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MLB News

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

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Jose Altuve Highlighted as Top Home Run Pick for Thursday's Game

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Veteran second baseman Jose Altuve, at 35, continues to impress with 17 home runs and an .806 OPS through 98 games this season, making him a top home run pick for Thursday's matchup against Athletics pitcher Luis Severino. Altuve boasts a strong career history against Severino, hitting .302 (13-for-43) with a home run and no walks, indicating an aggressive approach. He's currently on a four-game hitting streak, including four multi-hit performances in his last seven outings. SportsLine analysts view his +675 odds from BetMGM as excellent value, particularly considering his strong performance at home this season, where he's hitting .316 with 10 home runs in 51 games.

Taj Bradley Optioned to Triple-A Durham Following Poor Wednesday Outing

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The Tampa Bay Rays have optioned right-handed pitcher Taj Bradley to Triple-A Durham after his rough start in Wednesday night's 11-9 loss to the Chicago White Sox, where he surrendered four runs, four hits, and three walks without completing the second inning. This move, described by manager Kevin Cash as a strategic reset rather than a disciplinary action, aims to help Bradley, who is 6-6 with a 4.61 ERA this season, regain command of his secondary pitches like his changeup and slider.

Yusei Kikuchi Projected to Exceed Strikeout Total Against Angels

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Ahead of his scheduled start for the Los Angeles Angels against the Seattle Mariners on Thursday, Yusei Kikuchi is projected to record over 6.5 strikeouts. The 34-year-old left-hander, who currently boasts a 3.13 ERA and 123 strikeouts, has successfully cleared this strikeout line in five of his last seven outings. Notably, in his previous start on July 19 against the Phillies, Kikuchi impressively tallied eight strikeouts across five innings of work.

Cal Raleigh Highlighted for Over 0.5 RBIs Prop Bet on Thursday

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Cal Raleigh, the Mariners' catcher, is a featured target for MLB player prop bets on Thursday, with SportsLine's model projecting him for Over 0.5 RBIs at +115 odds. Raleigh leads Seattle with 68 runs scored and 84 RBIs in 98 starts this season. After hitting his 39th home run on Tuesday and taking Wednesday off, he is expected to be back in the lineup, and the model's simulations have him finishing with 0.9 RBIs for the game, indicating strong value for the prop bet.

Mets Evaluating Potential Trade for Elite Twins Reliever Griffin Jax

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Griffin Jax, the 30-year-old right-handed reliever for the Minnesota Twins, is a highly attractive trade deadline candidate being considered by contenders like the Mets, Dodgers, and Phillies, largely due to his 'eye-popping stuff' and club control extending through the 2027 season. Despite his 4.09 ERA this season, Jax boasts elite underlying metrics, including a 1.91 FIP, a 2.88 expected ERA, a league-best 41.1% chase rate, and 99th percentile whiff and strikeout rates. The Air Force Academy graduate, who posted a 2.03 ERA last year and has accumulated 5.1 WAR since 2022, effectively uses an 88 mph sweeper and an 86-plus mph changeup, and has maintained a stellar 2.04 ERA since a brief struggle in April.

Rafael Devers' Trade and the Red Sox's Post-Trade Performance

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After the Boston Red Sox controversially dealt their star hitter, Rafael Devers, in a June blockbuster trade, the team initially struggled, posting a 3-7 record. However, since the calendar turned to July, the Red Sox have seen a significant turnaround, going 12-5 and improving their overall mark to 55-49, positioning themselves strongly in the AL wild-card race.

Eugenio Suárez at Center of Trade Deadline Rumors, Reunion with Reds Considered a 'Long Shot'

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Eugenio Suárez, a 34-year-old impending free agent, is a prominent name as the MLB trade deadline approaches. The Cincinnati Reds have engaged in discussions with the Arizona Diamondbacks regarding a potential reunion with Suárez, though sources indicate the chances of a deal are categorized as 'a long shot.' Suárez, currently hitting .252/.325/.593 with 36 home runs and 18 additional extra-base hits, has contributed an estimated 3.4 Wins Above Replacement this season, making him arguably the most sought-after bat on the trade market. The Diamondbacks, despite being 5 ½ games out of a wild-card spot, are reportedly open to selling ahead of the July 31st deadline.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Tanner Scott Placed on 15-Day IL with Elbow Inflammation

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Dodgers closer Tanner Scott has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation, a significant blow to the team's bullpen. An MRI revealed no ligament damage, and Scott expressed confidence he can pitch again this season. In his absence, the Dodgers are expected to manage the ninth inning with a matchup-based committee, potentially featuring Kirby Yates and Alex Vesia. Additionally, Blake Treinen is on track to return from the injured list by the end of the month and could factor into the saves discussion.

