Move over, Mick. Cal Raleigh is now the switch-hitting single-season home-run king.  The Seattle ...

<p>Move over, Mick. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10827">Cal Raleigh</a> is now the switch-hitting single-season home-run king.</p><p>The Seattle Mariners catcher hit his 55th home run of the 2025 season Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium, breaking Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle's switch-hitter record that had stood since 1961. Raleigh's historic blast came in the third inning off Kansas City Royals pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3633" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3633">Michael Wacha</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cal Raleigh's dream season continues!<br><br>No. 55 is a NO-DOUBTER 😤 <a href="https://t.co/rvpvbplsXv">pic.twitter.com/rvpvbplsXv</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1968107155887886673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>But Raleigh wasn't done there. In his next at-bat, the 28-year-old crushed his 56th homer of the year to tie Ken Griffey Jr.'s Mariners single-season record.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE YEAR OF CAL RALEIGH NEVER STOPS<br><br>56 HR this season and TWO tonight! <a href="https://t.co/tOfHFmV1r2">pic.twitter.com/tOfHFmV1r2</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1968113613333520891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Raleigh and Mantle, who did it twice, are the only switch-hitters to ever launch 50 homers in a single season. Lance Berkman and Chipper Jones are the only others to even have a 45-homer campaign hitting from both sides.</p><p>The year was already a record-setting one for Raleigh prior to Tuesday. No primary catcher had ever hit more than 48 homers in a season before Raleigh broke Salvador Perez's record in August, and it's only the ninth time a backstop has surpassed the 40-homer mark, according to <a href="https://stathead.com/tiny/yq9Ma">Stathead</a>. He's hit 45 of his 56 homers while in the lineup at catcher, also a single-season record.</p><p>Tuesday also marked Raleigh's 10th multi-homer game of 2025. He's now one shy of tying that single-season record, according to <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1968114929812308469">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Most multi-HR games in a season playing catcher:<br><br>2025 Cal Raleigh: 8<br>2003 Javy Lopez: 8<br>1995 Mike Piazza: 6</p>— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1968124814956302502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>After going 3-for-5 in Seattle's 12-5 win over Kansas City, Raleigh is now hitting .247/.361/.590 with an AL-best 118 RBIs over 148 games this season. Despite playing the majority of his games behind the plate, he also leads the majors in homers and places third in OPS.</p>

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 16: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after hitting a home run during the third inning of the game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri.

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Raleigh hits 55th HR to break Mantle's switch-hitter record

The Houston Astros expect Yordan Alvarez to be sidelined "for a while" after the star slugger was...

<p>The Houston Astros expect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9552" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9552">Yordan Alvarez</a> to be sidelined "for a while" after the star slugger was diagnosed with a "pretty significant" left ankle sprain, manager Joe Espada told reporters Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/SportsTalk790/status/1968061452381790453">SportsTalk 790</a>.</p><p>Espada wouldn't provide a potential timeline for his return, other than to note that Alvarez is in the midst of getting treatment and the team is taking his recovery "one day at a time." The Astros are not putting Alvarez on the injured list yet.</p><p>"Did you just hear what I said? This is gonna take some time," Espada said when asked how long the team might play one man short. "Listen, one day at a time. I'm not gonna give you days, weeks, what we're going to do next. (We're) just gonna have to sit down and wait."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Alvarez suffered the injury when he slipped on home plate while scoring a run in the first inning of Tuesday's game against the Texas Rangers. He had to be helped down the steps to the clubhouse, and was later seen on crutches and with a walking boot on his injured foot.</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 has only played in 48 games this season due to injuries. He missed over three months due to a fractured right hand that was originally misdiagnosed as inflammation.</p><p>Since returning from the hand issue, the 28-year-old has looked much more like himself. Alvarez hit .369/.462/.569 with three homers and nine RBIs over 78 plate appearances after coming off the IL in late August, and was poised to play a major role in Houston's push for an AL West title.</p><p>The Astros have been hit hard by injuries all season, and were already missing a multitude of star pitchers, plus All-Star infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9550" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9550">Isaac Paredes</a>, before Alvarez's latest injury. A September slump has also dropped the club out of first place in the AL West. Still, the Astros enter Tuesday holding a three-game lead on Cleveland for the final wild-card spot, and are just a half-game behind Seattle in the division.</p><p>Espada still has belief that his team can withstand the loss of Alvarez for however long he's out to secure the franchise's ninth consecutive playoff berth.</p><p>"We need him in there. But those are the things that we can't control. It was a freak accident, (it) happens on a baseball field, but that's not what we need right now," Espada said. "But we do have guys here that understand the situation that we're in. We got talent, we got guys who want it. We got guys that can fight and get us through this stretch, and I expect those guys to do just that."</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 15: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros scores in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Daikin Park on September 15, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Alvarez has 'pretty significant' ankle sprain, timetable for return unclear

The Houston Astros have lost another pitcher to injury.  Right-hander Luis Garcia, who completed ...

<p>The Houston Astros have lost another pitcher to injury.</p><p>Right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12203" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12203">Luis Garcia</a>, who completed a prolonged rehab from Tommy John surgery last week, returned to the 15-day injured list Wednesday with right elbow discomfort, the team announced.</p><p>Houston recalled reliever Nick Hernandez from Triple-A Sugar Land in a corresponding move.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Garcia returned to Houston to be examined by the team's doctors, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/astros-luis-garcia-placed-on-injured-list-with-elbow-injury">Matt Betts of MLB.com</a>. Espada didn't provide any further details about his injury, and Garcia's status for the rest of 2025 remains unclear.</p><p>Garcia left Tuesday's start against the Toronto Blue Jays - just his second since 2023 - with the injury after throwing 1 2/3 hitless innings. His velocity was noticeably down during the start.</p><p>After throwing an 88-mph fastball to Ernie Clement in the second inning, Garcia immediately motioned to the dugout for trainers and was removed after a brief conversation.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Astros pitcher Luis Garcia exited the game in the 2nd inning after an apparent injury.<br><br>🎥: <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceCityHN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceCityHN</a> <a href="https://t.co/B3kFvMELnB">pic.twitter.com/B3kFvMELnB</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1965564893211619512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 28-year-old, a key member of Houston's 2022 World Series championship club, underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2023. Garcia made nine minor-league rehab appearances in July and August before finally returning to the majors on Sept. 1.</p><p>"It was a punch in the gut," Espada said postgame Tuesday, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/luis-garcia-exits-injury-astros-blue-jays">Betts</a>. "He's worked so hard to get back, and to see him call us and point to his elbow, it's tough."</p><p>Garcia's injury is another blow to an Astros pitching staff that's been decimated by injuries all season. Starters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12655" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12655">Ronel Blanco</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13771" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13771">Hayden Wesneski</a> both underwent Tommy John surgery early in the campaign, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16276" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16276">Spencer Arrighetti</a> is unlikely to pitch again in 2025 due to elbow inflammation. Star closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5307" href="/mlb/players/5307">Josh Hader</a> has also been on the IL since early August with a shoulder sprain.</p><p>The Astros enter play Wednesday clinging to a one-game lead on the second-place Seattle Mariners atop the AL West and are two up on third-place Texas after the Rangers completed a sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 9: Luis Garcia #77 of the Houston Astros returns to the pitching mound with teammate Yainer Diaz #21 during the second inning in their MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on September 9, 2025 in Toronto, Canada.

