The Boston Red Sox placed starting pitcher Walker Buehler on the 15-day injured list with right s...

<p>The Boston Red Sox placed starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8193" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8193">Walker Buehler</a> on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder bursitis, the team announced.</p><p>Buehler's IL stint is retroactive to Tuesday. Right-hander Hunter Dobbins was recalled from Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move.</p><p>Manager Alex Cora expressed optimism that Buehler's absence will be brief.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We don't think it's that serious," Cora said, according to <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2025/05/red-sox-walker-buehler-shoulder-to-hit-injured-list-rookie-set-to-replace-him-in-rotation.html">Chris Cotillo of MassLive</a>. "Miss two starts and hopefully be back as soon as the days are over."</p><p>The right-hander was scheduled to pitch Friday against the Minnesota Twins but returned to Boston on Thursday to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3279046" href="https://thescore.com/news/3279046">undergo tests</a> after experiencing soreness in his shoulder. </p><p>Buehler has battled injuries in recent years. He missed the entire 2023 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and threw only 75 1/3 innings during the regular season in 2024.</p><p>The veteran owns a 4.28 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 29 strikeouts in 33 2/3 innings pitched this season, his first with the Red Sox after leaving the Los Angeles Dodgers to sign a one-year deal worth just over $21 million. </p><p>Buehler holds a career 3.31 ERA (124 ERA+) across 747 1/3 innings.</p><p> </p>

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 26: Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Walker Buehler (0) delivers a pitch to the plate during the first inning of game 2 of the Major League Baseball doubleheader between the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Guardians on April 26, 2025, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH.

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Red Sox place Buehler on IL with right shoulder bursitis

The Arizona Diamondbacks reinstated second baseman Ketel Marte from the injured list, the team an...

<p>The Arizona Diamondbacks reinstated second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3555" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3555">Ketel Marte</a> from the injured list, the team announced Friday.</p><p>He's batting leadoff Friday night against the Philadelphia Phillies after missing 23 games with a hamstring injury. </p><p>Outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13874" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13874">Jorge Barrosa</a> was optioned to Triple-A Reno in a corresponding move. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Marte, 31, was off to a hot start at the plate before being sidelined, slashing .346/.469/.930 through 32 plate appearances.</p><p>The switch-hitter finished third in National League MVP voting last season after posting career highs in home runs (36), RBIs (95), and OPS+ (155) while hitting atop the Diamondbacks' lineup. </p><p>On April 2, Arizona inked Marte to a $116.5-million contract extension that runs through the 2031 season.</p><p>The two-time All-Star owns a career .816 OPS (119 OPS+). </p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 30: Ketel Marte #4 of the Arizona Diamondbacks gets ready in the batters box against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field on March 30, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

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D-Backs' Marte returns after missing 23 games with hamstring injury

The Detroit Tigers designated pitcher Kenta Maeda for assignment, they announced Thursday.  Maeda...

<p>The Detroit Tigers designated pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5339" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5339">Kenta Maeda</a> for assignment, they announced Thursday.</p><p>Maeda, 37, owns a 7.88 ERA and 1.88 WHIP through eight innings pitched for the Tigers in 2025. He's allowed nine hits and walked six batters. </p><p>The right-hander is in the final season of a two-year, $24-million contract. He struggled mightily in 2024 as well, coughing up 22 home runs with a 6.09 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 29 appearances. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Maeda has been worth minus-0.1 fWAR during his Tigers tenure. </p><p>The nine-year veteran has also pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins throughout his career.</p><p>To fill Maeda's spot on the active roster, Detroit recalled right-hander Tyler Owens from Triple-A Toledo. Owens, ranked as the Tigers' No. 25 prospect by <a href="https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/2009-detroit-tigers/prospects/?season=2025&amp;ranking=preseason">Baseball America</a>, owns a 4.50 ERA and 1.79 WHIP with 11 strikeouts and nine walks over 12 relief appearances with Toledo this year.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 29: Kenta Maeda #18 of the Detroit Tigers reacts in the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on April 29, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Tigers designate Maeda for assignment

The Cincinnati Reds announced Thursday they optioned former All-Star closer Alexis Díaz to Triple...

