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

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Phillies' Cristopher Sánchez Delivers Complete-Game Masterpiece and Solidifies Ace Status

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Cristopher Sánchez, the 28-year-old Phillies left-hander, pitched his third career complete game, a four-hitter, in a 4-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox. He threw 106 pitches, striking out 12 and inducing 13 ground-ball outs, while improving his season record to 9-2 with a 2.40 ERA. Sánchez has now gone six innings or more in his last nine consecutive outings, showcasing an electric arsenal including a high-90s fastball and a killer change-up, earning him recognition as a potential National League Cy Young Award candidate and an 'ace' by teammate Bryce Harper.

Rich Hill Returns to Majors as Oldest Active Player, Pitches for Kansas City

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Veteran left-hander Rich Hill, at 45 years and 133 days old, made his return to the majors as baseball’s oldest active player in a start for Kansas City against the Cubs. In his first major league appearance since last September, Hill pitched five innings, allowing three runs (two unearned) on six hits, taking the loss in a 6-0 defeat. His outing marked his 14th MLB team, matching Edwin Jackson's record, and made him the oldest player in Royals history, surpassing Gaylord Perry.

Mets Activate Reliever José Buttó from Injured List

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The Mets have reinstated right-handed reliever José Buttó from the 15-day Injured List ahead of Wednesday's series finale against the Los Angeles Angels, with Justin Garza being optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move. Buttó, who was placed on the IL on July 4th (retroactive to July 1st) with an illness, is cleared for full use without restrictions and has been a vital part of the Mets' bullpen this season, holding a 2.47 ERA with 39 strikeouts and 20 walks across 43.2 innings over 31 appearances.

Aaron Judge Remains Top AL MVP Contender, Projected for Strong Performance

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New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is widely considered the leading candidate for the American League MVP, boasting impressive statistics including a .346 batting average, 1.168 OPS, 36 home runs, 89 runs scored, and 82 RBIs, positioning him among the league leaders in multiple categories. Despite a recent mini-slump, Judge is projected for a strong offensive outing against the Toronto Blue Jays, with SportsLine's model predicting he will go Over 1.5 total bases, citing his favorable career matchup against Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt. While he is a strong favorite, with BetMGM odds at -650, some analysts suggest the AL MVP race is not entirely over due to factors like potential voter fatigue, even with his impressive offensive output and significant contribution to the Yankees' scoring.

Christian Yelich Tagged as Top Home Run Pick for Wednesday's Matchup

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Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich, who recently contributed one of the team's two hits in a 1-0 loss to the Mariners, has shown consistent hitting with at least one hit in seven of his last eight games. Despite only hitting one home run in his last seven contests, Yelich is projected as a strong home run pick for Wednesday's game. This projection is based on his upcoming matchup against Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo, who previously allowed eight home runs in six starts during June and against whom Yelich has considerable career plate appearances, including a home run and 11 walks.

MacKenzie Gore Drawing Trade Interest from Teams like Cubs

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The Washington Nationals are reportedly 'listening' to trade offers for left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore, though a move is considered a long shot by ESPN. Gore, 26, has posted a 3.59 ERA with 140 strikeouts in 112 ⅔ innings this season and remains under team control until after the 2028 season. The Chicago Cubs have been specifically mentioned as a potential suitor, given their need for a frontline starter and deep farm system.

Eugenio Suárez Emerges as Predicted Trade Target for Milwaukee Brewers

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Milwaukee Brewers are predicted to target third baseman Eugenio Suárez as a key acquisition ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. Despite his acquisition being labeled a 'long shot,' Suárez is seen as a potential upgrade at third base, offering game-changing power and a positive clubhouse presence. The Brewers' surplus in pitching depth makes them a suitable trade partner for the Diamondbacks, who are reportedly seeking young pitching in a potential deal.

