AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

MLB News

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

Monday, July 21, 2025

Mookie Betts Shifts to Leadoff Spot as Dodgers Seek Answers for His Career-Worst Slump

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is grappling with a career-worst slump, entering Monday with a .240 batting average and .684 OPS, prompting manager Dave Roberts to move him to the leadoff spot on Sunday for the first time this season. Betts, who finished Sunday's game 1-for-5 in his leadoff debut, took an unexpected day off on Saturday for a mental reset and worked on his swing at a private training facility during the All-Star break. He admitted to struggling, stating he doesn't have answers and his lifelong mechanical cues no longer work. Roberts plans to keep Betts in the leadoff position, hoping a mindset focused on getting on base will help overcome his struggles, which include a significant drop in walks and well-below-league-average underlying metrics, despite Betts and the team maintaining his full-time move to shortstop is not the cause.

Tarik Skubal Dominates with 11 Strikeouts, Takes AL ERA Lead, Bolstering Bid for Second Straight Cy Young Award

AutoDraft Pro AI

Tarik Skubal delivered a dominant performance on Sunday night, striking out 11 batters with no walks to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 2-1 victory over Texas. His outstanding outing propelled him to the American League lead in ERA with a 2.1854 mark, solidifying his strong bid to win his second consecutive Cy Young Award. If he achieves this feat, Skubal would be the first AL pitcher to win back-to-back Cy Youngs since Pedro Martinez in 1999-2000.

George Springer a Top Home Run Pick for Monday Following Strong Post-All-Star Break Performance

AutoDraft Pro AI

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer, 35, is considered a prime candidate to hit a home run on Monday, July 21, with BetMGM listing him at +450 odds. The 2017 World Series MVP has been vital to the first-place Blue Jays, slashing .279/.369/.503 and hitting his 17th home run of the season on Sunday. Since returning from the All-Star break, Springer is 6-for-12. His advanced metrics are strong, including a 92nd percentile chase rate (19.9%), 88th percentile barrel rate (14.7%), and 93rd percentile launch-angle sweet spot rate (40.4%). He shows a significant home/road split, batting .300 with a .964 OPS at home compared to .257 with a .784 OPS on the road.

Victor Caratini on Hot Streak, Emerges as Must-Add Fantasy Catcher

AutoDraft Pro AI

Houston Astros catcher/first baseman Victor Caratini is entering Week 16 as one of MLB's hottest hitters, making him a priority add in fantasy baseball leagues. He has recorded consecutive three-hit games and ranks in the top 50 over the past two weeks, during which he's batting .389 with two home runs, four runs, and eight RBIs. Caratini has been a top-5 option at catcher over the past 30 days and is expected to continue providing pop in the middle of the Astros' lineup, with favorable matchups against the Diamondbacks and Athletics.

Edward Cabrera's Performance and Control Make Him a Prized Trade Candidate

AutoDraft Pro AI

Miami Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera, 27, is emerging as a highly attractive trade target due to his impressive "stuff" and valuable club control extending through the 2028 season. Despite a history of inconsistency and injuries, Cabrera has shown significant progress this year, maintaining a 3.61 ERA through 16 starts, with a notable 2.11 ERA over his last 11 outings. He features a diverse five-pitch mix, including a 93.8 mph changeup (among the hardest in MLB) and a nearly 97 mph fastball, and is on track to surpass 100 innings for the first time in his major league career. Although he recently experienced elbow discomfort that was cleared by an MRI, his injury history remains a factor for interested teams like the Mets. Given his youth, arsenal, and team control, Cabrera is anticipated to command a high trade price, especially with the Marlins still in proximity to a playoff spot.

Merrill Kelly Evaluated as a Potential Trade Target for Injured Rotations

AutoDraft Pro AI

Arizona Diamondbacks veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly, 36, is a strong candidate for trade as he is in the final year of his contract. Kelly has demonstrated consistent durability and effectiveness, making at least 27 starts in four seasons since his 2019 debut and already completing 20 starts this year. His career ERA has never exceeded 4.44, and his WHIP has remained below 1.30 since his rookie season, with batters hitting a career-best .207 against him and a 1.05 WHIP this season. While he possesses high chase and whiff rates, he has also allowed a high average exit velocity. Teams, particularly those like the Yankees facing significant rotation injuries, may consider him a valuable rental stop-gap, though his age and a previous three-month shoulder injury last season are noted concerns.

Athletics' 'Untouchable' Stance on Closer Mason Miller Reportedly Softening

AutoDraft Pro AI

Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller, long considered off-limits in trade discussions, is now reportedly subject to being moved before the MLB trade deadline if the team receives a compelling offer. While General Manager David Forst has maintained a consistent stance of not discussing him, the Athletics' position is reportedly shifting, suggesting they may entertain 'exorbitant' proposals from top contenders. The 26-year-old right-hander is a highly valuable asset, controllable through 2029 via salary arbitration (earning $765,000 in 2025), and has collected 47 saves since becoming the team's closer in 2024, alongside a 3.22 career ERA and 57 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings this season.

