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MLB News

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

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Aaron Judge Leads American League MVP Race Amidst Historic Offensive Season

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New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge is currently the leading candidate for the American League MVP award, a title he has secured twice in the past three seasons. Judge is in the midst of his most impressive offensive season to date, maintaining a pace that could see him achieve an extraordinary 12.3 WAR, a mark not reached since Barry Bonds in 2002, or dating back to Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in 1927. While Judge holds a strong lead, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has emerged as a significant contender who could challenge for the award if his exceptional performance continues.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto Credits Pivotal 2024 Postseason Performance for 2025 Success

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto's impressive 2025 season, which includes an All-Star selection and his status as the team's most dependable arm, is largely attributed to his transformative performance in Game 5 of the 2024 NLDS. Despite admitting to being 'terrified' before that critical start and having faced significant rookie struggles, including shoulder problems and a poor Game 1 outing, Yamamoto delivered five masterful scoreless innings in the decisive game, which not only secured a Dodgers victory but also instilled profound confidence. This pivotal moment propelled him to a World Series championship and set the foundation for his current success, as he now leads the Dodgers in wins (8), starts (19), and innings pitched (104⅓), continually refining his game and adapting to MLB demands, even expressing readiness to pitch on four days' rest.

David Peterson to Close Mets' Opening Series Post-All-Star Break

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David Peterson is slated to start Sunday's series finale for the Mets against the Reds, following a strong finish to the first half of the season. The veteran southpaw had a positive stretch before the All-Star break, including seven innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts against the Orioles on July 10, and 6.2 one-run innings against the Brewers a week prior. Peterson aims to continue his solid performance into the second half, completing the Mets' initial rotation sequence.

Clay Holmes Slotted for Saturday Start in Mets' Post-All-Star Break Rotation Amidst Workload Management

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Clay Holmes is scheduled to pitch the middle game of the Mets' series against the Reds as they return from the All-Star break. The Mets are looking for the reliever-turned-starter to regain his sharpness, as he has logged a 5.28 ERA over his three July outings and has not completed six innings in a start since June 7. Holmes' workload has been carefully managed, with manager Carlos Mendoza hinting at a potential limit of around 90 pitches per start, a strategy designed to balance his significant innings jump in his first year back in the rotation with long-term health, although this could limit his fantasy value.

Sean Manaea to Lead Mets' Rotation Out of All-Star Break

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Sean Manaea is set to kick off the New York Mets' rotation as they begin the second half of the season against the Reds. Manaea recently made his 2025 debut as a bulk reliever last Sunday, where he pitched 3.1 innings, allowed five hits, and struck out seven batters across 65 pitches, showing promising signs despite allowing the game-winning run in the ninth inning. He will be the first left-hander to take the mound for the Mets in the upcoming series, a role they initially envisioned for him on Opening Day.

Andrés Muñoz Reflects on Journey to Becoming a Multi-Time MLB All-Star and Mexican Baseball Icon

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Andrés Muñoz, recently named to his second All-Star Game, shared his challenging path to the big leagues, including an ultimatum at 14 to choose between school and baseball, which led him to leave home for Monterrey. He credits the Mexico City Diablos Rojos academy for instilling discipline, and highlighted the unwavering support and personal scouting reports from his family, including his two brothers, wife Wendy, and late grandfather Damaso Apodaca, who first taught him pitching at age 11 and saw him debut before his passing. Muñoz, one of four Mexican players on the 2025 All-Star rosters, appeared in Tuesday's All-Star contest, retiring two batters and freezing Kyle Stowers with a 99-mph fastball, becoming only the fourth Mexican-born pitcher elected to multiple ASGs alongside legends like Fernando Valenzuela, Esteban Loaiza, and Joakim Soria. He expressed deep pride in representing his country and a strong desire to play for Team Mexico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, having already discussed his interest with GM Rodrigo López.

Corey Seager's Elite Hitting Strategy Becomes Blueprint for AUSL Team Success

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Corey Seager's advanced hitting approach, emphasizing the precise alignment of 'angles' and 'windowing' to limit guessing and optimize body positions, has become a significant influence for the AUSL's top team. As detailed by former Rangers bench coach and offensive coordinator Donnie Ecker, Seager masterfully matches his body and swing angles to the incoming pitch, a method the Talons are now adopting to improve their offensive strategy. This approach shifts focus from anticipating pitch types to identifying specific strike zone 'windows' that account for location, depth, and pitch speed, ultimately contributing to the team's improved performance, particularly in high-pressure situations with runners on base.

