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MLB News

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

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Shohei Ohtani Delivers Dominant Pitching Performance and Records First Career Splash Hit for Dodgers

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Los Angeles superstar Shohei Ohtani showcased his elite two-way talent on Saturday, delivering two strong scoreless pitching outings for the Dodgers, totaling six innings across two appearances. In the team's crucial 2-1 win over the Giants, Ohtani pitched three innings, allowing only one hit and striking out four, with his fastball reaching 99.9 mph, marking his best pitching performance of the season. Earlier in the day, Ohtani blasted his 32nd home run, a 410-foot shot into McCovey Cove, his first career splash hit, further solidifying his lead in NL homers.

Ranger Suárez Declined All-Star Spot Amid Phillies' Criticism of Selection Process

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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ranger Suárez was reportedly offered an All-Star nod by MLB for the July 12, 2025 game, but declined, opting instead to rest, despite his impressive 1.94 ERA, 7-3 record, and 78 strikeouts in 83 2/3 innings. This decision comes as several Phillies players, including teammate Trea Turner, criticized MLB's All-Star selection process for including Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski over more experienced and statistically deserving pitchers like Suárez and Cristopher Sánchez. While Suárez chose rest, the controversy highlights a broader debate among the Phillies and in MLB about whether the All-Star Game should reward performance or promote rising stars and social media buzz.

Cristopher Sánchez's All-Star Snub Sparks Outrage Amid Phillies' Support and Bonus Activation

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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez, boasting an impressive 165 ERA+ through 18 starts, was controversially overlooked for a National League All-Star spot, sparking strong criticism from his teammates and agent. Despite MLB omitting his honor, the Phillies activated his All-Star bonus clause, which includes a significant $200,000 incentive, underscoring the club's recognition of his stellar performance. Teammates like Trea Turner vehemently called the selection process 'a joke,' arguing that Sánchez, who his agent confirmed is 'willing to pitch no matter what,' was more deserving than rookie Jacob Misiorowski, highlighting a broader debate about All-Star selections prioritizing popularity over on-field performance.

Aaron Judge Becomes MLB's Fastest to 350 Career Home Runs While Showcasing All-Around Play

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Aaron Judge launched his 350th career home run on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs, becoming the fastest player in MLB history to reach the milestone in 1,088 games. His 35th homer of the season was a two-run shot in the ninth inning, though it wasn't enough to prevent the Yankees' 5-2 loss. Judge also recorded two doubles in the game and showcased his defensive prowess on Friday night with three outstanding catches that saved three runs.

Brad Keller Gives Up Aaron Judge's Historic 350th Career Home Run

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Cubs pitcher Brad Keller was on the mound when Yankees slugger Aaron Judge hit his 350th career home run on Saturday. This milestone blast further solidified Judge's impressive Hall of Fame case.

Mets' Dedniel Núñez to Undergo Tommy John Surgery, Ending 2025 Season Early

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Mets reliever Dedniel Núñez is scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery next week. This procedure will unfortunately cut short his 2025 season, impacting the Mets' bullpen plans.

Trea Turner Outraged by Cristopher Sánchez's All-Star Snub, Criticizes Selection Process

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Phillies shortstop Trea Turner vehemently criticized the All-Star Game selection process on July 12, 2025, specifically expressing his dismay and calling it 'a joke' that teammate Cristopher Sánchez was overlooked in favor of rookie Jacob Misiorowski. Turner passionately defended Sánchez, stating, 'If he's not an All-Star then no one is,' highlighting Sánchez's strong performance (165 ERA+ in 18 starts). Turner also explicitly stated his belief that the All-Star Game has turned into a popularity contest driven by social media buzz and ticket sales, rather than a reward for the best players. While Ranger Suárez was offered a spot but declined due to rest needs, Sánchez's agent clarified he is 'willing to pitch no matter what,' indicating a potential misunderstanding regarding his availability and a financial incentive for an All-Star designation.

Royals Pitcher Michael Lorenzen Scratched from Saturday Start Due to Illness

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Kansas City Royals right-hander Michael Lorenzen was scratched from his scheduled Saturday start against the New York Mets due to an illness. Left-hander Angel Zerpa will replace the 33-year-old Lorenzen, who holds a 5-8 record with a 4.61 ERA through 18 starts this season.

Cristopher Sanchez Activates All-Star Bonus Despite MLB Omission

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The Philadelphia Phillies have activated an All-Star bonus clause for Cristopher Sanchez, despite MLB omitting him from the official All-Star honors. The club's decision ensures Sanchez is rewarded for his performance, reflecting his deserving of the recognition.