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Astros' Garcia returns to IL with elbow discomfort

New York Mets superstar Juan Soto is now in a club that few thought he'd ever join.  Soto clinche...

<p>New York Mets superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> is now in a club that few thought he'd ever join.</p><p>Soto clinched the first 30-30 season of his remarkable career by notching his 30th stolen base of the season during Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. He achieved the feat by swiping third in the eighth inning of an eventual 9-3 Phillies win.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Juan Soto is the first player to reach 30 HR and 30 SB this season 😤 <a href="https://t.co/BJRDa1bqdn">pic.twitter.com/BJRDa1bqdn</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1965582618747174933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Soto entered the game with 38 homers. He's the fifth Mets player to join the 30-30 club after Darryl Strawberry (1987), David Wright (2007), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2909" href="/mlb/players/2909">Francisco Lindor</a> (2023), and Howard Johnson (1987, 1989, and 1991).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Speed has been a shocking new addition to Soto's game. His previous career high in stolen bases was 12, which he accomplished twice. Last season, while with the New York Yankees, he only swiped seven bags in 11 attempts.</p><p>Not only has Soto stolen more bases this year, he's been incredibly efficient, having been caught stealing just three times. His 90.6% success rate entering play Tuesday ranked fourth in the NL.</p><p>Next up for the 26-year-old is the 40-homer, 30-steal club. No Mets player has ever accomplished that feat.</p><p>Soto, who joined the Mets on a record 15-year, $765-million contract this past winter, is hitting .261/.399/.522 through 143 games this season. He leads the NL in both OBP and walks (118).</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 08: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets rounds the bases during the game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, September 8, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Soto becomes 5th player in Mets history to post 30-30 season

Yoshinobu Yamamoto came agonizingly close to history at Camden Yards. Instead, he could only watc...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a> came agonizingly close to history at Camden Yards. Instead, he could only watch as the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen let him down.</p><p>Yamamoto held the Baltimore Orioles hitless for 8 2/3 innings Saturday before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15504" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15504">Jackson Holliday</a> broke up the no-hitter with a solo homer that barely cleared the right-field wall.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">NO-HITTER NO MORE<br><br>Jackson Holliday homers with two outs in the 9th to end Yoshinobu Yamamoto's no-hitter 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/P0UPJYYYjV">pic.twitter.com/P0UPJYYYjV</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1964507693949014080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Yamamoto - who threw two no-hitters in Japan before coming to the majors - became the first Dodgers pitcher to lose a no-hitter with one out to go since Hall of Famer Dazzy Vance on June 17, 1923, when the team was called the Brooklyn Robins, per <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1964508168110969328">Sportsnet Stats</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Yamamoto was removed after allowing the one hit, finishing with 10 strikeouts and two walks. His 112 pitches marked the most he's thrown in an MLB game.</p><p>That was where the good news ended for the Dodgers. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3013" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3013">Blake Treinen</a> took over for Yamamoto and failed to record an out, allowing one hit and walking two, including a bases-loaded free pass to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13841" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13841">Colton Cowser</a> that made it a one-run game. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5525" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5525">Tanner Scott</a> then came in and allowed a two-run walk-off single to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12639" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12639">Emmanuel Rivera</a>, giving Baltimore the stunning 4-3 win.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">FROM NO-HITTER TO WALK-OFF WINNERS 🤯<br><br>THE ORIOLES STUN THE DODGERS <a href="https://t.co/MkhAlGntMj">pic.twitter.com/MkhAlGntMj</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1964512076011098355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Orioles are the ninth team in the expansion era (since 1961) to win after having been no-hit through at least 8 2/3 innings, according to <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1964521270885908846">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Best I can tell from available play by play data, there has never been another game in recorded NL/AL history in which…<br><br>A pitcher lost a no-hitter on a HR with 2 outs in the 9th and then …<br><br>His team lost the game. <br><br>Baseball!</p>— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaysonst/status/1964519088459501667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It's hard to recount a game like this. Where you feel like there's so many things where you can get a little bit of momentum, build off a great outing by Yoshinobu, and take that into tomorrow. And then, obviously, it completely flipped," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/ByJackHarris/status/1964526076367163512">Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times</a>. "But the guys fought hard. So with the way we played, I got no complaints. We just couldn't get that last out."</p><p>This latest burst of Orioles magic came on the 30th anniversary of Cal Ripken Jr. breaking Lou Gehrig's record for consecutive games played. The O's celebrated their franchise icon in a star-studded <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3339512" href="https://thescore.com/news/3339512">pregame ceremony</a>.</p><p>"I don't know if I've ever seen anything like that with how that thing was going," Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino said, according to <a href="https://www.thebanner.com/sports/orioles-mlb/orioles-dodgers-comeback-near-no-hitter-NK4AVFEVCZETHC4QQFBIDZNGRM/">Danielle Allentuck of the Baltimore Banner</a>.</p><p>"Even in that situation right there in a packed house on such a big night, I feel like the guys, they stayed positive in the dugout, they stayed loose, they stayed energetic. And, fortunately, I think some of Cal's magic resonated and affected us there in the ninth inning."</p><p>The Dodgers, meanwhile, have now lost five straight contests and were walked off by Baltimore for a second straight night. The loss, combined with San Diego's victory at Colorado, trimmed L.A.'s NL West lead over the Padres to just one game.</p>

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Emmanuel Rivera #26 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with Luis Vázquez #52 after hitting a single in the ninth inning to walk off the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 06, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Orioles break up Yamamoto's no-no with 1 out to go, then walk off Dodgers

One young fan's night at the ballpark was nearly ruined by another overly zealous spectator. Both...

