San Francisco Giants right-hander Justin Verlander wants to pitch in 2026, and believes his recen...

<p>San Francisco Giants right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/195" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/195">Justin Verlander</a> wants to pitch in 2026, and believes his recent turnaround will show teams he's worthy of a contract next season.</p><p>"I would hope somebody would offer me a contract now," Verlander told <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2025/09/17/justin-verlander-future-giants-mlb-playoff-race/86211032007/">USA Today's Bob Nightengale</a>.</p><p>The 42-year-old pitched well against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, tossing seven shutout innings during the Giants' 5-1 victory.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Verlander's allowed one earned run over his last four outings and lowered his ERA to 3.75. It's been a significant change for the 20-year veteran, who was 0-7 with a 4.70 ERA during the first half.</p><p>The three-time Cy Young winner credits an adjustment he made during a bullpen session for his improved results.</p><p>"Every day you come to the field for four months, and it's like, what's the way out of this?" Verlander said. "How do I make the adjustment? What do I need to do? What's wrong? Because clearly something's wrong. I just have to try to find it. I had a new thought in the bullpen, I took that into the game, and the game results have been what you see.</p><p>"So, I'm glad I didn't give up."</p><p>Verlander signed a one-year, $15-million deal with the Giants in January. If he were to sign a deal next season, he'd be the oldest active player in the league.</p><p> </p>

PHOENIX, AZ - SEPTEMBER 17: Justin Verlander #35 of the San Francisco Giants pitches during the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Giants' Verlander intends to pitch in 2026

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette will be sidelined for the rest of the regular season whil...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a> will be sidelined for the rest of the regular season while recovering from a left knee sprain, manager John Schneider said Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/1968066971691520286">Keegan Matheson of MLB.com</a>.</p><p>However, the Blue Jays are focused on getting Bichette back for the playoffs.</p><p>Schneider added that the second opinion on Bichette's injured PCL was a positive one, as he'll only need rest and rehabilitation to recover, according to <a href="https://x.com/ArdenZwelling/status/1968066395352207488">Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet</a>. The two-time All-Star could resume baseball activities later this week.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The skipper acknowledged that the second opinion confirmed what the team was originally told.</p><p>"There's still no definitive timetable," Schneider said, according to <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/1968061282948616513">Matheson</a>.</p><p>The Blue Jays won't play their first postseason game until Oct. 4 if they hang on to win the American League East and finish with one of the top two records in the AL. Toronto enters Tuesday's action five games up on the New York Yankees for the division lead and six games ahead of the AL West-leading Seattle Mariners - the No. 3 seed in the league.</p><p>Bichette landed on the 10-day injured list last Tuesday after he hurt his knee in a collision at home plate while facing the New York Yankees three days earlier. The shortstop remained in the game following a weather delay.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/bo-bichette-leaves-game-with-injury?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/bo-bichette-leaves-game-with-injury?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">MLB.com</a>)</p><p>Bichette has been one of Toronto's best players this season. The 27-year-old has the most hits (181) and doubles (44) in the majors and leads the Blue Jays in RBIs (94) and batting average (.311).</p><p>The seven-year veteran will be a free agent at the end of the season.</p>

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 6: Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays walks in the dugout in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 6, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Bichette out for regular season with knee injury, could return for playoffs

The Philadelphia Phillies clinched the National League East title for a second consecutive season...

<p>The Philadelphia Phillies clinched the National League East title for a second consecutive season after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-5 in 10 innings on Monday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Phillies manager Rob Thomson praises the total team effort ... and then the NL East champs start the party! 🍾 <a href="https://t.co/UsyIWicqqB">pic.twitter.com/UsyIWicqqB</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1967822124984438965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4761" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4761">Kyle Schwarber</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8890" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8890">Weston Wilson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1688" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1688">Bryce Harper</a> homered for the Phillies during the back-and-forth contest between division leaders, but a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3087" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3087">J.T. Realmuto</a> sacrifice fly in the 10th inning wound up as the difference maker.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/372" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/372">David Robertson</a> got <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4250" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4250">Max Muncy</a> to ground out to first with the bases loaded in the bottom half of the 10th to secure the win and the division crown.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/Phillies?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phillies</a> win the NL East <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CLINCHED?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CLINCHED</a> <br><br>(MLB x <a href="https://twitter.com/budweiserusa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BudweiserUSA</a>) <a href="https://t.co/8UG7UhymMR">pic.twitter.com/8UG7UhymMR</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1967818862612840473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"We're a really good team," Harper said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46277302/phillies-clinch-nl-east-division-title-win-vs-dodgers">ESPN's Alden Gonzalez</a>. "I think we're playing really good baseball right now. Just got to keep going, and keep understanding we have a bigger picture and we have things on our mind that we want to win."</p><p>Philadelphia last won back-to-back division titles during its dominant 2007-11 run. The team claimed five straight NL East crowns and won the 2008 World Series over that stretch.</p><p>This year's win is the earliest in a campaign that the Phillies have clinched a division, surpassing the Sept. 17 mark achieved in 2011 when they won a franchise-best 102 games.</p><p>Philadelphia is attempting to lock up one of the NL's two first-round playoff byes. It owns the league's second-best record behind the Milwaukee Brewers with 11 games left on the schedule.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Brandon Marsh #16 and Walker Buehler #31 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after clinching the NL East after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-5 at Dodger Stadium on September 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Phillies clinch NL East for 2nd straight season