<p>The Cincinnati Reds announced Thursday they optioned former All-Star closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13669" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13669">Alexis Díaz</a> to Triple-A Louisville.</p><p>Right-hander Luis Mey was recalled in a corresponding move. </p><p>Díaz, 28, delivered one of the worst outings of his career Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals. He was called upon in the top of the ninth with the Reds trailing 1-0 but coughed up back-to-back-to-back home runs, ultimately leaving his team in a 6-0 hole.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We decided to let him try to figure out, get right in Triple-A," Reds manager Terry Francona said, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/reds-alexis-diaz-c4c5060fa0f639c845adc592c3c944ad">Jeff Wallner of The Associated Press</a>. "The consistency just isn't there. It's difficult to hear that, I'm sure. We don't want that to derail him either."</p><p>The righty has been a shell of his former self since returning from the injured list, walking five batters and allowing eight hits in six innings pitched.</p><p>Díaz has posted just a 4.5 K/9 through six appearances this year, the lowest of his career by far. He recorded an 8.8 K/9 in 2024 after managing an elite 11.5 or better in his first two seasons.</p><p>"We told him, 'Hey, we're not giving up on you. Just want you to be more consistent,'" Francona said. "We need him to help us win."</p><p>Veteran reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4500" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4500">Emilio Pagán</a> appears likely to continue closing games for the Reds. He has eight saves so far this season.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 26: Alexis Diaz #43 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on April 26, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Reds option former All-Star closer Díaz to minor leagues

It's been a long road back to the major leagues for Lance McCullers.  The Houston Astros announce...

<p>It's been a long road back to the major leagues for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4233" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4233">Lance McCullers</a>.</p><p>The Houston Astros announced the right-hander will make his first start for the team since 2022 on Sunday against the Chicago White Sox, according to <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1917612674067632241">The Athletic's Chandler Rome</a>.</p><p>"It's a day I've been waiting for a long time," McCullers said, according to <a href="https://x.com/brianmctaggart/status/1917618733255909828">Brian McTaggart of MLB.com</a>. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I thank my teammates, coaching staff, (and the) Astros organization for standing by me and supporting me. I'm excited to get this type of stuff done with and just get back into the flow of pitching for this team."</p><p>McCullers, 31, opened the 2023 season on the injured list with a muscle strain in his right elbow. He then underwent surgery to repair a flexor tendon, which kept him out for the remainder of the year and all of 2024. </p><p>His last full season was in 2021 when he finished seventh in American League Cy Young voting with a 3.16 ERA and 1.22 WHIP across 162 1/3 innings. </p><p>McCullers has made just 47 starts since the end of 2018. </p><p>Other Astros starting pitchers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12203" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12203">Luis Garcia</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10662" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10662">Cristian Javier</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13784" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13784">J.P. France</a> remain sidelined with long-term injuries. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16276" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16276">Spencer Arrighetti</a>, meanwhile, is on the 15-day injured list with a fractured thumb. </p><p>Houston's current group of starters, led by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8415" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8415">Framber Valdez</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12893" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12893">Hunter Brown</a>, entered Wednesday with the AL's fourth-best ERA (3.59) and FIP (3.64). </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 13: Lance McCullers Jr. #43 of the Houston Astros watches from the dugout in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park on April 13, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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Astros' McCullers to make 1st start since 2022 on Sunday

First impressions aren't everything, but making a good one can go a long way. This is especially ...

