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

Thursday, May 21

Tarik Skubal Completes 35-Pitch Bullpen; Could Return to Tigers Next Week

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Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is nearing a return after successfully completing his third bullpen session, a 35-pitch outing described by manager A.J. Hinch as a "great step." Recovering from elbow surgery performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache to address "loose bodies," Skubal is trending positively and could rejoin the rotation as early as next week. While an official date isn't set, his progress marks a significant milestone in an "unprecedented" rehabilitation process.

Trent Grisham Cleared of Structural Knee Damage

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New York Yankees center fielder Trent Grisham received positive news Thursday as imaging on his left knee returned negative for structural damage. The team had been preparing for a potential injured list stint after he exited Wednesday's game in the fifth inning. While the Yankees were bracing to play without him during their current four-game series, the clean results provide a significant update on his status and suggest he may avoid a long-term absence.

Sandy Alcantara Set for High-Profile Duel Against Spencer Strider

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Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara is slated to face Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider in a marquee pitching matchup. The game is being framed as a battle between two dominant 2022-era starters. Alcantara's performance is viewed as pivotal for the Marlins as he stands in the way of the Braves' attempt to secure a series victory. The matchup remains a focal point for analysts and fans alike as both pitchers look to assert their dominance on the mound.

Spencer Strider Faces Sandy Alcantara in Key Pitching Duel

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Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider is a focal point for May 21, highlighted by analysts as a key player for prop bets due to his performance metrics. Strider is set to face off against Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara in a high-profile pitching duel between two dominant 2022-era starters. His performance in this series remains a critical narrative for the Braves as they look to secure a series victory against the Marlins.

Pete Crow-Armstrong Reflects on Defensive Struggles and Fan Altercation

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Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is under scrutiny following a difficult week that included back-to-back defensive errors, which he described as 'genuinely laughable.' His struggles coincide with a tumultuous period for the team, highlighted by a 5-0 shutout loss to the Brewers. Additionally, the former Mets prospect has faced questions regarding a recent controversial interaction with a fan, with some analysts debating whether the disciplinary response was sufficient.

Cole Young Highlighted as Fantasy Power Surge Candidate

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Seattle Mariners prospect Cole Young is being tracked as a hitter who could experience a significant power surge. Fantasy baseball analysis suggests that Young is among a group of players currently being evaluated for home run regression. Observers are looking for signs that his offensive production may trend upward, making him a player of interest for those monitoring performance shifts and potential breakout candidates.

Austin Riley Identified as Candidate for Power Surge

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Atlanta Braves hitter Austin Riley has been identified as a player poised for potential home run regression. In an analysis of fantasy baseball hitters, experts are monitoring Riley's performance to see if he is due for a power surge. The assessment focuses on statistical trends to determine which players are likely to see their home run production increase or decrease in the coming stretch of the season.

Robby Snelling to Undergo Season-Ending Tommy John Surgery

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Miami Marlins pitcher Robby Snelling is set to undergo Tommy John surgery to repair a torn left elbow UCL. The injury, which occurred following his major league debut, will sideline the prospect for an extended recovery period, effectively ending his current season. The procedure is a significant blow to the Marlins' pitching depth, with further analysis on the long-term impact of the injury and the team's roster outlook available via RotoWire.

Hunter Pence Criticizes Giants' Usage of Bryce Eldridge

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Former San Francisco Giants star Hunter Pence has publicly expressed disagreement with the organization's handling of top prospect Bryce Eldridge during the 2026 MLB season. Pence specifically highlighted concerns regarding the lack of playing time afforded to Eldridge, sparking discussion about the team's development strategy for the young player.

Paul Goldschmidt Delivering Strong Production for Yankees

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Veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt is providing excellent production for the New York Yankees. His performance continues to be a highlight for the team as they evaluate their roster contributions during the current stretch of the season.

Ha-Seong Kim Returns to Lineup for Series Finale

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Ha-Seong Kim has returned to the Atlanta Braves' lineup for the series finale against the Miami Marlins. His return provides a boost to the team's active roster as they look to close out the series.

Chadwick Tromp Receives First Start of the Season

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Chadwick Tromp has been tapped to catch in the series finale against the Miami Marlins, marking his first start of the 2026 season for the Atlanta Braves. His inclusion in the lineup comes as the team manages their catching depth amid various roster adjustments.

Braxton Ashcraft Leads Pirates to 6-2 Victory Over Cardinals

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Braxton Ashcraft delivered a strong performance on the mound, helping the Pittsburgh Pirates secure a 6-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Ashcraft's outing was instrumental in the win, as the Cardinals suffered another late-game collapse in the sixth inning, failing to capitalize on their own pitching efforts.

Casey Mize Suffers Loss in Tigers' Sweep Against Guardians

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RHP Casey Mize (2-2, 2.43 ERA) took the mound for the Detroit Tigers in their matchup against the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park. Despite a strong effort from Mize, the Tigers were unable to avoid a series sweep, falling 3-1 to the Guardians. The game, which had a 1:10 p.m. start, highlighted Mize's role in the rotation as the Tigers (20-30) continue to navigate a challenging stretch of the season.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Highlighted in Daily MLB Betting Analysis

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Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a focal point in daily MLB betting analysis for May 21. Analysts are evaluating his offensive outlook, particularly in his matchup against Carlos Rodon in tonight's game against the Yankees. Guerrero is considered a top player to watch for props and home run picks, appearing alongside other stars like Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna Jr. in the daily slate of MLB betting predictions.

Maverick Handley Claimed and Optioned to Gwinnett

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The Atlanta Braves have claimed catcher Maverick Handley off waivers and subsequently optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett. The move comes as the Braves address depth concerns at the catching position due to the concurrent injuries of Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin.

Drake Baldwin Continues Recovery on Injured List

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Reigning NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin remains on the injured list for the Atlanta Braves. His absence, alongside fellow catcher Sean Murphy, has forced the team to make various roster adjustments, including the recent addition of Maverick Handley to the organization.

Hurston Waldrep Moved to 60-Day Injured List

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The Atlanta Braves have moved pitcher Hurston Waldrep to the 60-day injured list. This roster move coincides with other adjustments, including the claiming of Maverick Handley, as the team manages significant injuries to key players like Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin.

Sean Murphy Remains on Injured List Amid Roster Shifts

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Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy remains on the injured list, contributing to a challenging period for the team's catching depth. The Braves have been forced to navigate the absence of both Murphy and reigning NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin simultaneously, impacting their roster flexibility as they make recent moves like claiming Maverick Handley.

Evaluating Kristian Campbell's Path to Boston

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The Red Sox are currently evaluating the development of former top prospect Kristian Campbell. Discussions are ongoing regarding his potential path to securing playing time at the major league level in Boston.