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.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32063938/related

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.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32051241/related

Pohlad family no longer selling Twins

HAMILTON, Ontario - Just over an hour before first pitch at Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium, the l...

<p>HAMILTON, Ontario - Just over an hour before first pitch at Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium, the line to greet Fernando Rodney in the outfield is long. Kids who just finished shagging flies during batting practice are now swarming the former three-time All-Star for autographs as he warms up.</p><p>Everyone's in luck. Rodney - easily the most famous baseball player to ever call Hamilton home - is patient and gracious in interacting with each of his admirers.</p><p>A few hours later, Rodney makes the long trek to the makeshift left-field bullpen during the fifth inning. There's still a game going on, but no matter - Rodney's signing anything coming his way, posing for photos, and conversing with all ages in both English and Spanish. Some kids are wearing their caps crooked in honor of their unlikely hometown hero. Many around the ballpark mimic his famous celebration.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"A lot of kids ask me, 'How do you do the arrow?' Every time they ask me for a picture, they say, 'Can we do the arrow?'" Rodney told theScore earlier this month. "(I say) 'Yes, let's do it.'"</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796980/cropped_P1010695.jpg?ts=1754674184" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796980/w220xh124_P1010695.jpg?ts=1754674184 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796980/w320xh180_P1010695.jpg?ts=1754674184 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796980/w640xh360_P1010695.jpg?ts=1754674184 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796980/w768xh432_P1010695.jpg?ts=1754674184 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796980/w1080xh607_P1010695.jpg?ts=1754674184 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb</span></figcaption></figure><p>Nearly six years after throwing his last MLB pitch, Rodney, now 48, is still firing his bow and arrow after saves. Except he's now doing it for the Hamilton Cardinals of the Intercounty Baseball League, a Southern Ontario semi-pro circuit where salary is essentially free housing and a meal allowance - and that's just the way he likes it. Rodney has found the soul of his sport at a rickety old stadium within a blue-collar Canadian steel town.</p><p>"We had the school day here, it was all the local school kids," Cardinals owner Eric Spearin told theScore. "We were sold out, and he said to me, he's like, 'Eric, this is baseball.' Like, the kids being excited. He just loves the game so much and likes seeing others excited about it too."</p><p>--</p><p>The IBL has a long and storied history in Canadian baseball circles. Established in 1919, its teams are scattered throughout the Greater Toronto Area and Southwestern Ontario. Most players are Canadian, although teams are allowed up to five "imports." Games are only on weekends from mid-May through to the championship in early September.</p><p>There's a <a href="https://www.theibl.ca/mlb-alumni">surprisingly long list</a> of IBL alumni who have played in "The Show." Sometimes, a player passes through en route to fame: Jesse Orosco, MLB's all-time leader in appearances, threw a no-hitter for Cambridge in 1977, two years before he debuted with the Mets. Mostly, though, the most famous names are recognizable only to hardcore Canadian baseball fans.</p><p>This all makes Rodney and his 327 big-league saves quite the anomaly in the IBL. It also begs an important question: How the heck do you even convince a Dominican baseball icon to spend a summer in Hamilton, of all places?</p><p>"I just told him, we pay for the food and the housing, ... (and he said) 'Sure, I'll come,'" Spearin said with an almost disbelieving chuckle. "He's like, 'Let's do the paperwork right now.' We just did it on the spot in the D.R."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796981/cropped_rodney_pitching_white_jersey.jpg?ts=1754674581" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796981/w220xh124_rodney_pitching_white_jersey.jpg?ts=1754674581 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796981/w320xh180_rodney_pitching_white_jersey.jpg?ts=1754674581 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796981/w640xh360_rodney_pitching_white_jersey.jpg?ts=1754674581 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796981/w768xh432_rodney_pitching_white_jersey.jpg?ts=1754674581 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796981/w1080xh607_rodney_pitching_white_jersey.jpg?ts=1754674581 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ethan Hammond-Srsan / Hamilton Cardinals</span></figcaption></figure><p>Spearin, 37, bought his hometown baseball team in 2022 and quickly upgraded all aspects of the Cardinals' operations, although he wasn't initially searching for a star name to sell tickets. Signing Rodney fell into his lap thanks in large part to the pitcher's good friendship with Hamilton's manager, Luis Bernardo.</p><p>"Eric came to the Dominican, knocked (on) my door a couple times, and he asked me if I want to keep playing. The door is open here," Rodney told theScore. "So I sit and think about it first and say, 'OK, I like it, to go see how the league is, and I think it's proper.' And when players like me come here, I think it opens the door for the next generation if you'd like to come to play baseball."</p><p>Pitching in Hamilton means Rodney's spending his summer rooming with his fellow Latin American teammates in a house owned by the Cardinals. "We have fun over there," he said with a smile. Road trips are hardly first class; bus rides can range from 40 minutes to 2 1/2 hours, depending on traffic and destination. Not that he cares.</p><p>"There's a vibe (like) I'm younger. I'm traveling, (like) playing in West Michigan, road trip on the bus, in Lakeland, in Erie, Toledo," Rodney said, fondly recalling his days as a Detroit Tigers prospect. "And (I) remember when I took the bus. What kind of conversations we had in (the) back - veterans in the back, the younger guys in the front.</p><p>"So this reminded me, like, (of) beautiful moments (in the minors). So now I can share it with these guys, and they're good, they feel good."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796982/cropped_rodney_fun.jpg?ts=1754674719" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796982/w220xh124_rodney_fun.jpg?ts=1754674719 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796982/w320xh180_rodney_fun.jpg?ts=1754674719 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796982/w640xh360_rodney_fun.jpg?ts=1754674719 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796982/w768xh432_rodney_fun.jpg?ts=1754674719 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796982/w1080xh607_rodney_fun.jpg?ts=1754674719 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ethan Hammond-Srsan / Hamilton Cardinals</span></figcaption></figure><p>Everybody around the Cardinals seems to have a Rodney story, from his organizing a pitcher's Home Run Derby - Rodney calls himself a "power hitter" and proudly points out where he homered in right field - to seeing him serve as bat boy for the Cardinals' under-22 team on a random afternoon.</p><p>"We've met guys before that have had a cup of coffee in the majors or whatever, and sometimes they come in with demands that this league can't meet," Spearin said. "But when I met Rodney, I was like, 'Oh, this is gonna work.' Because he's just so chill. He was so laid back.</p><p>"He says it best himself. This is like a hobby for him, like fishing or dominos. He just still likes to play baseball."</p><p>--</p><p>Of course, the main reason Rodney's in Hamilton is to pitch, and he's been pretty effective for a 48-year-old.</p><p>Despite a 4.02 ERA that Spearin chalked up to the IBL's smaller ballparks, Rodney's six saves are tied for third in the league, while his 14.3 K/9 rate ranks near the top among IBL relievers. And he continues to rely on his famous changeup, which he says is "still moving." Bernardo told theScore that Rodney's been hitting around 92-93 mph with his fastball.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_sbvTqWT5oA?si=LICBZ_mqw931Sewc&amp;start=342" 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>This is no small feat, given the mileage on Rodney's right arm over 25 seasons: He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2004, but hasn't had a major arm injury since then. Rodney keeps his arm in shape with the same unique program he's used for most of his career.</p><p>"I'm playing long toss with that ball," he said, pulling out an extra-large and very worn baseball with needles stuck in between the seams. "Just keep(s) my arm strong and fast."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796977/cropped_20250801_165317.jpg?ts=1754673879" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796977/w220xh124_20250801_165317.jpg?ts=1754673879 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796977/w320xh180_20250801_165317.jpg?ts=1754673879 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796977/w640xh360_20250801_165317.jpg?ts=1754673879 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796977/w768xh432_20250801_165317.jpg?ts=1754673879 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796977/w1080xh607_20250801_165317.jpg?ts=1754673879 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb</span></figcaption></figure><p>"I've been using that (since) I signed (with the Tigers in) 1998," Rodney continued. "Every time that it's broken, I switch and change and make the other one, and that's what I've been using. It saved my arm. So I play long toss with that, like three or four times a week, and I go 120, 130 (throws) with that. Just make sure my arm's okay."</p><p>Rodney credited his longevity to his unique slide-step delivery. He abandoned the traditional leg kick in favor of the slide-step after joining the Tampa Bay Rays in 2012, when he produced a career-best 0.60 ERA and finished fifth in AL Cy Young voting.</p><p>"I only use my low hip. And my arm comes loose," he explained. "And you do that, you control more of the game and the runner at first."</p><p>In Hamilton, Rodney's also fully embraced the role of mentor, serving as the Cardinals' de facto second pitching coach.</p><p>"He's been helping me try to get more depth on my changeup," Cardinals pitcher Chris Boatto, a nine-year IBL veteran, told theScore. "So he's been trying to show me different pitch grips and how he throws it. ... Basically saying, like, 'Hey, because I'm not a guy who throws hard, I have to not only hit my spots, but to make sure I get ahead of guys early.'"</p><p>--</p><p>If Rodney's big-league career is indeed over, he went out on top with the 2019 World Series champion Washington Nationals. But it certainly wasn't by choice.</p><p>Rodney signed a minor-league deal with Houston during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign but was released after a few weeks on the taxi squad. He then moved south of the border, winning Mexican League Reliever of the Year honors in 2021 for league champions Tijuana and then authoring another strong campaign in '22. But those feats still weren't enough to get him a minor-league deal in the U.S.</p><p>A stint with Gigantes of the Dominican winter league seemed like it might finally be the end. Then last November, the same month he debuted on the Hall of Fame ballot (Rodney didn't receive a vote, but said he was "surprised" and "proud" to have made it), Hamilton gave him the chance to keep pitching.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796983/cropped_rodney_smile_dugout.jpg?ts=1754675453" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796983/w220xh124_rodney_smile_dugout.jpg?ts=1754675453 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796983/w320xh180_rodney_smile_dugout.jpg?ts=1754675453 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796983/w640xh360_rodney_smile_dugout.jpg?ts=1754675453 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796983/w768xh432_rodney_smile_dugout.jpg?ts=1754675453 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796983/w1080xh607_rodney_smile_dugout.jpg?ts=1754675453 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ethan Hammond-Srsan / Hamilton Cardinals</span></figcaption></figure><p>Rodney says he's already received coaching offers from multiple big-league teams, and he wants to take that path back to the majors at some point. He's just not quite ready yet. His stated goal is to keep pitching - whether in Hamilton or elsewhere - until his age-50 season in 2027.</p><p>So, for at least the next two years, you might catch Rodney firing his bow and arrow on a backfield mound in a small town. And he'll do it while preaching his key gospel: Baseball is just a game. Baseball is fun. Enjoy yourself.</p><p>"(It's) just about more," Rodney said. "Have fun and love this game for (as) long as I can be in the field."</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32040578/related

