The San Diego Padres placed outfielder Jackson Merrill on the 10-day injured list with a hamstrin...

The San Diego Padres placed outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14111" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14111">Jackson Merrill</a> on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain, the club announced Tuesday. Merrill, who was held out of Monday's game against the Athletics, is walking fine but not recovering as quickly as hoped, according to <a href="https://x.com/sdutKevinAcee/status/1909747419157610899">Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune</a>.The Padres locked up the 21-year-old for the long term last week on a nine-year, $135-million <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3256488" href="https://thescore.com/news/3256488">contract extension</a>. Escalators and a 10th-year option can bring the total value of the deal to $204 million. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Merrill has been worth every penny at the plate thus far in 2025, slashing .378/.415/.676 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 10 games. San Diego recalled outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10161" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10161">Oscar Gonzalez</a> from Triple-A in a corresponding move. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13983" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13983">Brandon Lockridge</a> played center field in Merrill's absence Monday night and remains a candidate for playing time.San Diego entered Tuesday with an MLB-best 9-2 record.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres bats during the seventh inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Petco Park on April 02, 2025 in San Diego, California.

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Padres place Merrill on IL with hamstring strain

The Toronto Blue Jays have made progress in contract extension talks with star first baseman Vlad...

The Toronto Blue Jays have made progress in contract extension talks with star first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a>, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/04/06/sports/mets-fans-vlad-guerrero-jr-affection-may-be-for-naught-and-thats-for-the-best/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.If finalized, the deal is expected to pay Guerrero around $500 million over 14 years.Discussions are seemingly ongoing despite Guerrero's self-imposed deadline at the beginning of spring training. The Blue Jays <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3251507" href="https://thescore.com/news/3251507">reportedly</a> made him a new offer at the end of March.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Guerrero is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3239777" href="https://thescore.com/news/3239777">reportedly</a> seeking a contract worth $500 million in present-day value before deferrals.The 26-year-old is slashing .256/.333/.333 through 10 games this season. The four-time All-Star hit 30 home runs with a .940 OPS (167 OPS+) last year.Guerrero and the Blue Jays will open a four-game series Monday against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 02: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats in the first inning during a game against the Washington Nationals at Rogers Centre on April 02, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Report: Jays making progress in Guerrero extension talks

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki came away from his start against the Philadelphia Phillie...

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19077" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19077">Roki Sasaki</a> came away from his start against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday feeling positive."I felt I had something," Sasaki said postgame through an interpreter, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6257928/2025/04/05/dodgers-win-phillies-roki-sasaki-bounce-back-start/">Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic</a>.Sasaki allowed just one earned run over four innings pitched in the Dodgers' 3-1 win at Citizens Bank Park.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Last time around, I felt like I wanted to throw strikes, but I couldn’t," he added. "I really worked on my mechanics since that game and really felt like I was able to do that today."Sasaki struggled in his previous outing against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium on March 29, walking four batters while failing to make it through the second inning. The 23-year-old was visibly emotional after being removed from that game and admitted to feeling nervous ahead of Saturday's start."I did go through the week feeling a little anxious," Sasaki said. "I was searching for something that I could feel confident about."Sasaki joined the defending-champion Dodgers this offseason as an amateur international free agent to much fanfare, immediately becoming one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory.He owns a 4.15 ERA and a 2.08 WHIP through three MLB starts.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 05: Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 05, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Sasaki encouraged after latest start: 'Felt I had something'

New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. believes his teammate Aaron Judge is already an...

New York Yankees second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> believes his teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> is already an all-time great."Guys keep getting on for him, and he just keeps on performing and showing us why he's the MVP of the league and one of the best players to ever play this game," Chisholm said of Judge after the Yankees' 9-7 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday night, per <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1907989375574524014">SNY</a>."We all just try to be like him. We all tell him every day, 'Hey, we want to be you when we grow up.' But at the same time, we're out here playing a team game, and we've got our big brother leading us, and he helps a lot."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Judge kick-started the Yankees' offense in the bottom of the first inning with his MLB-leading fifth home run of the season, a three-run blast off Diamondbacks starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4059" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4059">Merrill Kelly</a>. The home run was the 500th extra-base hit of Judge's career in his 999th game, making him the third-fastest Yankee to reach the mark behind Joe DiMaggio and Lou Gehrig.The reigning AL MVP later added a double and a single to up his slash line to a ridiculous .417/.481/1.167 through six contests. Judge also stole his first base of the season in the fourth inning."I told (Chisholm) I was going to catch him in stolen bases this year, so I think we're both trying to beat each other," Judge <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1907991583640736042">joked</a> postgame. "It's going to be a good year. We're going to go out there and continue to push each other. I think everyone in this clubhouse is striving to be great."Judge hit a league-leading 58 home runs in 2024 while establishing new career highs in OPS (1.159), OPS+ (223), and RBIs (144). The 32-year-old entered Thursday having already accrued 52 career fWAR.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 03: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees celebrates his fourth inning two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks with teammate Aaron Judge #99 at Yankee Stadium on April 03, 2025 in New York City.

