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MLB News

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

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Fernando Cruz's Oblique Strain Recovery Slowed for Yankees, Return Timeline Unclear

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New York Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz, who was placed on the injured list in late June due to an oblique strain, has begun his throwing program over the weekend. However, his oblique has not fully healed, necessitating a slower recovery process and leaving his return timeline unclear, despite earlier hopes for an August comeback. Prior to his injury, Cruz was a key bullpen arm for the Yankees, posting a 3.00 ERA with two saves and 54 strikeouts in 33.0 innings across 32 appearances.

Max Muncy Placed on 10-Day Injured List by Athletics Due to Hand Injury

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Oakland Athletics infielder Max Muncy has been placed on the 10-day injured list following a right hand injury. The injury occurred when he was hit on the right hand by a pitch during Monday night's series opener against the Texas Rangers. Despite X-rays confirming there was no fracture, Muncy will still be sidelined for some time, and Gio Urshela has taken over his responsibilities at third base.

Zebby Matthews Returns to Twins Rotation with Strong Underlying Metrics and High Upside

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Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthews is identified as a high-upside waiver wire addition, despite a recent outing at Coors Field where he allowed five runs in four innings, pushing his ERA to 6.26. The right-hander, who possesses an upper-90s fastball, a strong slider, and excellent command, returned to the Twins' rotation after a six-week absence due to a shoulder strain. In his lone rehab start, he demonstrated impressive form by striking out nine batters over four scoreless innings with his fastball touching 99 mph. Despite the recent poor result, his underlying metrics, including a 3.21 SIERA and an elite 21.2% strikeout minus walk rate, indicate his stuff and command are major-league ready, positioning him for a strong finish to the season within the Twins' injury-plagued rotation.

Jesús Sánchez Demonstrates Significant Plate Approach Improvements for Marlins, Potential for Late-Season Breakout

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Marlins outfielder Jesús Sánchez, 27, is showcasing notable improvements in his plate approach, despite his overall production of eight home runs, nine stolen bases, and a .733 OPS through 79 games remaining around league average. He has achieved a career-low 21.1% strikeout rate by refining his discipline, chasing fewer pitches out of the zone, making more contact on pitches in the zone, and significantly reducing his whiff rate against breaking balls, making his approach 'good'. Sánchez has also adjusted his batting mechanics since 2023, moving deeper in the batter's box, closing his stance, and shortening his swing to pull fly balls more effectively. With rumors of a potential trade before the deadline, a change of scenery could further boost his performance, though he typically sits against left-handed pitchers, which might hurt his value in weekly leagues.

Stuart Fairchild Acquired by Rays from Braves as Versatile Outfield Option

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The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired outfielder Stuart Fairchild from the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations, following his designation for assignment by Atlanta on Monday. Fairchild, a 29-year-old known for his speed and ability to play all three outfield positions, joins the Rays as a versatile fourth outfield option. Having appeared in 277 major league games across six different teams, including the Diamondbacks, Reds, Giants, Mariners, Braves, and Rays, he shows slightly above-average results against left-handed pitching but is not primarily an offensive producer. As he is out of minor league options, Fairchild must remain on Tampa Bay's active roster.

Brandon Lowe Placed on 10-Day Injured List with Ankle Tendinitis, Future with Rays Uncertain Amid Trade Rumors

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Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to tendinitis in his left ankle, retroactive to July 20. This move comes after he exited Saturday's game and was initially diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, later clarified as tendinitis, though he could potentially return before the July 31 trade deadline. Lowe, who is batting .269 with 19 home runs, 11 doubles, and 58 RBIs in 87 games this season while striking out in just over 25% of his plate appearances, has been a subject of trade rumors with several contenders needing help at second base, including the Giants and Astros. While Lowe is in the final guaranteed year of his contract, Tampa Bay holds an $11.5 million club option for 2026, providing them with contract flexibility.