Fernando Rodney can't quit pitching. So he went to Canada's backfields

An already disappointing 2025 campaign got worse for the Baltimore Orioles Tuesday, as interim ma...

<p>An already disappointing 2025 campaign got worse for the Baltimore Orioles Tuesday, as interim manager Tony Mansolino announced that closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13632" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13632">Félix Bautista</a> and starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5202" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5202">Zach Eflin</a> will both miss the rest of the season, according to <a href="https://x.com/ByMattWeyrich/status/1955354562279477258">Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun</a>.</p><p>Bautista has what Mansolino described as a "significant shoulder injury" and will undergo further examination later this week. Eflin, meanwhile, will undergo a lumbar microdiscectomy on his lower back.</p><p>Both pitchers were already on the injured list.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bautista's injury halts what had been a solid comeback season after he missed all of 2024 following Tommy John surgery. The 30-year-old put up a 2.60 ERA, 3.34 FIP, and 1.13 WHIP with 50 strikeouts and 19 saves over 35 appearances before experiencing shoulder discomfort in mid-July.</p><p>The exact nature of his shoulder injury remains unclear. Mansolino added that Bautista's recovery timeline - and any impact on his status for 2026 - won't be known until he sees doctors again, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/afkostka/status/1955357622493909290">Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner</a>.</p><p>Eflin, one of Baltimore's most reliable starters in 2024, struggled through an injury-plagued 2025 season, posting a 5.93 ERA with a 6.3 K/9 rate over 14 starts. He's served three separate stints on the IL this season, including two because of lower back problems.</p><p>The 31-year-old is scheduled to become a free agent this offseason.</p>

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JULY 08: Félix Bautista #74 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the New York Mets at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 08, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32045327/related

Orioles shut down Bautista, Eflin with season-ending injuries

The Houston Astros placed star closer Josh Hader on the 15-day injured list with a left shoulder ...