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Trey Yesavage set a franchise record for the most strikeouts in a ...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Trey Yesavage set a franchise record for the most strikeouts in a major-league debut with nine during an impressive outing against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday.</p><p>The 22-year-old <a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1967736932995080615">struck out</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9653" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9653">Brandon Lowe</a> for his first punchout in the first inning before striking out <a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1967749565693497496">five in a row</a> later in the contest.</p><p>Yesavage allowed three hits and walked two. He generated 19 swing-and-misses, which included 11 whiffs via his splitter, during his outing.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trey Yesavage's 9 strikeouts (and counting) in his MLB debut are a <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlueJays</a> record! <a href="https://t.co/5AEOPW2odu">pic.twitter.com/5AEOPW2odu</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1967752228875178480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>He exited the game in the sixth with the Blue Jays trailing 1-0. Toronto came back to beat Tampa Bay 2-1 in eleven innings.</p><p>"It was as special as I thought," Yesavage said of his debut, according to <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/1967788645634691355">MLB.com's Keegan Matheson</a>.</p><p>"It was almost like there was some sort of trance put over me with a feeling of peace out there. I enjoyed every moment."</p><p>Yesavage made his big-league debut after starting the 2025 campaign with Single-A Dunedin.</p><p>He was picked 20th overall by the Blue Jays in the 2024 draft.</p>

TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 15: Trey Yesavage #39 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during his Major League Debut at George M. Steinbrenner Field on September 15, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Yesavage sets Blue Jays record for Ks in MLB debut

Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez exited Monday's game against the Texas Rangers with a le...

<p>Houston Astros outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9552" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9552">Yordan Alvarez</a> exited Monday's game against the Texas Rangers with a left ankle sprain after stepping awkwardly on home plate during the first inning.</p><p>Alvarez could barely make it down the dugout stairs before heading into the clubhouse, according to <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1967745880796303546">The Athletic's Chandler Rome</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Doesn't look good for Yordan Álvarez, as he slipped at home plate and hobbled back to the dugout <a href="https://t.co/9TpfpQEXqW">pic.twitter.com/9TpfpQEXqW</a></p>— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken2) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarnHasSpoken2/status/1967746536244441150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Alvarez was replaced by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16345" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16345">Zach Cole</a>, who shifted to right field. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9609" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9609">Jesús Sánchez</a>, who started in right, moved to left field.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The slugger <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1967787489340616842">exited</a> the Astros' clubhouse on crutches and with his foot in a walking boot. He will undergo an MRI on Tuesday, manager Joe Espada <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1967783322043683293">said</a> after the Astros beat the Rangers 6-3. </p><p>The 28-year-old Alvarez entered Monday with six home runs, 27 RBIs, and a .794 OPS across 47 games.</p><p>Houston is a half-game behind the Seattle Mariners for top spot in the AL West. The Rangers are 3.5 games behind the Astros in the division.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 15: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros is helped off the field turning his ankle at home plate in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Daikin Park on September 15, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Astros' Alvarez sprains ankle after awkward step on home plate

