The Seattle Mariners placed ace Logan Gilbert on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow flexo...

<p>The Seattle Mariners placed ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12376" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12376">Logan Gilbert</a> on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow flexor strain, the club announced Saturday.</p><p>An MRI revealed a Grade 1 strain. The Mariners will shut down the 27-year-old from throwing before re-examining him in two weeks.</p><p>"Could have been much worse," Gilbert said, per <a href="https://x.com/A_Jude/status/1916256698718957851">Adam Jude of The Seattle Times</a>. "Definitely optimistic."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Gilbert left his start Friday night against the Miami Marlins with forearm tightness after throwing three perfect innings.</p><p>The All-Star right-hander was off to an excellent start to begin the 2025 campaign, posting a 2.37 ERA and 0.79 WHIP with 44 strikeouts across 30 1/3 innings pitched.</p><p>Gilbert joins rotation mate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12378" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12378">George Kirby</a> on the injured list. </p><p>Seattle recalled lefty Tayler Saucedo and righty Troy Taylor from Triple-A Tacoma while designating reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5921" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5921">Casey Lawrence</a> for assignment in the corresponding roster shuffle. </p><p>The Mariners will send <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5526" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5526">Luis Castillo</a> to the mound Saturday night as they continue their series against the Marlins.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 25: Logan Gilbert #36 of the Seattle Mariners pitches during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at T-Mobile Park on April 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31109517/related

Mariners place Gilbert on IL with elbow flexor strain 

The red-hot New York Mets are getting some reinforcements in the form of catcher Francisco Alvare...

<p>The red-hot New York Mets are getting some reinforcements in the form of catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10690" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10690">Francisco Alvarez</a> and utility man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4912" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4912">Jeff McNeil</a>. </p><p>McNeil, who has been sidelined since the middle of March with an oblique strain, was reinstated Thursday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11827">Brett Baty</a> was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move.</p><p>Alvarez, meanwhile, was reinstated Friday. He's been out since the early parts of spring training with a fractured bone in his wrist. Hayden Senger was sent to Triple-A to make room for Alvarez on the active roster.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The return of both players should help lengthen a lineup that hasn't yet been firing on all cylinders. The Mets are succeeding this season largely due to the strength of their pitching.</p><p>New York entered Friday owning MLB's best record at 18-7 despite having scored just 105 total runs. Its hitters have combined for a 101 wRC+, which ranks 15th in the league.</p><p>McNeil hit .238/.308/.692 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs in 2024. He rediscovered his All-Star form in the second half of the season, posting a 137 wRC+ from Aug. 1 onward before breaking his wrist in early September.</p><p>Alvarez hit 11 home runs with a .710 OPS (101 OPS+) in 100 games. </p><p>The Mets will look to extend their seven-game win streak Friday night in Washington against the Nationals.</p><p> </p>

SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 8: Francisco Alvarez #4 (R) of the New York Mets is congratulated by Jeff McNeil #1 after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on July 8, 2023 in San Diego, California.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31088451/related

Mets reinstate Alvarez, McNeil from IL

Welcome to theScore's roundup of everything you need to know from around MLB. We'll touch on the ...