<p>The Houston Astros placed star closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5307" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5307">Josh Hader</a> on the 15-day injured list with a left shoulder strain, they announced Tuesday.</p><p>Manager Joe Espada told reporters that the severity of the strain remains unknown, and it's too early to establish a timeline for his potential return.</p><p>"A punch in the gut," Espada said, according to <a href="https://x.com/brianmctaggart/status/1955380468125405457">Brian McTaggart of MLB.com</a>. "He's seeing doctors right now, we're getting more tests done, and hopefully it's just not gonna be a long-term thing."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hader was unavailable to close out Monday's win over the Boston Red Sox after experiencing shoulder discomfort. Espada <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3323922" href="https://thescore.com/news/3323922">said</a> postgame that Hader "just did not feel right" after working out, prompting the team to send the six-time All-Star for testing.</p><p>The 31-year-old has been enjoying another stellar season anchoring Houston's bullpen. Hader owns a 2.05 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and 28 saves along with a 13.0 K/9 rate and 16 walks over 52 2/3 innings this year. He's allowed multiple earned runs in just two of his 48 appearances in 2025.</p><p>This is the first time in his nine-year career that Hader's been placed on the IL with a significant injury.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10590" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10590">Bryan Abreu</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12313" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12313">Bennett Sousa</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4903" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4903">Steven Okert</a> are among the potential options to take over ninth-inning duties in Hader's absence.</p><p>Houston recalled left-hander Colton Gordon from Triple-A Sugar Land in a corresponding roster move. The team also reinstated right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12202" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12202">Shawn Dubin</a> from the IL and designated veteran reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3377" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3377">Héctor Neris</a> for assignment.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 23: Relief pitcher Josh Hader #71 of the Houston Astros pitches during the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on July 23, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32045257/related

Astros place Hader on IL with shoulder strain

Toronto Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro is still hopeful of agreeing to a contract exten...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro is still hopeful of agreeing to a contract extension with the team before the end of 2025.</p><p>"It's not appropriate for me to comment beyond the fact that ... I want to remain here, and I can also say that both Edward (Rogers, team chairman) and Tony (Staffieri, Rogers Communications president) have been reciprocal in that desire," Shapiro told reporters Tuesday when asked about his future, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShiDavidi/status/1955342132048207888">Sportsnet's Shi Davidi</a>.</p><p>Shapiro's currently working on a five-year extension he originally signed in January 2021.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 58-year-old executive joined Canada's lone MLB team after the 2015 season, replacing longtime president Paul Beeston. He inherited a club that had just ended a 22-year playoff drought with a run to the 2015 ALCS.</p><p>Under Shapiro's watch, the Blue Jays embarked on an extensive renovation of Rogers Centre, turning the aging stadium from a multipurpose facility into a more modern, baseball-only ballpark. The team's spring training complex in Dunedin, Florida, also received a long-overdue facelift.</p><p>However, the team's on-field success during the tenure of both Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins - who was hired by Shapiro two months into his tenure - has been mixed. Despite developing homegrown stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette and luring several marquee free agents to Toronto, the Blue Jays have been swept out of the wild-card series in their three playoff appearances this decade.</p><p>Atkins' contract is set to expire after next season.</p><p>The Blue Jays enter play Tuesday holding the AL's best record, one year after finishing last in the division.</p>

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 9 - Blue Jays President Mark Shapiro as the Toronto Blue Jays fall the Minnesota Twins 3-2 in ten innings at Rogers Centre in Toronto. June 9, 2023. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32044752/related

Blue Jays' Shapiro still hoping for extension: 'I want to remain here'

Major League Baseball released the schedule for the 2025 postseason Tuesday.  This year's playoff...

