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.

Friday, July 18, 2025

Shohei Ohtani Set for Three-Inning Start as Dodgers Progress Two-Way Star After Elbow Surgery

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to pitch three innings in his next start on Monday against the Minnesota Twins, before handing the ball over to Dustin May. This will be Ohtani's sixth start of the season as he continues to progress toward longer outings following his elbow surgery. He previously pitched three innings in his last outing, throwing 36 pitches and allowing one hit, striking out four, and walking one, maintaining a 1.00 ERA over nine total innings this season. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that Ohtani will likely have a multi-inning partner for at least a few more starts, with the goal of eventually reaching four innings per outing, as he builds up his pitching workload after not pitching at all last season.

Grayson Rodriguez's Rehab Halted by Orioles Due to Elbow Setback

AutoDraft Pro AI

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Grayson Rodriguez has been shut down indefinitely from his elbow injury rehabilitation after experiencing a setback with renewed discomfort in the same elbow area that flared up in spring training. Interim manager Tony Mansolino confirmed that the team pulled back on his rehab and will re-evaluate his condition in approximately a week. Rodriguez began the season on the injured list with right elbow inflammation, and a scheduled rehab outing in April was canceled due to a strained lat muscle, an issue that also sidelined him for three months in 2022 and ended his 2024 season. He has not pitched in the majors since July 31, 2024.

All-Star Game MVP Kyle Schwarber Continues Home Run Surge and Addresses Phillies Future

AutoDraft Pro AI

All-Star Game MVP Kyle Schwarber continued his power display by hitting his 31st home run of the season on Friday night against the Los Angeles Angels, marking his fourth homer in his last four swings. This follows his heroics in the MLB All-Star Game's first-ever swing-off, where his three consecutive dingers secured the National League's victory. The Philadelphia Phillies slugger, who is second among all MLB players in home runs since 2017, is also a key topic for the team's future as his four-year, $79 million contract approaches expiration. Phillies Managing Partner John Middleton has stated the team wants to keep him, and Schwarber has expressed mutual interest in a new deal while remaining focused on helping the Phillies win the World Series. He entered the second half of the season with 30 home runs and 69 RBIs, maintains a .247 batting average, and is currently on pace for 51 home runs.

Guardians All-Star Steven Kwan Out of Lineup with Persistent Wrist Soreness

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cleveland Guardians All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan was scratched from Friday's lineup against the Athletics due to persistent right wrist soreness, an issue he has been managing for over a month. After participating in Tuesday night's All-Star Game, where he had an infield hit that tied the game in the ninth inning, Kwan met with doctors on Wednesday and received an injection for the inflammation. Manager Stephen Vogt confirmed Kwan is day-to-day, noting this is only his sixth missed game this season, where he is batting .285 with six home runs and 32 RBIs.

Mets' Francisco Alvarez Blasts Massive Homer with Triple-A Syracuse, Building Case for MLB Return

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez launched his ninth home run with Triple-A Syracuse on Friday night, a commanding 427-foot blast to left field with an exit velocity of 111.8 mph and a 23-degree launch angle, giving Syracuse an early 2-0 lead. This impressive "no-doubter" continues his hot streak, as he hit four homers in three games before the All-Star break and is now batting .258 with a 1.050 OPS. Alvarez is making a strong case for a return to the major league roster after a challenging start to his season.

Mike Trout Returns to Hometown for Phillies Series, Nearing Career Milestones Amid Injury History and Playoff Hopes

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mike Trout, the 11-time All-Star and three-time AL MVP, returned to his New Jersey hometown for a series against the Philadelphia Phillies, acknowledging the persistent speculation about him someday playing for his local team. Currently serving as the designated hitter and hoping to return to right field soon after a month-long IL stint due to a bone bruise in his left knee, Trout is closing in on significant career milestones, needing five more home runs to reach 400 and five more RBIs for 1,000. Since coming off the injured list on May 30, he has posted a .283 batting average with a .433 on-base percentage and .478 slugging percentage, including eight home runs and 23 RBIs in 41 games. Despite a season marked by injuries that have limited him to 70 games with 17 home runs and 41 RBIs, Trout remains focused on the Angels' current playoff push, as they are only four games out of a wild-card spot, and aims to become the 20th player in baseball history to hit his first 400 home runs with one franchise.