<p><em>Welcome to theScore's roundup of everything you need to know from around MLB. We'll touch on the notable storylines, biggest trends, most shocking plays, and some other cool things. Let's dive in!</em></p><h3>What everyone's talking about 👇</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781571/cropped_GettyImages-1719482467.jpg?ts=1745198478" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781571/w220xh124_GettyImages-1719482467.jpg?ts=1745198478 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781571/w320xh180_GettyImages-1719482467.jpg?ts=1745198478 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781571/w640xh360_GettyImages-1719482467.jpg?ts=1745198478 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781571/w768xh432_GettyImages-1719482467.jpg?ts=1745198478 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781571/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1719482467.jpg?ts=1745198478 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rob Tringali / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Acuña shades Snitker:</strong> In a since-deleted tweet, Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. implied his manager has a double standard. The 2023 NL MVP may have a point, considering Brian Snitker removed him from a game in the past for a lack of hustle but didn't do the same for Jarred Kelenic. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3271441" href="https://thescore.com/news/3271441">Read more</a> ...</p><p><strong>Judge hitting over .400: </strong>This might be the best version of the two-time AL MVP. Aaron Judge is off to a ballistic start, slashing .415/.513/.734 with seven homers and 26 RBIs. In comparison, he was hitting .191 with four homers and a .702 OPS through 25 games last season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Mets are budding juggernaut: </strong>New York has already put together separate win streaks of six and seven games<strong>.</strong> Pete Alonso is on a mission, Francisco Lindor keeps coming up clutch, and Kodai Senga has allowed two earned runs all season. The biggest sign the Mets are a wagon is that all the early winning has come without significant contributions from Juan Soto.</p><h3>Who's hot? 🔥</h3><p><strong>Tyler Mahle</strong>: The righty is having a Texas-sized resurgence, posting a 0.68 ERA and 0.83 WHIP through 26 2/3 innings after making just 12 starts over the previous three seasons. Mahle isn't allowing opposing batters to square him up: He's held them to a microscopic 3.4 H/9 without surrendering a home run.</p><p><strong>Yoshinobu Yamamoto</strong>: It's becoming clearer who the Dodgers' best and most reliable starting pitcher is. Yamamoto has dominated, allowing just three earned runs in 29 innings while striking out a ridiculous 38 batters.</p><p><strong>Pete Crow-Armstrong</strong>: The Cubs' lineup has been one of baseball's best in April, and Crow-Armstrong is a huge reason. The dynamic 23-year-old is slashing .294/.339/.549 with five home runs and 10 stolen bases, already having accrued the third-most fWAR (1.8) in MLB.</p><h3>Who's not? 🥶</h3><p><strong>Joc Pederson</strong>: No hitter is having a rougher start to the campaign. Pederson's slash line dropped to .066/.174/.098 due to an unfathomable 0-for-41 skid, and the slugger remains without a home run or RBI<strong> </strong>on the year.</p><p><strong>Jeimer Candelario</strong>: The Reds' highest-paid position player continues to scuffle in the second year of his $45-million contract. Candelario's been worth minus-0.6 fWAR while slugging just two home runs<strong> </strong>and holding the lowest batting average (.118) among qualified hitters.</p><p><strong>Jordan Hicks</strong>: Hicks' second year as a starting pitcher is off to a brutal start after flashes of success in the role in 2024. The hard-throwing righty has allowed an NL-worst 20 earned runs through five starts, walking 13 batters and surrendering 29 hits in 27 1/3 innings pitched.</p><h3>You love to see it 😍</h3><p>If you love an underdog story, Caleb Durbin will put a smile on your face. The 5-foot-6, 25-year-old collected two hits in his debut after reaching the majors from humble beginnings at a Division III school (Washington University).</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/caleb-durbin-collects-two-hits-in-his-mlb-debut?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Pirates fans lined up for miles for the highlight of the season ... the Paul Skenes Rookie of the Year bobblehead giveaway. Team owner Bob Nutting gets his fair share of criticism, but he decided that every fan in attendance should get one after witnessing the chaos when he pulled up to the ballpark.