New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm was suspended one game and fined an undisclosed amount, ...

<p>New York Yankees infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm</a> was suspended one game and fined an undisclosed amount, Major League Baseball announced Friday.</p><p>Chisholm is appealing the suspension and is in the lineup Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays, manager Aaron Boone said, per <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanHoch/status/1913335596380299517">MLB.com's Bryan Hoch</a>. The 27-year-old violated the league's social media policy when he posted criticism of home plate umpire John Bacon after he was ejected for arguing balls and strikes during Thursday's game.</p><p>Chisholm was tossed for arguing a called third strike in the top of the seventh inning of Thursday's game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He didn't waste time expressing his thoughts following the ejection, posting on X from the clubhouse that the call wasn't "even f-----g close." He later deleted the post.</p><p>MLB's social media rules prohibit players from displaying or transmitting content that questions the impartiality or otherwise denigrates an umpire.</p><p>Following Thursday's game, Chisholm <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3269927" href="https://thescore.com/news/3269927">said</a> he wouldn't be bothered by a potential fine.</p><p>"I did what I did," he said. "I can live with the fine."</p><p>Chisholm is batting fifth and playing second base against the Rays.</p>

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 17: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees reacts to strike called by umpire John Bacon #70 during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on April 17, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Yankees' Chisholm suspended 1 game, fined for tweeting after ejection

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

<p><em>Welcome to theScore's roundup of everything you need to know from around MLB. Here 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/781115/cropped_GettyImages-2209756188.jpg?ts=1744924476" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781115/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209756188.jpg?ts=1744924476 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781115/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209756188.jpg?ts=1744924476 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781115/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209756188.jpg?ts=1744924476 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781115/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209756188.jpg?ts=1744924476 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781115/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209756188.jpg?ts=1744924476 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mary DeCicco / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Captain America: </strong>Team USA is powering up for next spring's World Baseball Classic. Manager Mark DeRosa announced that Aaron Judge will not only be joining the American squad but will also serve as team captain. It'll be the two-time MVP's first WBC. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3267054" href="https://thescore.com/news/3267054">Read more .</a>..</p><p><strong>Padres off and running: </strong>Just as everyone predicted, the Padres have steamrolled their way to the top of the NL West. San Diego won its first 11 home games during a 15-4 start that's included six shutouts. The last time the Padres started this hot was back in 1998 ... when they won the pennant.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Soto still adjusting: </strong>It's been a slow start for Juan Soto in Flushing. The Mets' $765-million man thinks it's because he's being "pitched differently" without Judge protecting him. The Yankees captain isn't <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3268194" href="https://thescore.com/news/3268194">too concerned</a> about his ex-teammate, though. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3267730" href="https://thescore.com/news/3267730">Read more ...</a></p><h3>Who's hot? 🔥</h3><p><strong>Shane Baz: </strong>The Rays right-hander authored one of the best outings of his career against the Red Sox, fanning 11 over six innings of one-run baseball. Baz's curveball and changeup have been devastating so far, with whiff rates of 34.1% and 45%, respectively.</p><p><strong>Nick Pivetta: </strong>The Padres signed Pivetta late in the offseason, and he's rewarded that with a terrific start. Pivetta has wins in his last two starts, with a 0.69 ERA, 16 strikeouts, and just two walks in 13 innings.</p><p><strong>Cal Raleigh: </strong>"Big Dumper" has been swinging a red-hot bat. Raleigh hit four homers over a five-game stretch, including his 100th career long ball.</p><h3>Who's not? 🥶</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781116/cropped_GettyImages-2210305813.jpg?ts=1744924539" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781116/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210305813.jpg?ts=1744924539 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781116/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210305813.jpg?ts=1744924539 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781116/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210305813.jpg?ts=1744924539 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781116/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210305813.jpg?ts=1744924539 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781116/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210305813.jpg?ts=1744924539 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Julio Aguilar / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Tanner Houck:</strong> Nothing's going right for Houck, who became the first Red Sox pitcher <a href="https://stathead.com/tiny/hVpFM">in 63 years</a> to allow at least 12 runs in a game during Monday's 16-1 loss to the Rays. Houck now owns a 9.16 ERA through four starts while giving up a league-leading 19 earned runs.</p><p><strong>Dylan Crews: </strong>The Nats' top prospect may need a reset at Triple-A. One of the preseason favorites for NL Rookie of the Year, Crews' minus-5 wRC+ is the worst in baseball by a wide margin.</p><p><strong>Christian Walker:</strong> Astros fans are hoping the Walker signing isn't a repeat of the José Abreu contract. Walker's off to a dreadful start at the plate, with just one homer and a .482 OPS in 18 games. The 34-year-old has decent batted-ball metrics, which is at least a reason for some optimism.</p><h3>You love to see it 😍</h3><p>Angels star Mike Trout took time to greet a fan and his son after a game in Houston despite that fan taking a ball out of his glove.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/mike-trout-meets-with-astros-fan-who-broke-up-catch?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas had a little fun pitching in a blowout loss, imitating a handful of his teammates on the mound.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/miguel-rojas-imitates-dodgers-pitchers-on-the-mound?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><h3>We can't believe this happened 🤯</h3><p>Jose Miranda put himself on the blooper reel forever with a brutal baserunning error that netted him a one-way postgame ticket to Triple-A. And if you thought things couldn't get worse for him, you're dead wrong: On Monday, Miranda <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3268949" href="https://thescore.com/news/3268949">hurt his hand</a> carrying a case of water and landed on the injured list.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rknby5vhQ4w?si=ENcGzYDzQEMK5u3C" 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>Spencer Torkelson got the force at second the hard way when his throw caromed off Brice Turang's helmet and bounced directly into shortstop Trey Sweeney's glove. He couldn't do this again if he had 1,000 throws.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/tigers-record-out-on-fortunate-ricochet-off-runner?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Over in the NCAA, Cincinnati's Donovan Ford channeled Willie Mays while making a truly jaw-dropping catch against rival Xavier. Yeah, you should go crazy after hauling that one in, Donovan.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kQEj-6q2f0M?si=5RR3e9UAKi5Oxvpc" 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>On Tuesday at Isotopes Park, the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes did the seemingly impossible: They scored three runs on a walk. Yes, you read that right. This one has to be seen to be believed.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/three-score-after-walk?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><h3>Sound smart among your friends 🧠</h3><p>Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda is scorching the baseball so far this season. The Mexico native ranks in the top 10 among all hitters in average exit velocity (95 mph) and has the fourth-best slugging percentage (.679). The Rays are treating the left-handed-hitting Aranda as a platoon player for now. Even if he continues to sit against southpaws, Aranda's minor-league track record and overall offensive profile show that a breakout could be in the cards.</p><h3>They said what? 🗣️</h3><p><strong>Jazz Chisholm <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/article/jazz-session-chisholm-bragging-rights-033144588.html">on (temporarily) tying Aaron Judge</a> for the Yankees' HR lead: </strong>"I've got to go talk to him right now. I think I'm beating him right now, right? Stolen bases. You've got to add both. You know how they say OPS is, what, on-base plus slug? Home runs plus stolen bases."</p><p><strong>Former All-Star Eric Hosmer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3266062" href="https://thescore.com/news/3266062">on MLB's PED policy</a>: </strong>"I think the only way this game gets cleaned up and these guys don't risk 80-game suspensions for another couple years on the back end is to take away guaranteed money. ... If you tell me I have a $110 million on the line for these next three years and I could possibly lose that, I'm not even thinking that."</p><p><strong>Spencer Strider <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3269134" href="https://thescore.com/news/3269134">on the Braves' early-season hole</a>: </strong>"We're not in a great position at the moment, and that's fine. It's early still in the season, and people want to doubt us, that's great. Bring it on."</p><p><strong>Jim Palmer, 79-year-old Orioles legend, <a href="http://x.com/AviMiIIer/status/1912317893338865839">on eating chicken wings</a>: </strong>"(I've) never, ever had a wing. ... Why would I? Don't they have skin and stuff?"</p><h3>What to watch this weekend 📺</h3><p><strong>Rays host Yankees at Steinbrenner Field:</strong> The four-game set marks the first time the Yankees will be the visiting club in their spring training home. Expect a lot of pro-Yankees fans in the crowd.</p><p><strong>Last two champions meet up in Texas: </strong>The Rangers welcome the Dodgers to town for a meeting of the past two World Series winners. The Dodgers have Yamamoto, Sasaki, and Glasnow lined up to pitch. </p>

