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MLB News

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

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Seth Lugo's Strong Performance and Trade Status Highlighted Amidst Royals' Playoff Push

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Seth Lugo delivered a strong performance, pitching six solid innings and allowing just two runs on Wednesday, contributing to the Kansas City Royals' 50th win of the season and lowering his ERA to 2.95. Despite his effectiveness on the mound, Lugo is widely projected as a top starting pitcher trade candidate ahead of the upcoming MLB deadline, largely due to a $15 million player option for 2026 which the Royals anticipate he will exercise. Lugo himself has expressed a strong desire to remain with the Royals, a sentiment echoed by teammate Vinnie Pasquantino, who publicly voiced his wish for Lugo to stay in Kansas City as the team attempts to string together more wins and climb back into the wild-card race.

Chris Paddack Projects for Low Strikeout Totals After Giving Up Shohei Ohtani's Record-Tying Homer

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Chris Paddack, the Minnesota Twins pitcher, was on the mound when Shohei Ohtani hit a 441-foot home run on Wednesday, marking Ohtani's fifth consecutive game with a homer and tying a Dodgers franchise record. For his start against the Los Angeles Dodgers, sports analysts projected Paddack (3-9, 5.14 ERA) to record under 3.5 strikeouts, citing a historical trend where he has fallen short of four strikeouts in 9 of his last 15 starts overall and in two of his last four appearances against Los Angeles.

Tarik Skubal Placed on Paternity List, Expected to Start Saturday Amidst Cy Young Pursuit

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Detroit Tigers ace left-hander Tarik Skubal was placed on the paternity list on Wednesday, as his wife is close to giving birth to their second child. Skubal, who can miss up to three games while on the list, is currently slated to return and make his next start on Saturday against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays. The 28-year-old is having an exceptional season, building on his previous Cy Young Award win, boasting a 10-3 record with a 2.19 ERA in 20 starts, along with 164 strikeouts and just 16 walks in 127⅔ innings, solidifying his bid for consecutive American League Cy Young Awards.

Pete Alonso Snaps Slump with Three-Run Homer, Nearing Mets Franchise Record

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New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso broke out of a recent power drought on Wednesday afternoon, launching a 439-foot, three-run home run into the second deck during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels. This decisive blast, his 248th career home run, was his first regular-season homer since July 8 and proved crucial in breaking open the Mets' 6-3 victory and their sweep of the Angels. Alonso, who had been in a powerless 2-for-33 slide, finished the game with two hits, including a seventh-inning single, and is now within four home runs of tying Darryl Strawberry for the Mets' all-time franchise record. Despite the impressive long ball, Alonso expressed greater personal satisfaction with his inside-out single, highlighting his preference for hitting the ball to the big part of the field.

Erick Fedde Designated for Assignment by Cardinals Amid Significant Struggles

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Veteran right-hander Erick Fedde was designated for assignment by the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, concluding his tenure in their rotation for this season. This decision followed a period of significant struggles, as Fedde posted a 3-10 record with a 5.22 ERA and 1.51 WHIP through 20 starts, having recently surrendered 26 earned runs in just 17.2 innings. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol acknowledged Fedde's difficulties, and Fedde himself conceded that "something has to change." Fedde, who is in the final season of a two-year, $15 million deal and is still owed the remainder of his $7.5 million salary, was replaced on the roster by rookie Andre Granillo. Despite thriving with the Chicago White Sox earlier in 2024 and being a key deadline acquisition last season, his recent performance makes it unlikely he will immediately secure a rotation spot with a contending team, as the Cardinals now have seven days to either trade him, place him on waivers, release him, or assign him to the minors.

Mets' Sean Manaea Increases Stamina with Season-High Five Innings in Latest Start

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Mets veteran left-hander Sean Manaea continued to build his stamina on Wednesday, completing a season-high five innings on 82 pitches in the Mets' sweep of the Angels. This was his third appearance and second start of 2025, as the Mets are cautiously managing his workload following oblique and elbow injuries that delayed his season debut until July 13. Manaea struck out the side in his first inning and finished with one run allowed on two hits and two walks, with his only blemish being a solo home run to Mike Trout. Despite not feeling his best, Manaea grinded through the outing, showing enough effectiveness with his fastball and slider to keep the Angels off balance. He expressed feeling 'close' to full stamina, a sentiment echoed by manager Carlos Mendoza, and now holds a 2.19 ERA with 18 strikeouts across 12.1 innings as he prepares for a road start against the Padres next week.

Royals Recall Outfielder MJ Melendez From Triple-A Omaha

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The Kansas City Royals have recalled outfielder MJ Melendez from Triple-A Omaha. Melendez made the opening day roster this year and appeared in 16 games with Kansas City, batting .085 with one homer and one RBI, before being assigned to Omaha on April 19. During his time in Triple-A, the 26-year-old posted a .252 batting average with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs in 72 games.

Royals' Nick Loftin Placed on Concussion Injured List After Head Injury

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Kansas City Royals infielder/outfielder Nick Loftin has been placed on the seven-day concussion injured list following a 'very mild concussion' sustained on Tuesday. Loftin was injured in the fifth inning of Kansas City's 6-0 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field when he was struck in the head while tagging out Pete Crow-Armstrong. The concussion was detected after the game. Loftin is currently batting .216 with three home runs and 13 RBIs in 37 games this season.