<p>Major League Baseball released the schedule for the 2025 postseason Tuesday.</p><p>This year's playoffs will begin with all four wild-card series on Sept. 30. The best-of-five division series get going on Oct. 4, with the World Series slated to start on Oct. 24. If this year's World Series goes to a Game 7, it would be played on Nov. 1.</p><p>Here's a look at the full schedule:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Wild-card series</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Series</th>
<th>Network</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Sept. 30</td>
<td>AL Wild-Card Series A Game 1</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>AL Wild-Card Series B Game 1</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>NL Wild-Card Series A Game 1</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>NL Wild-Card Series B Game 1</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 1</td>
<td>AL Wild-Card Series A Game 2</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>AL Wild-Card Series B Game 2</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>NL Wild-Card Series A Game 2</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>NL Wild-Card Series B Game 2</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 2</td>
<td>AL Wild-Card Series A Game 3*</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>AL Wild-Card Series B Game 3*</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>NL Wild-Card Series A Game 3*</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>NL Wild-Card Series B Game 3*</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* - if necessary</em></p><p><strong>League Division Series</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Series</th>
<th>Network</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 4</td>
<td>ALDS A Game 1</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>ALDS B Game 1</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>NLDS A Game 1</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>NLDS B Game 1</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 5</td>
<td>ALDS A Game 2</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>ALDS B Game 2</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 6</td>
<td>NLDS A Game 2</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>NLDS B Game 2</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 7</td>
<td>ALDS A Game 3</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>ALDS B Game 3</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 8</td>
<td>NLDS A Game 3</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>NLDS B Game 3</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>ALDS A Game 4*</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>ALDS B Game 4*</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 9</td>
<td>NLDS A Game 4*</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>NLDS B Game 4*</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 10</td>
<td>ALDS A Game 5*</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>ALDS B Game 5*</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 11</td>
<td>NLDS A Game 5*</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>NLDS B Game 5*</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* - if necessary</em></p><p><strong>League Championship Series</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Series</th>
<th>Network</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 12</td>
<td>ALCS Game 1</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 13</td>
<td>NLCS Game 1</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>ALCS Game 2</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 14</td>
<td>NLCS Game 2</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 15</td>
<td>ALCS Game 3</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 16</td>
<td>NLCS Game 3</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>ALCS Game 4</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 17</td>
<td>NLCS Game 4</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>ALCS Game 5*</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 18</td>
<td>NLCS Game 5*</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 19</td>
<td>ALCS Game 6*</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 20</td>
<td>NLCS Game 6*</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>ALCS Game 7*</td>
<td>Fox/FS1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 21</td>
<td>NLCS Game 7*</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* - if necessary</em></p><p><strong>World Series</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Series</th>
<th>Network</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 24</td>
<td>Game 1</td>
<td>Fox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 25</td>
<td>Game 2</td>
<td>Fox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 27</td>
<td>Game 3</td>
<td>Fox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 28</td>
<td>Game 4</td>
<td>Fox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 29</td>
<td>Game 5*</td>
<td>Fox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oct. 31</td>
<td>Game 6*</td>
<td>Fox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nov. 1</td>
<td>Game 7*</td>
<td>Fox</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* - if necessary</em></p>

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 30: Members of the Los Angeles Dodgers are presented with the Commissioner's Trophy after winning Game 5 to win the 2024 World Series presented by Capital One between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 in New York, New York.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32042403/related

MLB releases 2025 postseason schedule

The Chicago Cubs placed right-hander Michael Soroka on the 15-day injured list after he suffered ...

<p>The Chicago Cubs placed right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8133" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8133">Michael Soroka</a> on the 15-day injured list after he suffered a shoulder injury during his first start with the team Monday, the team announced Tuesday.</p><p>Right-hander Nate Pearson was recalled from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move.</p><p>Soroka appeared to feel something after leaving the mound at the end of the second inning and quickly retreated to the clubhouse after a conversation with trainers. The Cubs announced later that he'd been removed with right shoulder discomfort.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/michael-soroka-exits-the-game?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><p>"Things were moving all right. We got out of the first inning and things were OK. But (the) delivery was timed up and just went to go put a little extra on a fastball, and it grabbed me a little bit and it didn't go away," Soroka said after the Cubs' 3-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds, per <a href="https://twitter.com/WatchMarquee/status/1952567840956911913">Marquee Sports Network</a>. "You feel things here and there during the course of an outing, and usually if you throw another one and it's gone, it's nothing. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case, so I decided to say something when I came in after that inning, and they moved along, and that's kinda where I felt it."</p><p>The Cubs acquired Soroka from the Washington Nationals for two prospects before last week's trade deadline.</p><p>Injuries have been a theme throughout the 28-year-old's career. Soroka missed two full seasons after twice tearing his Achilles tendon and has also spent time on the IL with shoulder issues. He missed almost a month this year because of a bicep strain while in Washington.</p>

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 04: Michael Soroka #41 of the Chicago Cubs pitches during the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Monday, August 4, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31974748/related

Soroka placed on IL after shoulder injury in Cubs debut

The New York Yankees activated outfielder Aaron Judge from the 10-day injured list Tuesday.  Judg...

<p>The New York Yankees activated outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> from the 10-day injured list Tuesday.</p><p>Judge's return comes after he spent the minimum number of days on the IL. He was initially sidelined on July 26 with a flexor strain in his right elbow from a throw a few days earlier.</p><p>The two-time AL MVP will have to exclusively DH for the foreseeable future due to the nature of his injury. There's no timetable for when he can return to the outfield, although the Yankees said Monday that he might be able to start playing catch soon.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Judge, 33, was in the midst of another monster season before being sidelined. He's hitting .342/.449/.711 with 37 homers and 85 RBIs, and entered Tuesday leading the majors in all four slash line categories plus OPS and total bases, while topping AL hitters in runs scored. His efforts make him the favorite to be named the league's MVP for the third time in four years.</p><p>The Yankees also placed outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5662" href="/mlb/players/5662">Austin Slater</a> on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain. Slater, making just his second start with the Yankees after being acquired from the Chicago White Sox, exited Monday's game after coming up lame while running out a ground ball in the first inning.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Austin Slater has been removed from the game after his first at-bat with an apparent hamstring injury <a href="https://t.co/OmqN1N74Yg">pic.twitter.com/OmqN1N74Yg</a></p>— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinYanks/status/1952524479118151866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Yankees also reinstated right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9004" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9004">Mark Leiter Jr.</a>, recalled reliever Yerry de los Santos, and designated pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10601" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10601">JT Brubaker</a> for assignment.</p><p>Trade deadline addition <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13863" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13863">Jake Bird</a> was also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3320693" href="https://thescore.com/news/3320693">demoted </a>to Triple-A in a separate move after allowing seven runs, including a walk-off homer against the Rangers, over his first three appearances with New York.</p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 21: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees smiles in the first inning during a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on April 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31975020/related

Judge set to return Tuesday vs. Rangers

The New York Islanders signed rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer to a three-year, entry-level con...