Hayden Birdsong Optioned to Triple-A Sacramento Following Continued Struggles

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San Francisco Giants right-hander Hayden Birdsong has been optioned to Triple-A Sacramento after failing to record an out in Monday night's 9-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves, marking the first time in his 37-career appearances. Birdsong displayed significant control issues in his most recent outing, throwing just six strikes in 25 pitches, issuing four walks, hitting a batter, and throwing a wild pitch while allowing five runs. These struggles contribute to his overall 4.80 ERA for the season, which has ballooned to an 8.13 ERA over his last seven starts, and he has accumulated 17 walks in his last 13 innings.

Starling Marte Reinstated from Injured List by Mets

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The New York Mets reinstated two-time All-Star Starling Marte from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday, marking his return to the active roster. The 36-year-old designated hitter and outfielder had been sidelined since July 6, having been placed on the IL on July 8, due to a bruised right knee, an injury similar to one he dealt with during spring training. Despite his limited play to 58 games this season due to injuries, Marte has posted a batting line of .270/.353/.387 with four home runs, 20 RBIs, and 22 runs scored. His reinstatement was part of seven transactions made by the Mets prior to their game against the Los Angeles Angels.

Riley Greene Identified as Top Home Run Pick for Tuesday's MLB Action

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Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene is highlighted as a top home run pick for Tuesday's MLB action, especially after having faced Paul Skenes in his previous outing where he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. The 24-year-old has already achieved a career-high of 25 home runs in his 100th game this season, showing a significant increase in his power totals year over year and hitting a home run in three of his last six games. Greene is particularly favored when facing right-handed pitchers like Mitch Keller, against whom left-handed batters have notably better splits (.731 OPS for lefties vs. .554 for righties against Keller). With 23 of his 25 home runs coming against righties and maintaining a .304 batting average this season, Greene is listed with +500 odds at BetMGM and +440 at FanDuel to hit a home run.

Paul Skenes, MLB ERA Leader, Balances Workload with Pirates After First Win Since May

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Paul Skenes, the only pitcher in major league history to start the All-Star Game in each of his first two seasons, lowered his MLB-best ERA to 1.91 after throwing 86 pitches through six innings in a 3-0 win over the Detroit Tigers, striking out six and allowing three hits. This marked his first victory since late May. The 23-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher is amenable to the team's workload management as he approaches 200 innings, with the key caveat that he will not skip starts. Manager Don Kelly praised Skenes' maturity, noting his Cy Young Award contention.

Anthony Volpe's 12th Error Ties for AL Lead in Yankees Loss

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New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe committed his 12th fielding error of the season during a 4-1 loss to Toronto, an errant throw that now ties him for the most errors in the American League. While manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Volpe has made “a few too many” errors this year, he insisted he isn't worried about the overall defensive performance, citing Volpe's continued range. Volpe, who won an AL Gold Glove in 2023, has played 846 2/3 defensive innings this season.

Shohei Ohtani Remains Two-Way Threat Amid Dodgers' Struggles

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Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani will remain a two-way player, despite recent hitting struggles on days following his starts, as manager Dave Roberts considers him a vital threat given the team's recent slump. In a 5-2 victory over the Twins, Ohtani pitched three innings, allowing one run and striking out three, while also hitting a two-run homer in the first inning for his third consecutive game with a home run. Roberts plans to extend Ohtani to four innings in his next start, acknowledging his commitment to the team's success, even agreeing to bat second behind Mookie Betts.

Mets Considering Trade for Mitch Keller Amid Strong Performance and Attractive Contract

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Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller is being evaluated as a potential trade target for the New York Mets, with other teams like the Yankees and Cubs also showing interest. Despite a 3-10 record, Keller has posted a strong 3.48 ERA this season, marking career-bests in WHIP, homers-per-nine, and walks-per-nine, with his record largely influenced by the Pirates' low run support (only 37 runs scored in his 17 no-decision or loss games). He features a 94 mph four-seamer, a low-80s sweeper (tied for fifth-best by Statcast run value), and an 87 mph slider, and has consistently delivered length, pitching into at least the sixth inning in 13 consecutive starts. Additionally, Keller is signed for three more seasons after this one for a total of $55.7 million, offering significant cost certainty and making him a highly sought-after, durable rotation asset, which could motivate the Mets to pay a high prospect cost for him.