Toronto Blue Jays utility player Ernie Clement wasn't impressed by a comment from Baltimore Oriol...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays utility player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10877" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10877">Ernie Clement</a> wasn't impressed by a comment from Baltimore Orioles broadcaster Brian Roberts during Friday's game about the baseball IQ of Canadian fans.</p><p>"I've got to be real, real careful with what I say, but sometimes we had some major questions about the baseball IQ of some Canadians here and there," Roberts said after fans booed a pickoff attempt at first base Friday.</p><p>"At times, it felt like maybe they enjoy or knew a little bit more about hockey than baseball."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Baltimore Orioles TV broadcast last night questioned the intelligence of Canadian baseball fans after booing a pickoff attempt. <a href="https://t.co/EtntH2JM5g">pic.twitter.com/EtntH2JM5g</a></p>— Sid Seixeiro (@Sid_Seixeiro) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sid_Seixeiro/status/1966913868715733228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Clement said he expected better from Roberts, who spent 13 years playing for the Orioles in the AL East before becoming a broadcaster.</p><p>"I'm surprised that (Roberts) would say that," Clement told <a href="https://www.thestar.com/sports/blue-jays/orioles-broadcaster-tells-tv-audience-canadian-baseball-fans-lack-baseball-iq-the-blue-jays-fired/article_e16439c3-144c-455e-992b-2b09c9661aeb.html">Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star</a>.</p><p>"He played in this division and played against this team for a long time, and it's a shame that's how he feels. The more I play here and the more I get to know the people in Toronto, the more I gain a respect for what they know about baseball."</p><p>Clement, who's in his third season with the Blue Jays, didn't stop there and took a jab at Baltimore's home support.</p><p>"We get 40,000 a night here," he said. "I mean, they probably get 5,000 a night, so it makes sense that you'd be a little salty about that."</p><p>Roberts apologized for his comment during Sunday's contest between the Blue Jays and Orioles. The Blue Jays went on to beat the Orioles 11-2 on Sunday to earn the series sweep.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Brian Roberts apology.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Birdland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Birdland</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueJays?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueJays</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/awfulannouncing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@awfulannouncing</a> <a href="https://t.co/Kq1Rf6INa1">pic.twitter.com/Kq1Rf6INa1</a></p>— Luke Slabaugh (@LukeSlabaugh) <a href="https://twitter.com/LukeSlabaugh/status/1967301267166015563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Blue Jays rank ninth in the majors in attendance this season, drawing 34,548 fans per game, according to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2025-misc.shtml">Baseball Reference</a>.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Orioles sit 23rd, averaging 22,055 per contest.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 23: Ernie Clement #22 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks for a fan to throw the ball to during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on August 23, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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Jays' Clement responds to O's broadcaster for baseball IQ comment

The Toronto Blue Jays are promoting top prospect Trey Yesavage to the major-league roster, the te...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays are promoting top prospect Trey Yesavage to the major-league roster, the team announced Sunday.</p><p>Toronto will activate Yesavage for his MLB debut Monday.</p><p>"It's insane. I've always dreamed about this, and it's finally come true. It's awesome," Yesavage said Sunday, according to <a href="https://x.com/ArdenZwelling/status/1967259886544363967">Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I was very emotional at first. And then after that, I was almost, like, numb. I didn't know how to feel. It was just a whirlwind of emotions."</p><p>The Blue Jays selected Yesavage in the first round of the 2024 draft after a terrific college career at East Carolina.</p><p>The 22-year-old right-hander has dominated minor-league hitting this season, recording a 3.12 ERA and 14.7 K/9 in 98 innings across multiple levels after beginning the campaign at Low-A Dunedin. </p><p>Yesavage appeared in six games - four starts - for Triple-A Buffalo, logging a 3.63 ERA and 13.5 K/9 in 17 1/3 innings.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - AUGUST 9: Toronto Blue Jays draft pick Trey Yesavage gives an interview before an MLB game against the Oakland Athletics at Rogers Centre on August 9, 2024 in Toronto, Canada.

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Blue Jays promoting top prospect Yesavage to majors

The Detroit Tigers got good news Saturday on left-handed ace Tarik Skubal.  "It's all good news. ...

<p>The Detroit Tigers got good news Saturday on left-handed ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a>.</p><p>"It's all good news. The scan came back clean," manager A.J. Hinch said, according to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3344359" href="https://thescore.com/news/3344359">The Associated Press</a>. "So obviously, that's great for us and great for him."</p><p>Hinch said the Tigers will monitor the progress of the 28-year-old Cy Young candidate, but as of right now, he's expected to make his next start, according to <a href="https://x.com/cmccosky/status/1966927603454923036">Chris McCosky of the Detroit News</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Skubal exited Friday's game against the Miami Marlins in the fourth inning with tightness in his left side.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/eric-wagaman-flies-out-to-center-fielder-parker-meadows?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/eric-wagaman-flies-out-to-center-fielder-parker-meadows?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">MLB.com</a>)</p><p>Skubal owns a 2.26 ERA with 224 strikeouts in 183 1/3 innings for the AL Central-leading Tigers this season.</p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 06: Starting pitcher Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers walks off the field after the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on July 06, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Tigers ace Skubal expected to make next start after injury scare

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman still views Anthony Volpe as the club's starting s...

