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

Thursday, May 7

Liberatore Leads Cardinals to 2-1 Victory Over Padres

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Matthew Liberatore (1-1, 4.50 ERA, 23 SO) delivered a pivotal performance for the St. Louis Cardinals in Thursday's 2-1 win against the San Diego Padres. Initially slated to start as a key factor in the west coast road trip, Liberatore utilized a sharp curveball to navigate the Padres lineup. Despite looking shaky at times, he provided the strong start necessary to secure the victory, further solidifying his role within the St. Louis pitching rotation.

Brendan Beck Optioned to Minors Following MLB Debut

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After making his long-awaited MLB debut against the Texas Rangers on Thursday, rookie right-hander Brendan Beck has been optioned to the minor leagues by the New York Yankees. The 2021 second-round pick, who has battled through multiple injury setbacks to reach the majors, described his debut as a "dream" experience. The Yankees moved Beck to the minors to open a roster spot for reliever Kervin Castro as the team continues to shuffle its active roster.

Ryan Jeffers Records Three-Hit Game in Loss to Nationals

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Ryan Jeffers had a productive day at the plate in Thursday's 7-5 loss to the Washington Nationals, finishing 3-for-4. His performance included a solo home run, a double, a walk, and two additional runs scored. Despite the loss, Jeffers continued his strong offensive momentum, serving as a key contributor for the Minnesota Twins' lineup throughout the contest.

Grant Kipp Continues Impressive Run in Knoxville

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Grant Kipp continues to impress for the Knoxville affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. His recent performance stands out as a highlight in the organization's minor league system, contributing to the team's ongoing development efforts. As the season progresses, Kipp remains a player to watch within the Cubs' pitching pipeline, maintaining his momentum following his latest outing.

Keibert Ruiz Powers Nationals to Series Win with Four-RBI Performance

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Keibert Ruiz delivered a standout performance in Thursday's 7-5 win over the Minnesota Twins, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two doubles, four RBIs, and three runs scored. This offensive outburst was instrumental in securing the Washington Nationals' first home series win of the season. Ruiz's consistent production throughout the series proved to be the deciding factor for the Nationals as they successfully closed out the victory against the Twins.

Jake Bennett Optioned to Triple-A Following Red Sox Start

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Following his appearance in Thursday's 8-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, Jake Bennett has been optioned back to Triple-A Worcester. The move comes as the Red Sox rotation prepares for the return of Sonny Gray and potential comebacks from Garrett Crochet and Ranger Suarez. Bennett, who had been aware of the impending roster move, aims to continue his development in the minors after making the most of his recent opportunities in the Boston rotation.

Braden Montgomery Records Three Hits in Charlotte Rout

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Braden Montgomery delivered a standout performance for Charlotte, tallying three hits in the team's dominant 15-run victory. His offensive production was a key factor in the lopsided win as all Chicago White Sox affiliates secured victories on May 7, 2026. Montgomery continues to demonstrate strong hitting form as he progresses through the White Sox minor league system.

Travis Bazzana Steals Two Bases in Victory Over Royals

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Travis Bazzana contributed to the Cleveland Guardians' 8-5 win over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday. The infielder went 1-for-3 at the plate, drawing a walk and showcasing his speed on the basepaths by swiping two bags. Bazzana also crossed the plate to score a run, providing a key offensive spark in the victory.

Bobby Witt Records Four-Hit Game Including Solo Home Run

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Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt delivered a standout performance in Thursday's 8-5 loss to Cleveland, going 4-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk. This production followed pre-game analysis that identified Witt as a top candidate for home run prop bets due to his consistent ability to drive the ball. Witt continues to be a major factor in the Royals' offensive output and remains a focal point for high-impact offensive displays in the American League.

Mookie Betts Begins Rehab Assignment Friday for Oblique Injury

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Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts is set to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City this Friday as he recovers from an oblique injury. This assignment marks a critical step in his return to the Dodgers' active lineup, with the organization closely monitoring his progress. Recent updates indicate that the outfielder is nearing a full recovery, putting him on track to potentially return to the big league team as early as next week.

