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MLB News

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

Friday, July 18, 2025

Byron Buxton projected for strong offensive performance in Friday's game at Coors Field

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Byron Buxton is expected to achieve over 2.5 total bases (+100 odds) in Friday's game against lefty Kyle Freeland at Colorado's Coors Field. Buxton concluded the first half of the season with a remarkable .545/.583/1.045 slash line over his last six games, including 12 hits, three doubles, a triple, and two homers in 22 at-bats, and contributed an RBI double and the game-tying run in the All-Star Game. This season, he boasts a .321/.391/.696 line against left-handed pitching, while Freeland has a 6.69 ERA at home and allows right-handed hitters to bat .327/.364/.476 against him. Buxton previously hit a home run off Freeland in 2017.

Phillies' Jesús Luzardo projected for high strikeouts against Angels on Friday

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Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Jesús Luzardo is expected to exceed 6.5 strikeouts (-130 odds) in his Friday start against the Angels. Luzardo has recorded 122 strikeouts in 104.1 innings this season and has reached at least seven strikeouts in nine outings, including three of his last four. Facing the Angels, who have the highest strikeout rate in baseball against left-handers at 28.2%, and given their unfamiliarity with him this season, the matchup strongly favors a high strikeout performance from Luzardo.

Riley Greene projected for struggles against Patrick Corbin and Rangers bullpen on Friday

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Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene is projected to record under 1.5 hits + runs + RBIs (-115 odds) in Friday's game against the Texas Rangers. Greene went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts in the All-Star Game and has struggled previously against projected starter Patrick Corbin, going 0 for 8 with four strikeouts in his career, including a recent 0 for 2 outing. The Rangers also boast the second-best bullpen ERA in the American League, suggesting continued difficulty for Greene even after Corbin exits the game.

Giants' Rafael Devers expected to have strong offensive outing on Friday against Chris Bassitt

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San Francisco Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers is projected to achieve over 1.5 hits + runs + RBIs (-115 odds) in Friday's game against pitcher Chris Bassitt. Despite a slow start in San Francisco, Devers has an excellent career record against Bassitt, hitting .471 (8 for 17) with five extra-base hits (three singles, three homers, five RBIs). He also maintains a .321 batting average against Toronto as a whole this season.

Pirates' Oneil Cruz poised for breakout second half with strong home run potential

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Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz is identified as a potential second-half fantasy baseball breakout candidate, despite a .192/.296/.356 slash line and nearly 35% strikeout rate since May 1st. He has already accumulated 16 home runs and 29 stolen bases this season. Cruz displayed his immense power in the MLB Home Run Derby, launching a 513-foot home run and demonstrating the best exit velocity in baseball (96.3 mph) and a high barrel percentage. His underlying metrics, including a 21.4% barrel rate and a 104 Process+ score since May 12th, suggest he is due for improved performance, especially given he has hit 15 of his 16 home runs against right-handed pitchers and will face Jonathan Cannon, who has struggled against lefties. If he can raise his batting average closer to .240 while maintaining his current power and speed, he is expected to become a significant fantasy asset.

Mitch Keller Drawing Significant Trade Interest from Yankees, Mets, Cubs, and Other Contenders

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Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller is a prominent trade candidate ahead of the MLB deadline, attracting interest from teams like the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs. The 29-year-old is having a strong season with a 3.48 ERA and 123 ERA+, building on a track record of at least 29 starts in each of the past three seasons, ranking 11th in innings pitched among all arms since Opening Day 2022. Contenders are drawn to Keller's established performance, his perceived untapped upside due to his unique pitching mechanics (supinator) and diverse arsenal, and his team-friendly contract, which guarantees him $54.5 million through the 2028 season at an annual average value around $18 million, widely considered a significant bargain relative to his market value.

Pete Crow-Armstrong Emerges as MVP Candidate with Unprecedented Power-Speed Threat for Cubs

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Pete Crow-Armstrong, a 23-year-old All-Star for the Chicago Cubs, has impressively developed into a legitimate National League MVP candidate. Surpassing expectations for his power, he sits at 25 home runs and 27 stolen bases at the All-Star break, putting him on pace to achieve an unprecedented 40-40 season, a feat never before accomplished by a Cubs player. This newfound power, which has resulted in a .544 slugging percentage (a significant jump from his previous .384), is attributed to adjustments in his batting stance, including a more open front leg, a lower squat, and moving back a foot in the batter's box to enhance his ability to see the ball. While his elite speed was anticipated, his offensive explosion now places him fourth in the NL in home runs and seventh in slugging, leading the league in WAR. Despite his individual accolades, Crow-Armstrong maintains his primary focus is on helping the Cubs, who are currently in first place in the NL Central, win the World Series.