<p>The New York Islanders signed rookie defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/16210" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/16210">Matthew Schaefer</a> to a three-year, entry-level contract, they announced Monday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> signed #1 pick Matthew Schaefer to 3 year entry level contract. Deal is max eligible in all categories:<br><br>NHL Salary: 877.5K<br>Signing Bonus: 97.5K<br>"A" bonuses 1M<br>"B" bonuses 2.5M<br><br>Cap hit 975K, AAV 4.475M<br><br>Rep'd by Pat Morris <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyAgency?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheHockeyAgency</a> <a href="https://t.co/KvURN2cpzT">https://t.co/KvURN2cpzT</a></p>— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PuckPedia/status/1952509241148809451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Islanders made it a moment to remember for Schaefer by inviting 20 children who've lost a parent to present the 17-year-old with his official contract. Schaefer's mom, Jennifer, died in 2024.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a moment. 💙🧡<br><br>20 kids who have lost a parent were invited to meet Matthew Schaefer and were tasked with a big assignment, to give Schaefer his first NHL contract to sign. <a href="https://t.co/KwYUw4rg4v">pic.twitter.com/KwYUw4rg4v</a></p>— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders/status/1952513927767871502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Schaefer was selected first overall by the Islanders in this year's NHL draft. Despite missing a large portion of the 2024-25 OHL season because of injuries, he became the No. 1 selection by tallying seven goals, 22 points, and a plus-21 rating over just 17 games with the Erie Otters.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Hamilton native's resume also includes representing Canada at both the world juniors and winning gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2024.</p><p>By signing his rookie contract, Schaefer will only be eligible to play for either the Islanders in the NHL, or Erie in the OHL, next season. He can play in nine regular-season games with New York at the start of 2025-26 before losing his junior eligibility.</p><p>Schaefer celebrated his new deal by heading over to Citi Field, where he was welcomed by the local fans, throwing out the first pitch before the New York Mets faced the Cleveland Guardians.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Matthew Schaefer's first pitch is just a bit outside. 😅<a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYIslanders</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Mets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mets</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLBNetwork</a> <a href="https://t.co/7y0mLPKsSm">pic.twitter.com/7y0mLPKsSm</a></p>— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLNetwork/status/1952510542280593417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Islanders kick off their preseason schedule on Sept. 21 at home against the Philadelphia Flyers, and open the regular season at Pittsburgh on Oct. 9. Schaefer's potential regular-season debut at UBS Arena could come Oct. 11 against the Washington Capitals.</p>

EAST MEADOW, NEW YORK - JUNE 30: Matthew Schaefer #71 takes part in practice during the New York Islanders 2025 Development Camp at Northwell Health Ice Center at Eisenhower Park on June 30, 2025 in East Meadow, New York.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31973134/related

Islanders sign No. 1 pick Schaefer to 3-year ELC

Reese Olson's 2025 campaign may not be finished after all.  The Detroit Tigers right-hander had b...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15420" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15420">Reese Olson</a>'s 2025 campaign may not be finished after all.</p><p>The Detroit Tigers right-hander had been ruled out for the year after landing on the 60-day injured list with a shoulder strain last week. However, Olson won't wind up requiring surgery, the starter shared Monday. That development, he said, has opened the door for a potential return during the postseason.</p><p>"Hopefully, the boys make a deep run into October and I can contribute at some point. I think that's the idea everyone has right now," Olson told reporters, according to <a href="https://x.com/evanwoodbery/status/1952474707606774249">Evan Woodberry of MLive.com</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Olson added that he's still awaiting a firm diagnosis and timetable from doctors, according to <a href="https://x.com/CodyStavenhagen/status/1952472952370327917">Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>Olson was placed on the 60-day IL on July 28, making Sept. 26 - the third-last day of the regular season - the earliest possible procedural date for his return. He'd also have to ramp back up in order to pitch in October, whether as a starter or reliever.</p><p>The 26-year-old struggled in his final start before the injury, allowing a season-high five runs and two homers over 5 2/3 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 24. He then felt discomfort while throwing a bullpen two days later, leading the Tigers to send him for an MRI that revealed the strain, president of baseball operations Scott Harris <a href="https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2025/07/tigers-place-2-players-on-injured-list-reese-olson-to-miss-rest-of-regular-season.html">said</a> last week.</p><p>Despite missing almost two months earlier in the year with a finger issue, Olson had emerged as one of Detroit's best pitchers before the shoulder injury. His 3.15 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over 13 starts are the second-best marks among Tigers starters.</p><p>The Tigers filled Olson's rotation spot by acquiring right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8243" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8243">Chris Paddack</a> from Minnesota the same day Olson landed on the IL. Detroit also traded for veteran starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1117" href="/mlb/players/1117">Charlie Morton</a> ahead of last Thursday's deadline.</p><p>Detroit entered Monday tied with the Blue Jays for the AL's best record.</p>

ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 18: Reese Olson #45 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Globe Life Field on July 18, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31972064/related

Tigers' Olson won't need shoulder surgery, might return for playoffs

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Grayson Rodriguez will undergo season-ending elbow debridement sur...

<p>Baltimore Orioles right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12265" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12265">Grayson Rodriguez</a> will undergo season-ending elbow debridement surgery, according to <a href="https://x.com/JakeDRill/status/1952472612988408141">MLB.com's Jake Rill</a>.</p><p>The debridement procedure differs from the far more common Tommy John surgery, and is not related to his ulnar collateral ligament in any way, Elias added, per <a href="https://x.com/jcalvinmeyer/status/1952473164178711014">Jacob Calvin Meyer of the Baltimore Sun</a>. The team is hoping that this surgery will prevent Rodriguez from dealing with elbow impingement problems going forward.</p><p>Rodriguez, 25, hasn't pitched this season and last appeared in a game for the Orioles in July 2024. He missed the end of last season with lat discomfort, before landing on the IL with elbow inflammation at the end of spring training. The Orioles moved him to the 60-day IL in late April after he suffered a mild lat strain.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rodriguez had been ramping up for a potential return until being shut down last week following a setback.</p><p>"We feel for him. The whole organization feels for him," interim manager Tony Mansolino said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/orioles/news/grayson-rodriguez-out-for-season-right-elbow-debridement-surgery">Rill</a>. "I mean, that's a guy we're really counting on here in our organization to get us to where we want to go, in terms of the season and the postseason. Very unfortunate. It's not for a lack of effort, by any means - by him or by our medical staff or by all the people that are involved. It's just a very unfortunate set of circumstances."</p><p>The former first-round pick owns a 4.11 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 43 big-league starts since 2023.</p><p> </p>

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JULY 31, 2024: Grayson Rodriguez #30 of the Baltimore Orioles throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 31, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31971726/related

Orioles' Rodriguez to have season-ending elbow surgery

The Chicago Cubs designated former All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly for assignment after acquiring ...

