their 4-3 victory over the New York Mets. Smith's clutch hit helped the Giants break a streak of struggling with runners in scoring position and secure a much-needed win. He expressed confidence in the team's ability to finish strong.

Cedric Mullins Activated by Mets, Highlights Fit and Championship Aspirations

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The Mets activated new center fielder Cedric Mullins on Friday, following his acquisition from Baltimore, which led to Luisangel Acuña being optioned to Triple-A. Mullins expressed that the Mets are a "good fit" for his skillset, emphasizing his speed, defense, and improved bat, aiming to bring a championship to New York. Manager Carlos Mendoza expects Mullins to see the bulk of starts in center field, allowing Jeff McNeil to return to second base.

Juan Soto Returns to Mets Lineup After Foot Contusion

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Juan Soto is officially back in the New York Mets' lineup for Friday’s series opener after recovering from a foot contusion earlier this week. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed the outfielder had no issues and was good to go, providing a significant relief for the team. Soto's return is a major boost for the Mets' offense.

Yankees Release Marcus Stroman, Clearing Rotation Spot for Luis Gil

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The New York Yankees have released veteran right-hander Marcus Stroman, making him a free agent and clearing a rotation spot for Luis Gil's impending return. Stroman, 34, compiled a 3-2 record with a 6.23 ERA in nine starts this season, including allowing four runs over five innings in his final outing on Thursday. He had missed 2 1/2 months with left knee inflammation, pitching only 39 innings this year. The Yankees are responsible for the remainder of his $18.5 million salary from his two-year, $37 million contract.

Mets Option Luisangel Acuña to Triple-A Syracuse

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The Mets announced Friday that infielder Luisangel Acuña has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. This move was made to create a roster spot for the newly activated outfielder Cedric Mullins. Since being recalled on July 10, Acuña had limited playing time, appearing in just 12 games where he recorded 3-for-14 with a double, one RBI, and one stolen base.

Harrison Bader to Anchor Phillies Outfield, Platoon with Brandon Marsh

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Harrison Bader, newly acquired by the Phillies, is expected to be the team's primary center fielder, according to manager Rob Thomson. The immediate plan involves a platoon with left-handed bat Brandon Marsh for the next six days, depending on opposing pitchers. Bader expressed his excitement to join the Phillies, aiming to help the team win and noting his experience with the passionate fanbase from his time playing against them. Johan Rojas was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, while reliever Daniel Robert went on the injured list and Jhoan Duran joined the bullpen.

Nick Lodolo Anchors Reds Rotation with Two Starts

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Reds southpaw Nick Lodolo, 27, is having a terrific season atop the rotation, compiling a 3.09 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and a 123/24 K/BB ratio across 128 innings through 22 starts. He is scheduled for two starts this week, facing the Cubs at Wrigley and then the Pirates in Pittsburgh. Lodolo has earned the trust of fantasy managers and should be in lineups each week regardless of matchup.

Taj Bradley Expected to Make Two Starts for New Team, Twins

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Following his acquisition by the Twins on Thursday, former Rays right-hander Taj Bradley is likely to join their rotation on Monday and make two starts. He is projected to face the Tigers and Royals in his upcoming outings. Bradley recently dominated in his lone Triple-A Durham start after his demotion, suggesting he may benefit greatly from this change of scenery.

Bryan Woo Set for Two-Start Week for Mariners

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Bryan Woo, Mariners RHP, is slated for an 'epic' two-start week at home against the White Sox and Rays. He has been performing like a true ace this season, registering a 3.11 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 127/25 K/BB ratio over 133 innings. His elite production is expected to continue, positioning him as one of the top overall options for fantasy managers this week.

Oneil Cruz Targeted for Stolen Base Prop on August 1st

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Oneil Cruz, an explosive young star for the Pirates, is favored to record over 0.5 stolen bases on Friday, August 1st, particularly with a favorable matchup against the Rockies at Coors Field. He recently swiped seven bags in July, including a span of four steals in three games. The SportsLine model projects his stolen base line at +151, suggesting a strong opportunity.

Nestor Cortes Traded to Padres, Ready to Join Rotation

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Pitcher Nestor Cortes, sidelined since April 6 with a strained flexor tendon, is ready to return to action and has been traded from the Brewers to the San Diego Padres for outfielder Brandon Lockridge. Cortes is expected to join the Padres' rotation next week, following a rehab start where he struck out nine and allowed one earned run over 5 2/3 innings for Milwaukee's Triple-A affiliate. San Diego is considered a favorable environment for Cortes, despite a slight dip in his velocity.

Dennis Santana Remains with Pirates After Successful First Four Months

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Relief pitcher Dennis Santana was not traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates at the deadline, despite his successful first four months of the season where he posted a 1.36 ERA with 38 strikeouts and 10 walks over 46 1/3 innings. The Pirates opted to retain him due to his affordability in arbitration next year, making him a top reliever target on the waiver wire post-deadline.

Jesús Sánchez Traded to Houston Astros, Offers Fantasy Upside

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Outfielder Jesús Sánchez has been traded from the Miami Marlins to the Houston Astros, making him a valuable waiver wire addition. Sánchez has shown impressive gains this season, lowering his strikeout rate to 21 percent while maintaining strong power, with his bat speed and exit velocity ranking in high percentiles. The move to Houston is expected to benefit him, particularly as a left-handed hitter in their home run park, though he will likely be platooned against left-handed pitchers.