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

Wednesday, August 26

Willson Contreras Receives Scheduled Day Off

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Willson Contreras was absent from the Boston Red Sox's starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins in Miami. The catcher was held out for a scheduled day off following the team's series-clinching win on Tuesday. The Red Sox ultimately dropped the series finale 4-0 to the Marlins. Contreras remains a key part of the roster as the team prepares for a critical upcoming series in New York.

Bo Bichette Exits Game With Left Foot Contusion

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Mets third baseman Bo Bichette exited Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers in the top of the fifth inning due to a left foot contusion. The team confirmed the injury after he was removed from the contest. Bichette's status is currently being evaluated following the incident. Further updates regarding his availability for upcoming games are expected as the team assesses the severity of the bruise.

Michael Fulmer Signs Major League Deal With Yankees

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The Yankees have signed veteran Michael Fulmer to a major league contract to bolster their pitching depth. The move was finalized on Wednesday following the placement of Fernando Cruz on the 15-day injured list. Fulmer has been immediately called up to the majors, with the team hoping he can provide a more permanent solution to their bullpen challenges as they navigate recent injury concerns and roster depth issues.

Tyler O'Neill Placed on 10-Day IL with Shoulder Inflammation

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The Orioles have placed right fielder Tyler O'Neill on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. The injury occurred while O'Neill was making a diving catch against the Rays this past Saturday. Initially expecting the move, O'Neill is now officially sidelined, marking a significant setback for the Baltimore roster as they navigate the final portion of the 2026 season.

A.J. Ewing Line Drive Forces Dustin May Early Exit

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A.J. Ewing hit a line drive in the first inning of Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers that struck pitcher Dustin May in the upper back. The impact forced May to exit the game after just one pitch. The incident occurred during a matchup in Queens where the Brewers were looking to bounce back.

Juan Soto Progresses with Live Batting Practice

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New York Mets star Juan Soto took live batting practice at Citi Field on Wednesday as he continues his recovery from a calf injury. In addition to the batting session, Soto also played catch and ran the bases. According to Chelsea Janes of SNY.tv, the session marks a significant step forward in his progression toward returning to the active lineup.

Tarik Skubal Set for Emotional Return to Comerica Park

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Tarik Skubal is scheduled to start for the Los Angeles Dodgers this Friday against his former team, the Detroit Tigers, at Comerica Park. This appearance marks his first return to the venue since being traded to Los Angeles ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline. The start is a key component of the Dodgers' ongoing efforts to finalize their rotation plans for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Bryce Harper Continues Elite Performance for Phillies

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Bryce Harper is performing at an elite level as the Philadelphia Phillies navigate the final stretch of the regular season. His recent play has been a key component of the team's ongoing hot streak, with analysts noting his significant contributions to the lineup's overall success.

Zack Wheeler Remains Focal Point for Phillies Rotation

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Zack Wheeler remains a central figure for the Philadelphia Phillies as they enter the final seven games of the regular season. While recent reports indicate that something may not be right with the pitcher, no specific injury or performance news has been confirmed. The team continues to monitor his status closely as they navigate their current hot streak and prepare for the postseason.

Bryce Miller Available for Bullpen Relief

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Bryce Miller was available out of the bullpen for the Mariners on Wednesday. His availability was intended to provide coverage for starter Bryan Woo, who was returning from an injury and needed support to help manage a short bullpen.

Bryan Woo Struggles in Loss to Phillies

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Bryan Woo (9-9) took the loss on Wednesday against the Phillies, allowing six runs on five hits and a walk over four innings while striking out five. Despite being a target for strikeout wagers, Woo struggled to contain the Philadelphia offense. Bryce Miller was available out of the bullpen to provide coverage for Woo, who was returning from a previous injury, but the Mariners ultimately fell in the contest.

Braves Claim Ricky Vanasco Off Waivers

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The Atlanta Braves have claimed right-handed pitcher Ricky Vanasco off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. Following the claim, the Braves have optioned him to Gwinnett. Atlanta is taking a flier on the reliever, who has demonstrated success at the Triple-A level throughout the 2026 season.

Casey Mize Cleared to Start Friday Against Rays

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Casey Mize (ankle) is set to start Friday against the Rays after feeling good during a bullpen session on Wednesday, according to manager Craig Stammen. Mize's return to the mound is a positive development for the Padres' rotation.

Craig Stammen Confirms Casey Mize Start for Friday

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Padres manager Craig Stammen announced Wednesday that Casey Mize felt good following a bullpen session. Consequently, Mize is in line to start Friday's game against the Rays.

Kyle Bradish Takes Mound for Orioles Against Cardinals

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Kyle Bradish is set to start for the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night as they look to clinch the series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. CT.

Shohei Ohtani Eyes Potential Sunday Mound Return

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Shohei Ohtani is preparing for a potential return to the mound as early as Sunday against the Tigers. The Dodgers are considering using him as an opener, which would mark his first pitching appearance since July 3. Ohtani, a frontrunner for his fourth consecutive NL MVP award, will throw a bullpen session prior to the game to determine his availability. The team continues to evaluate its rotation options for the postseason.

Mason Miller Surrenders First Home Run in Over a Year

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Mason Miller's remarkable streak of not allowing a home run ended Tuesday night at Petco Park. Miller struggled in the ninth inning, surrendering a game-winning home run that contributed to a difficult loss for the Royals against the Pirates. The relief pitcher, who has been working through high-leverage situations, will look to bounce back in his next appearance.

Jackson Chourio Out of Lineup Wednesday vs. Mets

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Jackson Chourio is out of the starting lineup for the Milwaukee Brewers' game against the New York Mets on Wednesday.

AJ Smith-Shawver Starts Series Finale Against Dodgers

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AJ Smith-Shawver is set to take the mound for the Atlanta Braves in the series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He faces off against Roki Sasaki in a matchup that analysts project could be the highest-scoring game of the series. The Braves are looking to secure a series victory in this contest, with the pitching matchup expected to be a focal point for both teams.

Alek Thomas Adjusts to Life as a Dodger

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Alek Thomas was part of the Dodgers roster during Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves, a defeat that snapped the team's six-game winning streak. Thomas, who was traded to the franchise in May, made his debut over the weekend. His wife, Kailey McCaffrey, recently shared her surprise regarding the mid-season move on social media. The team struggled in the final frame of Tuesday's loss, unable to drive in the tying runner.