<p>The Chicago Cubs designated former All-Star reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3675" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3675">Ryan Pressly</a> for assignment after acquiring left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5345" href="/mlb/players/5345">Taylor Rogers</a> from the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>Pressly is in the final year of his contract and earning $14 million in 2025.</p><p>The Cubs acquired Pressly from the Houston Astros in January after he waived his no-trade clause to allow the move.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pressly was expected to fortify Chicago's bullpen and perhaps even close games for the club this season. Instead, he has struggled to a 4.35 ERA, 5.00 FIP, and 1.52 WHIP, along with a 6.1 K/9 rate and a career-worst 3.7 BB/9.</p><p>His struggles allowed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13748" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13748">Daniel Palencia</a> to establish himself as the Cubs' closer.</p><p>Pressly owns a lifetime 3.33 ERA and 1.18 WHIP along with 721 strikeouts and 117 saves over parts of 13 big-league seasons between the Cubs, Astros, and Minnesota Twins. He helped the Astros win three AL pennants and the 2022 World Series title during his seven years in Houston.</p><p>The Cubs added Rogers and cash considerations from Pittsburgh in exchange for minor-league outfielder Ivan Brethowr. Chicago also acquired reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5892" href="/mlb/players/5892">Andrew Kittredge</a> and starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8133" href="/mlb/players/8133">Michael Soroka</a> before Thursday's deadline.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JULY 09: Ryan Pressly #55 of the Chicago Cubs looks on as he exits the field after pitching to the Minnesota Twins in the seventh inning at Target Field on July 09, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Cubs 4-2.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31937033/related

Cubs DFA Pressly after deadline deals, eat remainder of $14M salary

The San Francisco Giants traded outfielder Mike Yastrzemski to the Kansas City Royals for minor-l...

<p>The San Francisco Giants traded outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4392" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4392">Mike Yastrzemski</a> to the Kansas City Royals for minor-league pitcher Yunior Marte, the teams announced Thursday.</p><p>Yastrzemski, the grandson of Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, is earning $9.25 million this season and will be a free agent at the end of the campaign.</p><p>The 34-year-old had been a staple of San Francisco's outfield since reaching the majors in 2019, primarily splitting time between right and center. Bolstered by his lifetime .802 OPS against southpaws, Yastrzemski could form the left-handed half of a platoon with the recently acquired Randal Grichuk in Kansas City.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, Yastrzemski is having a down year offensively, hitting .231/.330/.355 with eight homers and 28 RBIs over 96 games this season.</p><p>Marte, a 21-year-old right-hander, owns a 2.74 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 79 strikeouts and 20 walks over 19 starts at Low-A Columbia in 2025.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 25: Mike Yastrzemski #5 of the San Francisco Giants at bat against the New York Mets at Oracle Park on July 25, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31935846/related

Giants trade Yastrzemski to Royals

The New York Yankees added yet another big piece to their bullpen Thursday, acquiring closer Cami...

<p>The New York Yankees added yet another big piece to their bullpen Thursday, acquiring closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12516" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12516">Camilo Doval</a> from the San Francisco Giants, general manager Brian Cashman confirmed to <a href="https://x.com/jorgecastillo/status/1951046519353909513">ESPN's Jorge Castillo</a>.</p><p>New York sent four prospects to San Francisco in exchange: left-hander Carlos De La Rosa, catcher/third baseman Jesus Rodriguez, corner infielder Parks Harber, and right-hander Trystan Vrieling.</p><p>Doval continues the Yankees' bullpen overhaul ahead of the deadline. Cashman acquired former All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3318425" href="https://thescore.com/news/3318425">David Bednar</a> from the Pittsburgh Pirates and right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3318445" href="https://thescore.com/news/3318445">Jake Bird</a> from the Colorado Rockies in separate deals earlier Thursday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"We are better today than we were yesterday, so mission accomplished." - Brian Cashman <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yankees?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yankees</a></p>— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1951049009532952662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 28-year-old Doval was an All-Star with the Giants in 2023, when he tallied an NL-best 39 saves. This year, he owns a 3.09 ERA, 3.18 FIP, and 1.20 WHIP with 50 strikeouts and 15 saves in 46 2/3 innings.</p><p>Doval is earning $4.525 million this season and has another two years of arbitration eligibility remaining.</p><p>Rodriguez, 23, spent most of this season at Triple-A, where he's hit .317/.409/.430 with five homers and 41 RBIs. Although primarily a catcher, he's been splitting time behind the plate and at third base this year and has also played some first base and left field.</p><p>Vrieling, 24, owns a 4.50 ERA with 42 strikeouts and 18 walks over 12 appearances (10 starts) at Double-A Somerset this season. He was the Yankees' third-round pick in 2022.</p><p>Harber, 23, owns a .319/.404/.510 slash line with six homers and 40 RBIs across 54 total games between Low-A Tampa and High-A Hudson Valley this season. He's currently on the seven-day injured list with an undisclosed issue, according to his <a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/parks-harber-692238?stats=career-r-hitting-minors&amp;year=2025">MLB.com player page</a>.</p><p>De La Rosa, 17, was signed by the Yankees out of the Dominican Republic in April. He made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League in June.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 30: Camilo Doval #75 of the San Francisco Giants pitches during the game at Oracle Park on July 30, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31935648/related

Yankees add Doval from Giants for 4 prospects

The San Diego Padres acquired All-Star slugger Ryan O'Hearn and outfielder Ramón Laureano from th...