Twins Starting Pitcher David Festa Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Shoulder Inflammation

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Minnesota Twins starting pitcher David Festa has been placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to Tuesday, due to right shoulder inflammation. The 25-year-old was scheduled to consult with a doctor and undergo an MRI on Wednesday after waking up with soreness following his Monday outing, where he allowed four runs on three home runs in 5 1/3 innings. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli indicated the soreness was 'more than normal.' Festa holds a 3-4 record with a 5.40 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 53 1/3 innings over 10 starts this season, contributing to his career record of 5-10 with a 5.12 ERA over 25 games (23 starts) since his rookie season in 2024.

Hunter Stratton Recalled by Braves

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The Atlanta Braves recalled right-hander Hunter Stratton before Wednesday's game against the Giants. Stratton was acquired by the Braves from Pittsburgh on July 1.

Dylan Dodd Recalled by Braves

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The Atlanta Braves recalled left-hander Dylan Dodd before Wednesday's game against the Giants. Dodd has a 3.75 ERA across 11 games this season, all of which have been in a relief role.

Wander Suero Optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett by Braves

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The Atlanta Braves optioned right-hander Wander Suero to Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday. Suero faced difficulties in Tuesday night's 9-0 loss to San Francisco, giving up four runs in two innings. He, along with Davis Daniel, combined to issue six walks during the game.

Davis Daniel Optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett by Braves

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The Atlanta Braves optioned right-hander Davis Daniel to Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday. Daniel (0-1, 5.40 ERA) had a challenging outing in Tuesday night's 9-0 loss to San Francisco, allowing five earned runs over five innings. He, along with Wander Suero, combined to issue six walks during the game.

Clay Holmes' Potential Bullpen Return for Mets Considered Amid Trade Deadline

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Clay Holmes has already pitched 108.2 innings this season, surpassing his previous career high. While the New York Mets are actively seeking relievers ahead of the July 31st trade deadline, they do not believe a return to the bullpen is necessary for Holmes' health or productivity, as he is currently pitching effectively and recovering well. However, the Mets have not entirely ruled out the possibility of asking Holmes to transition back to a relief role later in the season to potentially strengthen their bullpen or allow for an additional rotation acquisition, though this is not their primary plan as they prioritize trading for multiple relievers.

Will Benson's Two-Run Home Run Robbed by Jacob Young

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Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson saw his potential two-run home run in the eighth inning of Wednesday's game against the Washington Nationals dramatically robbed by Jacob Young, who scaled the centerfield wall to make the catch on a ball hit 425 feet.

Ryan Mountcastle's Home Run Robbed by Jacob Young

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Baltimore Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle had a potential home run taken away by an impressive defensive play from Washington Nationals outfielder Jacob Young back in April.

Riley Greene's Home Run Robbed by Jacob Young

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Detroit Tigers slugger Riley Greene had a potential home run taken away by an incredible defensive play from Washington Nationals outfielder Jacob Young earlier this month.

Jacob Young Delivers Multiple Spectacular Home Run Robberies for Nationals

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Washington Nationals outfielder Jacob Young showcased his exceptional defensive prowess by scaling the centerfield wall to rob Will Benson of a two-run home run in Wednesday's matinee, a ball that traveled 425 feet. This marks another incredible play for Young, who also previously robbed home runs from Detroit Tigers slugger Riley Greene earlier this month and Ryan Mountcastle of the Baltimore Orioles back in April. The 25-year-old is recognized as a significant asset in the Nationals' outfield, ranking in the 97th percentile in outs above average this season according to MLB Statcast, highlighting his athleticism and elite fielding skills.

Padres' Dylan Cease Drawing Significant Trade Interest from Mets, Cubs, and AL East Teams

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Right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease, an impending free agent, has emerged as a key and somewhat surprising name in the MLB trade market. Despite the San Diego Padres' intent to make a playoff push, they are reportedly open to dealing the 29-year-old to address other roster needs and leverage his salary. Several teams, including the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and various AL East teams, have engaged in discussions with the Padres regarding Cease. This season, he has posted a 4.64 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with 139 strikeouts over 20 outings in the first half. Padres GM A.J. Preller may consider a strategy of buying and selling simultaneously, potentially leveraging Cease's market value, along with other high-profile players, to fill multiple roster deficiencies such as left field, catcher, and a back-end starter.

Merrill Kelly Becomes Prominent Trade Target Amidst Diamondbacks Uncertainty and Mets Interest

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Merrill Kelly, a right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, has emerged as a significant trade target ahead of the MLB deadline, particularly for the New York Mets who are looking to bolster their starting rotation. Although the Diamondbacks officially state they are not selling, it is anticipated they may move Kelly, a pending free agent, to gain assets before he potentially departs. Kelly has been notably effective and reliable this season, posting a 3.32 ERA (3.48 FIP) and 1.05 WHIP with 118 strikeouts over 122.0 innings across 21 starts, frequently providing length with 13 outings of six innings or more. His consistent performance, six-pitch mix, and status as a free agent make him an appealing and potentially affordable acquisition for contenders, without demanding top prospects.