<p>First impressions aren't everything, but making a good one can go a long way. This is especially true when you're a star player looking to endear yourself to a new organization and fan base.</p><p>Here's how 10 of MLB's biggest offseason acquisitions have fared through the season's first month.</p><p><strong>Juan Soto, Mets: B-</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781539/cropped_GettyImages-2211172766.jpg?ts=1745185697" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781539/w220xh124_GettyImages-2211172766.jpg?ts=1745185697 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781539/w320xh180_GettyImages-2211172766.jpg?ts=1745185697 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781539/w640xh360_GettyImages-2211172766.jpg?ts=1745185697 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781539/w768xh432_GettyImages-2211172766.jpg?ts=1745185697 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781539/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2211172766.jpg?ts=1745185697 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Expectations for Soto were sky-high after signing the largest contract in professional sports history. The four-time All-Star hasn't yet produced like he can, but there are zero concerns since the new season is just over a month old. The 26-year-old's .374 on-base percentage is elite as always, but the powers numbers are significantly down, with three homers and a .398 slugging percentage through 30 games. However, Soto's presence in the lineup is clearly a factor, as the Mets boast an MLB-best 21-9 record. It's scary to think how good New York can be when he gets going.</p><p><strong>Kyle Tucker, Cubs: A+</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781248/cropped_GettyImages-2208401910.jpg?ts=1745012636" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781248/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208401910.jpg?ts=1745012636 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781248/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208401910.jpg?ts=1745012636 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781248/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208401910.jpg?ts=1745012636 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781248/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208401910.jpg?ts=1745012636 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781248/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208401910.jpg?ts=1745012636 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Trading for Tucker has turned the Cubs into an offensive juggernaut. The five-tool star has been his usual excellent self at the plate, slashing .288/.397/.568 with seven home runs, 25 RBIs, and eight stolen bases. It's not just his production that stands out, however, as his presence seems to have made everyone around him better. Chicago needs to do whatever it can to keep him around for the long haul, but extending the soon-to-be prize of free agency won't be easy or inexpensive.</p><p><strong>Alex Bregman, Red Sox: A</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778744/cropped_GettyImages-2208349075.jpg?ts=1743716056" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778744/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208349075.jpg?ts=1743716056 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778744/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208349075.jpg?ts=1743716056 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778744/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208349075.jpg?ts=1743716056 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778744/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208349075.jpg?ts=1743716056 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778744/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208349075.jpg?ts=1743716056 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Greg Fiume / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Red Sox raised some eyebrows when they gave Bregman a whopping three-year, $120-million deal. However, the 31-year-old's been Boston's best player to start 2025. He leads the team in hits (40), doubles (11), homers (six), RBIs (23), batting average (.331), OPS (.971), and fWAR (1.5). The two-time All-Star entered the season with great career numbers at Fenway Park but has also been producing on the road, slashing .353/.397/.603 over 16 contests.</p><p><strong>Max Fried, Yankees: A+</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783103/cropped_GettyImages-2209894902.jpg?ts=1745944667" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783103/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209894902.jpg?ts=1745944667 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783103/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209894902.jpg?ts=1745944667 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783103/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209894902.jpg?ts=1745944667 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783103/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209894902.jpg?ts=1745944667 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783103/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209894902.jpg?ts=1745944667 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rob Tringali / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Yankees signed Fried to an eight-year megadeal hoping to pair him with Gerrit Cole and reigning rookie of the year Luis Gil. Injuries to both holdovers have forced Fried to become the ace in New York, and he's done an excellent job so far. The lefty owns a 5-0 record with a 1.19 ERA and 1.04 WHIP through six starts, having not allowed more than two earned runs in any of them. There are still questions about how this deal will age in its later years, but there's no telling where the Yankees would be right now without Fried's stabilizing presence atop the rotation.</p><p><strong>Corbin Burnes, Diamondbacks: C-</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779604/cropped_GettyImages-2207564342.jpg?ts=1744157475" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779604/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207564342.jpg?ts=1744157475 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779604/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207564342.jpg?ts=1744157475 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779604/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207564342.jpg?ts=1744157475 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779604/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207564342.jpg?ts=1744157475 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779604/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207564342.jpg?ts=1744157475 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Some concerning trends for the 2021 NL Cy Young winner have continued into this season after developing over the last few years. The 30-year-old's FIP and WHIP are consistently going up while his K/9 goes down, which suggests he's not the dominant swing-and-miss pitcher he once was. His 4.1 BB/9 in 2025 is also a career worst. Burnes' whiff rate is in the 27th percentile and hard-hit percentage is shockingly in the fifth percentile. He's got plenty of time to figure it out, but it's not ideal for the D-Backs considering they just invested $210 million in a regressing arm.