<p>The San Diego Padres acquired All-Star slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5605" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5605">Ryan O'Hearn</a> and outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5552" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5552">Ramón Laureano</a> from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for a package of six prospects, the teams announced Thursday.</p><p>Baltimore received left-handed pitcher Boston Bateman, right-handed relievers Tyson Neighbors and Tanner Smith, infielders Brandon Butterworth and Cobb Hightower, and first baseman/outfielder Victor Figueroa in the deal. <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/padres/">MLB.com</a> ranked Bateman and Hightower as the Padres' No. 4 and No. 6 prospects, respectively, before the trade.</p><p>O'Hearn, a pending free agent, was the AL's starting designated hitter in this year's All-Star Game. The 32-year-old is having a career-best season, hitting .283/.374/.463 with 13 homers and 43 RBIs.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>O'Hearn can slot in at either DH or first base for the Padres, giving the club added thump from the left side against right-handed pitching. He can also play a corner outfield spot if needed.</p><p>Laureano, 31, is enjoying a career-best campaign as well, hitting .290/.355/.529 with 15 homers and 46 RBIs over 82 games. He's stellar defensively, tallying seven total defensive runs saved and seven outfield assists across both corner spots.</p><p>Laureano is earning $4 million this season and comes with a $6.5-million club option for 2026.</p><p>Bateman, 19, was the Padres' second-round pick in 2024. He owns a 4.08 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 75 strikeouts and 25 walks over 15 starts in Low-A this season.</p><p>Butterworth, 22, has split his time primarily between shortstop and second base. He's hitting .267/.327/.455 with 11 homers, 46 RBIs, and 13 steals over 89 games at High-A Fort Wayne this year.</p><p>Neighbors, 22, split this campaign between High-A Fort Wayne and Double-A San Antonio. He owns a 1.85 ERA and 0.94 WHIP with 64 strikeouts and six saves over 32 total outings in 2025.</p><p>Hightower, San Diego's third-round pick last summer, is a 20-year-old shortstop who made his professional debut this season. He's hitting .239/.363/.314 with one homer, 21 RBIs, and seven steals through 190 plate appearances at Low-A Lake Elsinore.</p><p>Figueroa, 21, is slashing .318/.420/.588 with 12 homers and 47 RBIs over 276 total plate appearances between rookie ball and Low-A this year. A left-handed hitter who stands 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, he's primarily played first base but has also made 13 appearances in right field.</p><p>San Diego drafted Smith out of Harvard in the 15th round last year. The 22-year-old owns a 3.46 ERA and 1.58 WHIP with 34 strikeouts across 26 innings split between rookie ball and Low-A this year.</p>

CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 21: Ramón Laureano #12 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with Ryan O'Hearn #32 after hitting a home run during the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Monday, July 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31934810/related

Padres land O'Hearn, Laureano from Orioles

It's Carlos Correa time in Houston once again.  The Astros reacquired their former first overall ...

<p>It's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3992" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3992">Carlos Correa</a> time in Houston once again.</p><p>The Astros reacquired their former first overall pick from the Minnesota Twins for minor-league left-hander Matt Mikulski and cash, the teams announced Thursday. Correa waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the move.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">In interview with MLB. com, Correa says he’s happy to come home to the team where he started career. He said it was clear Minnesota wasn’t going in the direction he wanted and they agreed to find a trade. <br><br>“I let them know there was only one team I would allow that to happen.”</p>— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/1951023231756017793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Twins sent $33 million to Houston to cover a portion of the $104 million Correa is guaranteed over the rest of his deal, <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1951048046390751261">ESPN's Jeff Passan and Buster Olney</a> report. Houston will be responsible for the rest of his money.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Correa is in the third season of a six-year, $200-million contract that includes four club options, which begin in 2029.</p><p>He'll move from shortstop to third base in Houston to replace the injured <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9550" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9550">Isaac Paredes</a>. Paredes is on the injured list with a hamstring injury and is reportedly <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3318089" href="https://thescore.com/news/3318089">expected</a> to miss at least two months, putting his season in jeopardy.</p><p>When Correa debuts at the hot corner, it'll mark the first time in his professional career that he's played a position other than shortstop. However, he moved to third base while representing Puerto Rico at the 2023 World Baseball Classic in deference to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2909" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2909">Francisco Lindor</a>.</p><p>"We were waiting for a shortstop to come in (with the Twins), and now that I get to play third base, it will be great for me at this stage of my career," Correa told <a href="https://x.com/brianmctaggart/status/1951024583483728361">McTaggart</a>.</p><p>Correa helped the Astros secure three pennants and the 2017 World Series title during his initial seven-year run in Houston. He joined the Twins on a one-year deal in 2022 after a contract standoff with the Astros.</p><p>During his free agency in 2023, Correa had separate megadeals with the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets fall through after he failed physicals with both clubs. He then returned to Minnesota on his current contract.</p><p>Over his four years in the Twin Cities, the 30-year-old hit .271/.345/.440 with 61 homers and 214 RBIs. He helped the Twins reach the playoffs in 2023.</p><p>The Astros also acquired former Gold Glove third baseman Ramón Urías from the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday.</p><p>Mikulski, the prospect heading to Minnesota, signed with Houston in May after being released by the San Francisco Giants. The 26-year-old owns a lifetime 6.46 ERA across 108 minor-league appearances since 2021.</p>

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 29: Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins looks on against the St. Louis Cardinals on March 29, 2025 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31934589/related

Astros reacquire Correa from Twins

The New York Mets found their outfield bat.  New York acquired All-Star outfielder Cedric Mullins...