Marlins Third Baseman Connor Norby to Miss 6-8 Weeks Following Wrist Surgery

AutoDraft Pro AI

Miami Marlins third baseman Connor Norby will be sidelined for six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery on Wednesday to repair a broken hamate bone in his left wrist. Norby, who was acquired from Baltimore last summer, felt wrist soreness during a recent series against his former team and was initially diagnosed with wrist inflammation. This is his second significant absence this season, as he previously missed the first two months with an oblique injury. Despite an uneven performance this year, with a .241 batting average, six home runs, and 26 RBIs in 72 games, manager Clayton McCullough noted that Norby felt his hitting and defense were improving before this latest setback. In his absence, the Marlins plan to use Graham Pauley and Javier Sanoja at third base.

Bryce Harper Delivers Multi-Home Run Performance and Continues Hot Streak

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bryce Harper showcased a stellar performance upon returning from the All-Star break, hitting two home runs Friday night for his first multi-homer game of the season. Harper launched a three-run shot in the third inning and a solo homer in the eighth, also adding a double in the fifth. He has been on a remarkable tear, accumulating nine extra-base hits in his last five games and batting .500 (10-for-20) during that span, despite the Philadelphia Phillies' 6-5 loss to the Angels.

Justin Verlander Struggles with 'Putaway' Pitch and Fails to Record Strikeout in Giants' Loss to Blue Jays

AutoDraft Pro AI

Justin Verlander faced a challenging outing for the San Francisco Giants against the Toronto Blue Jays, contributing to a 4-0 loss. The veteran right-hander struggled particularly in the second inning, allowing four decisive runs and, for the first time this season, failing to record a single strikeout. Giants manager Bob Melvin highlighted Verlander's lack of a 'putaway pitch' and the team's continued inability to provide run support, noting it was the 12th loss in 16 starts for Verlander this season. Despite the 'tough' performance, Verlander expressed optimism regarding his recent mechanical adjustments.

Mets' Starling Marte Nearing Return from Knee Injury, Expected Back in Days

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mets outfielder Starling Marte is progressing well and is nearing a return to action from a knee injury, with manager Carlos Mendoza indicating he could be back in approximately three to five days. Marte has been actively participating in baseball activities, including high-intensity base running and hitting off a velocity machine, demonstrating good progress in his recovery. Injury issues have limited Marte to just 58 games this season, where he has posted a .739 OPS, and his return is anticipated to boost the Mets' lineup.

Mets' Jesse Winker Shut Down for 7-10 Days After Epidural for Back Ailment

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mets designated hitter Jesse Winker has been shut down from all activities for another seven to ten days after receiving an epidural for a persistent back ailment. Manager Carlos Mendoza explained that the team opted for a more aggressive treatment as Winker's back had not been responding as hoped, and he is still considered "a ways away" from returning. This latest setback comes just two games after Winker returned to action, having sustained the back injury last Thursday, following an extended stint on the injured list with an oblique issue. Winker has been limited to only 26 games this season, posting a .709 OPS.