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Yankees' Chisholm: Judge 'one of the best players to ever play this game'

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed star first baseman Freddie Freeman on the 10-day injured list with...

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed star first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1412" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1412">Freddie Freeman</a> on the 10-day injured list with an ankle injury, the club announced Thursday. The move is retroactive to March 31, according to <a href="https://x.com/FabianArdaya/status/1907951738541297713">Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic</a>.Freeman injured his ankle earlier this week when he slipped in the<a href="https://thescore.com/news/3255344"> shower</a>. He sprained the same ankle late last year and needed surgery in the offseason.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 35-year-old hit a two-run home run and a double in his last appearance on March 29 against the Detroit Tigers.Los Angeles has kept up its winning ways even without the reigning World Series MVP in its lineup, becoming the first defending champions in MLB history to begin the season with an 8-0 record.Freeman owns a 1.083 OPS through 12 plate appearances in 2025.L.A. recalled catcher Hunter Feduccia from Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding roster move.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 29: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers fields the ball during a 7-3 win over the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Dodgers place Freeman on IL with ankle injury after shower slip

Starting pitcher Sean Manaea isn't rejoining the New York Mets' rotation any time soon after expe...

Starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4239" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4239">Sean Manaea</a> isn't rejoining the New York Mets' rotation any time soon after experiencing a setback in his rehab from an oblique injury he suffered during spring training."He experienced some discomfort a couple of days ago while he was starting to ramp up," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Tuesday, per <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1907161155195342953">SNY</a>."We took an MRI again and it showed inflammation, so he got a PRP injection yesterday. He's not throwing for two weeks now."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Mendoza acknowledged that the setback likely means Manaea won't return until mid to late May. Previous <a href="https://thescore.com/news/3225687">reports</a> said the Mets didn't consider the injury serious and expected him back in April.Mets starting pitchers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5006" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5006">Frankie Montas</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8406" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8406">Paul Blackburn</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17559" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17559">Christian Scott</a> also remain sidelined.Manaea returned to New York on a three-year, $75-million contract during the offseason. The lefty recorded a 3.47 ERA (114 ERA+) across a career-high 181 2/3 innings pitched in 2024.The 33-year-old owns a 4.00 ERA and 1.20 WHIP through nine MLB campaigns.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 20: Starting pitcher Sean Manaea #59 of the New York Mets reacts as he leaves the game during the 3rd inning of Game Six of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Mets' Manaea won't throw for 2 weeks after suffering setback

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is the latest player to produce impressive results with...

Cincinnati Reds shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14246" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14246">Elly De La Cruz</a> is the latest player to produce impressive results with a torpedo bat.The dynamic star went 4-for-5 with two home runs and seven RBIs in the Reds' 14-3 rout of the Texas Rangers on Monday night.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/elly-de-la-cruz-s-stellar-game-at-the-plate?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure>(Video source: <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/elly-de-la-cruz-s-stellar-game-at-the-plate?q=Elly%20De%20La%20Cruz&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">MLB.com</a>)<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It feels good," De La Cruz said of hitting with a torpedo bat, according to <a href="https://x.com/char_cliff/status/1906879710988009950">Charlie Clifford of NBC 5 Cincinnati</a>. "It feels really good."The new style of bat, named for the torpedo-esque shape, is thickest near the label rather than the barrel. The bats first came to the baseball world's attention during the New York Yankees' home run barrage against the Milwaukee Brewers over the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3253934" href="https://thescore.com/news/3253934">weekend</a>.MLB declared the torpedo bats legal despite skepticism and concern. Some players have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3255055" href="https://thescore.com/news/3255055">criticized</a> them, while others, such as Yankees infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr</a>., have defended them.Switching to the torpedo bat seemed to spark De La Cruz, who entered Monday's game with just an extra-base hit on the season."It’s more the player than the bat," Reds manager Terry Francona said of his young star's performance, per <a href="https://x.com/char_cliff/status/1906878965719130333">Clifford</a>. He added: "I told him the most impressive thing was the line drive to left field - you better make some pretty good pitches if he is on balance like that."De La Cruz, 23, entered the season as a potential MVP candidate in the National League after hitting 25 home runs and stealing an MLB-leading 67 bases in 2024. Cincinnati continues its series against Texas on Tuesday.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - MARCH 31: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds flips his bat on a two-run home run in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Great American Ball Park on March 31, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Reds' De La Cruz has 2-HR, 7-RBI game with torpedo bat