David Bednar Emerges as Key Trade Target for Mets After Strong Turnaround

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Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar, a two-time All-Star, has significantly turned around his season, posting no earned runs in his last 18 appearances after a difficult start that saw him demoted to Triple-A and an ERA as high as 5.52. The right-hander, who was named National League Reliever of the Month for June with a 2.53 ERA and 12.7 K/9 this season, is now considered a prime trade target for teams like the New York Mets looking to fortify their bullpen. Bednar, who can operate as a setup man or closer, remains under club control through 2026 and could offer a significant boost, despite some past volatility in his performance.

Zac Gallen Emerges as Potential Yankees Trade Target Amid Inconsistent Performance

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Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen, who is in the final year of his contract, is being considered by the New York Yankees as a potential trade deadline acquisition to bolster their injury-riddled rotation. While Gallen has a track record as a big-game pitcher, receiving Cy Young votes in three seasons and excelling in the 2023 World Series, his current 2025 season has seen him struggle with a 5.40 ERA, career-worst control issues including 45 walks in 20 starts, and concerning advanced metrics. The Yankees are weighing the risk of acquiring him as a rental, with his high strikeout potential making him tempting only if the acquisition cost is favorable.

Zebby Matthews Identified as Promising Second-Half Pitching Option

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Minnesota Twins pitcher Zebby Matthews is highlighted as a strong candidate for a significant second-half performance, with potential to finish among the top 25 starting pitchers. Despite a 5.21 ERA through 19 big league innings since May 15th, his underlying metrics are more favorable, showcasing a 12.1% swinging-strike rate and a 20.5% strikeout-minus-walk rate, which contribute to a 3.39 SIERA. Matthews recently demonstrated an 'electric' performance in his Triple-A rehab start, reinforcing optimism for his remainder of the season.

Latest Intel on Kyle Tucker's Free Agency Outlook

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During MLB All-Star Week, the latest buzz regarding Kyle Tucker's upcoming free agency suggests a quiet period. His current team, the Chicago Cubs, is expected to extend an offer, though it's anticipated to be less than a maximum-dollar deal. Tucker is reportedly poised to entertain offers from other major free-agent contenders, excluding the Mets, as he navigates the decision between re-signing with the Cubs, where he feels comfortable and is favored by fans, or pursuing a potentially larger 'megadeal' on one of the coasts.

José Ruiz Acquired by Texas Rangers from Atlanta Braves in Exchange for Dane Dunning

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Right-handed pitcher José Ruiz, 30, has been acquired by the Texas Rangers from the Atlanta Braves, along with cash considerations, in a trade for fellow right-hander Dane Dunning. Ruiz will report to Triple-A Round Rock. He has split the current season between the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves, including their Triple-A affiliates, making 16 relief appearances for Philadelphia before being designated for assignment and later claimed by the Braves. Across 18 combined games this season, he holds a 1-0 record with an 8.82 ERA and 15 strikeouts over 16 1/3 innings. A Venezuelan native, Ruiz has a career 11-9 record, one save, and a 4.62 ERA in 282 games over nine seasons with the San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves.

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Shohei Ohtani Announces Children's Book 'Decoy Saves Opening Day' and Remains NL MVP Frontrunner

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Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani announced the upcoming release of his children's book, "Decoy Saves Opening Day," co-authored with Michael Blank and illustrated by Fanny Liem, set to hit shelves on February 3. The book centers around his beloved dog Decoy, who became a viral sensation after Ohtani's 2023 American League MVP announcement, and Ohtani plans to donate the proceeds to animal rescue organizations. Beyond his literary endeavors, Ohtani continues to lead the National League MVP race, maintaining a .276 batting average with 32 home runs and 60 RBIs before the All-Star break, while also demonstrating his two-way prowess by allowing just one run across nine innings in five pitching outings since returning from elbow surgery.