</p><p><strong>Willy Adames, Giants: D</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783106/cropped_GettyImages-2211801338.jpg?ts=1745944798" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783106/w220xh124_GettyImages-2211801338.jpg?ts=1745944798 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783106/w320xh180_GettyImages-2211801338.jpg?ts=1745944798 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783106/w640xh360_GettyImages-2211801338.jpg?ts=1745944798 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783106/w768xh432_GettyImages-2211801338.jpg?ts=1745944798 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783106/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2211801338.jpg?ts=1745944798 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Giants have been one of baseball's surprise packages in 2025 despite Adames not yet finding his stride at the plate. The 29-year-old has hit just two<strong> </strong>home runs and holds a .591 OPS (71+) in the first season of his seven-year, $182-million contract. The fit was always questionable on paper: Oracle Park in San Francisco is a tough place for righties to hit for power. Adames will probably get it going, but it's not unreasonable to think the Giants may not be getting the 30-home run guy they paid a pretty penny for.</p><p><strong>Blake Snell, Dodgers: C</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782446/cropped_GettyImages-2209831193.jpg?ts=1745628114" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782446/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209831193.jpg?ts=1745628114 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782446/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209831193.jpg?ts=1745628114 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782446/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209831193.jpg?ts=1745628114 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782446/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209831193.jpg?ts=1745628114 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782446/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209831193.jpg?ts=1745628114 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brandon Sloter / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It's not really fair to grade Snell since he's made only two starts. So, his letter is based on his lack of availability. The two-time Cy Young winner hasn't pitched in almost a month due to a shoulder issue, and a timetable for his return is unclear after a recent injection. The 32-year-old isn't new to injuries, as he logged just 104 innings last year and only made 31-plus starts in a season twice over his 10-year career. The silver lining for the Dodgers is they just need Snell to be healthy for the playoffs, as all would be forgotten with another title.</p><p><strong>Roki Sasaki</strong><strong>, Dodgers: D+</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783108/cropped_GettyImages-2212159415.jpg?ts=1745945124" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783108/w220xh124_GettyImages-2212159415.jpg?ts=1745945124 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783108/w320xh180_GettyImages-2212159415.jpg?ts=1745945124 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783108/w640xh360_GettyImages-2212159415.jpg?ts=1745945124 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783108/w768xh432_GettyImages-2212159415.jpg?ts=1745945124 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783108/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2212159415.jpg?ts=1745945124 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Baseball's top prospect is clearly still adjusting to the majors after coming over from Japan. The 23-year-old starter has shown flashes of what made him such a hot commodity during the offseason, but his skills aren't refined yet and feel raw. He's only made it through six innings once and has walked almost as many batters (18) and he's struck out (20). Sasaki's Baseball Savant page is also covered with blue outside of fastball velocity. He's still oozing with potential and doesn't cost the Dodgers anything, but this looks like a long-term project.</p><p><strong>Garrett Crochet, Red Sox: A+</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778599/cropped_GettyImages-2207601827.jpg?ts=1743639739" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778599/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207601827.jpg?ts=1743639739 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778599/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207601827.jpg?ts=1743639739 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778599/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207601827.jpg?ts=1743639739 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778599/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207601827.jpg?ts=1743639739 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778599/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207601827.jpg?ts=1743639739 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Crochet has been exactly what Boston thought it was getting when it acquired the ace from the White Sox for a hefty package of prospects. The left-hander owns a 2.05 ERA<strong> </strong>with a 1.05 WHIP and 50 strikeouts over an MLB-high 44 innings (seven starts) while leading a rotation that's been hit hard by injuries and underperformance. The 25-year-old is doing a great job of limiting hard contact so far compared to 2024, as he's currently in the 86th percentile for hard-hit percentage compared to the 49th percentile last year.</p><p><strong>Anthony Santander, Blue Jays: D</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783112/cropped_GettyImages-2210605482.jpg?ts=1745945624" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783112/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210605482.jpg?ts=1745945624 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783112/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210605482.jpg?ts=1745945624 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783112/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210605482.jpg?ts=1745945624 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783112/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210605482.jpg?ts=1745945624 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783112/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210605482.jpg?ts=1745945624 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Santander's reputation as a slow starter wasn't exaggerated. The Blue Jays' marquee offseason addition has gotten off to a brutal start, hitting just three home runs in 28<strong> </strong>games after clubbing 44 last year. He ranks in the 38th percentile or worse in barrel rate, hard-hit rate, and expected slugging percentage. His struggles at the plate, coupled with his poor defense and baserunning, have amounted to a minus-0.4 fWAR thus far. The Blue Jays desperately need his bat to wake up if they want to avoid falling behind in the competitive AL East.</p>