Major League Baseball suspended Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar for 80 games on Monday...

Major League Baseball suspended Atlanta Braves outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2876" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2876">Jurickson Profar</a> for 80 games on Monday for violating its performance-enhancing drug policy.Profar tested positive for HCG, a source told <a href="https://x.com/Joelsherman1/status/1906827857591955529">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a>. One of HCG's effects includes boosting testosterone production.The switch-hitting 32-year-old joined the Braves on a three-year, $42-million contract this past offseason after a breakout 2024 campaign with the San Diego Padres.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Today is the most difficult day of my baseball career," Profar said in a statement, according to <a href="https://x.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1906831659728797936">ESPN's Alden González</a>. "I am devastated to announce that I have been suspended for 80 games by Major League Baseball and the Commissioner's office, for testing positive for a banned substance this offseason. This is especially painful for me because anyone who knows me and has seen me play knows I am deeply passionate about the game. There is nothing I love more than competing with my teammates and being a fan favorite."I want to apologize to the entire Braves organization, my teammates, and the fans. It is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it. I have been tested my entire career, including eight times last season alone, and have never tested positive. I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB's decision."I am devastated that I won't be on the field with my teammates for the next 80 games. I look forward to competing again at the highest level this season upon my return."Profar will be ineligible to play in the postseason under MLB's current roster rules and eligibility requirements.The 12-year-veteran hit a career-high 24 home runs last season while posting his highest slugging percentage (.459) in a season with at least 100 at-bats. His average exit velocity of 91.1 mph was in the 80th percentile and substantially higher than the 86.5 mph he put up in 2023.He recorded three hits in 15 at-bats during the Braves' first four games of 2025.Atlanta added outfield depth earlier Monday by acquiring <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12532">Stuart Fairchild</a> from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for cash considerations.Profar owns a career .245/.331/.394 slash line with 111 home runs.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Jurickson Profar #7 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on March 30, 2025 in San Diego, California.

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Braves' Profar suspended 80 games for PED violation

Seattle Mariners ace Logan Gilbert hopes to eventually sign a contract extension that will keep h...

Seattle Mariners ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12376" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12376">Logan Gilbert</a> hopes to eventually sign a contract extension that will keep him around long term."They know where I stand," Gilbert said of the Mariners' front office, according to <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/with-cal-raleigh-signed-could-mariners-extend-logan-gilbert-next/?utm_medium=Social&amp;utm_campaign=owned_echobox_tw_m&amp;utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1743265611">Adam Jude of The Seattle Times</a>. "Seattle has become like home for me, and I’d love to be able to finish my career here."Gilbert, 27, took the ball on Opening Day for the Mariners this year after making his first All-Star team in 2024. He's arbitration-eligible through the 2027 season, after which he is slated for free agency. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The righty said seeing his close friend and battery mate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10827">Cal Raleigh</a> receive a six-year, $105-million <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3250412" href="https://thescore.com/news/3250412">extension</a> Tuesday "definitely" factors into him wanting to be a career Mariner."We’ve built something here … and you feel like you have a stake in it," Gilbert said. "You want to see it through."He added that Mariners management had not spoken with his representatives about a potential extension in a while.Gilbert started his 2025 campaign with a dominant performance Thursday against the Athletics, allowing one earned run on two hits over seven frames while punching out eight batters.The rising star finished sixth in AL Cy Young voting last season after leading MLB with 208 2/3 innings pitched and a 0.89 WHIP. He owns a 3.58 ERA (107 ERA+) through 122 career starts.