Trent Grisham Sparks Yankees' Rally in Series-Clinching Win

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Trent Grisham played a pivotal role in the New York Yankees' sixth-straight series victory, fueling a massive six-run rally in the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers. Grisham's significant knock served as the catalyst for the offensive explosion, with reports highlighting his contribution as the 'at-bat of the game.' The outfielder's performance proved vital in the high-stakes matchup, reinforcing the Yankees' current momentum during their successful 2026 campaign.

Mets Prospect A.J. Ewing Continues Rise with Walk-Off Heroics

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Mets prospect A.J. Ewing is enjoying a breakout 2026 season, highlighted by a walk-off single for Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday night. As he climbs the organization's prospect rankings, Ewing remains focused on refining his defensive play and maintaining a day-by-day approach to his development. The young infielder is committed to establishing the consistency required to reach the major league level, adding another impressive highlight to his rapidly growing resume.

Rhett Lowder to Undergo MRI Following Shoulder Discomfort

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Cincinnati Reds starter Rhett Lowder was forced to exit Thursday's game against the Chicago Cubs in the bottom of the fourth inning due to right shoulder discomfort. The right-hander was removed early in the contest, and the specific nature and severity of the ailment remain undisclosed. The team has confirmed that Lowder is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Friday to determine the extent of the injury, with further updates expected following the medical evaluation.

Coby Mayo Error Costs Orioles in 4-3 Walk-Off Loss to Marlins

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The Baltimore Orioles' comeback attempt fell short on Thursday as they suffered a 4-3 walk-off loss to the Miami Marlins. The game was decided in the ninth inning following a costly errant throw by Coby Mayo, which allowed the Marlins to avoid a series sweep. Despite the team's efforts to rally, the defensive miscue proved to be the difference in the final frame.

Carlos Santana Nearing Return From Thigh Injury for Diamondbacks

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Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Carlos Santana is progressing toward a return from a thigh injury. Manager Torey Lovullo noted on Thursday that Santana is nearly ready to be activated. However, the team indicated that Ildemaro Vargas will not lose playing time once Santana returns to the active roster. Santana's return will provide the Diamondbacks with a veteran presence in the lineup, though the team plans to balance his usage with the productive play of their current starters.

Ildemaro Vargas to Retain Playing Time at First Base for Diamondbacks

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Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ildemaro Vargas is set to maintain his role at first base, according to manager Torey Lovullo. Despite the looming return of Carlos Santana from a thigh injury, Lovullo indicated there are no plans to reduce Vargas's playing time. Vargas was in the starting lineup for the May 7th matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The versatile infielder has secured a consistent spot in the lineup through his performance while filling in for injured teammates.

Michael King Set to Start Against Cardinals on Thursday

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Michael King (3-2, 2.95 ERA, 39 SO) is scheduled to start for the San Diego Padres in Thursday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. King will be opposed by Cardinals left-hander Matthew Liberatore as the Padres look to defend their home turf. First pitch is scheduled for 9:10 p.m. CT, with the game broadcast on ESPN.

Cole Ragans Diagnosed With Pitcher's Elbow After Early Exit

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Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans has been diagnosed with valgus extension overload, commonly known as pitcher's elbow. The diagnosis follows his early departure from Wednesday's start against the Cleveland Guardians. This injury represents a significant setback for the Royals' rotation, as Ragans is a critical component of their pitching staff. While the team awaits a specific recovery timeline, Ragans is currently undergoing further evaluation by medical staff.

Roman Anthony Placed on 10-Day IL with Persistent Wrist Injury

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The Boston Red Sox have officially placed outfielder Roman Anthony on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Tuesday, due to a persistent wrist injury. The move follows Anthony missing three consecutive starts after suffering a setback during a victory over the Detroit Tigers earlier this week. The IL stint is intended to allow the top prospect time to recover, with the team monitoring his progress as they navigate a difficult stretch in their 2026 season.

Andrew Painter Struggles in 12-1 Loss to Athletics

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Andrew Painter faced a difficult outing in Thursday's 12-1 loss to the Oakland Athletics, struggling with his command against the opposition. The Phillies' offense provided little support, failing to answer the Athletics' production while Painter was on the mound. The loss highlights a challenging day for the young pitcher as he looks to regain his form following the blowout defeat.