Reds' Jake Fraley Activated from IL, Will Play Through Partially Torn Labrum

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Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jake Fraley was activated from the 10-day injured list on Saturday, having injured his right shoulder on June 23. An MRI confirmed a partially torn labrum that will eventually require surgery, but Fraley received a cortisone shot and intends to play through the injury for the remainder of the season. The Reds went 7-4 in his absence.

Yankees LHP Max Fried Exits Saturday Start Early Due to Recurrent Blister Issue

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Yankees left-hander Max Fried exited his Saturday start against the Chicago Cubs after just three innings due to a blister on his left index finger. During his brief outing, Fried struggled, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits and three walks across three innings, throwing just 39 of 73 pitches for strikes, before the Yankees announced his removal. This marks another instance of Fried, a three-time All-Star, dealing with blister issues on his pitching hand, having previously been on the injured list for similar problems in 2018, '19, '21, and '23.

Red Sox Rookie Hunter Dobbins Suffers Season-Ending ACL Tear

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Red Sox rookie pitcher Hunter Dobbins' season has concluded prematurely after he suffered a season-ending ACL tear in his right knee during Friday's game. Dobbins, 25, landed awkwardly while covering first base, an unfortunate recurrence of a high school football injury, and was placed on the 15-day IL. He finishes his rookie campaign with a 4-1 record and a 4.13 ERA, having just returned from a right elbow injury.

Cody Bellinger Blasts Three Home Runs, Fuels Yankees' Win and All-Star Push

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New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger delivered a spectacular offensive showcase on Friday, hitting three two-run home runs against his former team, the Chicago Cubs, and tying his career high with six RBIs in an 11-0 shutout victory. This marked Bellinger's first career three-homer game and extended his impressive hitting streak to 16 games, becoming the third Yankees player this season to achieve such a feat. His significant contributions, which seamlessly complemented Carlos Rodon's dominant pitching and Aaron Judge's stellar defense, have prompted manager Aaron Boone to actively advocate for Bellinger to receive a late All-Star Game selection.

Matthew Boyd Delivers Strong Start Despite Controversial All-Star Roster Replacement

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Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd, in the midst of a career All-Star season with a 2.52 ERA and 152 ERA+, was controversially replaced on the National League All-Star roster by rookie Jacob Misiorowski on July 12, 2025, and will be unavailable to pitch in Tuesday's All-Star Game. Despite this snub, Boyd delivered a strong performance in his Saturday start against the Yankees, giving up only four hits in eight scoreless innings with six strikeouts and no walks. His impressive outing earned him his fourth straight win and fifth consecutive decision, improving his record to 10-3, showcasing his continued excellence despite the All-Star roster decision.

Braves' Austin Riley Placed on Injured List with Abdominal Strain

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Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right abdominal strain, an injury for which he exited Friday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth inning. The two-time All-Star, who has been a durable presence having played in all 93 games this season, is batting .274 with 14 home runs and 48 RBIs.

James Wood Continues Home Run Surge, Set for Home Run Derby

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Nationals outfielder James Wood hit his 24th home run of the season on Wednesday, continuing a powerful streak with eight homers over his last 29 games. The 22-year-old All-Star ranks eighth in the majors in homers and boasts a .931 OPS with 15 home runs against right-handed pitchers this season. Wood is also scheduled to participate in the Home Run Derby on Monday.

Pros and Cons: Mets Considering Trade for Red Sox Outfielder Jarren Duran

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The New York Mets are reportedly weighing the pros and cons of acquiring Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran in a potential trade. This analysis explores the various factors involved in whether the Mets should pursue a deal for Duran.

Kodai Senga Returns to Action for Mets

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Pitcher Kodai Senga made his return to action for the New York Mets. This development was highlighted as a key event that occurred on Friday, July 11th, according to news published on July 12, 2025.

Mookie Betts' Offensive Struggles at Shortstop Prompt Calls for Return to Right Field

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Mookie Betts' offensive production has significantly declined since his move to shortstop, according to recent feedback, sparking suggestions for his return to right field. His struggles to adapt to the more physically demanding position have evidently impacted his batting, leading to calls for him to revert to his former position, where he previously won multiple Gold Gloves, in hopes of regaining his offensive form and comfort in the field.

Friday, July 11, 2025

Mark Vientos Delivers Late-Inning Heroics for Mets Amidst Challenging Season

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Despite what has been a disappointing year thus far, Mets youngster Mark Vientos delivered a crucial late-inning hit that secured a significant win for his team on Friday. His clutch performance provided a moment of redemption and magic for the Mets.