SEATTLE, WA - MARCH 27: Logan Gilbert #36 of the Seattle Mariners pitches during the game between the Athletics and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Thursday, March 27, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Gilbert: 'I'd love to be able to finish my career' with Mariners

The Tampa Bay Rays placed outfielder Josh Lowe on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique st...

The Tampa Bay Rays placed outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12300" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12300">Josh Lowe</a> on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain, the team announced Saturday.Outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11890" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11890">Jake Mangum</a> was recalled from Triple-A Durham in a corresponding roster move.An MRI taken Saturday revealed Lowe suffered a Grade 2 strain, which he said is "a little worse than (his oblique injury suffered) last year," according to <a href="https://x.com/Ry_Bass/status/1906020185900806232">Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Florida &amp; Sun</a>. While the team didn't provide a firm timeline for his return, manager Kevin Cash expects Lowe will be down for a significant period.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We're talking multiple weeks," Cash said about a timetable, per <a href="https://x.com/Ry_Bass/status/1906024912726237554">Bass</a>. "The good thing about Josh is that he's so athletic and would trust that probably a little bit of his youth and the way he takes care of his body will hopefully speed that up. We're so early right now, but my thoughts are it's going to be some time."Lowe suffered the injury during his fifth-inning at-bat against Colorado Rockies pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4762" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4762">Kyle Freeland</a> in Friday's game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. He singled to center but pulled up gingerly while running out of the batter's box. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14003" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14003">José Caballero</a> pinch ran for Lowe and replaced him in right field."It's too frustrating," Lowe said Friday, according to <a href="https://x.com/Ry_Bass/status/1905783621698334964">Bass</a>. "I've done that so many times this spring where I swung at that pitch and felt fine, and then for some reason for it to happen today, I don't really have words for it. Pretty beat up. I mean, sucks."Oblique injuries plagued Lowe throughout 2024. He strained his right side in spring training last year, and also dealt with hip inflammation before he landed on the IL later in the campaign with more oblique problems.The 27-year-old hit .241/.303/.391 with 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases in 106 games with the Rays last season.Mangum, 29, will make his MLB debut when he gets into a game. The switch-hitting outfielder slashed .317/.357/.442 with six homers, 56 RBIs, and 20 steals across 104 contests at Triple-A in 2024. He also made an impression this spring, going 12-for-28 with a 1.217 OPS and two homers in 15 Grapefruit League outings.

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 28: Josh Lowe #15 of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a single in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies during the MLB home opener at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Rays place Josh Lowe on IL with Grade 2 oblique strain

Houston Astros fans gave franchise icon Jose Altuve a standing ovation as he took left field for ...

Houston Astros fans gave franchise icon <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2841" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2841">Jose Altuve</a> a standing ovation as he took left field for the first time as a major leaguer during Thursday's Opening Day game against the New York Mets.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Regardless of how this LF experiment goes, Jose Altuve is my GOAT <a href="https://t.co/t9Xqp4S2oy">https://t.co/t9Xqp4S2oy</a> <a href="https://t.co/yME3tEurej">pic.twitter.com/yME3tEurej</a>— Noah (@YordanForHOF44) <a href="https://twitter.com/YordanForHOF44/status/1905352680484073711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"I wasn’t expecting that," Altuve said of the ovation, according to <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1905408981368996312">Chandler Rome of The Athletic</a>. "That was amazing. I appreciate their support. That was probably one of the happiest moments I’ve had in my career."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Altuve began transitioning to the outfield this spring after spending the entirety of his 14-year career at second base.The process has not been without its growing pains. The 34-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3246313" href="https://thescore.com/news/3246313">said</a> he wasn't very happy with his performance last week after dropping playable balls in consecutive spring training games.Altuve went 1-4 at the plate Thursday in the Astros' 3-1 victory.The nine-time All-Star has won two World Series championships, an MVP award, and three batting titles during his tenure in Houston.

HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 27: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros reacts after making a catch for an out in the first inning during the game between the New York Mets and the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Thursday, March 27, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Altuve surprised by early ovation from Astros fans: 'Amazing'

The Seattle Mariners signed catcher Cal Raleigh to a six-year extension with a vesting player opt...

