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MLB News

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

Monday, July 21, 2025

Michael Helman Blasts First Career Home Run and Drives In Four for Rangers

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Michael Helman had a memorable night for the Texas Rangers, hitting his first career three-run home run on the pitch immediately following a teammate's first big league hit. Helman, who was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock, drove in his first runs with the homer and further contributed by adding a fourth RBI with a safety squeeze bunt in the seventh inning. He became the first Texas player since 1987 to achieve a home run and an RBI sacrifice bunt in the same game.

Josh Jung Homers in First At-Bat After Recall to Rangers

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Josh Jung, recalled from Triple-A Round Rock, made an immediate impact for the Texas Rangers by homering in his first at-bat back in the majors. Jung, who arrived at the ballpark only about 30 minutes before first pitch due to a delayed flight and a "police escort" through traffic, also walked and singled, scoring again later in the Rangers' 7-2 victory. His performance contributed significantly to the team's win.

Mets' Kodai Senga Reflects on Season's Toughest Outing, Citing Mechanics and Overthinking

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Mets right-hander Kodai Senga had his most challenging outing of the season on Monday against the Los Angeles Angels at Citi Field, enduring a laborious three-inning start where he surrendered four runs on four hits and three walks. This performance, which ended a streak of 31 starts allowing three runs or fewer, was attributed by Senga to struggles with his mechanics and excessive overthinking on the mound. Manager Carlos Mendoza also observed that Senga "had a hard time with all of his pitches," noting issues with his splits, fastball, and cutter, and that his typically dominant forkball was frequently taken for balls. Senga, who had maintained a 1.47 ERA before a recent IL stint and was making his second start in over a month, plans to analyze his performance and make necessary adjustments before his next appearance.

Paul Skenes allows one run over six innings in Pirates victory

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Paul Skenes continued his strong season for the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing just one run over six innings against the Detroit Tigers in a 3-0 win. Skenes struck out six batters while lowering his ERA to 1.91, the best in the majors. The Pirates are managing his workload, keeping him under 90 pitches in his recent starts, a plan Skenes understands as they aim for his long-term health.

Anthony Volpe tied for AL lead in errors after Yankees loss

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Anthony Volpe committed his 12th fielding error of the season in the New York Yankees' 4-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. This miscue ties him for the most errors by a shortstop in the American League.

Francisco Alvarez Returns to Mets with Successful Performance and Fan Support

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New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez made a successful return to the majors on Monday after spending a month in Triple-A, where he hit 11 home runs for Syracuse. Fans at Citi Field gave the 23-year-old a standing ovation before his first at-bat, acknowledging his hard work and positive attitude throughout his young career. Alvarez expressed his deep appreciation for the fans' continued support despite his early season struggles. Manager Carlos Mendoza also commended the reception from the fan base, noting its significance for Alvarez and the team. Alvarez contributed significantly to the Mets' 7-5 comeback win over the Los Angeles Angels, showcasing improved defense by expertly picking balls in the dirt for Kodai Senga, executing a caught stealing, and making a crucial tag at home plate. Offensively, he demonstrated a more composed approach, drawing two walks and hitting a pivotal double in the eighth inning that set up the winning run.

Brett Baty Delivers Key Offensive and Defensive Plays for Mets, Showing Increased Confidence

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Brett Baty was a crucial factor in the New York Mets' 7-5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night, contributing significantly on both offense and defense. He hit his 11th home run of the season, a two-run shot in the fourth inning that was his second of the current homestand and first off a left-handed pitcher. Additionally, Baty made a pivotal defensive play in the seventh, leaping to field a chopper and throwing home to successfully tag out Mike Trout. Manager Carlos Mendoza praised Baty as a 'confident player' whose consistent presence in the lineup is helping his development, noting Baty has been hitting exceptionally well recently with 11 hits in his last 35 at-bats (.314), including three home runs and five RBI over the last 13 games.

Seiya Suzuki Called Out on Third-Strike Pitch-Clock Violation After Foul Ball to Groin

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Chicago Cubs centerfielder Seiya Suzuki was controversially called out on a third-strike pitch-clock violation during Monday's game against the Kansas City Royals. The incident occurred after Suzuki fouled off a 3-1 slider, which struck him in the groin, leading him to take a moment to walk off the discomfort. Despite returning to the batter's box in a reasonable time, home plate umpire Clint Vondrak enforced the violation, ending the inning. Cubs manager Craig Counsell protested the call, arguing for common sense, as MLB rules permit umpires to grant extra time in special circumstances like this.

Brandon Marsh Scores Walk-Off Winning Run for Phillies on Rare Catcher's Interference Call

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Brandon Marsh secured a 3-2 walk-off victory for the Philadelphia Phillies over the Boston Red Sox in the 10th inning by scoring the winning run on a catcher's interference call. With the bases loaded, the Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez interfered with Edmundo Sosa's check swing, and after a review, the call was overturned, allowing Marsh to score without a hit in the inning. This marked the first walk-off win due to catcher's interference since August 1, 1971.

Bo Bichette's Two-Run Double Fuels Blue Jays' Victory Over Yankees

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Bo Bichette played a pivotal role in the Toronto Blue Jays' 4-1 win against the New York Yankees, extending Toronto's AL East lead to four games. Bichette delivered a crucial two-run double in the fifth inning off Carlos Rodón, pulling a changeup into the left field corner to give the Blue Jays the lead. He later scored an additional run due to an error by Yankees third baseman Oswald Peraza, contributing significantly to Toronto's fourth consecutive victory.