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New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. was none too pleased with the strike zone in Thursda...

<p>New York Yankees infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> was none too pleased with the strike zone in Thursday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays.</p><p>Chisholm was ejected for arguing a called third strike by home plate umpire John Bacon in the top of the seventh inning. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/jazz-chisholm-jr-gets-ejected-in-the-7th?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The ball appeared to be outside the strike zone, but Chisholm also seemingly benefited earlier in the at-bat when a pitch that clipped the zone was called a ball.</p><p>Chisholm didn't waste time making his thoughts known following the ejection, posting on X from the clubhouse that the call wasn't "even f-----g close." He later deleted the post.</p><p>"That's probably why I got so fired up about what he said," Chisholm said postgame of the altercation with Bacon, according to <a href="https://x.com/YESNetwork/status/1913057822671012018">YES Network</a>. "I'm a competitor, so when I go out there and I feel like I'm right and you're saying something to me that I think doesn't make sense, I'm gonna get fired up and be upset."</p><p>The 27-year-old finished the game with a run scored and a walk in three at-bats. Chisholm's season average dropped to .169, although he's chipped in six home runs in 19 games.</p><p>"I feel like a lot of stuff hasn’t been going my way, but that doesn’t give me the excuse to go out there and act like that," Chisholm said, per <a href="https://x.com/GJoyce9/status/1913061188037927092">Greg Joyce of the New York Post</a>. "I’m a ballplayer, I have emotions. I know I’ve acted like that in the past, but that’s what I’ve really worked on to the present now."</p><p>Chisholm could face discipline from the league as MLB's social media rules prohibit players from displaying or transmitting content that questions the impartiality or otherwise denigrates an umpire.</p><p>The league will look into the situation, a source told <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1913058268454306147">Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News</a>.</p><p>"I don't care," Chisholm said. "I did what I did. I can live with the fine."</p>

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 17: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees is held back by manager Aaron Boone #17 after an ejection by umpire John Bacon #70 in the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on April 17, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Chisholm tweets soon after ejection: Pitch wasn't 'even f-----g close'