<p>New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman still views <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13802" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13802">Anthony Volpe</a> as the club's starting shortstop beyond 2025 despite the 24-year-old's struggles this season.</p><p>"Yeah, I think he's a good player. Obviously, this year notwithstanding, he's got a lot of abilities that are positive," Cashman said, according to <a href="https://x.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1966628521813348517">Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News</a>.</p><p>"He's had a tough stretch, but yeah, he's someone that we can count on and we believe in."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Cashman added: "But acknowledging at the same time, this isn't the season that we expected or he expected, but that doesn't change our viewpoint of what he's capable of. I think he's a really talented guy, and I think he has a chance to be a positive impact on us."</p><p>Volpe owns a .206/.268/.393 slash line with 19 home runs, 70 RBIs, and 16 steals this campaign. His 0.6 fWAR and one defensive run saved are the lowest of his three-year career, and his 81 wRC+ ranks 140th out of 146 qualified hitters, according to <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&amp;stats=bat&amp;lg=all&amp;qual=y&amp;type=8&amp;season=2025&amp;month=0&amp;season1=2025&amp;ind=0&amp;sortcol=17&amp;sortdir=default&amp;pagenum=5&amp;pageitems=30">FanGraphs</a>.</p><p><strong>Volpe's career numbers</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>SEASON</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>wRC+</th>
<th>DRS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2023</td>
<td>159</td>
<td>.666</td>
<td>83</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>1.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2024</td>
<td>160</td>
<td>.657</td>
<td>87</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>3.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2025</td>
<td>141</td>
<td>.661</td>
<td>81</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0.6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Volpe has been playing through a partially torn labrum since May. He's unlikely to start any games during this weekend's series against the Boston Red Sox while recovering from a cortisone shot in his shoulder, Yankees manager Aaron Boone told <a href="https://x.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1966610614672884124">Phillips</a>.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 12: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases during the game between the Minnesota Twins and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 in New York, New York.

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Cashman: Yankees view Volpe as starting SS beyond 2025

Austin Dillon and Kyle Larson have the same goal — reaching the second round of the NASCAR Cup Se...

<p>Austin Dillon and Kyle Larson have the same goal — reaching the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs — but divergent paths to get there at Bristol Motor Speedway.</p><p>Entering Saturday night's 500-lap cutoff race at the treacherous short track in Tennessee, Dillon is on the verge of being one of four drivers eliminated from a field of 16. He is 11 points behind 12th-ranked Austin Cindric in the last provisional transfer spot, but the Richard Childress Racing driver believes he's within "striking distance" to force the drivers ahead of him into mistakes that help erase the gap.</p><p>"If we apply pressure, then we can transfer to the next round, and pressure is running up front and scoring stage points," Dillon said. "With just a solid day, we can make it happen. But if you win, it also takes care of all this, and we're going to be aggressive as we can be to put that pressure on."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The scenario is simpler for Larson, who is 60 points above the cutline and the highest-ranked playoff driver behind the Joe Gibbs Racing duo of Chase Briscoe and Denny Hamlin (who already have advanced with wins at Darlington and Gateway to open the first of four rounds).</p><p>With in-race points awarded for finishing in the top 10 after Bristol's first two stages of 125 laps apiece, Larson can lock into the next round by gaining eight points before the checkered flag.</p><p>That should be an easy task for the 2021 Cup Series champion, who has two consecutive victories at Bristol while leading 873 of the past 1,000 laps on the 0.533-mile oval.</p><p>"I just feel I've got a natural feel for the pace and rhythm that it takes to be good there," Larson said. "When I go to Bristol, I always look at it as an opportunity to have a great weekend. So I hope our car is close again, and we can execute a good weekend like the last two times there."</p><p>Though he finished 12th at Gateway, the Hendrick Motorsports star is coming off "the best race in months" for his No. 5 Chevrolet after qualifying second and leading 52 laps before a restart incident with Bubba Wallace.</p><p>It's the first double-digit total led by Larson since May 25 when he led 34 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.</p><p>"We didn't get the finish to show for the speed that we had, but I didn't let that get me down at all," said Larson, who is in a season-long drought of six consecutive races without a top five. "I was very, very happy after Gateway, leaving there way more confident about the rest of the playoffs. And just really excited."</p><p>He is enthused just by racing at Bristol, which is his favorite track on the Cup circuit. Billed as "The Last Great Colosseum," the high-banked concrete surface is ringed by 146,000 seats with overhead views of cars whizzing by on 15-second laps and sparks flying under the lights.</p><p>"It's just a fun, fast place," said Larson, whose March 16 win at Bristol kicked off a season-high streak of four consecutive top fives. "I think everybody in the sport really looks forward to Bristol, and it's always fun, whether you're a mechanic, a pit crew member, a driver or a spotter. It's just a cool place."</p><p>Dillon refers to Bristol as "the eighth wonder of the world," but it's been less kind to his No. 3 Chevrolet. His only top five there was fourth nine years ago, but he is encouraged by a win at Richmond Raceway last month and a 10th at Bristol in March.</p><p>His team plans to radio often with real-time updates on the points standings to help guide his approach Saturday night.</p><p>"I definitely feel like it's going to be a fluid race," said Dillon, who is below the first-round playoff cutline with Alex Bowman, Shane van Gisbergen and Josh Berry. "I just want a car that I can drive hard. If we can give me something I can work with, I feel like my heart, will and grit will take us as far as we need to go."</p><p><strong>Pit crew changes</strong></p><p>After disastrous pit stops in each of the first two races of the playoffs, Bowman will have four new crew members changing tires Saturday night on his No. 48 Chevrolet.</p><p>Hendrick Motorsports vice president of competition Chad Knaus told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that the decision was made after some "tough conversations" about a pit crew that he still believes is one of the best in Cup. "We have to make something happen, and we all know it's a momentum-based sport," Knaus said. "It's a good reset for everybody."</p><remove></remove><p>___</p><p>AP auto racing: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing">https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing</a></p>