Edward Cabrera Under Trade Scrutiny Amid Strong Performance and Injury History

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Miami Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera, a 27-year-old with a controllable contract, is a potential trade target for teams like the Yankees seeking starting pitching. After returning from a shoulder injury in 2024, Cabrera has shown flashes of his potential this season, holding a 3.48 ERA and 1.24 WHIP through 17 starts and 88 innings. While his stuff is impressive, including a high-velocity changeup and a five-pitch mix, concerns linger over his injury history, including recent right elbow discomfort on July 11, and his unproven track record of never exceeding 20 starts or 100 innings in a single year.

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Logan Gilbert Dominates Brewers with 10 Strikeouts in Shutout Performance

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Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert delivered a stellar performance Tuesday night, tossing 6 1/3 shutout innings against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 1-0 victory. Gilbert carried a perfect game bid into the fifth inning, ultimately allowing only two singles. The right-hander recorded 10 strikeouts and no walks on just 86 pitches, further solidifying his impressive season where he has frequently surpassed 6.5 strikeouts in his outings.

Mariners' Cal Raleigh Blasts MLB-Leading 39th Home Run in Key Win

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Seattle All-Star Cal Raleigh hit his major league-leading 39th home run on Tuesday night, providing the only offense in a 1-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. This crucial solo shot snapped the Brewers' 11-game winning streak and marked Raleigh's first homer since July 11. The switch-hitting catcher, who also won the All-Star Home Run Derby, launched an elevated fastball well past the right field wall.

Francisco Lindor Endures Career-Worst Slump, Mets Manager Remains Confident

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New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor extended his career-worst slump to 30 hitless at-bats after going 0-for again on Tuesday. Despite the ongoing offensive struggles, manager Carlos Mendoza reported that Lindor remains "steady" and dedicated, focusing on winning and assisting younger teammates. Mendoza observed Lindor chasing pitches and a prolonged swing, but emphasized his confidence that the "future Hall of Famer" will overcome the slump through his aggressive approach at the plate.

Rich Hill Becomes Oldest Active MLB Player, Ties Record with 14th Team in Season Debut

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At 45 years and 133 days old, Rich Hill made his season debut for the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday, officially becoming the oldest active player in Major League Baseball. The veteran left-hander also tied Edwin Jackson's record by suiting up for his 14th different MLB team, pitching five innings against his original club, the Chicago Cubs. Hill allowed three runs, with only one earned due to defensive errors, on six hits and one strikeout over 90 pitches, showcasing his enduring passion for the game.

Francisco Alvarez Returns Strong to Mets, Powers Comeback Win with Resurgent Bat

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Young catcher Francisco Alvarez has made a significant impact since rejoining the Mets, showcasing his power bat after a minor league stint. On Tuesday, he hit a game-tying, 374-foot two-run home run against Kyle Hendricks, his first at home this season and fourth overall, which was pivotal in the Mets' 3-2 comeback victory over the Angels. This follows a rally-starting double on Monday. The 23-year-old former No. 1 prospect has now hit 12 home runs over his last 20 games combined between Triple-A and the majors, and in July, he is batting an impressive .333 with 10 blasts, 21 RBI, and a 1.335 OPS, reaching base five times in his first two games back. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza and teammate Brandon Nimmo praised Alvarez's hard work in Triple-A, noting he 'figured out who he was as a player' and is now looking like the All-Star catcher they know he's capable of.

Frankie Montas Confident After Delivering Longest Outing of Season for Mets

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Mets right-hander Frankie Montas delivered his longest outing of the season on Tuesday night against the Angels, pitching 5.2 innings and allowing two runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out six with a season-best 91 pitches (58 strikes). Montas expressed confidence in his improved pitch movement, including his splitters, sweepers, and sliders, and his ability to better locate pitches after an initial struggle in the first two innings. Impressively, he reached 97 mph in the sixth inning to secure a strikeout. Since coming off the injured list in late June, Montas holds a 4.62 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across five starts, with a strong 23-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 25.1 innings, with his reliability to be tested in an upcoming road matchup against the Padres.