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided an update on when Shohei Ohtani might return to...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided an update on when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> might return to the mound.</p><p>"Hopefully soon, he's going to start facing some hitters," Roberts told "<a href="https://x.com/jimrome/status/1912896333746221431">The Jim Rome Show</a>" on Thursday. "Time of return, we're still a couple months away. I know that's still vague, but we're just trying to get to the next step and see where we're at. But certainly expect him to pitch for us this year and in the postseason."</p><p>Ohtani hasn't made a major-league start since undergoing elbow surgery when he was a member of the Los Angeles Angels near the end of the 2023 campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 30-year-old restarted his pitching preparation in March after the Dodgers paused the process for a little more than a month, taking what Roberts called a "long-term play."</p><p>Ohtani threw a bullpen session over the weekend and Roberts was impressed by how he looked.</p><p>"He looked great," Roberts said. "It's just easy velocity, and this guy, he's a unicorn. He is physical, he's big. He's throwing his fastball, four-seamer, two-seamer, his split, and he's kind of easy 92, 93 (mph)."</p><p>Ohtani owns a 38-19 record with a 3.01 ERA and 11.36 K/9 in 86 career starts.</p>

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 15: Manager Dave Roberts #30 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on as pitcher Shohei Ohtani #17 throws in the bullpen during a team workout at Camelback Ranch on February 15, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona.

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Roberts: Ohtani's return to pitching still 'a couple months away'

The Colorado Rockies relieved hitting coach Hensley Meulens of his duties and are replacing him w...

<p>The Colorado Rockies relieved hitting coach Hensley Meulens of his duties and are replacing him with former manager Clint Hurdle for the remainder of the season, the club announced Thursday.</p><p>Hurdle was serving as a special assistant to Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt. The 67-year-old managed the Rockies from 2002-09, leading the franchise to its only World Series appearance in 2007. Before that, Hurdle was the Rockies' hitting coach from 1997-2002.</p><p>Meulens had been in the role since the 2023 campaign. The Rockies have struggled at the plate this season, ranking last in the league in runs scored, 21st in batting average, 24th in slugging percentage, and tied for 26th in home runs.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We haven't produced offensively," Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/rockies-replace-hitting-coach-hensley-meulens-with-clint-hurdle">MLB.com's Thomas Harding</a>. "It's been a struggle so far. We're looking to change the voice a little bit here with Clint. And I have nothing but respect for 'Bam Bam' (Meulens), his work ethic, and his knowledge as a baseball person. I wish him nothing but the best. We just needed to change direction a little bit with the offense to get it going."</p><p>The Rockies entered play Thursday with a league-worst 3-15 record. </p>

DENVER, CO - JULY 11: Colorado Rockies club representative Clint Hurdle looks on during the 2021 Major League Baseball Draft at Bellco Theater at Colorado Convention Center on Sunday, July 11, 2021 in Denver, Colorado.

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Rockies fire hitting coach, appoint former manager Hurdle

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider is standing firm in his belief that the club will tur...

<p>Atlanta Braves right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13620" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13620">Spencer Strider</a> is standing firm in his belief that the club will turn things around despite a 5-13 start to the season.</p><p>"We're not in a great position at the moment, and that's fine," Strider <a href="https://x.com/og_yungdilly/status/1912609787839410308">told</a> reporters following Wednesday's loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. "It's early still in the season, and people want to doubt us, that's great. Bring it on. And if we're going to lose every game for the rest of the season, we're going to do it the right way. We're going to do it grinding it out. That much I can guarantee you."</p><p>Strider made his long-awaited return to a major-league mound after internal brace surgery to repair his right ulnar collateral ligament last April. The 26-year-old allowed two runs on five hits with one walk and five strikeouts across five innings. His average fastball velocity of 95.4 mph was more than one mile per hour slower than when he last took the mound.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"My job isn't to come back and have a moment and all that," Strider said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/spencer-strider-makes-2025-debut">MLB.com's Mitch Bannon</a>. "That's not how I look at it. I'm here to help the team."</p><p>The Braves have struggled offensively, ranking 21st in the league with a .674 OPS this season. Atlanta's team OPS has fallen from a league-best .845 in 2023 to .724 last season, which was good for 12th in MLB.</p><p>"We gotta play better. There’s no secret to that," Braves first baseman Matt Olson said, according to <a href="https://x.com/JustinCToscano/status/1912605129477333390">Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution</a>. "Sure, we got a lot of games left, but we can’t do this shit forever. We gotta find a way to start playing better baseball all the way around."</p><p>The Braves will look to get things on track when they play host to the Minnesota Twins for a three-game series in Atlanta, which begins Friday night.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 16: Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves has a meeting on the mound alongside Sean Murphy #12, Matt Olson #28, and Ozzie Albies #1, before leaving the game in the sixth inning of their MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on April 16, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Braves' Strider has message for doubters: 'Bring it on'

The Minnesota Twins acquired infielder Jonah Bride from the Miami Marlins for cash considerations...

<p>The Minnesota Twins acquired infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13656" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13656">Jonah Bride</a> from the Miami Marlins for cash considerations, the clubs announced Wednesday.</p><p>The Marlins designated Bride for assignment earlier this week after he had four hits in 40 at-bats with a pair of RBIs to start the season.</p><p>Bride has made appearances at first, second, and third base during his career. The 29-year-old registered a 120 OPS+ with 11 home runs, 10 doubles, and 39 RBIs in 71 games for the Marlins last season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bride will give the Twins another bat as the club navigates injuries to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14145" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14145">Matt Wallner</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5188" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5188">Willi Castro</a>.</p><p>The Twins placed Wallner on the injured list with a hamstring injury, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3992" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3992">Carlos Correa</a> did not start Wednesday's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3268969" href="https://thescore.com/news/3268969">win</a> over the New York Mets because of a sore left wrist. Castro, meanwhile, exited Wednesday's game in the eighth inning with tightness in his right oblique.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 09: Jonah Bride #41 of the Miami Marlins in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on April 09, 2025 in New York City. The Marlins defeated the Mets 5-0.