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hweusIKuTck?si=0FfPPCDJQrcBw2s1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Phillies reliever Matt Strahm is basically a Nicolas Cage doppelganger. So, naturally, he'd have a glove with the Declaration of Independence on it.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781902/cropped_Srahm_s_glove.jpg?ts=1745363411" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781902/w220xh124_Srahm_s_glove.jpg?ts=1745363411 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781902/w320xh180_Srahm_s_glove.jpg?ts=1745363411 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781902/w640xh360_Srahm_s_glove.jpg?ts=1745363411 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781902/w768xh432_Srahm_s_glove.jpg?ts=1745363411 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781902/w1080xh607_Srahm_s_glove.jpg?ts=1745363411 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Photo courtesy of MLB.com</span></figcaption></figure><h3>We can't believe this happened 🤯</h3><p>Pirates infielder Enmanuel Valdez was called out after hitting a triple because he lifted his hand off the base while asking for a timeout following an injury on the slide.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/emmanuel-clase-in-play-no-out-to-enmanuel-valdez?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Boston Red Sox prospect Andy Lugo celebrated a walk-off single in extra innings with a bat flip so high that it scraped the clouds.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/andy-lugo-s-walk-off-single-x2229?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>The bat boy in Cleveland is loving the Yankees' new facial hair policy.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIulbNgMhCU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIulbNgMhCU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewbox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div>
</div>
</div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div>
</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIulbNgMhCU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by MLB ⚾ (@mlb)</a></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Michael Sansone, a pitcher for the Red Sox Single-A affiliate, had to change uniforms in the ninth inning because he wore the wrong color. We have no idea how this happens.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/michael-sansone-changes-uniforms-during-9th-inning?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p><em>(Video source: <a href="https://www.mlb.com/">MLB.com</a>)</em></p><h3>Sound smart among your friends 🧠</h3><p>Steven Kwan continues to be a statistical anomaly. He has four home runs and a .889 OPS on the season despite barreling the ball just 2.4% of the time and posting the league's second-lowest hard-hit rate at 20%.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Steven Kwan in 2025" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-lS7Gz" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/lS7Gz/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="212" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><h3>They said what? 🗣️</h3><p><strong>Logan Webb after laughing at one of his <a href="https://x.com/NBCSGiants/status/1913461250845286656">teammates passing gas</a> in the locker room: </strong>"Farts are always funny, not going to lie."</p><p><strong>Jazz Chisholm Jr. on <a href="https://x.com/UnderdogMLB/status/1914493574131147097">dodging pieces of a broken bat</a> instead of fielding a grounder: </strong>"I want to make every play out there for my guy, but at the same time, you don't want to die."</p><p><strong>Rowdy Tellez had some <a href="https://x.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/1915153708066984393">thoughts</a> on his collision with Alan Roden during the Mariners-Blue Jays game: </strong>"For a physics major like he is, you would think he would know those things that when a littler person tries to run over somebody that's bigger, it's not going to go well."</p><p><strong>Kirby Yates was <a href="https://x.com/kennlandry/status/1913727993848999945">pretty bummed</a> about allowing a walk-off homer to former Rangers teammate Adolis García:</strong> "I really don't like facing my friends."</p><h3>What to watch this weekend 📺</h3><p><strong>Pirates @ Dodgers</strong>: The Skenes-Yamamoto matchup, tentatively scheduled for Friday night, could be one of the best of the season.</p><p><strong>Phillies @ Cubs</strong>: Two of baseball's highest-powered offenses go head to head in a showdown at Wrigley Field.</p><p><strong>Blue Jays @ Yankees: </strong>A<strong> </strong>tasty pitching duel on tap Saturday with a revitalized Kevin Gausman against Max Fried, who flirted with a no-hitter in his last start.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31085810/related