<p>One young fan's night at the ballpark was nearly ruined by another overly zealous spectator. Both the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies ensured it would instead be an evening to remember.</p><p>In the fourth inning of Friday's game at LoanDepot park, Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader crushed a <a href="https://x.com/PHI_HR_Tracker/status/1964119111543194088">solo homer</a> to left field that gave his club a 5-1 lead. That ball ended up in the hands of a young Phillies fan after his dad won a scramble for the baseball.</p><p>This, however, drew the ire of another fan in the left-field bleachers. Cameras caught a woman in a Phillies jersey running across the aisle to confront and berate the shocked father and child until she was eventually given the baseball. The father appeared to reluctantly wave her away after surrendering the souvenir, seemingly in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This fan went NUTS on another fan after he snagged a home run ball for his kid.<br><br>(H/T: <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilsTailgate?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PhilsTailgate</a>) <a href="https://t.co/C1KNb5Q3Jw">pic.twitter.com/C1KNb5Q3Jw</a></p>— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/1964137691072569417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Both teams noticed what happened and took immediate action. Although the boy who lost the baseball was wearing Phillies gear, the Marlins brought him a gift bag that included baseballs and other goodies.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shoutout to the Marlins who hooked up the fan who had his Home Run ball taken away from him with a prize pack and baseballs! <a href="https://t.co/MKzm2115R2">pic.twitter.com/MKzm2115R2</a></p>— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilsTailgate/status/1964131544232022447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Fans in the outfield section cheered the youngster, who's apparently celebrating his birthday in the coming days.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sure cause I’m next to the family marlins made it right and came to the kid and his pops not only that other HR balls hit were given to the kid after the fact. <a href="https://t.co/2X6wfiGlWa">pic.twitter.com/2X6wfiGlWa</a></p>— Vincenzo The Last Tree Bender (@VinceVocabulary) <a href="https://twitter.com/VinceVocabulary/status/1964128956988231941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Phillies also had some treats in store for the fan. Following their 9-3 win, the Phils brought the boy and his family downstairs for a meet-and-greet, where he received a signed bat from Bader.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Going home with a signed bat from Bader <a href="https://t.co/pCaXHSjLgL">pic.twitter.com/pCaXHSjLgL</a></p>— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) <a href="https://twitter.com/Phillies/status/1964152246779662478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Needless to say, the only loser on this night was the woman who ripped off Bader's home-run ball.</p>

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Phillies, Marlins gift swag to young fan after HR ball was taken away

Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony was removed from Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Gua...

<p>Boston Red Sox outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17320" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17320">Roman Anthony</a> was removed from Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians with left oblique tightness.</p><p>Anthony will undergo an MRI on Wednesday and will be reevaluated, manager Alex Cora said after his team's 11-7 win, per <a href="https://x.com/NESN/status/1963051703281823843">NESN</a>.</p><p>Anthony said postgame that he felt the tightness on a check-swing during his fourth-inning at-bat. He was seen holding his lower back and left side while walking back to the dugout after striking out in that plate appearance. He didn't take the field in the top of the fifth, and was replaced defensively by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14160" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14160">Nate Eaton</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><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 missed two games in August because of mid-back tightness.</p><p>"It sucks," Anthony said <a href="https://x.com/NESN/status/1963054150075162887">postgame</a>. "(I'm) hoping for the best and staying positive, but anytime I'm not out there I'm pretty pissed off.</p><p>"... I've been feeling great. And just took a check-swing, and felt it there, and knew something wasn't right.</p><p>Anthony, one of the favorites to win AL Rookie of the Year, is hitting .292/.396/.463 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs over 71 big-league games this season. The former No. 1 overall prospect signed an eight-year, $130-million extension with Boston in August.</p>

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 2: Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox holds his lower back as he heads for the dugout 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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Roman Anthony to get MRI after exiting with oblique tightness

The Detroit Tigers are moving right-hander Chris Paddack to the bullpen, manager A.J. Hinch told ...

<p>The Detroit Tigers are moving right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8243" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8243">Chris Paddack</a> to the bullpen, manager A.J. Hinch told reporters Tuesday, including <a href="https://x.com/EvanPetzold/status/1962972460376379469">Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press</a>.</p><p>Paddack was one of the Tigers' marquee trade-deadline additions. He made his first relief appearance in two years on Tuesday, allowing six runs on eight hits - including two homers - while striking out one in 1 1/3 innings of work against the New York Mets.</p><p>Following Detroit's 12-5 loss, an emotional Paddack revealed that he'll be going on the bereavement list because of a death in his family, according to <a href="https://x.com/evanwoodbery/status/1963057515911901289">MLive's Evan Woodbery</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"A.J. and them are giving me three days to go home and be with my family," Paddack <a href="https://x.com/evanwoodbery/status/1963059684895514713">said</a>. "Hopefully that is a little reset for me to be able to go back home and hug the loved ones. The reason I play this game is for them."</p><p>The Tigers acquired Paddack and minor-league right-hander Randy Dobnak from the Minnesota Twins on July 28 in exchange for catching prospect Enrique Jimenez. Paddack was supposed to solidify the back end of their rotation down the stretch; instead, he's been hit hard. Paddack entered Tuesday sporting the worst K/9 (4.2) and second-highest FIP (6.16) among all starters with at least 30 innings since the trade.</p><p><strong>Paddack's 2025 splits</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>IP</th>
<th>ERA</th>
<th>WHIP</th>
<th>K/9</th>
<th>HR</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Twins</td>
<td>111</td>
<td>4.95</td>
<td>1.28</td>
<td>6.7</td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tigers</td>
<td>31.1</td>
<td>6.89</td>
<td>1.40</td>
<td>4.3</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Paddack failed to record a strikeout in two of his six starts as a Tiger and allowed eight runs in 5.2 innings during a loss to the Twins on Aug. 17. In his most recent start Aug. 29, Paddack allowed three runs and two homers with no strikeouts in 3.2 innings against the Kansas City Royals.</p><p>The 29-year-old is in the final season of a $12.525-million contract he originally signed with Minnesota in 2023.</p><p>With Paddack now in the bullpen, Detroit's rotation plans for the weekend remain unclear. Sawyer Gipson-Long started Tuesday against the Mets after being recalled from Triple-A, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10561" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10561">Casey Mize</a> will get the series finale Wednesday afternoon. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5646" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5646">Jack Flaherty</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1117" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1117">Charlie Morton</a> are likely to start against the Chicago White Sox in some order on the weekend.</p>

DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 23: Chris Paddack #40 of the Detroit Tigers with a new baseball while pitching against the Kansas City Royals during the second inning at Comerica Park on August 23, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Tigers move struggling deadline acquisition Paddack to bullpen

Milwaukee Brewers reliever Shelby Miller felt something pop in his right elbow moments before bei...