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Twins acquire Bride from Marlins for cash

The Washington Nationals announced Wednesday that they placed infielder Paul DeJong on the 10-day...

<p>The Washington Nationals announced Wednesday that they placed infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5611" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5611">Paul DeJong</a> on the 10-day injured list with a fractured nose after he took a pitch to the face in Tuesday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5611" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5611">DeJong</a> left the contest in the sixth inning after being hit by Pirates right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8236" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8236">Mitch Keller</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/paul-dejong-hit-by-pitch-tr9x2v?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The pitch from Keller was a 93-mph fastball. DeJong was bloodied and appeared to have a cut underneath his left eye. The training staff immediately helped him off the field and down the tunnel into the clubhouse.</p><p>"He got hit pretty solid in the face," Nationals manager Dave Martinez said postgame, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-dejong-hit-in-face-by-mitch-keller-fastball">MLB.com's Jessica Camerato</a>. "Right now, he's getting a CT scan. I don't know much more than that right now. Hopefully, he's OK. I know he started bleeding pretty good there. So we'll see what the results are."</p><p>The Nationals recalled infielder Trey Lipscomb in a corresponding move. </p><p>DeJong is in his first season with the Nationals after signing a one-year, $1-million contract in February. The 31-year-old is hitting .204 with a pair of RBIs, two stolen bases, and three runs scored in 54 at-bats.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 15: Staff attends to Paul DeJong #14 of the Washington Nationals after he was hit by a pitch in the sixth inning during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Nationals' DeJong lands on IL after taking pitch to face

The Chicago Cubs learned the hard way that it's not a good idea to give Manny Machado a second or...

<p>The Chicago Cubs learned the hard way that it's not a good idea to give <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2577" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2577">Manny Machado</a> a second or third chance to do damage at the plate.</p><p>Machado hit one of the more unique home runs this season in the fifth inning of Tuesday's game against the Cubs at Petco Park.</p><p>First, Cubs outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8173" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a> dropped a pop-up in foul territory, giving Machado another opportunity. Following that, third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14187" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14187">Gage Workman</a> failed to corral an infield fly on a 2-1 pitch.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>A few pitches later, Machado blasted a solo homer off Cubs left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17236" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17236">Shota Imanaga</a> to give the Padres a 1-0 lead.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/shota-imanaga-in-play-run-s-to-manny-machado?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><p>The long ball was Machado's second home run of the season. The run was unearned for Imanaga, and he finished the outing with seven strikeouts in five innings to lower his season ERA to 2.22.</p>

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres reacts after hitting a solo homerun during the fifth inning of a game against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park on April 15, 2025 in San Diego, California. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.

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Padres' Machado homers after Cubs drop 2 foul pop-ups

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Charlie Morton lamented another tough outing to start the season. ...

<p>Baltimore Orioles right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1117" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1117">Charlie Morton</a> lamented another tough outing to start the season.</p><p>Morton allowed five runs on seven hits in the Orioles' 6-3 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday night. The loss dropped Morton to 0-4 on the season in his first year with the Orioles.</p><p>"I go out there and I'm giving up four, five runs every start," Morton said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/jcalvinmeyer/status/1912335909770437048">Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun</a>. "That's four starts right there where I'm making it tough on our team. I don't know where we're at if not for me. I don't know."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Morton's ERA sits at 8.84 and his WHIP is approaching two after four outings to start the campaign. The 41-year-old signed a one-year, $15-million contract with the O's in January.</p><p>Morton also allowed four runs in each of his last two regular-season starts in 2024 with the Atlanta Braves. The rough patch is the first time Morton has allowed at least four earned runs in six consecutive starts during his 18-year MLB career, according to <a href="https://x.com/AlexFast8/status/1912302267878822006">MLB.com's Alex Fast</a>.</p><p>Despite falling to 6-10 on the season, Morton is optimistic the Orioles have the makeup in the clubhouse to right the ship.</p><p>"All I know is that the room is full of good people and really talented people," Morton said. "In my experience, that has resulted in really good outcomes."</p>

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 15: Starting pitcher Charlie Morton #50 of the Baltimore Orioles works the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 15, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.

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Morton 'making it tough' on Orioles after dropping to 0-4

Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa exited Tuesday's game against the New York Mets with left...

<p>Minnesota Twins shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3992" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3992">Carlos Correa</a> exited Tuesday's game against the New York Mets with left wrist soreness, the club announced.</p><p>Correa appeared to get hurt on a swing in the bottom of the fifth inning. After fouling off a pitch, Correa grabbed his hand and left the field after a brief conversation with Twins manager Rocco Baldelli and the team's trainer.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/carlos-correa-leaves-the-game-with-a-hand-injury?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Correa was limited to just 86 games last season as he dealt with an oblique strain and plantar fasciitis in his right foot.</p><p>Following the game, Correa said he's been dealing with wrist discomfort since last season, but an MRI at the time didn't show "anything too serious," according to <a href="https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-twins-matt-wallner-injured-infield-single-new-york-mets-target-field/601332030">Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune</a>.</p><p>The 30-year-old is in the third season of a six-year, $200-million contract and will earn $37.3 million this year.</p><p>He's struggled at the plate in 2025, hitting just .164 with a .473 OPS and four RBIs in 61 at-bats. </p><p>Twins outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14145" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14145">Matt Wallner</a> also exited the game in the first inning with left hamstring tightness after he tweaked it trying to hustle to first base on a ground ball.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 14: Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins reacts to striking out against the New York Mets in the second inning at Target Field on April 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Mets defeated the Twins 5-1.