Bryce Harper Achieves 350th Career Home Run Milestone

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Bryce Harper reached a significant career milestone on Wednesday night, hitting his 350th career home run during the Phillies' game against the Boston Red Sox. The 439-foot solo blast, his hardest-hit ball of the season and longest since September 2023, came in the first inning off Lucas Giolito. While personally thrilled with the individual achievement, Harper expressed disappointment over Philadelphia's 9-8, 11-inning loss. This accomplishment makes him the 105th player in MLB history and the youngest of eight active players to reach 350 homers, reflecting his recent strong performance with 16 hits, 14 extra-base hits, and five home runs in his last ten games.

Rays Option Taj Bradley to Triple-A Durham Amidst Inconsistency and Trade Rumors

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The Tampa Bay Rays have optioned right-hander Taj Bradley to Triple-A Durham following a recent inconsistent outing where he allowed four runs in just one inning. Manager Kevin Cash stated the move was a difficult but necessary decision, aiming to provide Bradley with a better environment to refine his secondary pitches. Despite his demotion, Bradley, who remains a crucial long-term asset, has also been identified as a potential trade target ahead of the July 31 deadline.

Jon Gray Activated from Injured List, Pitches Two Scoreless Innings in Winning Season Debut for Rangers

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Texas Rangers right-hander Jon Gray made a triumphant return to the mound, earning a win in his season debut after being activated from the injured list on Wednesday. Gray, sidelined since mid-March with a fractured right forearm sustained from a 106.4 mph line drive in spring training, pitched two scoreless innings in relief during the Rangers' 2-1 victory over the Athletics. The 33-year-old entered a high-leverage situation in the sixth inning with runners on the corners and two out, successfully navigating the jam and retiring his first six batters before allowing a two-out single to Brent Rooker. His performance included a crucial play by Michael Helman in center field to secure an out. Gray is in the final season of a $56 million, four-year deal and had a 2024 season marred by a groin strain and a right foot issue. To make room for Gray on the roster, reliever Luke Jackson was designated for assignment.

Ryan McMahon Considered by Yankees as Backup Third Base Option

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The Yankees are reportedly interested in Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon, viewing him as a backup option should they fail to acquire primary target Eugenio Suarez. However, YES Network's Jack Curry indicated a lack of enthusiasm from the Yankees regarding McMahon, citing concerns about his contract, which runs through 2027 with $32 million remaining, and his offensive production.

Max Fried Denies Blister Re-aggravation Despite Struggles in Yankees' Loss

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Yankees' ace Max Fried denied that a recent blister issue, which forced him to miss a start, flared up during Wednesday night's 8-4 loss to the Blue Jays, despite being observed rubbing his fingers and having blood on his pinkie. Fried attributed his poor performance, which included walking batters and committing two of the Yankees' four errors, to a lack of command, stating he 'just didn't do my job tonight.' He notably used fastballs at a season-high 79.4% and largely avoided secondary off-speed pitches, which require a grip uncomfortable with a blister. Despite surrendering key hits in the sixth inning, Fried is expected to make his next scheduled start against the Rays, and he currently holds a 2.62 ERA with 116 strikeouts in 127.1 innings this season.

Justin Verlander Secures First Giants Win, Snapping Historic Winless Streak

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Justin Verlander earned his long-awaited first victory with the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, pitching five scoreless innings against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. This significant 9-3 win, which marked his 263rd MLB career victory (placing him 41st all-time), ended a remarkable 16-game winless streak, the longest by a Giants pitcher in franchise history and more than double his previous career high. In his 17th start of the 2025 season, the 42-year-old right-hander allowed just one hit despite issuing five walks and navigating a challenging 40-pitch first inning, battling through light rain in the fifth. Prior to this milestone, Verlander held an 0-8 record with a 4.99 ERA, which would stand as his second-worst career mark. Giants manager Bob Melvin praised Verlander's toughness for battling through the early innings, and the clubhouse, including third baseman Matt Chapman, celebrated the long-awaited win by gifting him a bottle of wine.