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Grading early performances from 10 biggest MLB offseason acquisitions

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Monday that starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow has been placed on t...

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Monday that starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4257" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4257">Tyler Glasnow</a> has been placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.</p><p>Right-hander Noah Davis was recalled in a corresponding roster move.</p><p>Glasnow exited Sunday's start before the second inning after seemingly feeling something during his warmup throws.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He believes it may be attributable to mechanical changes he's made to try to stay healthy.</p><p>"I’m just obsessed with trying to figure out what’s going on. And it’s been like this for a few years, and I’m trying to find a way to stay healthy, and I’ll try to do whatever," Glasnow said, according to <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2025/04/27/dodgers-rout-pirates-as-tyler-glasnow-exits-early-again/">Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register</a>.</p><p>"I just don’t really have an answer right now, and I think that’s the most frustrating thing. It's not a lack of trying. It’s just kind of just getting exhausting at this point. I know it’s probably exhausting for a lot of people, for me especially. ... I feel bad for my teammates. I feel bad for people watching."</p><p>It's a second consecutive early departure for Glasnow, who was pulled from his last start April 20 after just four innings due to lower leg cramps.</p><p>Injuries remain an ongoing concern for the 31-year-old. He threw a career-high 134 innings in 2024 but missed the entirety of Los Angeles' World Series run with an elbow issue.</p><p>The righty has never made more than 22 starts in a season. </p><p> </p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 27: Tyler Glasnow #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, April 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Dodgers place Glasnow on IL with shoulder inflammation

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen believes it's only a matter of time before Juan Soto breaks out i...

<p>New York Mets owner Steve Cohen believes it's only a matter of time before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> breaks out in a big way.</p><p>"If you ask him, he'd probably say it's not going as what he hoped," Cohen said of Soto's start to the season, according to <a href="https://sny.tv/articles/steve-cohen-pete-alonso-juan-soto-4-28-25">Danny Abriano of SNY</a>. </p><p>"That's not what the back of his baseball card would say. But saying that, there's a lot of subtle things that he does that I really think matters. The way that he works the count, makes pitchers throw extra pitches, really matters."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Soto entered Monday as the owner of a .248/.374/.396 slash line and .770 OPS (122 OPS+) in 28 games.</p><p>The 26-year-old is still controlling the strike zone at an elite level: He's walked 21 times while striking out only 18 times. However, he's hit only three home runs thus far after slugging 41 last year.</p><p>"And saying that, I'm not worried about Juan," Cohen said. "He's singularly focused on baseball. He's a pure hitter. Let's have this discussion at the end of the year."</p><p>Cohen brought Soto to Queens on a 15-year, $765-million contract this past offseason, the richest in baseball history. </p><p>The lefty phenom is MLB's active leader in on-base percentage (.419) and has hit 204 home runs through eight campaigns. </p><p> </p><p> </p>

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 26: New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) looks on during an MLB game against the Washington Nationals on April 26, 2025 at Nationals Park in Washington, DC.

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Mets owner: Soto 'singularly focused on baseball' amid uneven start

The Atlanta Braves signed outfielder Eddie Rosario to a major-league contract, the team announced...

<p>The Atlanta Braves signed outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/3674" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/3674">Eddie Rosario</a> to a major-league contract, the team announced Monday.</p><p>Rosario appeared in two games with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025 before being designated for assignment and electing free agency. </p><p>This latest stint with the Braves will be Rosario's third. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Atlanta first acquired the lefty in a midseason trade in 2021, and he became an integral part of their World Series team. He joined the Nationals as a free agent ahead of the 2024 season but wound up back with the Braves on a minor-league deal partway through the year after being released.</p><p>The 11-year veteran owns a career .748 OPS (100 OPS+). </p><p>The Braves optioned outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10712" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10712">Jarred Kelenic</a> to Triple-A Gwinnett in the corresponding roster shuffle. The former top prospect slashed .167/.231/.300 with two home runs in 23 games after posting a .679 OPS in 2024. </p><p>Righty <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12846" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12846">Davis Daniel</a> was also optioned to Triple-A while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8134" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8134">Ian Anderson</a>, another member of the 2021 World Series team, reported to Atlanta after being claimed off waivers Sunday from the Los Angeles Angels.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 02, 2025: Eddie Rosario #9 of the Los Angeles Dodgers bats during the fifth inning of a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch on March 02, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona.

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Braves bring back Rosario, option Kelenic to minor leagues

New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. will no longer be suspended for posting on X du...