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Twins' Correa leaves vs. Mets with left wrist soreness

The Chicago Cubs are sending struggling third baseman Matt Shaw down to Triple-A, the club announ...

<p>The Chicago Cubs are sending struggling third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17245" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17245">Matt Shaw</a> down to Triple-A, the club announced Tuesday.</p><p>Shaw, the club's top prospect, started 16 of the first 19 games of the season at third base for the Cubs. The 23-year-old slumped at the plate, slashing .172/.294/.241 with two extra-base hits, 11 runs scored, and three RBIs in 68 plate appearances.</p><p>Infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9864" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9864">Vidal Bruján</a> was reinstated from the 10-day injured list in a corresponding roster move. Bruján had been sidelined with a right elbow sprain. The Cubs acquired Bruján in a trade with the Miami Marlins for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15534" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15534">Matt Mervis</a> in December.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Shaw was the 13th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. He put together an excellent campaign at the plate in 2024, registering an .867 OPS with 21 home runs, 71 RBIs, 78 runs scored, and 31 stolen bases across two minor-league levels.</p><p>The Cubs have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/43" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/43">Justin Turner,</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3237" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3237">Jon Berti</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14187" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14187">Gage Workman</a> capable of playing third base on the 26-man roster.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 5: Matt Shaw #6 of the Chicago Cubs plays third base in a game against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on April 5, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Cubs demote slumping Shaw to Triple-A

New York Yankees star outfielder Aaron Judge played down Juan Soto's recent comments about being ...

<p>New York Yankees star outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> played down <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>'s recent comments about being pitched differently this year.</p><p>"I've seen Soto now watching the league for so many years and then getting a chance to see him up close - you can look at what I did last April for an example," Judge said Tuesday, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/04/15/sports/aaron-judge-responds-to-juan-sotos-lineup-protection-comments/">Greg Joyce of the New York Post</a>. "Just keep being himself and he's going to be just fine."</p><p>Soto recently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3267730" href="https://thescore.com/news/3267730">said</a> he was adjusting to being pitched differently as a member of the New York Mets without having Judge hitting behind him in the lineup. Judge and Soto combined to hit 99 home runs with 253 RBIs in their lone season as teammates in 2024.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Soto hit his second home run of the season in Monday's 5-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins. Mets first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8674">Pete Alonso</a> appears to be a beneficiary of having Soto hitting in front of him in the lineup so far. Alonso is hitting an impressive .356 with five home runs and is tied for second in the league with 20 RBIs across 17 games this season.</p><p>"(Soto has) got probably one of the best hitters in the game behind him right now with what (Pete) Alonso's doing," Judge said. "It's been fun to watch. He's hitting close to .400, driving the ball all over the field, driving guys in. They're going to be just fine."</p><p>Soto spurned the Yankees to sign a 15-year, $765-million contract with the Mets in the offseason. The Mets and Yankees will hook up for the first time in their annual Subway Series at Yankee Stadium in the middle of May.</p>

ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 16: Aaron Judge #99 and Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees stand during the national anthem prior to the 94th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Globe Life Field on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

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Judge downplays Soto's protection comment: 'He's going to be just fine'

The 2025 season is in full swing and we're back with another season of Blue Jays takeaways. Here,...