<p>Milwaukee Brewers reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1683" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1683">Shelby Miller</a> felt something pop in his right elbow moments before being removed from Monday's game, manager Pat Murphy said following his team's 10-8 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamMcCalvy/status/1962664889240981798">Adam McCalvy of MLB.com</a>.</p><p>Murphy did not provide any further updates on Miller's injury or status.</p><p>Miller doubled over in pain after throwing a pitch to Max Kepler in the eighth inning Monday. It quickly became apparent that he couldn't continue, and walked off the mound alongside trainers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/shelby-miller-exits-in-the-8th-with-apparent-injury?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><p>A long-term absence for Miller would be another massive blow to the league-best Brewers' bullpen. Last week, Milwaukee lost closer Trevor Megill to a flexor strain. The Brewers signed Erick Fedde last week to add some back-end bullpen depth.</p><p>The 34-year-old Miller was making his 11th appearance with Milwaukee since being acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks at this year's trade deadline. At the time of the trade, Miller was on the injured list with a forearm strain.</p><p>Miller owns a 2.74 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 54 strikeouts across 46 total innings with Arizona and Milwaukee this season.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 01: Shelby Miller #55 of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts as he walks back to the dugout after an apparent injury against the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth inning at American Family Field on September 01, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Brewers' Miller exits game after feeling pop in elbow

This one was weird even by Fenway Park standards.  Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story somehow ...

<p>This one was weird even by Fenway Park standards.</p><p>Boston Red Sox shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4232" href="/mlb/players/4232">Trevor Story</a> somehow beat Pesky's Pole to collect what might be one of the strangest home runs in baseball history. During the sixth inning of Monday's game against the Cleveland Guardians, Story lifted a fly ball to the right-field corner that deflected off Guardians right fielder Jhonkensy Noel's glove, the infamous foul pole, and a fan - in some order. Umpires initially ruled it a foul ball, but the Red Sox challenged and had the call overturned to a homer because it touched Noel first.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The ruling on the field is ... HOME RUN!?<br><br>You see something new every day in this beautiful game! <a href="https://t.co/kw0S5YBsuz">pic.twitter.com/kw0S5YBsuz</a></p>— NESN (@NESN) <a href="https://twitter.com/NESN/status/1962605895600222623?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The hit officially went down as a 306-foot homer for Story, making it the second-shortest non-inside-the-park round-tripper of the Statcast era (since 2015), according to <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1962609993397539320">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>. The only one shorter was a 302-foot shot by the Kansas City Royals' Lorenzo Cain in 2017 that also scraped by Pesky's Pole.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Red Sox manager Alex Cora credited replay coordinator Mike Brenly with noticing the sequence and getting him to challenge the initial foul call.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alex Cora on Mike Brenly telling everyone in the dugout they had to challenge the Trevor Story homer.🫡 <a href="https://t.co/ABcjWwDD8k">pic.twitter.com/ABcjWwDD8k</a></p>— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) <a href="https://twitter.com/tylermilliken_/status/1962619934195736939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Story's hit, which would only have been a home run in Fenway, gave the Red Sox a 6-3 lead. They held on to beat Cleveland 6-4 and move within 2.5 games of the first-place Toronto Blue Jays.</p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 01: Trevor Story #10 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with his teammates wearing a mascot mask after hitting a solo home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the sixth inning at Fenway Park on September 01, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Watch: Story records strange HR after ball clanks off glove, pole, fan

The Atlanta Braves claimed former Gold Glove infielder Ha-Seong Kim off waivers from the Tampa Ba...

<p>The Atlanta Braves claimed former Gold Glove infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12593" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12593">Ha-Seong Kim</a> off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays, they announced Monday.</p><p>By claiming Kim, Atlanta assumes the remainder of the two-year, $29-million contract he signed with the Rays this past winter. He's owed around $2 million over the final month of this season and holds a $16-million player option for 2026.</p><p>Kim was on the injured list with lower back inflammation at the time of the transaction, although he was originally expected to be activated and play for the Rays on Monday night, according to <a href="https://x.com/TBTimes_Rays/status/1962579695171408069">Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 29-year-old Korean represented a rare high-profile free-agent signing for the small-market Rays. However, his career in Tampa amounted to just 24 games, as he missed the first half of this season while recovering from shoulder surgery.</p><p>Atlanta now gets to audition Kim for a potential infield spot in 2026, provided he opts into the final year of his contract. A natural shortstop, Kim has experience at multiple positions and won the 2023 NL utility Gold Glove for his positive defense at shortstop, second, and third base.</p><p>For now, Kim can fill in for the injured <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8131" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8131">Austin Riley</a> at the hot corner down the stretch. If he returns in 2026, a healthy Kim could be an upgrade at shortstop over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12359" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12359">Nick Allen</a> and potentially one half of a talented double-play combination with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4916" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4916">Ozzie Albies</a>.</p><p>Riley, who underwent season-ending core surgery in August, was transferred to the 60-day injured list to open Kim's 40-man roster spot.</p><p>Originally signed by the San Diego Padres in 2021 following years of stardom in the KBO, Kim is a lifetime .241/.325/.377 hitter with 49 homers, 205 RBIs, and 84 stolen bases over 564 big-league games.</p><p>For the Rays, moving on from Kim allows top prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16372" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16372">Carson Williams</a> to remain in the majors and potentially secure the starting shortstop job for 2026. Williams, 22, has hit .250/.300/.429 with a homer, six RBIs, and two walks over 30 plate appearances since being called up after Kim's injury two weeks ago.</p><p>Tampa Bay also recalled right-hander Kevin Kelly from Triple-A and reinstated utility player Richie Palacios from the 60-day IL ahead of Monday's game.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 17: Ha-Seong Kim #7 of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on August 17, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Braves claim Kim off waivers from Rays