MADISON, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 06: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 Dow DayGlo Chevrolet, prepares to qualify for the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at WWT Raceway on September 06, 2025 in Madison, Illinois.

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Dillon, Larson optimistic at Bristol with playoff eliminations looming

The biggest fight of the year, and perhaps one of the most hyped matches of the last decade, take...

<p>The biggest fight of the year, and perhaps one of the most hyped matches of the last decade, takes place Saturday when Canelo Álvarez squares off against Terence "Bud" Crawford for the undisputed super middleweight championship at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.</p><p>If the Vegas spotlight wasn't enough for two of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, they'll also get a massive audience on Netflix during Mexican Independence Day weekend.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th>Álvarez</th>
<th>Crawford</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Country</td>
<td>🇲🇽</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Age</td>
<td>35</td>
<td>37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Height</td>
<td>5'7 1/2"</td>
<td>5'8"</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Reach</td>
<td>70 1/2"</td>
<td>74"</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Record</td>
<td>63-2-2</td>
<td>41-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KO</td>
<td>39</td>
<td>31</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>This could be the toughest bout of each boxer's career. Canelo accepted the challenge from the undefeated Crawford, who is moving up two weight classes in an attempt to become the first undisputed champion in three divisions during the four-belt era.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"A win against Canelo Álvarez would put me on Mount Rushmore. I'd be one of the greatest fighters ever," Crawford said during an appearance on "Piers Morgan Uncensored."</p><p>Crawford's resume includes victories over Errol Spence Jr., Shawn Porter, and Israil Madrimov. However, none of their careers measure up to Álvarez's body of work. He's held multiple world championships in four weight classes and headlined some of the biggest cards of the last 10 years.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jY0NlJqSmnQ?si=y8Y3PV1B1QluYsUW" 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>The payoff is obviously big for Crawford, but why is Canelo taking on such a stiff challenge as his career winds down after 67 professional fights?</p><p>A healthy paycheck from influential promoter Turki Alalshikh was certainly part of the equation, but Álvarez has also been criticized for taking easy fights since suffering his second career loss to Dmitry Bivol in 2022. And he hasn't been able to knock out his opponent in those fights either.</p><p><strong>Canelo's fights since Bivol loss</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Opponent</th>
<th>Result</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>May 3 2025</td>
<td>William Scull</td>
<td>UD win</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sept. 14 2024</td>
<td>Edgar Berlanga</td>
<td>UD win</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>May 4 2024</td>
<td>Jaime Munguia</td>
<td>UD win</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sept. 30 2023</td>
<td>Jermell Charlo</td>
<td>UD win</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>May 6 2023</td>
<td>John Ryder</td>
<td>UD win</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sept. 17 2022</td>
<td>Gennady Golovkin</td>
<td>UD win</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>A win against Crawford, even with a significant weight advantage, would quiet Canelo's critics.</p><p>"I have no doubt about it. ... I'm going to win. I believe 100%," Canelo told Morgan after Crawford said he was only 70% sure he would be victorious.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I4jZ7O3kZA0?si=RYJNdIJBp_HJx6ej&amp;start=3231" 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>Crawford isn't taking this fight for granted. In fact, the Omaha, Nebraska, native believes this bout could define his career.</p><p>"Everything is riding on this one moment," Crawford said. "This is it."</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 27: (L-R) Canelo Álvarez, Dana White, CEO, UFC and Terence Crawford are seen onstage during the Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford Las Vegas Press Conference at T-Mobile Arena on June 27, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Tale of the Tape: Canelo vs. Crawford

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe has been playing through a partial labrum tear in his le...