<p>The 2025 season is in full swing and we're back with another season of Blue Jays takeaways. Here, we'll look at some notable storylines around the team and how they might impact things moving forward.</p><h3>What's next after Guerrero extension?</h3><p>The Blue Jays have their franchise pillar after inking Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a 14-year, $500-million contract extension. The team hopes Guerrero's presence will serve as an effective selling point to free agents.</p><p>With Guerrero's deal done, the focus shifts to how the front office can surround him with a competitive roster every year and the future of Bo Bichette. The shortstop is a free agent at the end of the season and recently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3261226" href="https://thescore.com/news/3261226">mentioned</a> he wants to continue playing alongside Guerrero. The Blue Jays and Bichette have yet to hold any contract talks, so he'll likely test free agency.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Even if Bichette walks, Toronto's biggest priority has to be finding ways to add younger and cheaper talent so the team isn't forced to rely on external routes to improving the roster. Consistently spending big in free agency isn't a realistic way to build a sustainable contender.</p><h3>Blue Jays staying afloat without the long ball</h3><p>Small ball has been the name of the Blue Jays' game through the first few weeks. The lineup's found different ways to plate runs as homers prove elusive.</p><p>The Blue Jays are tied for the fewest home runs in MLB (eight), and neither Guerrero nor Bichette has gone deep. Anthony Santander hit his first home run as a Blue Jay over the weekend in his return to Baltimore.</p><p>It hasn't been pretty, but the Blue Jays have done a nice job of routinely advancing a runner to third base and then putting the ball in play. Those runs are especially important when you have a pitching staff that's been as good as the Blue Jays' arms.</p><p>Toronto hitters have done an excellent job avoiding strikeouts this season: They are tied for the fourth-fewest strikeouts (113) and third-lowest K% at 18.3%.</p><p>Wins will eventually be harder to come by unless the team taps into more power. The home run is the great equalizer, freeing clubs from painstakingly stringing together hits in order to scratch runs across. It's at least somewhat encouraging that the Blue Jays are finding different methods of manufacturing runs, keeping them competitive until the long ball shows up.</p><h3>Who is Easton Lucas?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779605/cropped_GettyImages-2209256222.jpg?ts=1744199134" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779605/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209256222.jpg?ts=1744199134 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779605/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209256222.jpg?ts=1744199134 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779605/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209256222.jpg?ts=1744199134 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779605/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209256222.jpg?ts=1744199134 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779605/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209256222.jpg?ts=1744199134 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brian Fluharty / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Through his first two starts of the season, the answer looks like "a godsend." Lucas stepped into the rotation after Max Scherzer landed on the IL with a nagging thumb injury. Now Lucas is 2-0 with a 9.58 K/9, a 0.00 ERA, and a 1.81 FIP across 10 1/3 innings. Most were hesitant to buy in based on his first outing against the Washington Nationals. However, his stuff jumped off the screen in his tremendous start at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox. Lucas racked up eight strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings and induced multiple swinging strikes with his fastball, slider, sweeper, and changeup.</p><p>Lucas' emergence is all the more surprising after he struggled during spring, posting a 8.64 ERA with a .313 opponents' batting average in four appearances. Scherzer remains without a timetable to return, so the Jays will continue counting on Lucas to start. All of a sudden, the 28-year-old appears to be a very intriguing pitcher.</p><h3>What's gotten into Springer?</h3><p>George Springer entered the 2025 campaign in a state of uncertainty. The veteran outfielder's OPS declined from .907 in his first season with the Blue Jays in 2021 to .674 last season, capping off a four-year slide. His hard-hit rate bottomed out to a career-worst 30.3% in 2024. It was fair to question how much Springer had left in the tank entering his age-35 campaign. Would his spot in the lineup be in jeopardy at some point?</p><p>He's silenced his detractors in a big way to start the season, emerging as the Blue Jays' best offensive player. The complexion of the whole lineup changes if Springer can be a consistent contributor.</p><p>Springer's found a way to put the barrel on the baseball more frequently in 2025, producing much more hard contact. He entered play Sunday with an 18.2% barrel rate, an average exit velocity of 93.8 mph, and a hard-hit rate well over 50%. All of those numbers are in the 90th percentile or better among MLB hitters. Of course, this could be a case of small sample size - but Springer's had plenty of stretches throughout his career where he's scorched the ball. While he probably won't maintain these gaudy batted-ball numbers, they could still be a sign that he's made some tweaks and is in line to have a better campaign than many anticipated.</p><p>Suddenly, Springer's production has become something of a necessity in the lineup, and his status is worth monitoring after he left Sunday's game with a wrist issue. The Blue Jays deemed him day-to-day.</p><h3>When should we start worrying about Kirk's bat?</h3><p>The Blue Jays bet on Alejandro Kirk rediscovering his form as a hitter by inking him to a five-year, $58-million extension before the season began. Kirk came up as an offensively inclined catcher. However, since 2022, the script has flipped: Kirk's emerged as one of the league's better defensive backstops while his skills as a batter have declined. Kirk was a below-average offensive player in each of the past two seasons, and it's been more of the same to start 2025.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-urGA2" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/urGA2/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="169" 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><p>Kirk's swinging harder and making hard contact at the highest rate of his career when he connects. Unfortunately, the results aren't there yet; he's managed three extra-base hits in 46 at-bats. Kirk hit just 13 combined home runs across the 2023 and 2024 campaigns. It's become abundantly clear that the long ball is unlikely to be a major part of his toolkit.</p><p>The 26-year-old has also struggled to deliver in key spots, sporting a .200 average with runners in scoring position. It's too soon to panic - his approach at the plate and his contact skills are still strong - but there's mounting evidence that Kirk may not have much more than he showed over the last two seasons as a hitter.</p><h3>Hoffman exactly as advertised</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778081/cropped_GettyImages-2207211743.jpg?ts=1743367860" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778081/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207211743.jpg?ts=1743367860 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778081/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207211743.jpg?ts=1743367860 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778081/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207211743.jpg?ts=1743367860 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778081/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207211743.jpg?ts=1743367860 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778081/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207211743.jpg?ts=1743367860 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins have relied on signing relievers to one-year deals with the Blue Jays. But they acted out of character in the offseason, giving a reliever a three-year contract for the first time since they took control of the team. The $33-million investment in veteran right-hander Jeff Hoffman looks incredible so far, as he's collected three saves and posted a 0.96 ERA over his first eight appearances.</p><p>He was particularly valuable in a recent win at Fenway Park, holding the Red Sox scoreless over two frames to help pull out a win in extra innings. The Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles both flagged Hoffman's shoulder during physicals, causing potential offseason agreements to collapse. Hoffman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3266463" href="https://thescore.com/news/3266463">blew a kiss</a> in the direction of the Orioles' dugout after shutting them out for two innings in a comeback win in Baltimore. The Jays took a calculated risk on Hoffman's shoulder, and it's paying early dividends in Toronto.</p>