Justin Verlander Ejected, Reportedly Roasted by Umpire During Giants' Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Justin Verlander was ejected in the top of the sixth inning of Sunday's 8-6 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays after exchanging words with home plate umpire Chad Whitson from the dugout. Following the ejection, Whitson reportedly told Verlander, "How ’bout you worry about getting out of the third inning, huh?", referencing Verlander's previous short outing on Friday where he surrendered four earned runs in just 2 2/3 innings. This incident occurred as the Giants were swept by the Blue Jays, extending their losing streak.

Garrett Crochet Continues Dominant Season, Solidifying Ace Status for Red Sox

AutoDraft Pro AI

Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet delivered a pivotal performance against the Chicago Cubs, pitching six innings while allowing just one earned run on five strikeouts in a 6-1 victory, helping the Red Sox avoid a sweep. This outing improved his record to 11-4, solidifying his position as a league leader among American League pitchers in wins (11), ERA (2.19), strikeouts (165), games started (21), and innings pitched (135 1/3). Teammates, including Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman, have lauded Crochet as a "stopper" and the team's undisputed ace, consistently praising his ability to deliver crucial performances. Crochet has been recognized as the Red Sox's MVP this season, though the team acknowledges the need for continued strong outings from other starters like Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello as they navigate a challenging upcoming schedule.

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Yankees' Max Fried Successfully Tosses Bullpen, On Track for Next Start Despite Blister Concern

AutoDraft Pro AI

Yankees pitcher Max Fried successfully threw a bullpen session on Sunday, July 20th, signaling he is on track to make his next scheduled start on Wednesday. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Fried "should be good to go" after the session. This positive development follows concerns from his July 12th start, where he exited early due to a blister on his left index finger, an issue that had previously sent him to the injured list three times. Before the All-Star break, Fried had maintained a strong performance, posting a 2.43 ERA and 1.008 WHIP over 122 innings with 113 strikeouts in 20 starts.

Freddie Freeman Exits Game with Left Wrist Contusion as Dodgers are Swept by Brewers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, the reigning World Series MVP, left Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning after being hit on his left wrist by an 88 mph sinker from Jose Quintana. He was immediately diagnosed with a left wrist contusion and was replaced by Hyeseong Kim as a pinch-runner, with Miguel Rojas taking over at first base. Freeman, who is among the Dodgers' leaders in batting average (.292) and third in runs (47) and hits (95), sustained the injury during the Dodgers' 6-5 loss, which completed a sweep by the Brewers and marked the Dodgers' tenth loss in their last twelve games, adding to the team's ongoing struggles. The potential loss of Freeman would be a significant blow given the team is already missing key players like Max Muncy and Kiké Hernández.

Eugenio Suárez's Exceptional Performance Complicates Potential Trade Status for Diamondbacks

AutoDraft Pro AI

Eugenio Suárez has emerged as one of MLB's most coveted trade candidates, but his recent stellar play is prompting the Arizona Diamondbacks to reconsider moving him ahead of the trade deadline. Suárez has been on a power surge, hitting two home runs in three separate games, including a four-RBI outing in a 5-3 Diamondbacks win. He currently boasts a .257/.328/.601 slash line and leads the National League with 35 home runs and 85 RBI, marking his sixth season with over 30 homers, following a 49-homer season in 2019. As a free agent after this year, Suárez would be a valuable asset for World Series contenders like the Yankees, Cubs, Mets, Dodgers, and Brewers. However, his performance has helped the Diamondbacks achieve a 50-50 record and close to within 4.5 games of a playoff spot, leading General Manager Mike Hazen to express reluctance about disrupting the team's momentum, creating a significant storyline for the coming days.

Alex Bregman Blasts Pinch-Hit Home Run in Red Sox Win Following Early Return from Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Alex Bregman, in his first consecutive games since a May quad strain and returning a month and a half earlier than expected on July 11, hit a significant pinch-hit three-run home run on Sunday against the Chicago Cubs. This was his first homer since the injury and his second career pinch-hit blast, helping the Boston Red Sox secure a 6-1 victory. Despite being out of the starting lineup to manage his return, Bregman, batting .294 with 12 homers and 38 RBIs in 56 games, is trusting the team's plan to monitor his leg and continues to work on his plate positioning to swing from behind the ball.

Francisco Alvarez Recalled to Mets After Dominant Triple-A Performance and Defensive Improvements

AutoDraft Pro AI

Catcher Francisco Alvarez is set to rejoin the New York Mets from Triple-A Syracuse after being optioned on June 21 following a slow start to the season, compounded by previous wrist and hand injuries. During his 19-game stint in Triple-A, Alvarez significantly improved, batting .299 with 11 home runs—including his third in three days and seventh in 19 at-bats—and 24 RBIs, posting a remarkable 1.233 OPS (.397 OBP, .836 slugging) with improved discipline. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza received positive reports on the 23-year-old's work ethic and positive attitude, noting rave reviews for his defense and framing from coaches and pitchers in Syracuse.