<p>New York Yankees second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> will no longer be suspended for posting on X during an April 17 game.</p><p>Chisholm was originally handed a one-game ban for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3270397" href="https://thescore.com/news/3270397">tweeting</a> 'not even f------ close' shortly after getting tossed from that contest against the Tampa Bay Rays by umpire John Bacon for arguing balls and strikes. </p><p>The second baseman intended to appeal the suspension but his meeting with the league never happened. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"They were just like 'There's no suspension, guys,'" he said, according to <a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/04/27/yankees-jazz-chisholm-jr-suspension-mlb-appeal/">Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News.</a> "I think they talked to my agent."</p><p>A league source told Phillips that MLB and Chisholm reached a settlement agreement that rescinded the suspension yet kept the $5,000 fine.</p><p><a href="https://www.mlb.com/player-resource-center/player-policies">MLB's Social Media Policy</a> prohibits the use of electronics during games with no specified exceptions for ejected players. It also prohibits conduct that questions the impartiality of umpires or denigrates them.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 25: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees stands by the dugout after the top of the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on April 25, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City.

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Yankees' Chisholm avoids suspension for tweeting midgame

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

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

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

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Mariners place Gilbert on IL with elbow flexor strain 

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

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

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

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Mets reinstate Alvarez, McNeil from IL