The Seattle Mariners signed catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10827">Cal Raleigh</a> to a six-year extension with a vesting player option for 2031, the club announced Wednesday.Raleigh's deal is worth $105 million, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1904598572496282007">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>."This place has always felt like home since I arrived here in Seattle," Raleigh said in a statement. "They took me in from day one with kindness and respect and it is one of the top places to play in professional sports. I wanted to stay here because of the connection with the people of the Pacific Northwest and the Seattle Mariners, but I know it doesn't always work out the way you want it to. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I feel blessed that the Mariners gave me this opportunity and I can't think of a better place in MLB to call home. We have a great nucleus of players here and aren't far off from bringing the World Series to Seattle."The 28-year-old hit 34 home runs and 100 RBIs for the Mariners last season while winning the Gold Glove at his position. The deal is set to begin immediately and it buys out three years of arbitration eligibility.Raleigh's 2031 player option will be worth $20 million if vested and the pact also includes a $2-million buyout, per <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1904614105605881970">Passan</a>."Big Dumper" gets a full no-trade clause as part of the extension, according to <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1904600717878579462">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>.Raleigh's 5.4 fWAR led all American League catchers in 2024 and tied him with Milwaukee Brewers All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9741" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9741">William Contreras</a> for the major-league lead at the position.The 13.9 fWAR by Raleigh since 2022 is tops among all catchers.Seattle's pitchers have thrived with Raleigh calling the shots behind the dish. Over the past two years its staff leads MLB in ERA (3.62), ranks second in FIP (3.81), and has the fifth-best fWAR (36.3).The switch-hitter owns a career .740 OPS (112 OPS+) with 93 home runs.

PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 7: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners runs to first base on a pop out in the third inning during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Peoria Stadium on March 7, 2025 in Peoria, Arizona.

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Mariners extend Raleigh on 6-year deal reportedly worth $105M

The Texas Rangers' Opening Day roster is taking shape.  Manager Chris Young announced Tuesday tha...

The Texas Rangers' Opening Day roster is taking shape.Manager Chris Young announced Tuesday that starting pitchers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13876" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13876">Jack Leiter</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15735" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15735">Kumar Rocker</a> made the team, according to <a href="https://x.com/kennlandry/status/1904574440458899894">Kennedi Landry of MLB.com</a>.Young also said outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14466" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14466">Evan Carter</a> did not make the big league club, per <a href="https://x.com/kennlandry/status/1904574102620561912">Landry</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Leiter had a respectable 3.48 ERA in six appearances this spring. The 24-year-old struggled in his first taste of MLB action in 2024, allowing 35 earned runs in 35 2/3 innings pitched.Rocker, the third overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, made three starts for the Rangers last season. Opposing hitters shelled him for 13 earned runs in nine innings this spring.Young said the pair will slot into the Rangers' starting rotation, according to <a href="https://x.com/Evan_P_Grant/status/1904574293079359903">Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News.</a>Carter entered last season as a popular Rookie of the Year candidate after an impressive 23-game stint and playoffs in 2023. A back injury ended up limiting him to just 45 games.The 22-year-old hit just .154/.214/.205 with three walks and no home runs in 15 spring training games.Texas opens its season Thursday against the Boston Red Sox.

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kumar Rocker #80 of the Texas Rangers pitches during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on Thursday, September 26, 2024 in Oakland, California.

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Rocker, Leiter make Rangers; Carter to start season in minor leagues

Philadelphia Phillies starter Ranger Suárez will begin the season on the injured list, president ...

Philadelphia Phillies starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9813" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9813">Ranger Suárez</a> will begin the season on the injured list, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/ToddZolecki/status/1904190673860829331">Todd Zolecki of MLB.com</a>.Suárez, 29, pitched just five innings this spring before being sidelined with a back injury. Dombrowski estimated the All-Star's absence as "three weeks or something at least."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3163" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3163">Taijuan Walker</a> will step into the Phillies' rotation for the time being.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Suárez also dealt with back issues during the second half of his breakout 2024 campaign. He still made 27 starts and finished the year with a 3.46 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 150 2/3 innings pitched.The lefty owns a career 3.42 ERA (121 ERA+) through seven MLB seasons, all spent with the Phillies.