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Early trends emerging for Blue Jays amid up-and-down start

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer left Saturday's game against the New York Mets with ...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2931" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2931">George Springer</a> left Saturday's game against the New York Mets with lower back spasms after crashing into the wall, manager John Schneider said postgame, per <a href="https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/news/george-springer-exits-game-after-colliding-with-wall">MLB.com's Keegan Matheson</a>.</p><p>Schneider added that Springer won't need to undergo an MRI.</p><p>Springer collided with the fence in right field while attempting to catch a game-tying, two-run triple off the bat of the Mets' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4022" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4022">Jesse Winker</a> in the bottom of the eighth inning.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/jesse-winker-triples-2-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-fielder-george-springer-fra?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><p>The 35-year-old was in obvious pain after the play and needed help from the training staff as he walked off the field.</p><p>"It was weird, between the padding and the fence there. He hit it weird," Schneider said. "I’m glad he got up and threw it, to be honest with you, but I think he hit the wall weird, and the conditions definitely didn't help."</p><p>New York went on to win the game 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning on a walk-off sacrifice fly off the bat of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2909" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2909">Francisco Lindor. </a></p><p>Springer has been a bright spot for the Blue Jays in the early portion of the season, hitting .379 with a 1.055 OPS, one home run, two doubles, one triple, and five RBIs across 29 at-bats.</p><p>The Blue Jays and Mets wrap up their three-game series Sunday.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 02: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on August 02, 2024 in New York City. The Blue Jays defeated the Yankees 8-5.

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Blue Jays' Springer exits after crashing into wall

Jose Altuve said he's seeing signs of growth in his play in left field despite making his first e...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2841" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2841">Jose Altuve</a> said he's seeing signs of growth in his play in left field despite making his first error of the season in Saturday's 6-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins.</p><p>Altuve was charged with a fielding error when he bobbled the ball on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5766" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5766">Ty France</a>'s single, allowing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4126" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4126">Byron Buxton</a> to score.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/spencer-arrighetti-in-play-run-s-to-ty-france?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We're putting in a lot of work, and we're working on everything now: fly balls, line drives, groundballs," Altuve said postgame, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6257873/2025/04/05/jose-altuve-left-field-twins/?source=emp_shared_article">Chandler Rome of The Athletic</a>. "I'm feeling slowly better out there. You can tell by the way I've been catching fly balls. I think at the end, we're going to keep working and keep getting better."</p><p>The Astros moved Altuve to left field after he spent the first 14 seasons of his career at second base, winning a Gold Glove in 2015.</p><p>"The routes and the fly balls, the tracking, the whole entire thing, he's looking more comfortable and comfortable every day," Astros manager Joe Espada said.</p><p>However, Altuve had a productive day at the plate, registering three hits in five at-bats, including a lead-off home run in the first inning.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 03: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros reacts to striking out against the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning during the home opener at Target Field on April 03, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Astros defeated the Twins 5-2.

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Altuve feeling 'slowly better' in LF despite 1st error

The Arizona Diamondbacks placed star second baseman Ketel Marte on the 10-day injured list with a...

<p>The Arizona Diamondbacks placed star second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3555" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3555">Ketel Marte</a> on the 10-day injured list with a strained left hamstring, they announced Saturday.</p><p>A timetable for his return was not immediately announced.</p><p>Marte sustained the injury in the top of the first inning in Friday's game against the Washington Nationals. He pulled up lame while running the bases after hitting a one-out double, and was immediately removed for a pinch-runner.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/jake-irvin-in-play-no-out-to-ketel-marte-5ag0id?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><p>Marte signed a six-year contract extension reportedly worth $116.5 million earlier this week.</p><p>The 31-year-old is hitting .346 with three doubles and six walks in 26 at-bats this season.</p><p>Marte has blossomed into one of baseball's best second basemen over nine seasons with the Diamondbacks. He put together the best campaign of his career in 2024, finishing third in NL MVP voting after setting career highs in home runs (36) and RBIs (95) across 136 appearances.</p><p>To fill Marte's spot on the active roster, Arizona recalled infielder Tim Tawa from Triple-A Reno. Tawa, who will turn 26 on Monday, was added to the 40-man roster this winter after hitting 31 homers across 142 games between Double-A and Triple-A in 2024. The former 11th-round draft pick owns a 1.418 OPS with three homers and 12 RBIs in six games with Reno this season.</p><p>Tawa will make his MLB debut Saturday, batting ninth and playing second for Arizona against the Nationals.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 04: Ketel Marte #4 of the Arizona Diamondbacks reacts to injuring his leg after hitting a double in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 04, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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D-Backs place Marte on IL with strained left hamstring

Justin Verlander is liking what he's seeing from the San Francisco Giants through the first seven...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/195" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/195">Justin Verlander</a> is liking what he's seeing from the San Francisco Giants through the first seven games of the 2025 campaign.</p><p>The Giants won a wild home opener Friday, defeating the Seattle Mariners 10-9 thanks to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4784" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4784">Willy Adames</a>' walk-off, two-run single in the 11th inning. The win improved San Francisco's record to 6-1 on the season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/willy-adames-singles-on-a-line-drive-to-right-fielder-victor-robles-luis?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Like I said in spring, this team has something special," Verlander said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/PavlovicNBCS/status/1908325053672067193">Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports</a>. "I thought we were overlooked. It’s early but I think you can see that this team is pretty good."</p><p>Verlander struggled in his first home start with the Giants, scattering five hits and two walks with three earned runs across 2 1/3 innings.</p><p>The 42-year-old joined the Giants in the offseason, signing a one-year, $15-million contract.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: The San Francisco Giants celebrate with Willy Adames #2 of the San Francisco Giants after his walk-off hit in the eleventh inning during the home opener at Oracle Park on April 04, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Verlander impressed by Giants: 'This team has something special'

Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting says he understands the fans voicing their displeasure at th...