Covering the Bases: The best stuff happening in MLB this week

April baseball is always full of surprises, and this year is no different, as several players aro...

<p>April baseball is always full of surprises, and this year is no different, as several players around the league are off to unexpected starts.</p><p>Here are 10 of the most surprising performers so far:</p><p><strong>Tyler Soderstrom, Athletics: </strong>Many tabbed Lawrence Butler as a popular breakout pick heading into 2025, but Soderstrom is the Athletic making headlines early on. The former first-round pick is tied for the MLB lead with nine home runs, and his underlying metrics suggest his power is legitimate. Soderstrom ranks 95th percentile in expected slugging percentage thanks to an elite 18.8% barrel rate and 93-mph average exit velocity. The young slugger has the look of a star in the making.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Kris Bubic, Royals: </strong>The Bubic we're seeing right now is not the same pitcher who went 3-13 with a 5.58 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in 2022. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, the Royals deployed him out of the bullpen last year, and he returned with reworked off-speed pitches. The lefty has ditched his old curveball in favor of a sweeper-slider combo to devastating results. He owns a 1.45 ERA and 26.2% K rate since rejoining the rotation this year.<strong> </strong>The Royals may have another ace on their hands.</p><p><strong>Jonathan Aranda, Rays: </strong>Few players are hitting the ball with as much authority as Aranda this year. After posting a .738 OPS in 143 plate appearances in 2024, he's slashing .344/.442/.656 with four home runs to begin the season. The Rays have deployed him in a platoon role against right-handed pitching to great effect, as his expected slugging, average exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard-hit rate all rank 94th percentile or better. Tampa Bay may have found its version of Kerry Carpenter.</p><p><strong>Jung Hoo Lee, Giants: </strong>A dislocated shoulder and torn labrum limited Lee to just 37 games as a rookie in 2024. The second season of his six-year, $113-million contract is off to a much better start. Lee has been dynamic at the plate, hitting an MLB-leading 10 doubles to go along with three homers and three stolen bases. The home run power likely isn't sustainable - all of his home runs were hit at Yankee Stadium - but a 40-double season seems attainable with his speed and bat-to-ball skills.</p><p><strong>Chris Bassitt, Blue Jays: </strong>Nobody should be surprised that Bassitt is pitching well considering he's been a good pitcher for a long time. What is surprising, however, is that he's seemingly peaking in his age-36 season. His 1.49 FIP is the best in baseball and his 10.7 K/9<strong> </strong>is a massive increase from the 8.8 K/9 he recorded in 2024. The strikeouts are likely to taper off, but Bassitt's command seems genuinely better, as he's lowered his walk rate from 9.2% last year to a much improved 5.4%.</p><p><strong>Brendan Donovan, Cardinals: </strong>Donovan has been a base-hit machine to start the year and is tied for the NL lead with 32 hits<strong>. </strong>His 100th-percentile expected batting average suggests he's hitting line drives where fielders aren't. While he still isn't driving the ball for much power, his average exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard-hit percentage are all higher than they were last season. He's primed for a big year if he can maintain slightly above-average percentiles in those categories.</p><p><strong>Tyler Mahle, Rangers: </strong>After two straight seasons lost to injury, Mahle looks all the way back. He's pitched to a 0.68 ERA (571 ERA+) and 0.83 WHIP in his first five starts in 2025, harkening back to his breakout years with the Cincinnati Reds. His arsenal isn't overpowering on paper, but he's nonetheless posted a respectable 24.8% K rate<strong>. </strong>He's also held opponents to just 3.4 hits per nine innings, the lowest mark in the league. Mahle is exactly what the Rangers need to solidify their rotation.</p><p><strong>Tommy Edman, Dodgers: </strong>Just like everyone expected, the Dodgers' home-run leader is Edman, who already boasts eight<strong> </strong>and is already over halfway to his career high of 13. Los Angeles seems to have unlocked something in Edman. He's hitting the ball exponentially harder than ever, and while he likely won't out-homer Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman the rest of the way, he'll still be an important bat in this loaded lineup.</p><p><strong>Tylor Megill, Mets: </strong>New York entered the season with several starters sidelined, but Megill has filled in admirably. He's posting a 1.09 ERA and 2.17 FIP through arguably the finest five-start stretch of his career. A huge part of his early-season success has been keeping the ball in the park. The righty hasn't allowed a single home run in 24 2/3 innings and he ranks 28th percentile in hard-hit rate. While his 1.26 WHIP likely indicates some good luck, Megill nonetheless appears to have taken a step forward.</p><p><strong>Spencer Torkelson, Tigers: </strong>Many were ready to declare Torkelson a bust after he was demoted to the minor leagues in 2024, but something seems to have finally clicked for the former first overall pick. He's slashing .273/.377/.591 with seven home runs this year while hitting the ball extremely hard. He's still striking out a ton, but he's offset those punchouts by walking at an above-average clip. The 25-year-old might finally be turning into the guy Detroit thought it drafted.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31062029/related

10 MLB players off to surprise starts

The Los Angeles Angels signed veteran reliever Héctor Neris to a minor-league contract, the team ...

<p>The Los Angeles Angels signed veteran reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/3377" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/3377">Héctor Neris</a> to a minor-league contract, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>Neris will make $1.5 million if he's added to the major-league roster, according to <a href="https://x.com/AriA1exander/status/1912953253018669348">Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston</a>.</p><p>The right-hander started the season with the Atlanta Braves but was designated for assignment after allowing five earned runs in two appearances.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 35-year-old is just two years removed from a highly effective campaign with the Houston Astros in 2023, during which he worked to a 1.71 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with a 10.1 K/9 across 68 1/3 innings. </p><p>Los Angeles entered Thursday with its bullpen owning the worst ERA (6.11) and FIP (5.24) in the American League. </p><p>Neris holds a 3.40 ERA (123 ERA+) across 610 career appearances. </p><p> </p><p> </p>

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Hector Neris #50 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the eighth inning at Petco Park on March 30, 2025 in San Diego, California.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31000567/related

Angels sign Neris to minor-league contract

Max Verstappen is focused on winning races as rumors about him leaving Red Bull continue to swirl...