Frankie Montas' 2025 season is over after the New York Mets right-hander sustained a "significant...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5006" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5006">Frankie Montas</a>' 2025 season is over after the New York Mets right-hander sustained a "significant" injury to his right ulnar collateral ligament, manager Carlos Mendoza announced Saturday, per <a href="https://x.com/SNY_Mets/status/1959365589496991934">SNY</a>.</p><p>The full nature of his injury isn't clear yet, as doctors are still examining Montas' elbow. However, Mendoza did acknowledge that it's "possible" he will need Tommy John surgery. That procedure would likely put his 2026 campaign in jeopardy.</p><p>This is the first major elbow injury of Montas' career. He did miss most of the 2023 season following shoulder surgery.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Mets signed Montas to a two-year, $34-million contract this past winter. He can opt out of the deal at season's end.</p><p>The 32-year-old's Mets tenure began inauspiciously, as he suffered a lat strain in spring training and didn't make his regular-season debut until June. Montas ended up making just nine big-league appearances this year, putting up a 6.28 ERA and 1.60 WHIP over 38 2/3 innings. </p><p>He was demoted to the bullpen earlier this month amid his struggles, and last pitched Aug. 15.</p><p>"It's hard for him," Mendoza <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1959368085963448734">said</a>. "He was pretty devastated yesterday when he found out, and rightfully so. It's been a hard year for him."</p><p>The Mets' pitching staff has been hit hard by injuries all year. New York lost <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9562" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9562">Griffin Canning</a> to a season-ending Achilles injury in June and is still without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12918" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12918">Tylor Megill</a>, who's rehabbing from a shoulder sprain. Multiple relievers are also sidelined with an array of injuries.</p><p>New York recalled right-hander Huascar Brazobán from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding roster move after placing Montas on the 15-day IL.</p>

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 28: Frankie Montas #47 of the New York Mets prepares to pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park on July 28, 2025 in San Diego, California.

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Mets' Montas out for season with 'significant' UCL injury

Philadelphia Phillies starter Zack Wheeler was recommended to undergo thoracic outlet decompressi...

<p>Philadelphia Phillies starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2917" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2917">Zack Wheeler</a> was recommended to undergo thoracic outlet decompression surgery in the coming weeks and will miss the remainder of the 2025 season, the team announced Saturday.</p><p>He's expected to undergo the procedure in the next few weeks.</p><p>Wheeler had a procedure to remove a blood clot in his right arm earlier this week. After follow-up exams, he was diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome, which requires a different surgery to fix. The recovery time from his upcoming procedure is around six-to-eight months.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We figure that he'll come back in the six-to-eight month time period and come back and be the Zack Wheeler of old," president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6571385/2025/08/23/phillies-zack-wheeler-season-ending-surgery/">Matt Gelb of The Athletic</a>. "That's what we've been told. Unless something unanticipated happened, he'll be able to come back and pitch like he has before this."</p><p>Head athletic trainer Paul Buccheit added that Wheeler is "doing fine," and said that surgeons told the Phillies that the prognosis is "really good," per Gelb.</p><p>The 35-year-old Wheeler was in the midst of another strong campaign with a 2.71 ERA in 24 starts while leading the majors in strikeouts (195) and WHIP (0.935). Wheeler was an All-Star for the third time in six seasons last month.</p><p>Wheeler is in the first season of a three-year, $126-million extension signed in March 2024. He initially joined Philadelphia on a five-year, $118-million contract in 2020.</p><p>The Phillies hold a six-game lead on the New York Mets in the NL East.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 15: Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Friday, August 15, 2025 in Washington, District of Columbia.

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Phillies' Wheeler expected to miss 6-8 months due to shoulder injury

New York Mets superstar Juan Soto isn't losing any faith despite his team's ongoing tailspin.  Th...

<p>New York Mets superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> isn't losing any faith despite his team's ongoing tailspin.</p><p>The Mets suffered another critical loss Thursday, blowing an early lead in a 9-3 defeat to the Washington Nationals. Still, Soto sees no reason for panic when it comes to New York's playoff hopes, which are suddenly hanging by a thread.</p><p>"100%," Soto told reporters when asked if he thinks the Mets are still a playoff team, per <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1958672351605801096">SNY</a>. "Since day one, we believe in each other and we think we can make it to the playoffs."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Thursday's loss trimmed the Mets' hold on the final NL wild-card spot to just a half-game over the idle Cincinnati Reds. New York held a 1 1/2-game lead in the NL East on July 27. Since that date, the team has gone 5-16 and lost six of seven series during that span.</p><p>Soto, who signed a historic $765-million contract with the Mets this past offseason, has been enduring his own cold stretch. He's hitting .167/.344/.417 over the last week, and went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts Thursday.</p><p>With just over five weeks left in the season, the pressure is mounting on the Mets to maintain their hold on a playoff spot. The 26-year-old recognizes the urgency, while also trying to keep things calm as the club tries to work out of this funk.</p><p>"I mean, it ain't late but it ain't early, either," Soto <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1958671706219778311">said</a>. "We have to win today. We don't have to be focused on what is gonna happen in the future, or what happened in the past. We gotta focus on what we can do today."</p><p> </p>

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 20: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets react after striking out in the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 20, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Soto '100%' believes Mets make playoffs despite ongoing funk

The Houston Astros signed veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel to a major-league contract, the club ann...