Mariners Express Interest in Reacquiring Eugenio Suárez Ahead of Trade Deadline

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The Seattle Mariners have reportedly inquired with the Arizona Diamondbacks about acquiring slugging third baseman Eugenio Suárez, whom they previously traded away in 2023 as a salary dump. With Mariners' third basemen struggling offensively since Suárez's departure (ranking 27th in home runs and 19th in WAR), the team is looking to upgrade their lineup. Suárez, 34, recently hit his 36th home run of the season on Monday and is currently viewed as a top rental candidate available on the trade market, as the Diamondbacks trail the third wild-card spot by 5.5 games.

Cardinals to Discuss Nolan Arenado's No-Trade Clause Preferences Ahead of Trade Deadline

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With the July 31 trade deadline approaching, St. Louis Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak plans to re-evaluate Nolan Arenado's no-trade clause preferences. Arenado, who possesses a full no-trade clause, previously utilized it to block a trade to the Astros and had a specific list of approved teams last offseason. While Mozeliak anticipates Arenado will remain with the team and envisions him being a part of their future, he stated he would initiate discussions with the third baseman if any significant trade opportunities arise. First baseman Willson Contreras and starter Sonny Gray also have no-trade clauses, and Mozeliak doesn't sense their interest in remaining with the Cardinals has changed.

Edmundo Sosa Secures Rare Walk-Off Win for Phillies on Catcher's Interference

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Edmundo Sosa delivered a unique walk-off victory for the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night, drawing a catcher's interference call with the bases loaded in the 10th inning against the Boston Red Sox. Sosa's check swing struck catcher Carlos Narvaez's glove on a 2-2 pitch, which allowed automatic runner Brandon Marsh to score the winning run in the 3-2 contest. Sosa, who entered as a pinch-hitter in the eighth and singled, stated that the unusual victory 'feels exactly like a home run,' marking the first walk-off catcher's interference in a major league game since August 1, 1971. This bizarre win adds to the Phillies' collection of unusual victories this season, which also includes a walk-off wild pitch and a walk-off inside-the-park home run.

Giants Recall Sean Hjelle from Triple-A

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Sean Hjelle has been recalled by the San Francisco Giants from Triple-A Sacramento. This move is part of a series of roster adjustments by the Giants aimed at bringing fresh arms to the bullpen as the team seeks to end a six-game losing streak.

Monday, July 21, 2025

Shohei Ohtani hits 35th home run, allows first HR of season in Dodgers win

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Shohei Ohtani was sharp on the mound and at the plate during the Los Angeles Dodgers' 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins. Ohtani allowed a leadoff home run to Byron Buxton but quickly responded with his 35th home run of the season, a two-run shot in the bottom of the first inning. Despite allowing seven batted balls exceeding 95 mph in his second consecutive three-inning outing, Ohtani finished with three strikeouts and one earned run, bringing his season ERA to 1.50.

Veteran Rich Hill, 45, called up by Royals, set to become oldest active MLB player and tie record for 14 teams

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Left-handed pitcher Rich Hill, 45, is being called up from Triple-A Omaha by the Kansas City Royals to start against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. This move makes him the oldest active player in Major League Baseball and will mark his 14th team, tying Edwin Jackson's MLB record. Hill, who was 4-4 with a 5.36 ERA in nine Triple-A starts, will be the oldest pitcher to start an MLB game since Jamie Moyer in 2012 and the oldest player in Royals history.

Will Smith Blasts Two Solo Home Runs, Continues Hot Streak for Dodgers

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Will Smith powered the Los Angeles Dodgers offense in their 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins, hitting two solo home runs—one in the fourth inning and another in the sixth. These blasts marked his first multi-homer game since last July. Smith's exceptional performance further solidified his hot streak, as he raised his National League-leading batting average to .327 and boasts a 1.163 OPS, going 15 for 40 since the start of July.