<p>Max Verstappen is focused on winning races as rumors about him leaving Red Bull continue to swirl.</p><p>"Honestly a lot of people are talking about it, except me," Verstappen said, according to <a href="https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/max-verstappen-responds-to-red-bull-exit-fears/10714254/">Jake Boxall-Legge of Autosport.com</a>. "I just want to focus on my car, work with the people in the team - that's the only thing I'm thinking about in Formula 1. I'm very relaxed."</p><p>Verstappen followed up a win in Japan two weeks ago with a sixth place at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday. Afterward, he voiced his displeasure with many aspects of the Red Bull Racing RB21.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Helmut Marko, Red Bull's motorsport advisor, then <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3267700" href="https://thescore.com/news/3267700">indicated</a> that Verstappen could leave if improvements aren't made to the car. He's previously spoken about a performance-related clause in Verstappen's contract that could force the issue.</p><p>"I am happy (at Red Bull). I'm just not very happy with, of course, our car," Verstappen said. "But that goes for everyone. We all want to be better, there's no secret about that. That's what we're trying to improve."</p><p>Talks of Verstappen leaving Red Bull first gained steam during the second half of the 2024 season, when the Dutchman secured the World Drivers' Championship despite winning just two of the final 14 races.</p><p>He ranks third in this season's standings (69 points) behind McLaren drivers Lando Norris (77) and Oscar Piastri (74).</p><p>Verstappen and Red Bull will look to get back on track in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - ARPIL 17: Max Verstappen of Red Bull participates in a news conference ahead of the Formula 1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix at the 6.1 kilometer long Jeddah Corniche Circuit, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, April 17, 2025.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30998999/related

Verstappen 'very relaxed' at Red Bull, focused on improving car

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola is frustrated by one of the worst stretches of ...

<p>Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4777" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4777">Aaron Nola</a> is frustrated by one of the worst stretches of his 11-year career.</p><p>The righty allowed seven runs over 5 1/3 innings pitched in Wednesday night's loss to the San Francisco Giants. He issued four walks, including one with the bases loaded for the second consecutive start.</p><p>"It drives me crazy," Nola said of the bases-loaded walk, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/aaron-nola-s-early-struggles-continue-in-phillies-loss">Todd Zolecki of MLB.com</a>. “I mean, it's unacceptable. Three times in my career I've done that, and two times in the past two games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I've just got to get ahead better. Too many free passes, and usually those runners have been scoring. I'm just making it harder on myself in those situations. Eight walks in two games overall. That's not good. I'll clean it up."</p><p>Nola owns an 0-4 record with a 6.65 ERA and 1.66 WHIP through four starts, having allowed a National League-high 16 earned runs. His walk rate has increased from 6.1% last year to 9% in 2025.</p><p>The 31-year-old received downballot Cy Young votes in 2024 after working to a 3.57 ERA (115 ERA+) in 33 starts.</p><p>"My body feels good," Nola said. "Definitely the worst start I've ever had by far. All I can do is keep working and keep trying to have good weeks and prepare as best as I can for the next game I pitch. Take all my work into that game and just compete."</p><p>The one-time All-Star holds a career 3.74 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with a 9.9 K/9 through 1643 innings pitched. </p><p>He's in the second season of a seven-year, $172-million contract. </p><p> </p><p> </p>

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 30: Aaron Nola #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on from the dugout after leaving the game during the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on March 30, 2025 in Washington, DC.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30996814/related

Phillies' Nola laments command issues amid 'worst start' of career

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Myles Straw isn't just playing his best baseball in years - he's hav...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8938" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8938">Myles Straw</a> isn't just playing his best baseball in years - he's having a great time doing it too.</p><p>"I'm having the most fun I probably had in my career," he said, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/blue-jays-myles-straw-back-to-having-fun-on-the-field/">Sportnet's David Singh</a>. "I'm happy to be here no matter what, whether I'm playing or not. I look forward to helping the team win that day, and it's just fun. It's fun to be around these guys every day."</p><p>The Cleveland Guardians traded Straw and international bonus pool money to the Blue Jays during the offseason - a deal that was heavily criticized after Toronto failed to land prized amateur free agent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19077" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19077">Roki Sasaki</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Straw's fit and price tag both raised concern. The 30-year-old accrued just 0.2 fWAR in 2023 and spent most of the 2024 season in the minor leagues despite owning a five-year, $25-million contract.</p><p>"I almost feel like I lost some love for the game," Straw said of his struggles. "And when you start doing that, the game doesn't give love back to you."</p><p>Straw is already worth 0.5 fWAR in 13 games with the Blue Jays, filling in for injured outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9524" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9524">Daulton Varsho</a>. He's slashing .379/.419/.552 with a home run and two doubles.</p><p>His defense, long his calling card, has also been excellent: He ranks in the 92nd percentile for outs above average.</p><p>The Blue Jays entered Wednesday with a 10-8 record. </p><p> </p><p> </p>

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 31: George Springer, Myles Straw #3, and Alan Roden #18 of Toronto Blue Jays celebrate defeating the Washington Nationals in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on March 31, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30986963/related