<p>The Houston Astros signed veteran reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1378" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1378">Craig Kimbrel</a> to a major-league contract, the club announced Friday.</p><p>Kimbrel had been pitching for the Texas Rangers' Triple-A affiliate since June. Texas released him earlier Thursday, clearing the way for his move across the state.</p><p>Kimbrel put up a 3.86 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with 28 strikeouts, 12 walks, and five saves over 24 appearances with Round Rock prior to his release.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 37-year-old endured a woeful 2024 campaign with the Baltimore Orioles, leading him to begin this year with the Atlanta Braves' Triple-A club on a minor-league deal. He made one big-league appearance with Atlanta in June before being released and catching on with Texas.</p><p>Houston has been in need of front-end bullpen reinforcements after closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5307" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5307">Josh Hader</a> suffered a shoulder injury earlier this month. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10590" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10590">Bryan Abreu</a> has been the Astros' primary closer in Hader's absence.</p><p>One of the most decorated closers in MLB history, Kimbrel's 440 saves rank fifth all-time. The nine-time All-Star is also a four-time Reliever of the Year award winner, and helped the Boston Red Sox win a World Series in 2018.</p><p>Kimbrel was an All-Star with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023. However, he fell off with the Orioles, posting a 5.33 ERA and a career-worst 5.3 BB/9 rate over 57 appearances before being released in mid-September.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 6: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the game at Oracle Park on June 6, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Astros sign former All-Star Kimbrel to MLB deal

Chicago Cubs star Kyle Tucker's second-half struggles might be explained by injury.  Tucker playe...

<p>Chicago Cubs star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8173" href="/mlb/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a>'s second-half struggles might be explained by injury.</p><p>Tucker played through a hairline fracture in his right hand that was originally diagnosed in June, manager Craig Counsell confirmed Wednesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/JesseRogersESPN/status/1958363744192569529">ESPN's Jesse Rogers</a>.</p><p>Counsell also noted that Tucker's hand is now fully healed.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The four-time All-Star initially sustained the injury on a slide during the Cubs' June 1 game against Cincinnati. He left that contest early with what the team called a jammed finger. However, follow-up X-rays revealed the fracture at the top of his right hand, sources told <a href="http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46034596/cubs-tucker-diagnosed-june-fracture-hand">Rogers</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/kyle-tucker-exits-the-game-early-against-the-reds?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><p>Tucker opted to play through the issue instead of being placed on the injured list, Rogers reports. He continued to be a consistent presence in the Cubs' lineup until this week, when his struggles prompted manager Craig Counsell to give him some <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3327387" href="https://thescore.com/news/3327387">time off</a>.</p><p>"I'm fine," Tucker told Rogers on Tuesday. "I've played, for the most part, every game this year. I'm fine going out there."</p><p>On Thursday, Tucker elaborated that he didn't want to take time off because the injury wasn't impacting anything he could do on the field.</p><p>"I was doing fine and everything, still playing well," he added, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/kyle-tucker-on-deciding-to-play-through-hairline-fracture-in-hand">Jordan Bastian of MLB.com</a>. "So, I was just like, 'I'm going to keep playing.' There wasn't really a need to go on an IL, because I could still do everything. It was more like a pain tolerance at that point rather than like I physically couldn't do anything."</p><p>Tucker was garnering NL MVP consideration during a red-hot first half that saw him be named an All-Star starter. However, the 28-year-old has fallen off since the break and has been one of the worst hitters in MLB during the second half.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Date</th>
<th>PA</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Before 6/1</td>
<td>269</td>
<td>.918</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>After 6/1</td>
<td>264</td>
<td>.721</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>23</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Cubs were in first place in the NL Central on June 1. Since then, Chicago has fallen six games back of Milwaukee in the division, although the team remains in a playoff position as the NL's top wild-card team.</p><p>Chicago acquired Tucker from the Houston Astros for three players last winter. He'll be a free agent this coming offseason.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 18: Kyle Tucker #30 of the Chicago Cubs looks on from the on deck area in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on August 18, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Cubs' Tucker played through fractured hand

New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge seemed to take issue with manager Aaron Boone's comments a...

<p>New York Yankees superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> seemed to take issue with manager Aaron Boone's comments about a timeline for his return to the outfield.</p><p>Earlier Tuesday, Boone <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3327789" href="https://thescore.com/news/3327789">told WFAN</a> that he wasn't sure when Judge would be ready to play right field again. He added that Judge, who hasn't played the field since late July due to an elbow injury, might not be able to throw "normally" for the rest of the season.</p><p>"I don't know why he said that," Judge said when asked about Boone's comment, according to <a href="https://x.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1957925665702904231">Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News</a>. "He hasn't seen me throw for the past two weeks, so I'm pretty confident I'll get back to (100%)."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Boone later walked back his initial remark while meeting with reporters before Tuesday's game in Tampa, <a href="http://x.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1957919833989038112">saying</a> he "overstated" the issue. He also clarified that he was trying to temper expectations about how Judge might perform in right field.</p><p>"I'm just saying, is he going to come back and be the 70-80 (grade) arm that he normally is?" Boone said, per <a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/08/19/yankees-aaron-judge-questions-why-aaron-boone-said-he-wont-throw-normally-again-this-year-i-dont-know-why-he-said-that/?share=aoweoag0togc5oktkaaa">Phillips</a>. "I don't know that I'm expecting that necessarily, but when we get him out there, I would expect him to be able to handle himself.</p><p>"I was trying to say, initially, I don't expect him coming out and making Aaron Judge throws that we've become accustomed to seeing."</p><p>However, it still remains unclear when Judge might return to his regular position. According to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/aaron-judge-throwing-likely-impacted-for-rest-of-2025">Bryan Hoch of MLB.com</a>, the two-time MVP has been ramping up his throwing program, recently increasing his range to 150 feet.</p><p>Judge's absence in the outfield has resulted in the Yankees running out a makeshift defensive lineup in August.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1388" href="/mlb/players/1388">Giancarlo Stanton</a>, the team's regular DH who dealt with elbow problems earlier this year, has been forced back into the outfield for the first time in two years. Stanton is playing right field on Tuesday, marking his first starting assignment in nearly a week.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 12: Aaron Boone #17 and Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees look on before the game against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on August 12, 2025 in New York, New York.

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Judge: 'I don't know why' Boone said I won't throw normally again

MLB's regular season is heading for a thrilling finish, with division titles and playoff spots de...

