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MLB News

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

Thursday, July 16

Justin Crawford Returns to Lineup Thursday

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Justin Crawford is set to return to the Phillies' lineup for Thursday's game against the Mets. Crawford, who had been sidelined with a knee injury, will start in center field and bat ninth. His return provides the Phillies with additional depth and speed in the outfield as they face their division rivals.

Chase Burns Signs Record $105M Extension with Reds

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The Cincinnati Reds have signed 23-year-old All-Star RHP Chase Burns to a seven-year, $105 million contract extension, the largest guarantee for a pitcher with fewer than four years of service time. Burns, who has posted an 11-1 record and 2.54 ERA this season, is set to return to the mound this Tuesday against the Mariners. Despite a brief stint sidelined by a groin issue, the team expects him to provide immediate stability to the rotation as he resumes his duties.

Tyler Locklear Poised for Promotion to Majors

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The Diamondbacks are set to recall Tyler Locklear from Triple-A Reno ahead of Friday's matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals. The promotion marks a significant opportunity for Locklear to contribute at the major league level.

Jung Hoo Lee Linked to Phillies in Trade Rumors

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Jung Hoo Lee has been identified as a potential trade target for the Philadelphia Phillies. While the Giants have several players drawing interest, Lee is being monitored as a possible acquisition for the Phillies as they look to strengthen their lineup.

Luis Arraez Named Among Top Trade Targets

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Luis Arraez has been highlighted by ESPN as a top trade target for the San Francisco Giants. His potential availability is drawing attention as teams evaluate their rosters for the stretch run of the season.

Robbie Ray Identified as Top Trade Target

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Robbie Ray has been named by ESPN as one of the San Francisco Giants' prime trade candidates. As the trade deadline approaches, his status remains a focal point for teams looking to bolster their pitching rotations.

Tyler Glasnow Resumes Mound Work After Back Injury

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Tyler Glasnow is making progress in his recovery from a back injury. He successfully threw a bullpen session this past weekend, marking a positive step in his rehabilitation process as he works toward returning to the Dodgers' pitching rotation.

Will Smith Recovery Timeline Remains Uncertain

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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated that while he expects Will Smith to return from his neck injury at some point this season, there is currently no specific timetable for his activation. The team continues to monitor his progress as he works toward full health.

Jacob deGrom Lined Up for Sunday Start

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Jacob deGrom is tentatively scheduled to return to the mound for the Texas Rangers this Sunday in Atlanta. The right-hander has been dealing with a glute issue, but his current progression suggests he is on track to rejoin the starting rotation.

Rockies Reevaluating Ezequiel Tovar's Role

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The Colorado Rockies can no longer consider the shortstop position settled. Ezequiel Tovar has struggled significantly, ranking last in fWAR and wRC+ among regular shortstops. Furthermore, his defensive performance, previously a cornerstone of his profile, has regressed to league average, prompting questions about his future as an everyday starter.

Paul Blackburn Solidifies Role as Yankees' Relief Ace

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Paul Blackburn has emerged as the New York Yankees' primary relief ace, delivering a career-best season as a multi-inning reliever. Over the past two months, his performance has become a vital component of the team's bullpen, marking a significant shift in his utility and impact on the pitching staff. The Yankees continue to rely on his high-level production as they look to bolster their pitching depth for the remainder of the season.

Jordan Walker Wins Home Run Derby and Makes History

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St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker continues to make history, recently winning the Home Run Derby. His individual contributions remain a focal point for the franchise as they navigate a flurry of roster moves following the All-Star break. Beyond his on-field production, Walker is focused on his role as a leader for the next wave of Black athletes in baseball, with the significance of representation remaining a central theme in his professional journey.

Anthony Volpe Faces Criticism Over Jeter Relationship

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New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe has faced recent criticism regarding his tenure with the team. Media personality Adam Schein publicly questioned Volpe's lack of a relationship with franchise legend Derek Jeter, adding to the scrutiny Volpe has occasionally received from the fanbase during his time in New York.

Giants Outright Eric Cerantola to Minor Leagues

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The San Francisco Giants have officially moved to outright Eric Cerantola. The transaction, reported on Thursday, July 16, 2026, marks a roster adjustment for the organization as they manage their depth following the mid-season break.

Roch Cholowsky Named White Sox Top Prospect

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Following the 2026 MLB Draft, No. 1 overall pick Roch Cholowsky has immediately ascended to the top of the Chicago White Sox prospect rankings. His selection is viewed as a significant organizational move, with analysts noting his immediate impact on the team's farm system hierarchy as the club looks toward its future development.

Freddie Freeman Expresses Desire to Remain a Dodger

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Freddie Freeman has expressed a clear desire to finish his professional baseball career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. As discussions regarding his future and potential contract extensions continue, the focus remains on his long-term commitment to the franchise and his role as a cornerstone of the Dodgers' lineup.

Brandon Marsh Primed for Phillies Second Half Push

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As the Philadelphia Phillies resume their season following the All-Star break, Brandon Marsh is a focal point for the team's second-half push. Beyond his team's return to play, Marsh is currently being highlighted in betting markets as a top home run prediction for tonight's series opener against the New York Mets, drawing more favor in prop projections than teammates Kyle Schwarber or Bryce Harper.

JJ Wetherholt Inks Extension With Cardinals

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JJ Wetherholt has officially inked an extension with the St. Louis Cardinals. The signing comes as part of a busy stretch for the organization, which has been making a series of minor league roster adjustments following the All-Star break. Wetherholt's new deal highlights the team's commitment to its prospects during a period where the club is actively shaping its future roster depth and opportunities.

Bryson Stott Included in Tonight's Prop Projections

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Bryson Stott is highlighted as a player of interest in the prop picks and betting odds for the Philadelphia Phillies' series opener against the New York Mets on July 16. Analysts are monitoring his potential impact on the game's outcome.

J.T. Realmuto Featured in Mets-Phillies Prop Picks

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J.T. Realmuto is listed among the key players to watch in tonight's series opener between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets. Analysts have identified Realmuto as a focal point for prop bets and performance predictions for the July 16 matchup.