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 4: Ranger Suarez #55 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch during the fourth inning of a spring training game against the New York Yankees at BayCare Ballpark on March 4, 2025 in Clearwater, Florida.

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Phillies' Suárez to open season on IL with back issue

The New York Yankees agreed to a one-year contract with veteran pitcher Ryan Yarbrough, the club ...

The New York Yankees agreed to a one-year contract with veteran pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5350" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5350">Ryan Yarbrough</a>, the club announced Monday. Yarbrough will earn a $2-million base salary and can receive an additional $250,000 in performance incentives, reports <a href="https://x.com/Joelsherman1/status/1904200230112797164">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a>.The Toronto Blue Jays released Yarbrough on Sunday rather than adding him to their MLB roster after he exercised the opt-out clause in the minor-league deal he signed in February.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 33-year-old will be on the Yankees' Opening Day roster, per <a href="https://x.com/Joelsherman1/status/1904177045451456538">Sherman</a>. Yarbrough pitched to a 3.19 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 44 appearances between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Blue Jays in 2024. He was especially good in Toronto, allowing seven earned runs in 31 1/3 innings.The lefty has extensive experience pitching in the AL East, having also made 127 appearances for the Tampa Bay Rays from 2018-22.Yarbrough owns a career 4.21 ERA (98 ERA+) through seven MLB campaigns.

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Ryan Yarbrough #35 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch agains the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on September 22, 2024 in St Petersburg, Florida.

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Yankees sign Yarbrough to 1-year deal reportedly worth $2M

A tumultuous 2024 season tested Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette more than he ever thought...

A tumultuous 2024 season tested Toronto Blue Jays shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a> more than he ever thought possible. "Honestly, I had a tough year, maybe the toughest year of my adult life, my baseball life," he said, according to <a href="https://torontosun.com/sports/baseball/toronto-blue-jays/blue-jays-bo-bichette-goes-in-depth-on-toughest-year-of-his-life-why-hes-ready-to-put-on-a-show?taid=67e12d3f142e3e00010cd3d5&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter">Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun</a>. "But I’m still standing. I’m still super grateful for the life that I have."I think going through tough times in your life and you’re still alive and still breathing and still have an opportunity to do what you’ve always dreamed of and accomplishing what you’ve always dreamed of, you kind of realize that (tough) stuff is not the end of the world."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bichette, previously a beacon of consistency, struggled through injuries and poor performance last season. The two-time All-Star hit an uncharacteristic .225/.277/.322 with just four home runs in 81 games in 2024. He graded as a below-average hitter by OPS+ (71) for the first time in his career. While Bichette called failure "humbling," he believes his tough year has ultimately set him up to succeed in 2025. "I feel that by going through that made me realize in a way how good I am," he said. "In a great way, it made me realize that I have nothing to fear because what I do is a blessing. I’m just really excited about going out there and trying to do something special this year."Bichette's track record suggests an imminent return to form. During a three-year stretch from 2021-23, he led the American League in hits twice while maintaining an OPS of at least .802.The 27-year-old, like his teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a>, will be playing for a new contract as he is slated for free agency at season's end. Bichette owns a career .290/.332/.466 slash line through six MLB campaigns.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 17: Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after striking out during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on September 17, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

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Jays' Bichette excited about new season after 'toughest year' in 2024

Boston Red Sox prospect Kristian Campbell has made the Opening Day roster.  Manager Alex Cora qui...

Boston Red Sox prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17342" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17342">Kristian Campbell</a> has made the Opening Day roster.Manager Alex Cora quizzed the 22-year-old on every MLB player to play collegiate baseball at Georgia Tech and told him he was going to be added to the list when breaking the news, reports <a href="https://x.com/IanMBrowne/status/1904289204265202030">MLB.com's Ian Browne</a>.Campbell ranks seventh on <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/top100/">MLB Pipeline's Top 100</a> and second in the Red Sox organization behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17320" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17320">Roman Anthony</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 22-year-old recorded eight hits in 48 at-bats this spring for the Red Sox, including one home run and two doubles. He also worked 10 walks despite striking out 18 times.Campbell climbed three minor-league levels in 2024. He hit a combined .330/.439/.558 with 20 home runs and 24 stolen bases in 115 games split between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. The youngster appears most likely to play second base for the Red Sox after starting 10 contests there this spring. He has also played third base, shortstop, and in the outfield in the minor leagues.Boston selected Campbell in the fourth round of the 2023 MLB Draft.