Straw 'having the most fun' of career playing with Blue Jays

Juan Soto is still adjusting to life as a New York Met.   MLB's highest-paid player believes pitc...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> is still adjusting to life as a New York Met. </p><p>MLB's highest-paid player believes pitchers are attacking him differently now that he doesn't have former teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> protecting him in the New York Yankees' lineup.</p><p>"It's definitely different," Soto said of pitchers' approach, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/04/14/sports/juan-soto-talks-to-post-about-pitchers-approach-without-aaron-judge-protection/">Mike Puma of the New York Post</a>. "I had the best hitter in baseball hitting behind me. I was getting more attacked and more pitches in the strike zone, less intentional walks and things like that. I was pitched differently last year."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Soto hit his second home run of the season in the Mets' 5-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night. </p><p>The 26-year-old owns a .250/.400/.429 slash line with six RBIs through his first 16 games as a Met. He had three home runs and 15 RBIs in his first 16 games with the Yankees in 2024.</p><p>Opposing pitchers seemingly prefer to take their chances with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8674">Pete Alonso</a>, who has thrived hitting behind Soto. Alonso entered Tuesday with the highest OPS (1.136) in the National League.</p><p>"Everybody has got a role and I feel as a team, we have got to attack pitchers as a team," Soto said. "We don't have to attack the pitchers as individuals. If they don't want to pitch to me, I just pass the baton and let (Alonso) do his thing. If they don't want to pitch to him, he should do the same thing."</p><p>The Mets have gotten off to an 11-5 start even though their offense isn't firing on all cylinders: They've only scored 66 runs as a team while posting the NL's fifth-lowest WRC+ (94).</p><p>Soto hit a career-high 41 home runs with 109 RBIs in 2024. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 14: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets looks on during an at-bat against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field on April 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Mets defeated the Twins 5-1.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30975165/related

Soto: 'I was pitched differently' in Yankees' lineup with Judge

Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale ripped his latest poor performance after Sunday's 8-3 loss to the T...

<p>Atlanta Braves ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1577" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1577">Chris Sale</a> ripped his latest poor performance after Sunday's 8-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. </p><p>"Frustrated would be a wild understatement," he said after allowing four runs in 4 1/3 innings pitched, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/chris-sale-struggles-in-braves-loss-to-rays">Mark Bowman of MLB.com</a>. "I just hate sucking, and I'm just bad. It's simple."</p><p>The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner has been a shell of himself through his first four starts in 2025. He owns a 6.63 ERA and 1.53 WHIP after winning the pitching triple crown last year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He's one of several key players struggling on a Braves team that has stumbled to a 4-11 record out of the gate. </p><p>"I don't know if I’ve ever been this frustrated, honestly," Sale said. "I feel like I'm banging my (freaking) head against the wall right now, and I'm getting nothing out of it."</p><p>Sale showed signs of rounding into form despite the poor results. His fastball averaged 96.2 mph on Sunday after sitting at just 93.2 mph through his first three outings. His 41.7% chase rate also ranks in the 95th percentile. </p><p>His next start is likely to be next weekend against the Minnesota Twins. </p>

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 13: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves reacts in the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on April 13, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30963079/related

Braves' Sale frustrated amid poor start: 'I just hate sucking'

Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman was pitching with some extra emotion during Sunday's 7-6 wi...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4786" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4786">Jeff Hoffman</a> was pitching with some extra emotion during Sunday's 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles. </p><p>The closer, who nearly joined the Orioles in the offseason as a free agent before a deal fell apart due to failed physical assessments, blew a kiss at Baltimore's dugout after closing out the game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jeff Hoffman blows as a kiss to the O’s bench <a href="https://t.co/OzOeYdXmr4">pic.twitter.com/OzOeYdXmr4</a></p>— Paul Mancano (@PaulMancano) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulMancano/status/1911525338125095021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"When I'm thinking about the games before the games are being played and stuff, yeah, obviously that's in definitely my head, but once I'm in the game, in the moment, I'm focused on making pitches," Hoffman told reporters, including Jacob Calvin Meyer of <a href="https://x.com/jcalvinmeyer/status/1911535557160612182">The Baltimore Sun</a>, postgame.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"If you get started thinking about all that stuff while you're out there, things tend not to go well. So I do my best to stay in the moment and just try to make the next pitch and get my team back in the dugout."</p><p>Hoffman held the Orioles scoreless in the ninth inning before coming back out to secure the win in the tenth.</p><p>The righty has made an excellent first impression since joining the Blue Jays on a three-year, $33-million contract. He owns a 0.96 ERA and 0.64 WHIP with 13 strikeouts through 9 2/3 innings pitched. </p><p>"I did not see (the kiss), but whatever he wants to do, he can do it," Blue Jays outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8938" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8938">Myles Straw</a> said, according to <a href="https://x.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1911543713039303020">Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith</a>. "As long as he keeps pitching like that, he can do whatever he wants."</p><p>Hoffman was an All-Star in 2024 as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies.</p><p>He and the Blue Jays head home to Toronto to open a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves on Monday. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 13: Jeff Hoffman #23 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 after a 7-6 victory against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 13, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30961729/related