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

<p><em>Welcome to theScore's roundup of everything you need to know from around MLB. We'll touch on the notable storylines, biggest trends, most shocking plays, and some other cool things. Let's dive in!</em></p><h3>What everyone's talking about 👇</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781571/cropped_GettyImages-1719482467.jpg?ts=1745198478" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781571/w220xh124_GettyImages-1719482467.jpg?ts=1745198478 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781571/w320xh180_GettyImages-1719482467.jpg?ts=1745198478 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781571/w640xh360_GettyImages-1719482467.jpg?ts=1745198478 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781571/w768xh432_GettyImages-1719482467.jpg?ts=1745198478 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781571/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1719482467.jpg?ts=1745198478 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rob Tringali / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Acuña shades Snitker:</strong> In a since-deleted tweet, Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. implied his manager has a double standard. The 2023 NL MVP may have a point, considering Brian Snitker removed him from a game in the past for a lack of hustle but didn't do the same for Jarred Kelenic. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3271441" href="https://thescore.com/news/3271441">Read more</a> ...</p><p><strong>Judge hitting over .400: </strong>This might be the best version of the two-time AL MVP. Aaron Judge is off to a ballistic start, slashing .415/.513/.734 with seven homers and 26 RBIs. In comparison, he was hitting .191 with four homers and a .702 OPS through 25 games last season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Mets are budding juggernaut: </strong>New York has already put together separate win streaks of six and seven games<strong>.</strong> Pete Alonso is on a mission, Francisco Lindor keeps coming up clutch, and Kodai Senga has allowed two earned runs all season. The biggest sign the Mets are a wagon is that all the early winning has come without significant contributions from Juan Soto.</p><h3>Who's hot? 🔥</h3><p><strong>Tyler Mahle</strong>: The righty is having a Texas-sized resurgence, posting a 0.68 ERA and 0.83 WHIP through 26 2/3 innings after making just 12 starts over the previous three seasons. Mahle isn't allowing opposing batters to square him up: He's held them to a microscopic 3.4 H/9 without surrendering a home run.</p><p><strong>Yoshinobu Yamamoto</strong>: It's becoming clearer who the Dodgers' best and most reliable starting pitcher is. Yamamoto has dominated, allowing just three earned runs in 29 innings while striking out a ridiculous 38 batters.</p><p><strong>Pete Crow-Armstrong</strong>: The Cubs' lineup has been one of baseball's best in April, and Crow-Armstrong is a huge reason. The dynamic 23-year-old is slashing .294/.339/.549 with five home runs and 10 stolen bases, already having accrued the third-most fWAR (1.8) in MLB.</p><h3>Who's not? 🥶</h3><p><strong>Joc Pederson</strong>: No hitter is having a rougher start to the campaign. Pederson's slash line dropped to .066/.174/.098 due to an unfathomable 0-for-41 skid, and the slugger remains without a home run or RBI<strong> </strong>on the year.</p><p><strong>Jeimer Candelario</strong>: The Reds' highest-paid position player continues to scuffle in the second year of his $45-million contract. Candelario's been worth minus-0.6 fWAR while slugging just two home runs<strong> </strong>and holding the lowest batting average (.118) among qualified hitters.</p><p><strong>Jordan Hicks</strong>: Hicks' second year as a starting pitcher is off to a brutal start after flashes of success in the role in 2024. The hard-throwing righty has allowed an NL-worst 20 earned runs through five starts, walking 13 batters and surrendering 29 hits in 27 1/3 innings pitched.</p><h3>You love to see it 😍</h3><p>If you love an underdog story, Caleb Durbin will put a smile on your face. The 5-foot-6, 25-year-old collected two hits in his debut after reaching the majors from humble beginnings at a Division III school (Washington University).</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/caleb-durbin-collects-two-hits-in-his-mlb-debut?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Pirates fans lined up for miles for the highlight of the season ... the Paul Skenes Rookie of the Year bobblehead giveaway. Team owner Bob Nutting gets his fair share of criticism, but he decided that every fan in attendance should get one after witnessing the chaos when he pulled up to the ballpark.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hweusIKuTck?si=0FfPPCDJQrcBw2s1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Phillies reliever Matt Strahm is basically a Nicolas Cage doppelganger. So, naturally, he'd have a glove with the Declaration of Independence on it.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781902/cropped_Srahm_s_glove.jpg?ts=1745363411" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781902/w220xh124_Srahm_s_glove.jpg?ts=1745363411 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781902/w320xh180_Srahm_s_glove.jpg?ts=1745363411 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781902/w640xh360_Srahm_s_glove.jpg?ts=1745363411 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781902/w768xh432_Srahm_s_glove.jpg?ts=1745363411 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781902/w1080xh607_Srahm_s_glove.jpg?ts=1745363411 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Photo courtesy of MLB.com</span></figcaption></figure><h3>We can't believe this happened 🤯</h3><p>Pirates infielder Enmanuel Valdez was called out after hitting a triple because he lifted his hand off the base while asking for a timeout following an injury on the slide.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/emmanuel-clase-in-play-no-out-to-enmanuel-valdez?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Boston Red Sox prospect Andy Lugo celebrated a walk-off single in extra innings with a bat flip so high that it scraped the clouds.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/andy-lugo-s-walk-off-single-x2229?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>The bat boy in Cleveland is loving the Yankees' new facial hair policy.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIulbNgMhCU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIulbNgMhCU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Michael Sansone, a pitcher for the Red Sox Single-A affiliate, had to change uniforms in the ninth inning because he wore the wrong color. We have no idea how this happens.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/michael-sansone-changes-uniforms-during-9th-inning?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p><em>(Video source: <a href="https://www.mlb.com/">MLB.com</a>)</em></p><h3>Sound smart among your friends 🧠</h3><p>Steven Kwan continues to be a statistical anomaly. He has four home runs and a .889 OPS on the season despite barreling the ball just 2.4% of the time and posting the league's second-lowest hard-hit rate at 20%.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Steven Kwan in 2025" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-lS7Gz" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/lS7Gz/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="212" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><h3>They said what? 🗣️</h3><p><strong>Logan Webb after laughing at one of his <a href="https://x.com/NBCSGiants/status/1913461250845286656">teammates passing gas</a> in the locker room: </strong>"Farts are always funny, not going to lie."</p><p><strong>Jazz Chisholm Jr. on <a href="https://x.com/UnderdogMLB/status/1914493574131147097">dodging pieces of a broken bat</a> instead of fielding a grounder: </strong>"I want to make every play out there for my guy, but at the same time, you don't want to die."</p><p><strong>Rowdy Tellez had some <a href="https://x.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/1915153708066984393">thoughts</a> on his collision with Alan Roden during the Mariners-Blue Jays game: </strong>"For a physics major like he is, you would think he would know those things that when a littler person tries to run over somebody that's bigger, it's not going to go well."</p><p><strong>Kirby Yates was <a href="https://x.com/kennlandry/status/1913727993848999945">pretty bummed</a> about allowing a walk-off homer to former Rangers teammate Adolis García:</strong> "I really don't like facing my friends."</p><h3>What to watch this weekend 📺</h3><p><strong>Pirates @ Dodgers</strong>: The Skenes-Yamamoto matchup, tentatively scheduled for Friday night, could be one of the best of the season.</p><p><strong>Phillies @ Cubs</strong>: Two of baseball's highest-powered offenses go head to head in a showdown at Wrigley Field.</p><p><strong>Blue Jays @ Yankees: </strong>A<strong> </strong>tasty pitching duel on tap Saturday with a revitalized Kevin Gausman against Max Fried, who flirted with a no-hitter in his last start.</p>

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

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

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

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10 MLB players off to surprise starts

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

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

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

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Angels sign Neris to minor-league contract

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ben Wrixon

Associate Baseball News Editor

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