Rangers Acquire Reliever José Ruiz in Trade with Braves

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Right-handed reliever José Ruiz was traded to the Texas Rangers from the Atlanta Braves, completing a deal that sent swingman Dane Dunning and cash to Atlanta. Ruiz, who began the 2025 season with the Phillies before being claimed off waivers by the Braves, pitched in two games for Atlanta this season. He is expected to report to Triple-A for the Rangers.

Dane Dunning Traded to Atlanta Braves in Exchange for José Ruiz

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Right-handed swingman Dane Dunning has been traded from the Texas Rangers to the Atlanta Braves, with the Rangers receiving righty reliever José Ruiz and cash in return. Dunning, 30, posted a 3.38 ERA over 10⅔ innings in five bullpen appearances for Texas this season, following a 2024 campaign where he had a 5.31 ERA. With the Braves facing significant injuries to their rotation, Dunning could potentially serve as a rotation option, adding to his career record of 26-32 with a 4.36 ERA over 122 games for Texas since being acquired in December 2020.

Rowdy Tellez Expected to Join Texas Rangers' Active Roster

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Veteran first baseman Rowdy Tellez is anticipated to be added to the Texas Rangers' active roster following a workout with the team on Thursday, ahead of their first game after the All-Star break. Tellez, 30, signed a minor league deal with the Rangers on July 5th, a week after being released by the Seattle Mariners, where he hit .208 with 11 home runs and 27 RBIs in 62 games. His expected addition will fill an open roster spot for Texas, especially as first baseman Jake Burger was recently placed on the injured list with a left quad strain; Tellez brings a career .232 average with 116 homers and 346 RBIs from his time with four different MLB teams.

Veteran Pitcher Kyle Gibson Announces Retirement After 13-Year MLB Career

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Longtime right-handed pitcher Kyle Gibson, 37, officially announced his retirement from MLB on Thursday via the 'Serving It Up' podcast, two months after his release by the Baltimore Orioles. Gibson's distinguished 13-season career saw him log over 147 innings in ten straight seasons (excluding 2020) and accumulate 328 starts, ranking him seventh in total innings and second in starts behind Max Scherzer among all MLB pitchers since 2013. He played for five different teams, including the Minnesota Twins (2013-19), Texas Rangers (2020-21), Philadelphia Phillies (2021-22), Baltimore Orioles (2023, 2025), and St. Louis Cardinals (2024), earning his sole All-Star selection in 2021 with the Rangers and achieving a career-high 15 wins with the Orioles in 2023. Despite a challenging start to the 2025 season with the Orioles (0-3, 16.78 ERA in four starts), he concludes his career with a 112-111 record and a 4.60 ERA over 1,878 innings, having earned over $70 million.

Paul Skenes Solidifies Position as Leading NL Cy Young Contender

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Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes is a leading candidate for the National League Cy Young award, currently positioning him second in the race behind Zack Wheeler. Skenes boasts superior ERA and home run rate compared to Wheeler, showcasing his dominant pitching arsenal. Despite a low win total of four due to his team's offensive struggles, awards voters are not expected to penalize him, recognizing his individual performance and anticipating he will have ample future opportunities to claim the Cy Young title.

Tarik Skubal Leads AL Cy Young Race and Garners MVP Consideration

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal is currently the top candidate for the American League Cy Young award, earning the distinction of being described as 'the best pitcher on planet Earth.' He impressively leads qualified starters in both walk rate and strikeout rate while maintaining an identical 2.23 ERA with fellow contender Garrett Crochet, demonstrating superior control. Skubal is also uniquely positioned as a dark horse for the AL MVP, a rare feat for a non-Ohtani pitcher to finish top-three in MVP voting since Clayton Kershaw in 2014, making him a compelling dual threat for major awards consideration.

Cal Raleigh Emerges as Strong AL MVP Contender Following Home Run Derby Win

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Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has solidified his position as a significant contender for the American League MVP award, currently ranking second in the race. His ascent follows an emphatic Home Run Derby victory during All-Star week, which brought significant attention to his capabilities. Raleigh entered the All-Star break with an impressive 38 home runs, delivering a historic offensive season for a catcher, complemented by his borderline elite defense behind the plate, positioning him as a strong challenger to current frontrunner Aaron Judge.