Blue Jays' Hoffman blows kiss at Orioles' dugout after closing game

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer left Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles wit...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2931" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2931">George Springer</a> left Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles with left wrist discomfort.</p><p>X-rays on Springer's wrist were negative, and the Blue Jays are considering him day-to-day, according to <a href="https://x.com/ArdenZwelling/status/1911529598954995861">Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling</a>.</p><p>Springer <a href="https://x.com/thejaysnation/status/1911500410944438338">looked uncomfortable after a swing</a> during an at-bat in the fifth inning. He convinced team trainers to let him stay in the game but shook out his hand in visible pain after striking out.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15496" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15496">Will Wagner</a> pinch hit for Springer when his spot in the lineup came up again in the top of the seventh inning. Springer was serving as designated hitter.</p><p>The 35-year-old has been hot to start the season, hitting .375/.436/.604 with two home runs and 10 RBIs through 16 games. He's hit three doubles and one triple while stealing two bases.</p><p>Springer struggled for much of 2024, hitting just 19 home runs with a career-low .674 OPS (91 OPS+) in 145 games.</p><p>The Blue Jays ultimately won the game 7-6 in 10 innings. </p>

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 12: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after flying out in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 12, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30957830/related

Blue Jays' Springer day-to-day after exiting with wrist discomfort

Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout took the high road after a fan impeded his ability to catch a ...

<p>Los Angeles Angels star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1674">Mike Trout</a> took the high road after a fan impeded his ability to catch a fly ball in foul territory during the second inning of Saturday night's game against the Houston Astros. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/tyler-anderson-foul-to-yainer-diaz-jc0iqa?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/tyler-anderson-foul-to-yainer-diaz-jc0iqa">MLB.com</a>)</p><p>"They were really apologetic," Trout said after meeting with the fan and his young son, who he was trying to protect by catching the ball, according to Jeff Fletcher of <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2025/04/12/angels-win-in-houston-after-fan-pulls-ball-from-mike-trouts-glove/">The Orange County Register.</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Obviously, didn't really affect the game. I got a kid myself. That kid was probably nine years old. ... They're really nice people."</p><p>Trout immediately motioned to the umpires for an interference call after the incident occurred, but they ruled no interference because the contact was initiated out of bounds in foul territory. </p><p>The three-time MVP said postgame that the fan got a finger on the ball before he caught it, meaning the play would have been ruled dead regardless of whether he made the catch, per Fletcher. </p><p>The incident was ultimately inconsequential, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15394" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15394">Yainer Diaz</a> was retired on the next pitch.</p><p>The Angels went on to win the game 4-1.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 12: Los Angeles Angels right fielder Mike Trout (27) complains to first base umpire Alan Porter (64) after a fan interfered with his catch in the bottom of the second inning during the MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros at Daikin Park on April 12, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30950476/related

Trout forgives 'really apologetic' Astros fan who stole fly ball

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora didn't mince words after the Chicago White Sox embarrassed his t...

<p>Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora didn't mince words after the Chicago White Sox embarrassed his team 11-1 on Friday night.</p><p>"We didn't hit. We didn't play defense. We didn't pitch," Cora said, per <a href="https://x.com/NESN/status/1910887715626680651">NESN</a>. "Turn the page, be ready for tomorrow. We just gotta be better."</p><p>Chicago entered the contest on an eight-game losing streak but scored double-digit runs for the second time this season with the help of Boston's five errors, its most in a game since 2021.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4767" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4767">Sean Newcomb</a> lasted just four innings, allowing six runs - only two of which were earned - on six hits. He also walked two batters. </p><p>Offensively, Boston's star hitters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12272" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12272">Jarren Duran</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5400" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5400">Rafael Devers</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> combined for one hit. </p><p>"It's a horrible night, we know it," Cora said. "It's a horrible night in every aspect of the game. We didn't play well. They know it, we know it, I know it. Just got to show up tomorrow and win a game."</p><p>The Red Sox dropped to 7-8 on the year after the loss, which was their fourth in their past five games. The White Sox, meanwhile, improved to 3-10 after getting back in the win column.</p><p>Game 2 of the series gets underway at 4:10 p.m. ET Saturday.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 11: Triston Casas #36 of the Boston Red Sox tags out Luis Robert Jr. #88 of the Chicago White Sox at first base during the first inning at Rate Field on April 11, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30937588/related

Cora: Red Sox 'just gotta be better' after blowout loss to White Sox

The Los Angeles Dodgers activated star first baseman Freddie Freeman from the injured list, the t...

