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MLB News

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

Monday, September 21

CJ Abrams Develops Into Elite Power Threat With 31 Homers

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Washington Nationals star CJ Abrams has evolved into a formidable power hitter, slugging 31 home runs this season despite scouting projections initially forecasting only 10 to 15 long balls. No primary shortstop in MLB has hit more home runs than Abrams, who joins Alfonso Soriano and Vladimir Guerrero as the only players in franchise history to record a 30-HR/30-SB season. At just 25 years old with two years of team control remaining, his future in Washington will be a major storyline this offseason.

TJ Friedl Designated for Assignment by Cincinnati Reds

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The Cincinnati Reds designated TJ Friedl for assignment over the weekend following a ghastly drop in production during the 2026 season. Friedl had served as the team's regular leadoff hitter and provided years of steady center-field defense until his offensive numbers cratered this year. His departure leaves the Reds with a patchwork outfield featuring options like JJ Bleday, Dane Myers, and Hector Rodriguez as the franchise faces pressing questions regarding its roster construction and lack of urgency.

Max Clark Highlights Bright Spots in Disappointing Tigers Season

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Max Clark has performed well since making his major league debut on July 31, serving as one of the encouraging young pieces for a Detroit Tigers team that was officially eliminated from postseason contention on Sunday. The Tigers' dismal campaign was severely undermined by a disastrous 6-22 record in May, compounded by an early-May elbow surgery for ace Tarik Skubal that ultimately precipitated his trade to the Dodgers. Despite the lost season, young talents like Clark and Kevin McGonigle anchor the team's future.

Kevin McGonigle Receives Rare Day Off Against Nationals

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Kevin McGonigle is absent from the Tigers' lineup for Monday's series opener against the Nationals, receiving a rare day of rest after starting each of the previous 14 contests. Detroit will slot in Hao-Yu Lee at third base and John Peck at shortstop. McGonigle has enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign, emerging as an AL Rookie of the Year front-runner with 6.8 bWAR, 17 home runs, and an advanced offensive approach after signing an eight-year, $150 million contract extension in April.

Spencer Jones Homer Sparks Yankees Postseason Push

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Spencer Jones is cementing his place on the postseason roster, hitting .279 with a .343 OBP and .475 slugging percentage in September. After sitting out Saturday with a sore left foot, Jones returned to launch a 448-foot home run off Corbin Burnes during Sunday's series finale against the Diamondbacks. Working with Aaron Judge's hitting coach during the offseason to adjust his stance, Jones provides crucial outfield depth for the Yankees while teammate Trent Grisham recovers from a hamstring strain.

Emmet Sheehan Continues Hot Streak with Nine Strikeouts

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Emmet Sheehan continued his late-season hot streak on Sunday against the San Francisco Giants, recording nine strikeouts in 5.1 innings while allowing just a single and a walk. Since rejoining the Dodgers, he has allowed only one run across 17 innings over three starts with 24 strikeouts. Manager Dave Roberts praised his recent form and increased curveball usage. Sheehan is expected to make a minor league start before rejoining the Dodgers for a likely postseason relief role.

MacKenzie Gore Cleared to Start Tuesday Against Mets

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MacKenzie Gore has been cleared to start Tuesday's game against the Mets on five days' rest after checking out fine in his bullpen session. He previously departed his September 16 start against Boston after four innings and 69 pitches due to upper back and shoulder spasms. Making his American League-leading 33rd start of the season, Gore carries a 4.67 ERA across 165.2 innings and tentatively lines up for two starts during the final week of the regular season.

Paul Skenes Blames World Baseball Classic for Velocity Dip

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Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes believes participating in the World Baseball Classic contributed to a season-long velocity drop. Skenes noted that pitching 8.1 innings for Team USA disrupted his standard ramp-up progression, preventing him from regaining his usual peak velocity. Despite the frustrating year, the reigning NL Cy Young winner compiled a 3.91 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 192 strikeouts over 168 innings while expecting a normal offseason routine heading into 2027.

Justin Verlander Set to Make Final Career Start Saturday Against Pirates

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Forty-three-year-old starting pitcher Justin Verlander is scheduled to be reinstated from the 60-day injured list to make his final career start Saturday against the Pirates. Verlander made just one start earlier this season before a hamstring injury and subsequent hip inflammation derailed his campaign. The future Hall of Famer, who announced in July that 2026 is his final year, is expected to have a limited workload as he closes his 21-year MLB career.

Brett Sears Named Southern League Postseason All-Star

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Atlanta Braves pitching prospect Brett Sears has been named a Southern League Double-A All-Star after an outstanding season with the Columbus Clingstones. Sears posted a 3.33 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 94.2 innings in 17 appearances (15 starts), striking out 113 batters while walking only 22. Opponents hit just .228 against the 2024 seventh-round pick out of Nebraska, who also logged five strong Triple-A starts for Gwinnett during his rapid climb.