Freddie Freeman's Vulnerable Journey Featured in New MLB Network Documentary 'Driven'

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Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman is the subject of a new 90-minute MLB Network Presents documentary titled "Driven: The Freddie Freeman Story," which aired on Thursday. The film delves into Freeman's deeply personal journey, highlighting his vulnerability as it covers significant life events such as the loss of his mother at a young age, his son Max's battle with Guillain-Barré syndrome, and his 2024 World Series Most Valuable Player performance. The documentary features emotional archival footage, including a moment that brought Freeman to tears upon hearing his late mother's voice, and includes insights from current and former teammates like Jason Heyward, Dansby Swanson, Mookie Betts, and Justin Turner, as well as managers Brian Snitker and Dave Roberts. His father, Fred Freeman, provided a 'gold mine' of archival material and shared raw reflections on his son's career and personal challenges, offering viewers a comprehensive and intimate perspective on Freeman beyond his on-field achievements.

Ketel Marte's Arizona Home Burglarized During MLB All-Star Game Appearance

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Ketel Marte, the Arizona Diamondbacks' second baseman, had his Arizona home burglarized during the MLB All-Star Break, prompting an investigation by Scottsdale Police into the 'high-dollar residential burglary.' The incident is believed to have occurred Tuesday night while Marte was in Atlanta with his family, representing the National League in the All-Star Game. Police reported no signs of forced entry, with numerous personal items, including jewelry, stolen. Despite the unsettling event, Marte started for the NL in the All-Star Game, where he notably hit a two-run double in the first inning during the NL's victory.

Jake Burger Lands on Injured List Again with Left Quad Strain

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Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger has been placed on the 10-day injured list for a left quad strain, marking his second stint on the IL this season. The move, made Wednesday and retroactive to Sunday, follows a pinch-hitting appearance where he exited a game due to the strain. Burger, who previously missed 10 games from June 21 to July 2 with a left oblique strain, is currently hitting .228 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs across 75 games in his debut season with the Rangers, after being acquired from Miami. Since returning from his first injury, he had shown improved performance, batting .250 with eight homers and 23 RBIs in 45 games.

Mets Evaluating Trade for Royals Starting Pitcher Seth Lugo

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The New York Mets are reportedly evaluating a potential trade for Kansas City Royals right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo to address their starting rotation needs. Lugo has proven highly effective since transitioning to a full-time starting role after the 2022 season, achieving a 3.11 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 454.0 innings across 76 starts for the Padres and Royals since 2023, including a second-place finish in American League Cy Young voting last season. This season, he maintains a 2.67 ERA and 1.07 WHIP through 101.0 innings over 17 starts, demonstrating his reliability for providing high-volume innings, and despite advanced stats suggesting potential regression, he has a history of outperforming these metrics; with Lugo likely entering free agency after the season, the cost to acquire him might be manageable, making him an appealing option for the Mets, whom he previously pitched for as a reliever.

Charlie Morton Emerges as Key Trade Deadline Target for Red Sox

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Veteran right-handed pitcher Charlie Morton has emerged as a significant MLB trade deadline target for the Boston Red Sox, who are actively seeking to fortify their starting rotation depth. Morton, 41, has showcased strong performance since early June, recording a 4-0 record with an impressive ERA under 3.00 across seven starts and striking out 43 batters over 36.1 innings. His extensive postseason experience, including two World Series titles with the Houston Astros in 2017 and the Atlanta Braves in 2021, makes him a valuable potential addition for the Red Sox as a likely rental player looking to enhance their late-season and playoff aspirations, despite not being a major upgrade.