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers activated star first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1412" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1412">Freddie Freeman</a> from the injured list, the team announced Friday.</p><p>Freeman is batting fourth and playing at first against the Chicago Cubs.</p><p>The 35-year-old landed on the injured list in early April with an ankle injury after slipping in the shower. The ankle he hurt was the same one he had surgically repaired during the offseason. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Freeman had an MRI exam on his ankle that only showed scar tissue fraying, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1910817594703306838">ESPN's Alden González</a>.</p><p>The eight-time All-Star was off to a hot start at the plate before being sidelined, having hit two home runs with a 1.083 OPS through 12 plate appearances. </p><p>He owns a career .899 OPS (142 OPS+) through 16 seasons. </p><p> </p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 29: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts to his solo home run while rounding the bases in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30932508/related

Dodgers reinstate Freeman from IL

New York Yankees closer Devin Williams is searching for answers amid a rocky start with his new t...

<p>New York Yankees closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11736">Devin Williams</a> is searching for answers amid a rocky start with his new team. </p><p>"I haven't felt like 100% myself up to this point, but I would say I'm getting closer," Williams said after being pulled in the ninth inning of Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Detroit Tigers, per <a href="https://sny.tv/articles/yankees-devin-williams-still-figuring-stuff-out-early-season-struggles">SNY</a>.</p><p>The righty's ERA ballooned to 12.00 after allowing three earned runs against Detroit. He was relieved by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9004" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9004">Mark Leiter Jr.</a>, who recorded the final out of the game to nail down the win for the Yankees. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Williams surrendered a walk-off single in extra innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates in his previous appearance on April 6.</p><p>"I'm confident this is going to be a distant memory as we continue to move forward," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.</p><p>"(Williams is) not far off. Just a little better strike-throwing. Once he starts doing that and dictating counts, then you're going to see it because his stuff is not far off. This is his fourth outing. He'll be fine, he'll get through this. Just early part of the season."</p><p>The Yankees acquired Williams during the offseason from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9727" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9727">Nestor Cortes</a>. He pitched to a sparkling 1.25 ERA and 0.97 WHIP over 22 appearances in 2024. </p><p>Williams is a two-time All-Star with 69 career saves. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 09: Devin Williams #38 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the bottom of the ninth inning at Comerica Park on April 09, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30912952/related

Williams: 'Haven't felt like 100% myself' with Yankees so far

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

<p>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. </p><p>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>.</p><p>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. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>San Diego entered Tuesday with an MLB-best 9-2 record. </p>

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.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30900618/related

Padres place Merrill on IL with hamstring strain

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

<p>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>.</p><p>If finalized, the deal is expected to pay Guerrero around $500 million over 14 years.</p><p>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.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Guerrero and the Blue Jays will open a four-game series Monday against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

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.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30883084/related

Report: Jays making progress in Guerrero extension talks

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

<p>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.</p><p>"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>.</p><p>Sasaki allowed just one earned run over four innings pitched in the Dodgers' 3-1 win at Citizens Bank Park.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"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."</p><p>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. </p><p>The 23-year-old was visibly emotional after being removed from that game and admitted to feeling nervous ahead of Saturday's start.</p><p>"I did go through the week feeling a little anxious," Sasaki said. "I was searching for something that I could feel confident about."</p><p>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.</p><p>He owns a 4.15 ERA and a 2.08 WHIP through three MLB starts.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

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.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30868780/related

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...

<p>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.</p><p>"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>.</p><p>"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."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>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>. </p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>"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."</p><p>Judge hit a league-leading 58 home runs in 2024 while establishing new career highs in OPS (1.159), OPS+ (223), and RBIs (144). </p><p>The 32-year-old entered Thursday having already accrued 52 career fWAR. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

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.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30844683/related

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

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/ben-wrixon/content_cards

Ben Wrixon

Associate Baseball News Editor

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/tom-ruminski/content_cards