PORT CHARLOTTE, FLORIDA - MARCH 13: Kristian Campbell #28 of the Boston Red Sox reacts in the dugout after hitting a home run during a 2025 MLB Spring Breakout game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park on March 13, 2025 in Port Charlotte, Florida.

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Top prospect Campbell makes Red Sox roster

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash announced starting pitcher Shane McClanahan will begin the seas...

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash announced starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10721" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10721">Shane McClanahan</a> will begin the season on the injured list with an inflamed nerve in his triceps, according to <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1903904173864653263">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.The lefty <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3248184" href="https://thescore.com/news/3248184">exited</a> his spring training start Saturday in visible pain but ultimately avoided a worst-case scenario."Really good news on Mac," Cash said of the injury, according to <a href="https://x.com/romano_tbtimes/status/1903900208154763596">John Romano of the Tampa Bay Times</a>. "Basically, it was more nerve-related. Calm the nerve down and then see how he progresses, get a ball back in his hand. Probably the best news we could have heard."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>McClanahan is not expected to miss significant time.The 27-year-old was nearing a long-awaited return from Tommy John surgery before suffering the triceps injury. He looked sharp throughout the spring, not allowing an earned run across his three starts.He last pitched in a regular-season game in 2023. McClanahan worked to a 3.29 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 115 innings that year before getting hurt.McClanahan owns a 3.02 ERA (130 ERA+) across 74 career starts.

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 06: Shane McClanahan #18 of the Tampa Bay Rays delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during a Grapefruit League spring training game at BayCare Ballpark on March 06, 2025 in Clearwater, Florida.

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Rays' McClanahan to begin season on IL with triceps injury

The Seattle Mariners announced Sunday they released outfielder Mitch Haniger, making him a free a...

The Seattle Mariners announced Sunday they released outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4003" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4003">Mitch Haniger</a>, making him a free agent.Haniger, 34, has been sidelined since early March with shoulder soreness. He's owed $15.5 million this year as part of the three-year contract he signed with the San Francisco Giants ahead of the 2023 season.Seattle is on the hook for the entirety of his 2025 salary.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Putting on a Mariners uniform and playing at T-Mobile Park is something I’ll cherish forever," Haniger said in a statement obtained by <a href="https://x.com/DKramer_/status/1903869777933906097">Daniel Kramer of MLB.com</a>."To our fans, my teammates, and everyone a part of this organization, thank you for embracing my family and me. We have so many great memories to look back on."Haniger hit .208/.286/.334 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs across 121 games in 2024. It was his first season back with the Mariners after they reacquired him in a trade with the Giants.The right-handed hitter was productive during his first stint with the Mariners, earning an All-Star nod in 2018 and hitting 39 home runs in 2021.Haniger has played just 239 games since 2022.

MESA, ARIZONA - MARCH 08: Mitch Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners bats during the second inning of a Spring Training game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on March 08, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona.

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Mariners release former All-Star outfielder Haniger

The Detroit Tigers agreed to a one-year, $1.3-million contract with veteran outfielder Manuel Mar...

The Detroit Tigers agreed to a one-year, $1.3-million contract with veteran outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4713" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4713">Manuel Margot</a>, the team announced.The deal includes up to $1.2 million in bonuses for plate appearances and will pay Margot $200,000 in the minor leagues.Margot, who the Milwaukee Brewers released Saturday, will join the Tigers on Sunday night and is expected to be active for their Opening Day matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers, <a href="https://x.com/EvanPetzold/status/1903843296369131708">Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 30-year-old hit .238/.289/.626 with four home runs and 31 RBIs in 129 games with the Minnesota Twins in 2024. He spent the prior four seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays.Margot owns a career .686 OPS (90 OPS+) through nine MLB campaigns with 56 home runs and 96 stolen bases. He has experience playing all three outfield positions.

MESA, ARIZONA - MARCH 11: Manuel Margot #20 of the Milwaukee Brewers bats during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on March 11, 2025 in Mesa, AZ.

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Tigers sign Margot to 1-year, $1.3M contract

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Ben Wrixon

Associate Baseball News Editor

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