<p>New York Yankees shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13802" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13802">Anthony Volpe</a> has been playing through a partial labrum tear in his left shoulder, manager Aaron Boone said Thursday.</p><p>"He said something the other day about (his shoulder)," Boone said, according to <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1966235310859207021">SNY</a>. "We MRI'd it. Shows a little bit more of a labrum tear but nothing that we think is going to land him on the IL or nothing that he can't continue to play through."</p><p>Volpe had the issue looked at in May. An MRI revealed what the Yankees believed to be an older injury he could play through.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here's the Anthony Volpe diving play we've been discussing from May 3: <a href="https://t.co/1bymfzEVLD">pic.twitter.com/1bymfzEVLD</a></p>— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanHoch/status/1966253496073924889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 24-year-old re-aggravated the injury a few times this season, including over the weekend during a diving play. He received a cortisone shot to the shoulder Wednesday, Boone added.</p><p>Volpe wasn't included in the Yankees' starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Boone <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1966235966231765469">said</a> Volpe's "probably not" going to be available off the bench and is considered day-to-day.</p><p>The infielder is hitting .206/.268/.393. His 81 wRC+ ranks 140th out of 146 qualified hitters, according to <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&amp;stats=bat&amp;lg=all&amp;qual=y&amp;type=8&amp;season=2025&amp;month=0&amp;season1=2025&amp;ind=0&amp;sortcol=17&amp;sortdir=default&amp;pagenum=5&amp;pageitems=30">FanGraphs</a>.</p><p>Volpe's also made a career-high 19 errors this season.</p><p>"I don't think it's been a major factor in his performance or his ability to swing the bat or his ability to go to the post every day," Boone <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1966236760414785878">replied</a> when asked whether Volpe's injury has contributed to a down year.</p><p> </p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 06: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees in action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on September 06, 2025 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 3-1.

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Yankees' Volpe playing through partial labrum tear

The Philadelphia Phillies placed infielders Trea Turner and Alec Bohm on the injured list Monday,...

<p>The Philadelphia Phillies placed infielders <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4814" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4814">Trea Turner</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10702" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10702">Alec Bohm</a> on the injured list Monday, manager Rob Thomson told reporters, including <a href="https://x.com/Devan_Kaney/status/1965142320455794998">Devan Kaney of Fox 29 Philly</a>.</p><p>Turner injured his hamstring trying to beat out a grounder Sunday against the Miami Marlins. Thomson said Turner's MRI revealed a Grade 1 hamstring strain and they expect him back for the postseason.</p><p>Bohm has a sore shoulder, and the team believes he'll return in 10 days.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Turner leads the National League with 6.6 fWAR, while Bohm's 51 RBIs are the sixth most among all Phillies.</p><p>The pair joins ace starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2917" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2917">Zack Wheeler</a> (thoracic outlet syndrome) on the IL as the Phillies attempt to hold onto the NL East division lead with 19 games remaining on their schedule.</p><p>Otto Kemp and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8538" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8538">Donovan Walton</a> were called up to take over active spots on Philadelphia's roster, according to <a href="https://x.com/MattGelb/status/1965128401808932888">The Athletic's Matt Gelb</a>.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 21: Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm (28) and shortstop Trea Turner (7) talk as they make their way back to the dugout in between innings during an MLB game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 21, 2024 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Phillies place Turner, Bohm on IL

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner said he'll have an MRI on Monday after leaving Sunday...

<p>Philadelphia Phillies shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4814" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4814">Trea Turner</a> said he'll have an MRI on Monday after leaving Sunday's game with a right hamstring strain, according to the <a href="https://x.com/ScottLauber/status/1964797821321896363">Philadelphia Inquirer's Scott Lauber</a>.</p><p>Turner added he felt a "grabbing" sensation in his hamstring after attempting to leg out a grounder in the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOUDG2zEsSI/?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/reel/DOUDG2zEsSI/?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>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>"If I could've kept going, I would've," said Turner, adding he hopes the strain is milder than the one that caused him to miss six weeks in 2024.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 32-year-old infielder entered Sunday leading the National League in fWAR (6.5). He was 1-for-4 with a home run before exiting the game.</p><p>The first-place Phillies are already without ace starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2917" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2917">Zack Wheeler</a>, who will miss the remainder of the season after having surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.</p><p> </p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 01: Trea Turner #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies runs toward first base against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning at American Family Field on September 01, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Phillies' Turner going for tests after straining hamstring

New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge will start in right field against the Toronto Blue Jays on F...

<p>New York Yankees captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> will start in right field against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, marking his first outfield appearance in over a month.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Friday Night Baseball in the BX. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepBX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepBX</a> <a href="https://t.co/CJKuwtFtHV">pic.twitter.com/CJKuwtFtHV</a></p>— New York Yankees (@Yankees) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yankees/status/1964047157255639270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Judge hasn't played in the outfield since July 25 after suffering a flexor strain in his right elbow.</p><p>Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he won't initially have Judge playing outfield every day, adding the team captain will share reps with <a href="http://Giancarlo%20Stanton">Giancarlo Stanton</a>, according to <a href="https://x.com/jorgecastillo/status/1964064991260127605">ESPN's Jorge Castillo</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Stanton has recorded minus-5 defensive runs saved in 109 innings in the outfield this season, while Judge has two defensive runs saved in 692 1/3 outfield frames.</p>

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 18: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees trots in from the outfield during the Friday evening MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees on July 18, 2025 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Judge starting in outfield for 1st time since July 25

The Detroit Tigers placed right-hander Kyle Finnegan on the 15-day injured list with a right addu...