Pete Crow-Armstrong Rested Due to Right Knee Soreness, Expected Back Tuesday

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Chicago Cubs All-Star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong was not in the lineup on Monday night against the Kansas City Royals due to soreness in his right knee. Manager Craig Counsell confirmed that Crow-Armstrong tweaked his knee on a slide against the Boston Red Sox, waking up with a swollen knee, but expressed hope for his return to the lineup on Tuesday. Seiya Suzuki made his debut in center field in Crow-Armstrong's stead. This marks only the second time this season the 23-year-old, who leads the National League in Wins Above Replacement, has not played, highlighting his significant improvement with a .270 batting average, 26 homers, 72 RBIs, and 28 stolen bases, making him the only player in the majors with at least 25 homers and 25 steals.

Freddie Freeman Returns to Dodgers Lineup After Wrist Contusion Scare

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Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman was back in the lineup Monday night against the Minnesota Twins, just one day after being hit by an 88 mph sinker from Jose Quintana on his left wrist during Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers, which forced him to exit. X-rays confirmed there was no fracture, with the injury diagnosed as a left wrist contusion, providing a significant sigh of relief for manager Dave Roberts, who expressed deep concern given Freeman's history of not leaving games and having previously broken the same wrist in 2017.

Chris Martin Sidelined with Calf Strain, Expected to Miss 4-6 Weeks

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Texas Rangers right-hander Chris Martin has been placed on the injured list with a left calf strain, an injury suffered during Sunday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Manager Bruce Bochy stated that Martin is expected to miss four to six weeks, marking a significant blow to the Rangers' bullpen. The 39-year-old reliever has been a reliable late-inning option for the Rangers this season, posting a 2.36 ERA, 36 strikeouts, and two saves over 34 1/3 innings. This is his second stint on the injured list this year, having also missed time in May due to right shoulder fatigue.

Red Sox's Jarren Duran a Key Name in Trade Talks Ahead of Deadline

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Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran is a prominent figure in MLB trade discussions, with reports indicating the team is actively discussing him with multiple contenders, including the San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies. Despite Boston's improved record and status as buyers, the 28-year-old remains an intriguing trade candidate, partly due to his long-term outfield uncertainty with the presence of Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, and top prospect Roman Anthony. Controllable through 2028, Duran has posted a .257/.322/.427 slash line this season, and the Red Sox are exploring deals that could net them a controllable pitcher or a first baseman, with Duran even being floated as a potential centerpiece for a starter like Joe Ryan.

Red Sox Shut Down Tanner Houck Indefinitely Due to Flexor Soreness Recurrence

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Boston Red Sox right-hander Tanner Houck has been shut down indefinitely from throwing due to a reoccurrence of flexor soreness, as announced by manager Alex Cora. Houck felt arm soreness after his Triple-A Worcester rehab start on July 9 and was subsequently pulled from his rehab assignment on Friday. While no surgery is required, the 29-year-old will undergo rest and treatment. Houck was initially placed on the injured list with a right flexor pronator strain on May 13 and struggled in 2025 with an 8.04 ERA in 43.2 innings for Boston, as well as a 5.74 ERA in 15.2 innings across five rehab appearances, making his return to the mound this season uncertain and further highlighting the Red Sox' need for rotation depth.

Giants Starter Hayden Birdsong Struggles with Command in Disastrous Outing Against Braves

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Hayden Birdsong had a highly problematic return to the mound for the San Francisco Giants, failing to record an out in his first appearance in two weeks during a 9-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves. The young starter struggled immensely with his command, walking four batters and hitting one in the first inning while throwing only six strikes out of 25 pitches, leading to five earned runs. This historically poor performance made him the first Giants pitcher and only the 10th MLB pitcher to allow five earned runs, walk four, and fail to record an out, prompting the team to reassess his role given his ongoing command issues.

Veteran Reliever David Robertson Returns to Phillies on One-Year Deal, Optioned to Triple-A for Build-Up

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Veteran right-handed reliever David Robertson, 40, has signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, marking his third stint with the team after previous tenures in 2019 and during their 2022 World Series run. This strategic acquisition aims to bolster the Phillies' bullpen, and Robertson has been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to build up his arm strength, with the team estimating he needs about 15 days of work. Phillies president Dave Dombrowski noted that Robertson's stuff, including his 88-90 mph velocity and spin rates, remains consistent with his past performance, despite being considered at a 'March 10 Spring Training equivalent.' Last season with the Texas Rangers, Robertson posted a 3-4 record with a 3.00 ERA and two saves over 68 games, and he brings career totals of a 2.91 ERA, 177 saves (11th all-time among relievers), and 1,154 strikeouts. The deal is reported to be worth approximately $12 million, as Robertson looks to once again bridge the gap late in games and contribute to a playoff push.

Jacob Lopez Projected to Exceed 5.5 Strikeouts in Start for Athletics

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Jacob Lopez is scheduled to start for the Oakland Athletics, bringing a 3-5 record and a 4.20 ERA into the game. SportsLine's model predicts Lopez will record over 5.5 strikeouts, projecting him to toss six strikeouts. He has already cleared this strikeout mark in four of his last six outings, including an eight-strikeout performance against the Giants on July 6.

Jack Leiter Set to Start for Rangers Against Athletics

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Jack Leiter, holding a 5-6 record and a 4.37 ERA, is slated to start for the Texas Rangers in their Monday evening matchup against the Oakland Athletics.

Riley Greene Projected for Over 1.5 Total Bases, Coming Off Hot Streak

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Coming off his second consecutive All-Star appearance, Riley Greene is projected by SportsLine's model to achieve over 1.5 total bases against Paul Skenes. The Tigers outfielder is batting .280 with a career-high .870 OPS this season, having hit his 25th home run on Saturday and homered in three of his last five games. Greene averages 2.1 total bases per game and has averaged 2.9 total bases in his last 13 games where the Tigers were underdogs, indicating his ability to perform even against strong pitchers.