Walker Jenkins Adjusts to Major League Pitching for Twins

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Minnesota Twins outfielder Walker Jenkins has shown significant progress by figuring out major league pitching during the final stretch of the season. Although Minnesota has officially been eliminated from playoff contention and cannot finish with a winning record, Jenkins' rapid adjustment serves as a major bright spot. The Twins enter their final week with a series in San Francisco before closing out the regular season at home against the Texas Rangers.

Alex McFarlane Earns Phillies' Paul Owens Pitcher Award

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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Alex McFarlane has been honored with the 2026 Paul Owens Award as the organization's top minor league pitcher. McFarlane posted a dominant 1.83 ERA across 36 minor league innings while striking out over 12 batters per nine innings as he climbed through the system. Although he has recently begun making a name for himself at the major league level, his impressive minor league pitching display earned him top organizational honors.

Bryan Rincon Wins Phillies' 2026 Paul Owens Award

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Philadelphia Phillies prospect Bryan Rincon has been named the recipient of the organization's 2026 Paul Owens Award as the top minor league hitter. Rincon delivered an eye-opening breakout campaign, slashing .267/.410/.517 while launching 27 home runs, driving in 67 RBIs, and stealing 30 bases. Consistent playing time without major injuries allowed Rincon to significantly alter his developmental trajectory and position himself for a potential future major league roster spot.

Max Scherzer's Future Uncertain As Blue Jays Chase Playoff Spot

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Forty-two-year-old right-hander Max Scherzer faces an uncertain future as he plays out a one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays while the team battles for a postseason spot. Scherzer has struggled on the mound, posting an ERA over 5.00 for the second consecutive season, leaving his retirement plans unclear as a potential work stoppage approaches.

Franklin Arias Shines In Minor Leagues With All-Star Caliber Play

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Boston Red Sox top prospect Franklin Arias put together an All-Star caliber season across Portland and Worcester, recording 25 home runs, 91 RBIs, and a .323/.400/.557 slash line over 117 games. Unlocking a sudden power surge while maintaining his advanced plate discipline and elite defensive glove at second base and shortstop, the 20-year-old infielder is locked in as a key future piece expected to make his Major League debut during the 2027 campaign.

TJ Rumfield Makes Strong Rookie Of The Year Case For Rockies

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Colorado Rockies infielder TJ Rumfield is making a compelling case for NL Rookie of the Year, slashing .302/.392/.454 with a 23-game on-base streak. Rumfield ranks among qualified rookie leaders in average, OBP, OPS, hits, and doubles while providing stellar defense at first base. Acquired in an offseason trade with the Yankees, Rumfield has become a cornerstone piece for the Rockies' future.

Gabriel Hughes Reflects On Rookie Season Following Tommy John Surgery

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Colorado Rockies rookie pitcher Gabriel Hughes reflected on his first MLB season after working his way back from 2023 Tommy John surgery to make his debut on July 3. Across 14 appearances and 13 starts, Hughes went 0-8 with a 6.33 ERA while leading the Rockies' rotation with 1.1 fWAR. Highlights for the former first-round pick included striking out Shohei Ohtani on three pitches at Dodger Stadium before being optioned to Triple-A.

David Peterson Gets Hot At The Right Time For Chicago Cubs

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Chicago Cubs starter David Peterson is heating up down the stretch, throwing 12 innings with six hits, two runs, four walks, and 14 strikeouts over his last two starts. Across his last three outings, Peterson boasts a sparkling 1.65 ERA and 1.163 WHIP with 18 strikeouts in 16.1 innings, thrusting himself firmly into consideration for a start in the upcoming Wild Card series.

Daniel Palencia Shows Promising Return To Form For Chicago Cubs

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Chicago Cubs reliever Daniel Palencia appears to be back on track after tossing two scoreless innings against the Reds, marking his first two-frame outing since April 2025. Encouragingly, Palencia touched 100 miles per hour on eight of his 20 pitches and struck out JJ Bleday with a sharp slider. A productive Palencia would provide a massive boost to the Cubs bullpen as the team heads into the postseason.

Kristian Campbell Seeks Redemption Arc After A Rough 2025 Season

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Worcester Red Sox minor leaguer Kristian Campbell is looking for a strong redemption arc following a rough 2025 campaign. Despite not seeing any Major League time due to a cluttered roster, the former high-priced prospect is firmly in the mix to compete for a platoon role on the Red Sox next year, pending the outcome of a potential lengthy offseason lockout.