<p>The Detroit Tigers placed right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8441" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8441">Kyle Finnegan</a> on the 15-day injured list with a right adductor strain, the team announced Friday.</p><p>Finnegan appeared to sustain the injury while warming up in the bullpen Wednesday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kyle Finnegan appears to have injured himself while warming up in the bullpen <br><br>He hasn't allowed a single run in 12 appearances with the Tigers since they traded for him at the deadline <a href="https://t.co/9nfFAEUvCp">pic.twitter.com/9nfFAEUvCp</a></p>— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1963319367682097196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Finnegan has been terrific for the Tigers since they acquired him from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline. The 34-year-old has allowed three hits and no runs to go along with four saves in 12 games for Detroit.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Tigers reinstated outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10655" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10655">Parker Meadows</a> in a corresponding move. </p><p>Meadows hasn't played since July 27 because of an injured quad. He's in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Chicago White Sox.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 14: Kyle Finnegan #64 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Minnesota Twins in the eighth inning of the game at Target Field on August 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Tigers place Finnegan on IL with adductor strain

The New York Mets optioned right-hander Kodai Senga to Triple-A Syracuse, the team announced Frid...

<p>The New York Mets optioned right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15438" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15438">Kodai Senga</a> to Triple-A Syracuse, the team announced Friday.</p><p>New York recalled catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10690" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10690">Francisco Alvarez</a>, brought up right-hander Wander Suero, and optioned backstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12884" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12884">Hayden Senger</a> in corresponding moves.</p><p>Senga has struggled since the All-Star break after pitching well in the first half of the season. The 32-year-old owns a 6.56 ERA and 1.71 WHIP with 22 walks and eight home runs allowed in his last eight starts.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Per his contract, the Mets needed Senga's consent to send him to the minors. Rookie Brandon Sproat is reportedly set to take Senga's turn in the rotation Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds.</p><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">Senga's relationship with the Mets remains in good shape, and his demotion is expected to last about two starts, depending on how he performs in the minors, sources told <a href="https://x.com/martinonyc/status/1964024768006390007" target="_blank">SNY's Andy Martino</a>.</span></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"When it was presented to him, he was very open from the beginning."<br><br>Carlos Mendoza talks about the conversations with Kodai Senga around sending him down to Triple-A Syracuse: <a href="https://t.co/nezPOox91y">pic.twitter.com/nezPOox91y</a></p>— SNY (@SNYtv) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYtv/status/1964072036688388235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Alvarez returns to the Mets after missing two and a half weeks with a sprained thumb ligament, which he injured shortly after coming back from a broken pinky finger.</p><p>The 23-year-old owns a .787 OPS with seven home runs and 24 RBIs in 56 games this season.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: Kodai Senga #34 of the New York Mets reacts after the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game One of the Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Mets option Senga to Triple-A, recall Alvarez

Houston Astros outfielder Taylor Trammell was unhappy with the New York Yankees after his bat was...

<p>Houston Astros outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8748" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8748">Taylor Trammell</a> was unhappy with the New York Yankees after his bat was confiscated during Thursday's game.</p><p>After Trammell hit a double in the ninth inning, the Yankees asked umpires to inspect the bat due to discoloration on the side of it. The umpires then removed the bat from the game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Taylor Trammell's bat was confiscated after he doubled in the ninth inning <a href="https://t.co/gttHtqgGwT">pic.twitter.com/gttHtqgGwT</a></p>— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinYanks/status/1963799191454704125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It's actually ridiculous. I have no idea what really happened," Trammell said, according to <a href="https://x.com/brianmctaggart/status/1963810546613973431">MLB.com's Brian McTaggart</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Trammell added that he was told the Yankees believed his bat had been shaved down.</p><p>"To be honest, I have no idea how you shave down a bat. I don't know what it is. I feel kind of defensive right now, more so a test of my character of like I'm going to willingly do that," Trammell told McTaggart.</p><p>"Just kind of lost on that thing, and if anybody knows me knows I'm never going to cheat any turns or anything like that. I have no idea. That's baffling to me that it was even checked. They didn't like it. Sorry. I used it the first at-bat, and it wasn't a problem. I struck out, and it wasn't a problem then."</p><p>Trammell said Friday that MLB told him the bat was confiscated because of the lumber's discoloration, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-trammel-bat-astros-yankees-mlb-b7d06f08c93ea3947d3d8f83be8bad54">Stephen Hawkins of The Associated Press</a>. However, the 27-year-old won't be disciplined for using it.</p><p>Yankees manager Aaron Boone said after Thursday's game they noticed the discoloration on Trammell's bat earlier in the series, according to the <a href="https://x.com/YESNetwork/status/1963810447041171906">YES Network</a>.</p><p>Although Boone noted that "the league thought it may be illegal, too," he emphasized that "he didn't want to accuse Taylor" of any wrongdoing.</p><p>The bat was technically illegal because it didn't follow supplier regulations, but an inspection determined that it didn't give Trammell any advantage, a source told <a href="https://x.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1964002483635671330">Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News</a>.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 04: Umpire Adrian Johnson #80 and umpire Ramon De Jesus #18 examine a bat belonging to Taylor Trammell #26 of the Houston Astros during the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Daikin Park on September 04, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Astros' Trammell: Yankees having bat confiscated 'ridiculous'