Jacob deGrom's Second-Half Workload Under Close Scrutiny Amidst Rangers' Playoff Hopes

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Jacob deGrom's innings count is emerging as a significant narrative for the second half of the season, with the Texas Rangers carefully managing his workload as he returns from injury. Despite deGrom's stated goal to pitch as much as possible, the team has not outlined an official innings limit, although he has rarely surpassed the 100-pitch mark and his average fastball velocity of 97 mph remains conservative compared to previous seasons. There's a strong likelihood deGrom, who has already pitched 112 1/3 innings, could be shut down late in the season if the Rangers, currently below .500 and outside the Wild Card picture, fall out of contention, as the team balances his long-term health and substantial contract with their playoff aspirations. While an innings cap might be implemented, deGrom's impressive performance this season still positions him as a valuable fantasy asset, even if he's not available for the entire home stretch.

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Ketel Marte's Home Burglarized During MLB All-Star Break

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Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte's home was burglarized on Tuesday night while he was playing in the National League All-Star game in Atlanta. Police are investigating the "high-dollar residential burglary" in Scottsdale, Arizona, where numerous personal items and jewelry were stolen. No one was at home during the incident, which occurred on the same night Marte hit a two-run double in the NL's All-Star win.

Jake Burger Placed on 10-Day IL with Left Quad Strain, Marking Second Stint This Season

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Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left quad strain, retroactive to Sunday, making this his second injured list stint this season. He previously missed 10 games from June 21 to July 2 with a left oblique strain. In his first season with Texas after being acquired from Miami, Burger is hitting .228 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs over 75 games. After a brief demotion to Triple-A Round Rock, he has shown improvement, hitting .250 with eight homers and 23 RBIs in his last 45 games.

Freddie Freeman's Journey Highlighted in New Documentary and All-Star Game Reflections

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MLB Network is set to debut 'Driven: The Freddie Freeman Story,' a 90-minute documentary premiering Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. The film chronicles the Los Angeles Dodgers star's remarkable journey, including overcoming personal hardship, achieving two World Series championships, and being named World Series MVP, while exploring his deep connection with fans and teammates. Interviews with his father, Dodgers management, Mookie Betts, and former Braves teammates provide unique perspectives. Meanwhile, at the All-Star Game, Freeman reportedly found a sense of peace and healing, reflecting on his four prosperous years with the Dodgers and achieving a sense of resolution concerning his past with the Atlanta Braves.

Texas Rangers Reward Nathan Eovaldi with $100K All-Star Bonus Despite Snub, Highlighting Dominant First Half Performance

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Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi received a $100,000 All-Star appearance bonus, as stipulated in his contract, despite not being selected for the American League All-Star team. This recognition comes after a dominant first half where Eovaldi, a two-time All-Star, posted a 7-3 record with an impressive 1.58 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and a .194 opponent batting average over 91 innings. Although a triceps injury in late May sidelined him for a month, preventing him from qualifying for statistical leadership, he leads the majors in ERA and ranks second among MLB starters in WHIP and strikeout-to-walk ratio. Eovaldi, who re-signed with the Rangers on a three-year, $75 million deal, has allowed zero or one run in 11 of his 16 starts and is scheduled to return to the mound on Sunday. His contract also includes significant performance-based incentives for awards like the AL Cy Young, World Series MVP, and Gold Glove.

Cal Raleigh Successfully Uses Robot Umpire Challenge in All-Star Game Debut

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Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh successfully initiated the first Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system challenge in the All-Star game, overturning a call to secure a strikeout for Tarik Skubal. Four out of five challenges were successful in the game, highlighting the potential impact of the ABS system, which could be introduced to the regular season as early as next year. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred supports the challenge system for its ability to correct calls efficiently, while discussions continue regarding its implementation and precise strike zone definition.

Debate Continues on Shohei Ohtani's NL MVP Candidacy Despite Dominant Odds

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Despite overwhelming odds and popular belief, an argument is being made that Shohei Ohtani may not be the most valuable player in the National League so far this season. While Ohtani leads the league in several offensive categories as a designated hitter, his pitching contributions have been limited to only nine innings. WAR metrics from FanGraphs and Baseball Reference suggest other players, like Pete Crow-Armstrong, have demonstrated greater overall value when considering defensive and baserunning contributions.

Zack Wheeler Positioned as Key Cy Young Storyline for MLB's Second Half

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Zack Wheeler has emerged as a significant storyline to watch as MLB's second half commences, specifically regarding his candidacy for the Cy Young award. His performance is highlighted among the key subplots expected to define the latter part of the season.