<p>The New York Mets found their outfield bat.</p><p>New York acquired All-Star outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5763" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5763">Cedric Mullins</a> from the Baltimore Orioles for right-handed pitching prospects Raimon Gomez, Anthony Nunez, and Chandler Marsh, the teams announced.</p><p>Mullins, who produced a 30-30 season for the Orioles in 2021, shores up center field for the Mets. His presence also allows <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4912" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4912">Jeff McNeil</a> to play second base more regularly.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 30-year-old Mullins, a pending free agent, is hitting .229/.305/.433 with 15 homers, 49 RBIs, and 14 steals over 91 games this season. Despite accruing minus-13 defensive runs saved in center, Mullins has still pulled off several highlight-reel catches this year, including a <a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1950624513126789352">home-run robbery</a> during his final game as an Oriole.</p><p>Two of the prospects heading to Baltimore - Gomez and Nunez - were ranked in the Mets' top 30 by <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/mets/">MLB.com</a> prior to the trade.</p><p>Gomez, a 23-year-old reliever, owns a 4.63 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 48 strikeouts and 25 walks across 27 appearances split between Low-A and High-A. He owns a blistering fastball that reached 104.5 mph earlier this year.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="ht" dir="ltr">104.5 mph for Raimon Gomez!!! 🤯🤯 <a href="https://t.co/f1ldT7yhXR">pic.twitter.com/f1ldT7yhXR</a></p>— Mets Player Development (@MetsPlayerDev) <a href="https://twitter.com/MetsPlayerDev/status/1916257760628425135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Nunez, 24, was initially drafted as an infielder by the San Diego Padres in 2019. He then left San Diego's system to play college baseball at the University of Tampa, where he eventually converted to pitching before signing with the Mets last year.</p><p>Nunez, who was promoted to Double-A in May, owns a 1.80 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, and 13.0 K/9 rate over 41 career minor-league outings.</p><p>Marsh, 22, was signed by the Mets as an undrafted free agent last summer. He has a 2.53 ERA and 0.94 WHIP over 34 minor-league appearances in A-ball.</p>

BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 12: Cedric Mullins #31 of the Baltimore Orioles runs to dug out between inning during a baseball game against the Miami Marlins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 12, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31934317/related

Orioles deal Mullins to Mets for 3 prospects

The Kansas City Royals traded catcher Freddy Fermin to the San Diego Padres in exchange for right...

<p>The Kansas City Royals traded catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12621" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12621">Freddy Fermin</a> to the San Diego Padres in exchange for right-handed pitchers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17386" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17386">Ryan Bergert</a> and Stephen Kolek, the teams announced Thursday.</p><p>Fermin adds additional catching depth for the Padres, who have received the second-worst production from backstops in the majors this season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4702" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4702">Elias Díaz</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1841" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1841">Martín Maldonado</a> have split time behind the plate for San Diego in 2025.</p><p>Fermin has backed up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2082" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2082">Salvador Perez</a> in Kansas City for the last few years. He's a lifetime .268/.314/.383 hitter with 18 homers and 80 RBIs over 251 big-league games. Defensively, Fermin has tallied 32 defensive runs saved during his career, and his 1.89 pop time this season sits in the 90th percentile.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 30-year-old won't enter free agency until after the 2029 season. As a Super Two player, he'll be arbitration-eligible for four seasons instead of the standard three.</p><p>Bergert, ranked as the Padres' No. 7 prospect by <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/padres/">MLB.com</a>, made his big-league debut this year. The 25-year-old owns a 2.78 ERA, 4.24 FIP, and 1.18 WHIP with 34 strikeouts and 18 walks over 11 appearances (seven starts) with San Diego.</p><p>Kolek has spent this season shuttling between San Diego and Triple-A El Paso. In 14 starts for the Padres this campaign, the 28-year-old owns a 4.18 ERA, 4.23 FIP, and 1.30 WHIP with 56 strikeouts, 26 walks, and one shutout.</p><p>Kolek won't become arbitration-eligible until after next season.</p><p>The Royals have needed additional starting pitching after losing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10665" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10665">Kris Bubic</a> for the season last week. They're also still missing ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14571" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14571">Cole Ragans</a>, who's on the injured list with a shoulder issue.</p>

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 26: Freddy Fermin #34 of the Kansas City Royals hits a two-run home run in the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians in game two of a doubleheader at Kauffman Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31933994/related

Royals trade Fermin to Padres for 2 pitchers

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda left Thursday's game against the New York Yankees wi...

<p>Tampa Bay Rays first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13641" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13641">Jonathan Aranda</a> left Thursday's game against the New York Yankees with a wrist injury following a collision with Yankees designated hitter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1388" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1388">Giancarlo Stanton</a> at first base.</p><p>Aranada said after the Rays' 7-4 loss that X-rays on his left wrist returned negative, according to <a href="https://x.com/Ry_Bass/status/1951060514236407855">sideline reporter Ryan Bass</a>. However, manager Kevin Cash said postgame that he expects the All-Star to "miss some time," according to <a href="https://x.com/TBTimes_Rays/status/1951051379554107519">Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times</a>.</p><p>Aranda will undergo additional testing Friday after the team returns to Tampa, Bass reports.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Aranda had to reach for Junior Caminero's wide throw while playing through a driving rainstorm, which led him into the baserunner's path. Stanton clipped Aranda's arm, sending the first baseman to the ground in pain.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jonathan Aranda left the game after getting his hand wedged trying to tag Stanton <a href="https://t.co/aUvmofWqT6">pic.twitter.com/aUvmofWqT6</a></p>— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1950989401326059976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9653" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9653">Brandon Lowe</a> moved to first base because <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4588" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4588">Yandy Díaz</a> had already left the game with a forearm injury. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14003" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14003">José Caballero</a> entered the contest in Aranda's lineup spot to play second base. Shortly after the substitutions, the game was delayed due to rain.</p><p>Aranda was the third Rays player to leave Thursday's clash. Díaz was removed in the fourth inning after a pitch hit him on his left arm, and outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16538" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16538">Chandler Simpson</a> departed with an apparent hand injury in the third.</p><p>Aranda, 27, became a first-time All-Star this summer after hitting .316/.394/.478 with 12 homers and 54 RBIs over 103 contests this season.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 31: Jonathan Aranda #62 of the Tampa Bay Rays is injured after a collision with Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees in the fifth inning during their game at Yankee Stadium on July 31, 2025 in New York City.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31933791/related

Rays' Aranda suffers wrist injury in collision with Stanton

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/simon-sharkey-gotlieb/content_cards

Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb

News Editor

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

Tom Ruminski

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/bryan-mcwilliam/content_cards