Framber Valdez's agent backed up his client Wednesday after he appeared to intentionally hit Hous...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8415" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8415">Framber Valdez</a>'s agent backed up his client Wednesday after he appeared to intentionally hit Houston Astros catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14052" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14052">César Salazar</a> during Tuesday's loss to the New York Yankees.</p><p>"The idea that he's intentionally trying to injure one of his teammates is preposterous," Ulises Cabrera told <a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/astros/article/framber-valdez-catcher-controversy-21028913.php">Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle</a>.</p><p>"It's a complete lack of respect for who he is as a person and who he is as a player. And his body of work demonstrates that. Anything to the contrary is just completely misguided and it's not right."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Valdez hit Salazar in the chest with a 93-mph sinker two pitches after allowing a grand slam to Yankees outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8203" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8203">Trent Grisham</a>. Salazar had waved for Valdez to step off the mound before the pitch to Grisham, but the left-hander didn't.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Framber Valdez did not step off the mound when César Salazar motioned for him to moments before Trent Grisham’s grand slam.<br><br>Framber Valdez and César Salazar then got crossed up two pitches after the grand slam.<br><br>🎥: Space City Home Network <a href="https://t.co/GqUOdxm59k">pic.twitter.com/GqUOdxm59k</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1963084458002940333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The two Astros teammates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3337274" href="https://thescore.com/news/3337274">downplayed</a> the incident after the game, calling it a cross-up due to an error with PitchCom.</p><p>"I think he's surprised," Cabrera said of how Valdez felt after the incident. "Because in no way, shape, or form does the starting pitcher intentionally try to hurt his teammate.</p><p>"Mix-ups happen all the time, just like a pitcher shaking all the time. This is just not an issue. But it does become an issue when people question Framber's quality as a teammate and his interest in defending his fellow players in the dugout on the field. He messed up, he admitted it, he got mixed up, done. But to suggest anything other than that is just wrong and it's not acceptable."</p><p>The 31-year-old Valdez has won 80 games in 1,058 innings for Houston. He's expected to be one of the top starting pitchers available in free agency after the season.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 02: Framber Valdez #59 of the Houston Astros reacts after a strikeout to end the fifth inning during a game against the New York Yankees at Daikin Park on September 02, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Valdez's agent: Pitcher intentionally hurting teammate is 'preposterous'

The Boston Red Sox placed star rookie outfielder Roman Anthony on the injured list with an obliqu...

<p>The Boston Red Sox placed star rookie outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17320" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17320">Roman Anthony</a> on the injured list with an oblique strain, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>"He's going on the IL. He has an oblique strain. Timetable, we don't know ... usually takes from four-to-six weeks," manager Alex Cora told <a href="https://x.com/WEEIAfternoons/status/1963307006174900416">WEEI</a>.</p><p>The manager added, "It sounds harsh, but we have to move on."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Anthony believes he has a Grade 2 strain and hopes to be back as soon as possible, according to <a href="https://x.com/SmittyOnMLB/status/1963337284914131072">MassLive's Christopher Smith</a>.</p><p>The rookie appeared to injure himself during an at-bat in the fourth inning of Tuesday's win over the Cleveland Guardians.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Roman Anthony’s injury. <a href="https://t.co/2CA89lrfG7">pic.twitter.com/2CA89lrfG7</a></p>— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) <a href="https://twitter.com/BostonStrong_34/status/1963026910847598885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 21-year-old has been terrific for the Red Sox in his rookie campaign, slashing .292/.396/.463 with eight home runs, 18 doubles, and 32 RBIs in 71 games.</p><p>The Red Sox recalled utility player Nick Sogard from Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move.</p><p>Boston enters Wednesday 2.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the AL East. </p>

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 2: Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox holds his lower back after swinging and missing at a third strike during the fourth inning at Fenway Park on September 2, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Red Sox place Anthony on IL with oblique strain

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Bryan Mcwilliam

News Editor

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