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MLB News

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

Monday, May 18

Tarik Skubal Resumes Bullpen Work After NanoNeedle Procedure

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Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is recovering rapidly after undergoing a 'NanoNeedle' procedure to remove a loose body from his elbow. Less than two weeks post-surgery, the two-time AL Cy Young winner is symptom-free and has resumed throwing bullpen sessions. While there is no official return date, reports suggest a potential June comeback. His successful recovery has set a precedent for the procedure, which is now being utilized by other pitchers across the league.

Brusdar Graterol Faces Discouraging Injury News Amid Dodgers Pitching Woes

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Dodgers pitcher Brusdar Graterol is among the latest casualties in a wave of discouraging pitching injury news for the organization. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the setback on Monday, categorizing the ongoing health issues among the staff as a 'domino effect.' Specific details regarding the nature of Graterol's injury and his expected recovery timeline have not yet been fully disclosed by the team.

Cole Ragans Remains on IL; Bullpen Session Scheduled

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Cole Ragans remains on the injured list as the Royals navigate rotation challenges. Despite his status, Ragans is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. The team's pitching depth is currently being tested following the placement of Kris Bubic on the 15-day injured list with left-elbow soreness, which forced the club to call up Eli Morgan to fill the roster vacancy.

Trevor Rogers Struggles in Orioles' 16-6 Loss to Rays

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Trevor Rogers and the Baltimore Orioles suffered a lopsided 16-6 defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays. The performance was characterized as an overwhelmingly difficult outing for the team.

Pete Crow-Armstrong Apologizes for Heated Fan Exchange

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Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong issued a formal apology on Monday following a series of tense verbal exchanges with fans during a weekend series against the White Sox. The rookie outfielder expressed regret over his choice of words during a heated moment caught on camera during Sunday's loss. Crow-Armstrong has addressed the situation as the team prepares for their next series.

Zac Gallen Set for Matchup Against Robbie Ray

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Zac Gallen is scheduled to face off against Robbie Ray in an upcoming series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Francisco Giants.

Eric Lauer Expected to Join Dodgers Starting Rotation

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Eric Lauer is moving into a more prominent role with the Los Angeles Dodgers, as he is now expected to start games for the club. Lauer, who was recently noted in team updates alongside teammates Roki Sasaki and Ross Stripling, is being integrated into the Dodgers' pitching plans as they manage their roster depth.

Shohei Ohtani to Pitch and Hit Wednesday vs. Padres

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Shohei Ohtani has returned to top form for the Dodgers following a productive Week 8, which included a series split against the Giants and a sweep of the Angels. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Ohtani is slated to both start on the mound and hit in Wednesday's high-stakes game against the Padres. Ohtani remains a central focus for the Dodgers' lineup and has drawn significant attention from analysts regarding his recent performance milestones.

Gerrit Cole Nearing Season Debut Against Rays

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Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is nearing his return to the mound following Tommy John surgery, with a potential season debut as early as this weekend against the Rays. Management is currently weighing whether to skip his final rehab start—during which he recently touched 99.7 mph—to insert him directly into the rotation. His return is a pivotal development for a Yankees staff currently lacking a starter for Friday's matchup.

Luis Castillo Slated for Bulk Reliever Role Tuesday

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Luis Castillo is expected to serve as the primary bulk reliever for the Brewers during Tuesday's game against the Chicago White Sox. This role shift comes as the team manages its pitching staff usage.

Dodgers Sign Jonathan Hernández for Bullpen Depth

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed Jonathan Hernández to bolster their bullpen depth. Hernández will wear number 29 for the club.

Twins Shift Rotation Plans Following Poor Start

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Simeon Woods Richardson has been removed from his scheduled turn in the rotation following a disastrous start to the 2026 season. Manager Derek Shelton has opted to go with a rookie starter for the upcoming game against the Astros instead.

Carlos Correa Sidelined Following Ankle Fracture

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Carlos Correa remains sidelined after fracturing his ankle during batting practice. He will not make his anticipated return to the lineup for the Astros' current series against the Twins, though he remains with the team in spirit.

Nationals Recall Top Prospect Dylan Crews for MLB Debut

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The Washington Nationals are recalling top prospect Dylan Crews from Triple-A Rochester ahead of Tuesday's game against the Mets. A centerpiece of the team's rebuilding efforts, Crews earned the promotion following a strong showing in the minors and recent performance improvements. He is expected to join the major league club immediately as Washington looks to integrate its young core into the lineup for the upcoming divisional series.

Max Scherzer Progresses in Recovery with Bullpen Sessions

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Veteran pitcher Max Scherzer is continuing his recovery from right forearm tendinitis, along with thumb and ankle issues. The 41-year-old successfully threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Monday at Yankee Stadium and is scheduled for another session on Wednesday. Scherzer remains focused on his return to the Blue Jays' rotation as he works through his rehabilitation process under team supervision.

Clay Holmes Out Indefinitely With Fibula Fracture

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Clay Holmes has sustained a fibula fracture, creating a significant vacancy in the New York Mets' starting rotation. In response to the injury, the team has moved to call up left-hander Zach Thornton from Triple-A Syracuse to take the mound for Wednesday's game in Washington. The Mets are currently adjusting their pitching plans to account for Holmes' absence.

Zach Thornton Called Up for MLB Debut

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The New York Mets are promoting left-hander Zach Thornton from Triple-A Syracuse to start Wednesday's game against Washington. Thornton's call-up follows the injury to Clay Holmes, and the team is looking to the highly regarded prospect to help address their current pitching depth challenges. Thornton is set to make his MLB debut as the organization adjusts its rotation following the recent roster vacancy.

Emmet Sheehan to Start on Short Rest vs. Padres

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Emmet Sheehan will start for the Dodgers on Tuesday against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, pitching on four days of rest. This marks a unique scheduling move for the Dodgers in 2026. Sheehan is coming off a strong performance last Thursday against the San Francisco Giants, where he recorded six strikeouts and allowed only two runs over six innings in a victory.

Logan Webb Scheduled for Rehab Start Following Knee Injury

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San Francisco Giants right-hander Logan Webb is set to take a significant step in his recovery from a knee injury. According to team reports, Webb is scheduled to make a rehab start later this week as he works toward returning to the Giants' rotation. The team will monitor his performance and physical response during the outing to determine the next steps in his progression. Webb has been dealing with knee soreness, and this rehab outing will be his first time facing hitters in a game.

A.J. Puk Set for Live Batting Practice as Rehab Progresses

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Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher A.J. Puk is nearing a return to game action as he recovers from an elbow injury. Puk is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session on Tuesday, a key milestone in his rehabilitation process. If the session goes well, the left-hander could be cleared to pitch in a formal rehab assignment later this week. The Diamondbacks are hopeful that Puk can rejoin the bullpen soon to provide much-needed depth and a left-handed option to their current pitching staff.