Luis Robert Jr.'s Trade Value Declines Amid Offensive Struggles

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr., a former All-Star, has experienced a disastrous season marked by significant offensive regression despite remaining surprisingly healthy. His .600 OPS ranks as the sixth-worst among qualified MLB hitters, and his power, once a key attribute, has all but vanished, compounded by a 30.4% strikeout rate in 2025. While still an above-average defender, his diminished offensive production makes it challenging for the White Sox to find a robust trade market for him, despite potential interest from teams like the Phillies, Mets, Astros, and Tigers looking for center field upgrades. Robert Jr. has $20 million club options for both the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

Trea Turner Emphasizes Urgency for Phillies in Second Half

AutoDraft Pro AI

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner acknowledged the team's mixed performance in the first half, stating, "A lot of good, a lot of bad in the first half but we’re leading the division." He stressed the shift in mindset after the All-Star break, noting that it's "time to go" and urging the team to start strong in the second half to "finish this thing off and win the division."

Mets Designate Richard Lovelady for Assignment

AutoDraft Pro AI

The New York Mets have designated left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady for assignment. This move was made to open a roster spot for the activation of fellow left-hander Brooks Raley from the injured list.

Mets Activate Brooks Raley from Injured List, Bolstering Bullpen

AutoDraft Pro AI

Left-handed reliever Brooks Raley has been activated by the Mets from the injured list, returning to the bullpen for Friday's game against the Reds at Citi Field. Raley had been sidelined since early in the 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The 37-year-old, who re-signed with the Mets on a one-year deal this April with a 2026 team option, was a significant contributor in 2023, posting a 2.80 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 10.0 strikeouts per nine innings over 66 appearances. Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized Raley's importance, likening his return to a 'trade deadline acquisition' due to his versatility in getting both left-handed and right-handed batters out and his experience in high-leverage situations across various innings.

Cleveland Guardians Pitcher Luis F. Ortiz's Paid Leave Extended Amid MLB Betting Probe

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis F. Ortiz will remain on non-disciplinary paid leave through August 31, as Major League Baseball continues its investigation into unusual betting patterns detected on his individual pitches. Ortiz was initially placed on paid leave on July 3 through the All-Star Break, and this extension was announced recently. The probe was initiated after a sportsbook reported suspicious betting activity on Ortiz's first pitches in select innings during games against the Seattle Mariners on June 15 and the St. Louis Cardinals on June 27. An unusual increase in money was wagered on these pitches being a ball or hit-batsman from betting accounts in New York, New Jersey, and Ohio, with both pitches ultimately being outside the strike zone.

Dylan Lee Identified as Top Closer Candidate for Braves

AutoDraft Pro AI

Braves relief pitcher Dylan Lee is highlighted as the most likely candidate to step into the closer's role should Raisel Iglesias be traded. Lee is currently recognized as the clear No. 2 on the depth chart, positioning him for potential saves opportunities. Fantasy managers should consider stashing him now for future value.

Zack Wheeler Set for Two Starts in First Week of Second Half

AutoDraft Pro AI

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler is projected to make two starts in the upcoming week of July 21, facing the Red Sox at home and then the Yankees on the road. Wheeler has delivered a spectacular season thus far, compiling a 9-3 record with a 2.36 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and 154 strikeouts over 122 innings. Considered a true fantasy ace, he should be started in all leagues regardless of the challenging matchups.

Hunter Brown Projected for Two Starts to Open Second Half

AutoDraft Pro AI

Houston Astros right-hander Hunter Brown is slated for two starts during the week of July 21, first against the Diamondbacks on the road, followed by a home game against the Athletics. Despite finishing the first half with two challenging outings, he had an overall brilliant first half, and time off is expected to help him regain form. Brown remains a fantasy ace and is recommended as a must-start in all leagues.

Orioles' Ryan O'Hearn favored to hit a home run on Friday against Rays

AutoDraft Pro AI

Baltimore Orioles slugger Ryan O'Hearn is favored to hit a home run (+450 odds) in Friday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Fresh off his first All-Star Game appearance, O'Hearn benefits from the short right-field porch and hot, humid hitter's weather. He faces Rays pitcher Taj Bradley, who has struggled at home with a 5.55 ERA and has surrendered eight home runs in nine home starts this season. O'Hearn also has a strong career history against Bradley, going 5 for 12 with two doubles and a home run.