Nathan Eovaldi Set to Return for Rangers Friday After Back Stiffness

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Nathan Eovaldi, the Texas Rangers right-hander, is scheduled to make his first start following the All-Star break on Friday night when the Rangers host the Atlanta Braves. Eovaldi was previously scratched from his last Sunday start due to back stiffness but is now cleared to return. His last outing on July 13 saw him deliver a strong performance, allowing just one run over 7⅔ innings in a victory at Houston. Despite not being an All-Star this season, Eovaldi received a $100,000 bonus in his contract after posting a 1.58 ERA with 94 strikeouts over 91 innings, and he had previously missed a month earlier in the season from late May to late June due to a triceps injury.

Luis Gil Completes First Triple-A Rehab Start for Yankees, Nears Return

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Luis Gil, the New York Yankees injured right-hander, completed his first Triple-A rehab start with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, marking his third rehab outing overall as he works back from a right lat strain suffered in spring training. During the outing against Rochester, Gil allowed five runs on four hits and three walks while striking out four batters across 3⅓ innings, throwing 67 pitches with 44 strikes, including a home run to the first batter he faced, Robert Hassell III. This appearance followed two previous successful outings with Double-A Somerset where he yielded three runs over 6.2 innings with 13 strikeouts. Gil, the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year who was 15-7 with a 3.50 ERA and 171 strikeouts last season, has not pitched in the majors this year. While manager Aaron Boone noted Gil is "definitely getting there," there is no intention to rush his return, with a possibility his next start could be in the majors.

Freddie Freeman Delivers Clutch Walk-Off Single to Secure Dodgers Victory

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Freddie Freeman emerged as the hero for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, delivering a clutch two-out, two-run walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning. With the bases loaded, his timely hit, which came after the Dodgers loaded the bases, secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins and lifted the Dodgers to their second win in six games since the All-Star Break. The decisive hit not only saved the team from a potential bullpen collapse but also allowed Shohei Ohtani to score the game-winning run from second base, highlighting Freeman's crucial role in the team's late-game rally.

Shohei Ohtani Ties Dodgers Home Run Record and Progresses Towards Pitching Return

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Shohei Ohtani continued his remarkable 2025 season by hitting a home run for the fifth consecutive game on Wednesday, a 441-foot blast off Twins starter Chris Paddack, tying a Los Angeles Dodgers franchise record previously held by six other players. This marked his NL-leading 37th home run of the season, bringing his season stats to a .276 batting average with 70 RBIs, and positioning him to potentially claim the franchise record on Friday against the Red Sox. Beyond his dominant offensive performance, Ohtani is steadily progressing in his pitching rehabilitation following his second UCL repair and a labral repair, having completed six systematic starts and scheduled to throw four innings in Cincinnati on Monday as he builds towards peak pitching comfort and volume for the playoffs. In Wednesday's game, Ohtani also scored the decisive game-winning run from second base on Freddie Freeman's walk-off single, contributing to the Dodgers' 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

Tanner Gordon Pitches Six Scoreless Innings to End Rockies' Long Shutout Drought

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Rookie right-hander Tanner Gordon delivered a masterful performance, pitching six scoreless innings, scattering four hits, striking out three, and walking three to lead the Colorado Rockies to a 6-0 shutout victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Gordon's outing marked the first Rockies shutout since May 15, 2024, ending a 220-game streak, which was the third-longest without a shutout in MLB history. He became the first Rockies rookie since Kyle Freeman in 2017 to achieve at least six scoreless innings at Coors Field, playing a pivotal role in the team's historic win.

Tyler Glasnow Dominates in Return, Showcases Pitch Mix Adjustments for Dodgers

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Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow delivered a season-best performance on Wednesday, holding the Minnesota Twins to just one run on three hits and striking out 12 batters over seven innings. Since his return from an inflamed shoulder on July 9th, Glasnow, who was scheduled to start the series finale, has shown a deliberate shift in his pitching approach, significantly increasing his sinker usage to over 25% while subtly dropping his arm angle by nearly four degrees. These adjustments have contributed to improved sinker movement and a flatter vertical attack angle on his four-seam fastball, leading to an impressive 1.00 ERA over his last three starts where he has consistently gone at least five innings and allowed fewer than two runs, despite his command still developing post-injury.