Luis Torrens Redeems Himself with Clutch Play and Hustle in Mets' Win

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mets catcher Luis Torrens atoned for a critical error in Saturday's loss by contributing significantly to New York's tight 3-2 victory over the Reds on Sunday. Torrens worked a crucial 12-pitch walk in the sixth inning, expertly gunned down a runner attempting to steal second with the game tied in the eighth, and then hit a sharp grounder to second that drove in the winning run thanks to Juan Soto's heads-up hustle. Torrens noted he is feeling much more comfortable at the plate as his diligent work is beginning to yield results.

David Peterson Delivers Six Strong Innings as Mets' Stopper to Avoid Sweep

AutoDraft Pro AI

David Peterson, taking on the role of stopper for the Mets after his All-Star appearance, delivered a crucial six innings of one-run ball on Sunday, leading New York to a tight 3-2 victory over the Reds and preventing a sweep. The reliable left-hander allowed only one unearned run in the first inning due to an error, surrendering just four hits, one walk, and one hit-by-pitch across his 93-pitch outing. Peterson showcased his clutch pitching by escaping jams, including a double-play in the first and a key bases-loaded strikeout, lowering his season ERA to an impressive 2.90 and marking his fifth outing of six-plus innings in the last 35 games for the Mets.

David Robertson Agrees to Return to Philadelphia Phillies Pending Physical

AutoDraft Pro AI

Veteran free-agent reliever David Robertson, 40, has agreed to a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, pending a physical, for the remainder of the season, valued at a prorated $16 million. This marks the third time Robertson will join the Phillies, having previously pitched for them in 2019 and 2022, including a 2.70 ERA in 22 regular season appearances in 2022 and a 1.17 ERA in eight postseason games. Robertson, who declined a $7 million mutual option with the Texas Rangers in November and has not pitched in the majors this season, posted a solid 3.00 ERA with 99 strikeouts and two saves over 72 innings in 68 appearances last season, and is expected to provide versatility and depth to the Phillies bullpen.

Aaron Judge Blasts 36th Homer, Ties Alex Rodriguez for Sixth on Yankees' All-Time Home Run List in Win Over Braves

AutoDraft Pro AI

Aaron Judge launched his 36th home run of the season on Sunday, a 409-foot solo shot off Grant Holmes with an exit velocity of 110.2 mph, which helped secure the Yankees' 4-2 victory over the Braves. This significant blast marked his 351st career round-tripper, moving him into a tie with Alex Rodriguez for sixth place on the Yankees' all-time franchise home run list, trailing only legendary figures like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Yogi Berra. Judge expressed profound honor at matching a player he admired growing up, calling Rodriguez a 'legend' and 'one of the best ever players.' He continues his stellar 2025 campaign, maintaining an impressive .354/.459/.729 slash line with 82 RBI, which strengthens his position as a leading American League MVP and Triple Crown contender. Judge, who is now two homers behind MLB leader Cal Raleigh, also walked and scored two runs in the game, marking his eighth home run in his last 17 games as the Yankees look ahead to a series against the Blue Jays in Toronto.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. Under MLB Investigation Following Confrontation, Delivers Strong Performance for Yankees

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. is currently under Major League Baseball investigation following a heated exchange with Atlanta Braves assistant coach Eddie Pérez during Saturday's game. The incident, which occurred during the Yankees' 12-9 victory, involved Pérez pointing to his head while Chisholm was on second base, a gesture interpreted by some as a potential beanball threat. Chisholm, who was reportedly relaying pitch signs—a practice permissible without electronic aid—is said to have told Pérez to 'cry about it' during the confrontation, though Pérez denied any malicious intent, stating he was merely telling Chisholm to 'be smart.' Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the legality of sign-relaying while expressing hope that Pérez's gesture was not a genuine threat, with Chisholm himself declining to comment on the matter. Despite the controversy, Chisholm contributed significantly to the Yankees' 4-2 victory over the Braves on Sunday, going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, including a crucial double that extended the Yankees' lead to 4-1.

Marcus Stroman Delivers Six Strong Innings in Yankees' Win

AutoDraft Pro AI

Marcus Stroman provided a much-needed quality start for the Yankees on Sunday, pitching six innings of one-run ball against the Braves to earn Game MVP honors in the team's 4-2 victory. Despite battling harsh summer temperatures and needing 65 pitches to complete the first four innings, Stroman held the Braves scoreless through five frames. His only allowed run came in the sixth inning on a solo home run by Matt Olson. Overall, Stroman threw 95 pitches, allowing five hits and striking out four, lowering his season ERA to 5.64. This marks his fourth consecutive outing allowing three runs or fewer since returning from the injured list, providing essential length for a taxed bullpen.