<p>MLB's regular season is heading for a thrilling finish, with division titles and playoff spots decided over the final seven weeks. Here, we look at the tightest races and how we think they'll end up.</p><h3>Who wins the NL West?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797511/cropped_GettyImages-2221192974.jpg?ts=1755179564" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797511/w220xh124_GettyImages-2221192974.jpg?ts=1755179564 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797511/w320xh180_GettyImages-2221192974.jpg?ts=1755179564 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797511/w640xh360_GettyImages-2221192974.jpg?ts=1755179564 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797511/w768xh432_GettyImages-2221192974.jpg?ts=1755179564 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797511/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2221192974.jpg?ts=1755179564 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Padres:</strong> The reigning World Series champions are in some trouble, and the Padres are taking advantage. San Diego has lost only three contests since July 26 and holds a one-game lead over L.A. atop the division. The timing couldn't be better, given the SoCal rivals are about to play each other six times over the next 10 days. The Padres also have a unique swagger. Not only are they not afraid of the star-studded Dodgers, but they believe they're the better team. San Diego clearly sees a complacent squad that thought it could sleepwalk to October and has seized the opportunity. The road to the NL West is running through San Diego in 2025. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><p><strong>Dodgers:</strong> There's no denying that Los Angeles is in a funk. The team is 10-14 in the second half and has watched its nine-game lead in the division evaporate. But still, these are the reigning World Series champion Dodgers, winners of 11 of the last 12 NL West titles. The pitching staff is finally starting to get healthy, Max Muncy is back to inject some more life into the offense, and Mookie Betts is showing signs of coming out of his season-long malaise. The bullpen is a legitimate concern, but this is a veteran, battle-tested team that knows how to flip the switch when things matter most. Maybe this upcoming series with the Padres is exactly what the Dodgers need to get their groove back. <em>- Wile</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Who wins the AL West?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797513/cropped_GettyImages-2226199239.jpg?ts=1755179753" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797513/w220xh124_GettyImages-2226199239.jpg?ts=1755179753 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797513/w320xh180_GettyImages-2226199239.jpg?ts=1755179753 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797513/w640xh360_GettyImages-2226199239.jpg?ts=1755179753 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797513/w768xh432_GettyImages-2226199239.jpg?ts=1755179753 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797513/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2226199239.jpg?ts=1755179753 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Alika Jenner / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Mariners: </strong>For years, everyone has looked at the Mariners and said, "If only they could find some offense." Well, they've finally found it, and look where they are. Josh Naylor has been an absolute revelation for Seattle, serving as an anchor and spark plug for the entire unit. Thanks to Naylor and pitching, the Mariners have climbed to within 1.5 games of Houston at the top of the division despite Eugenio Suárez's post-trade struggles and Cal Raleigh's second-half slump. Once those two get going again, a lineup of Raleigh, Suárez, Naylor, Randy Arozarena, and Julio Rodríguez will be hard to beat. The AL West is wide open, and the Mariners have all the ingredients to knock off Houston. This is finally their year. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><p><strong>Astros:</strong> It feels like we've been trying to predict the fall of Houston for years, and the team keeps finding new ways to win. The Astros have held the division lead since June 3 despite an overwhelming amount of injuries, and now they're starting to get healthy at the right time (with the exception of Josh Hader). Cristian Javier made his season debut earlier this week. Luis Garcia, Lance McCullers Jr., and Yordan Alvarez are also expected to rejoin the club at some point in the near future. Don't sleep on the impact of Carlos Correa's reunion with the organization, either. Not only will he help the offense, but his addition at third base gives the squad another excellent defender who brings exceptional leadership. Considering the Astros have the easiest schedule of any AL team down the stretch, it's hard not to consider them the favorites to win a fifth-straight division title. <em>- Wile </em></p><h3>Who wins the AL East?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797515/cropped_GettyImages-2222770718.jpg?ts=1755180232" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797515/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222770718.jpg?ts=1755180232 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797515/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222770718.jpg?ts=1755180232 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797515/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222770718.jpg?ts=1755180232 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797515/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222770718.jpg?ts=1755180232 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797515/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222770718.jpg?ts=1755180232 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Paul Rutherford / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Blue Jays: </strong>How can you doubt them at this point? John Schneider's Blue Jays seem to be passing every test thrown their way en route to opening up a sizeable division lead and grabbing the AL's best record. Their remaining schedule isn't soft, but it's spread out favorably. After Sept. 11, Toronto plays only three games against teams that currently own a winning record. The Blue Jays will also soon get George Springer and a fresh Shane Bieber back to help down the stretch. And, like last year's Tigers, this club is playing with house money because nobody was expecting this kind of run - and those are the most dangerous kinds of teams. Toronto hangs on to take the division. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><p><strong>Red Sox: </strong>It's probably going to be the Blue Jays, especially with them holding a five-game lead plus the critical tiebreaker over Boston and New York. Still, I'm not ready to count out one last push by the Red Sox down the stretch to at least make things interesting. Alex Cora's club has a favorable schedule, with only 13 of its final 40 games against teams currently in a playoff spot, including three against Toronto. Boston has gone 24-12 over the last two months, led by an offense that ranks ninth in MLB in runs scored since the All-Star break and a pitching staff that owns the AL's third-lowest ERA over that time. Kristian Campbell's resurgence in Triple-A could also open the door to a promotion soon, giving the offense another potentially dynamic bat for the final push.<em> - Wile </em></p><h3>Do the Yankees make the playoffs?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797516/cropped_GettyImages-2230040963.jpg?ts=1755180416" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797516/w220xh124_GettyImages-2230040963.jpg?ts=1755180416 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797516/w320xh180_GettyImages-2230040963.jpg?ts=1755180416 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797516/w640xh360_GettyImages-2230040963.jpg?ts=1755180416 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797516/w768xh432_GettyImages-2230040963.jpg?ts=1755180416 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797516/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2230040963.jpg?ts=1755180416 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>No: </strong>The Yankees play incredibly sloppy baseball. Sloppy teams rarely make it to October. The time for them to correct these mistakes was in May or June, not mid-to-late August, when you're starting to peek at the scoreboard. New York has allowed Toronto and Boston to fly past it in the AL East and is suddenly clinging to a half-game lead over Cleveland for the final AL wild-card spot.<strong> </strong>Making matters worse, the Yankees have already lost head-to-head tiebreakers with the Astros, Blue Jays, and Tigers, and they're close to losing it against the Red Sox, too. At this point, the hole is so deep it might be too difficult for New York to get out of. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><p><strong>Yes: </strong>It feels like the Yankees do this same song and dance every year: they build what feels like an insurmountable lead in the division, play so poorly that we question Aaron Boone's and Brian Cashman's futures, and then somehow figure it out in time to make a run through the playoffs. This edition of the Bronx Bombers is incredibly flawed, but it's also incredibly talented. The new bullpen additions will acclimate themselves to New York, Giancarlo Stanton hasn't been a disaster in the outfield while crushing the ball, and Aaron Judge appears to have avoided the worst with his injury. Another thing working in the Yankees' favor is they own the AL's second-easiest schedule to end the season, and the teams chasing them - the Guardians, Rangers, and Royals - have their own flaws.<em> - Wile </em></p><h3>Do the Mets make the playoffs?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797517/cropped_GettyImages-2230031510.jpg?ts=1755180565" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797517/w220xh124_GettyImages-2230031510.jpg?ts=1755180565 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797517/w320xh180_GettyImages-2230031510.jpg?ts=1755180565 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797517/w640xh360_GettyImages-2230031510.jpg?ts=1755180565 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797517/w768xh432_GettyImages-2230031510.jpg?ts=1755180565 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797517/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2230031510.jpg?ts=1755180565 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Al Bello / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Yes: </strong>In contrast to their civic rival, the Mets are going to be fine. Yes, they aren't playing particularly well of late, but holding onto an NL wild-card spot should be easier since there are fewer contenders to fend off compared to the AL. Seven games against the Phillies also offer a potential opening to gain ground. Meanwhile, the team closest to New York in the wild-card standings, Cincinnati, has one of the toughest remaining schedules. This isn't to say that the Mets will go far in October - they have glaring issues - but they'll get there. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><p><strong>No:</strong> New York owns the worst record (2-10) in the majors in August and has lost its last five series. Despite Pete Alonso and Juan Soto combining for 10 home runs this month, the pitching staff has gotten crushed, posting a 5.30 ERA. All five of New York's starters have an ERA over 4.50 in August, leaving the offense struggling to keep up. Things don't get any easier for the Mets either, as 25 of their final 41 games are against teams with winning records. While it's true the Reds have a difficult schedule, they have a deep pitching staff that just got Hunter Greene back and a roster capable of going on a run. <em>- Wile</em></p>