Ben Rice's Clutch Ninth-Inning Home Run Secures Yankees' Victory

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Ben Rice emerged as the hero for the Yankees on Tuesday night, delivering a crucial go-ahead solo home run in the top of the ninth inning against Jeff Hoffman. His first-pitch blast into the right-center bullpen secured a 5-4 victory over the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre, preventing a late collapse despite earlier bullpen woes and a costly fielding error by the team. Rice was recognized as the Game MVP for his pivotal and timely hit that gave the Yankees the lead.

Dodgers Place Tanner Scott on Injured List with Elbow Inflammation, Hopeful for Season Return

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Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed reliever Tanner Scott was placed on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday, his 31st birthday, due to left elbow inflammation. Scott had exited Monday night's game against the Minnesota Twins after experiencing a 'stinging sensation' in his left pitching arm, leading to an MRI on Tuesday. While initial X-rays and manual tests were positive and Scott reported feeling better, manager Dave Roberts and general manager Brandon Gomes expressed hope for his return this season, pending full MRI results, acknowledging he will likely need to go on the IL. Despite being in the first year of a four-year, $72 million contract, Scott has struggled this season, holding a 1-2 record with a 4.14 ERA across 47 appearances and leading MLB with seven blown saves in 26 opportunities, further compounding the Dodgers' ongoing bullpen challenges. The team plans to use a closer-by-committee approach in his absence.

Zach Eflin to Return from Injured List, Slated for Orioles' Wednesday Start

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Right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin is scheduled to return from the injured list for the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, where he will make his start against the Cleveland Guardians. Eflin, 31, has been recovering from a lower back strain since his last appearance on June 28, when he gave up four runs in one inning of work. Interim manager Tony Mansolino expressed optimism about his return, noting his unhappiness being on the IL. In his 12 starts this season, Eflin holds a 6-5 record with a 5.95 ERA, recording 42 strikeouts over 62 innings for the Orioles, and his career record stands at 68-67 with a 4.27 ERA.

Paul Blackburn Delivers Strong Five-Inning Performance in Triple-A Rehab Start for Mets

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Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn continued his rehab assignment on Tuesday in Triple-A, delivering a strong outing by tossing five innings, allowing just one run on three hits and one walk while striking out five. He increased his pitch count to 72, up from 53 in his previous rehab appearance. Blackburn successfully navigated early trouble, recovering to set down five consecutive batters twice. The 31-year-old is working his way back from a shoulder injury and currently holds a 7.71 ERA and 1.98 WHIP across six outings (four starts) this season. His potential role with the Mets upon his return is being evaluated, especially with Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea back in the rotation.

Rafael Devers Makes Successful First Base Debut for Giants After Positional Dispute with Red Sox

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San Francisco Giants slugger Rafael Devers made his highly anticipated first career MLB start at first base on Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves, batting third, and contributed significantly with a 2-for-5 performance including two runs and an RBI in a 9-0 victory. This debut marks a notable shift for Devers, who had previously declined to play first base for the Boston Red Sox despite a team need, a positional dispute that contributed to his trade to the Giants in June 2023 after he told Boston that they 'can't expect me to play every single position out there.' Devers expressed that playing in the field, rather than serving as a designated hitter, keeps him more active and positively impacts his offensive game, a sentiment supported by his career OPS splits; he had proactively ordered a first baseman's glove upon arriving in San Francisco and had been actively doing fielding work. Despite struggling with a .219 average in 29 games as a DH for the Giants prior to this outing, Devers (a three-time All-Star with a career .277 average and 217 homers) found immediate success in his new defensive role. Manager Bob Melvin indicated he would return to designated hitter on Wednesday.

Rockies Pitcher Germán Márquez Diagnosed with Biceps Tendinitis, Possible Injured List Stint

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Colorado Rockies right-hander Germán Márquez has been diagnosed with biceps tendinitis in his pitching arm and may be placed on the injured list. Márquez, who informed reporters of his condition on Tuesday, experienced shoulder tightness during his last start. An MRI conducted on Monday revealed no structural damage. The 30-year-old veteran, who has spent his entire 10-year career with the Rockies, holds a 3-11 record with a 5.67 ERA through 20 starts this season, and his next scheduled start is Saturday, which may now be impacted by this injury.