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Breaking down MLB's best races down the stretch 

The San Diego Padres placed starting pitcher Michael King on the 15-day injured list with left kn...

<p>The San Diego Padres placed starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9842" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9842">Michael King</a> on the 15-day injured list with left knee inflammation, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>In a corresponding move, the Padres recalled right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14786" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14786">Randy Vásquez</a> from Triple-A El Paso.</p><p>King's latest injury comes just two days after he returned from a nearly three-month-long IL stint due to shoulder inflammation. The 30-year-old started Saturday against the Boston Red Sox but lasted just two-plus innings, allowing two runs on four hits with one strikeout on 57 pitches.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>San Diego had listed King as its scheduled starter for Friday's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers before placing him on the IL. The team has yet to announce a new starter for Friday. Vásquez could be a candidate, as his most recent Triple-A start was a 68-pitch outing Sunday, according to <a href="https://x.com/dennistlin/status/1956113561505366097">Dennis Lin of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>King owns a 2.81 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with 65 strikeouts and one shutout over his 11 starts this season.</p><p>The Padres head into this weekend's critical series at Dodger Stadium sitting first in the NL West, one game above their NL West rivals.</p>

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 09: Michael King #34 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Petco Park on August 09, 2025 in San Diego, California.

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Padres' King returns to IL with knee inflammation after 1 start

The Pohlad family, longtime owners of the Minnesota Twins, announced Wednesday that they're no lo...

<p>The Pohlad family, longtime owners of the Minnesota Twins, announced Wednesday that they're no longer pursuing a sale of the team and will retain majority ownership.</p><p>In a statement, the family said that new limited partners will join the ownership group.</p><p>"Over the past several months, we explored a wide range of potential investment and ownership opportunities," the Pohlad family wrote. "Our focus throughout has been on what's best for the long-term future of the Twins. We have been fully open to all possibilities.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"After a detailed and robust process, our family will remain the principal owner of the Minnesota Twins. To strengthen the club in a rapidly evolving sports landscape - one that demands strong partnerships, fresh ideas, and long-term vision - we are in the process of adding two significant limited partnership groups, each of whom will bring a wealth of experience and share our family values."</p><p>Chairman Joe Pohlad told <a href="https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-twins-sale-pohlad-family/601454378">Phil Miller of the Minnesota Star Tribune</a> that one of the two new investment groups joining the ownership is Minnesota-based. He added that MLB is currently in the process of approving the new partners and their identities could be made public within the next few weeks.</p><p>The Pohlads began exploring a sale in October and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3249969" href="https://thescore.com/news/3249969">reportedly</a> set a price of at least $1.7 billion.</p><p>Billionaire Justin Ishbia appeared to be the front-runner to purchase the franchise. However, Ishbia ultimately backed out and increased his minority ownership stake in the Chicago White Sox instead.</p><p>Carl Pohlad purchased the Twins for $44 million from Calvin Griffith in 1984. Under his watch, the team won World Series championships in 1987 and '91 and moved from the multipurpose Metrodome into Target Field.</p><p>After Carl's death in 2009, his son Jim was elevated to chairman. Joe, Jim's nephew, took over day-to-day operations as the team's control person in 2022, while Jim remained as the Twins' executive chair. Carl's two other sons, Bill and Bob, are also board members.</p><p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinteitelbaum/2025/03/26/baseballs-most-valuable-teams-2025/">Forbes</a> valued the Twins at $1.5 billion this past March. However, the team is also operating with a debt of $425 million, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6529725/2025/08/01/minnesota-twins-trade-carlos-correa-astros/">The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Dan Hayes</a> reported earlier in August.</p><p>In 2023, the Twins won their first playoff series in 21 years but missed the postseason the following year after a late-season collapse.</p><p>Minnesota was a seller at this year's trade deadline, dealing away 11 players amid a disappointing 2025 campaign. The most notable trade sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3992" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3992">Carlos Correa</a>, a marquee free-agent addition in the middle of a $200-million contract, back to the Houston Astros in what amounted to a salary dump.</p><p>"Those were truly primarily baseball decisions," Joe Pohlad told Miller. "It certainly set us up for more (financial) flexibility, but they were primarily baseball decisions."</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 5: A general view of a Twins logo during a game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on August 5, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Pohlad family no longer selling Twins

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Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb

News Editor

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Sean O'Leary

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/brandon-wile/content_cards