<p>Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting says he understands the fans voicing their displeasure at the club's lack of success.</p><p>"I really am out here working every day to try to build a team," Nutting said Friday, according to <a href="https://community.triblive.com/news/3767176">Kevin Gorman of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review</a>. "I've done it for 20 years. We did it successfully for a few years. We didn't win enough. We need to win more. That's what we've been focused on since the first day I got here and continue to work on throughout the offseason, so I think that's critical."</p><p>The Pirates haven't made the postseason since 2015 and have finished with a winning record only once during that span.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Nutting was greeted with boos and chants of "sell the team" as he strolled around PNC Park during Friday's home opener against the New York Yankees.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bob picked the wrong day to walk to suite level on the rotunda. <a href="https://t.co/gFTZVndTI3">pic.twitter.com/gFTZVndTI3</a></p>— Gabe Mazefsky (@abuccofan) <a href="https://twitter.com/abuccofan/status/1908259004339347590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>A plane carrying a banner urging Nutting to sell the franchise also flew over PNC Park ahead of Friday's game.</p><p>"When I see the (plane) banner, I'm reminded that we need to be focused on what will deliver the results they expect," Nutting said. "I don't think it's selling the team. I think it's executing, executing, executing what we're focused on."</p><p>Nutting has owned the franchise since January 2007.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 25: Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting presents the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year award to Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 2025 BBWAA Awards Dinner at New York Hilton Midtown on Saturday, January 25, 2025 in New York, New York.

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Nutting knows Pirates 'need to win more' amid boos, 'sell the team' chants

Opening week has come and gone. Though the sample sizes remain small, there's plenty of reason to...

<p>Opening week has come and gone. Though the sample sizes remain small, there's plenty of reason to be optimistic about your team's chances. Here's one thing we loved about each club after the first week of the 2025 season.</p><p><strong>Jump to: <a href="#ARI">ARI</a> | <a href="#ATH">ATH</a> I <a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BAL">BAL</a> | <a href="#BOS">BOS</a> | <a href="#CHC">CHC</a> | <a href="#CWS">CWS</a> | <a href="#CIN">CIN</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#COL">COL</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#KC">KC</a> | <a href="#LAA">LAA</a> | <a href="#LAD">LAD</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIL">MIL</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NYM">NYM</a> | <a href="#NYY">NYY</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#SD">SD</a> | <a href="#SF">SF</a> | <a href="#SEA">SEA</a> | <a href="#STL">STL</a> | <a href="#TB">TB</a> | <a href="#TEX">TEX</a> | <a href="#TOR">TOR</a> | <a href="#WSH">WSH</a></strong></p><p><strong><a id="ARI" name="ARI">Arizona Diamondbacks</a>: </strong>Eugenio Suárez is a man possessed. The veteran slugger has five home runs, including a game-winning grand slam in the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Suárez has five seasons of at least 30 homers, and he looks primed to add a sixth to his resume.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong><a id="ATH" name="ATH">Athletics:</a> </strong>The A's have received excellent production from two burgeoning anchors of their lineup. First baseman Tyler Soderstrom's off to a hot start, hitting .296/.321/.667 with three home runs. Rookie shortstop Jacob Wilson has gone 9-for-24 (.375) with no strikeouts over his first seven games.</p><p><strong><a id="ATL" name="ATL">Atlanta Braves</a>: </strong>There's not much when you're the only winless team in the league. At least the Braves won't have to travel back to California anytime soon. They'll have nightmares of San Diego and Los Angeles after going 0-7 through those two cities out of the gate.</p><p><strong><a id="BAL" name="BAL">Baltimore Orioles</a>: </strong>It's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uRfYBHAFmo">Cedric Mullins again</a>; we can't escape him. Mullins mashed three homers and a team-leading 11 RBIs while posting a 1.092 OPS. That's a fantastic sign for the Orioles, who desperately need Mullins to return to form.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778627/cropped_GettyImages-2207601733.jpg?ts=1743648474" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778627/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207601733.jpg?ts=1743648474 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778627/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207601733.jpg?ts=1743648474 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778627/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207601733.jpg?ts=1743648474 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778627/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207601733.jpg?ts=1743648474 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778627/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207601733.jpg?ts=1743648474 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><a id="BOS" name="BOS">Boston Red Sox:</a> </strong>Craig Breslow locked up two key members of the young core before the first week ended. Newly acquired left-hander Garrett Crochet signed a six-year, $170-million extension. A few days later, top infield prospect Kristian Campbell inked an eight-year, $60-million deal after five big-league contests.</p><p><a id="CHC" name="CHC"><strong>Chicago Cubs</strong></a>: Runs galore. The Cubs exploded for 35 runs in a three-game wallop of the Athletics in Sacramento. Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki lead the way early, combining for eight home runs, seven doubles, 22 RBIs, and 17 runs in nine contests.</p><p><strong><a id="CWS" name="CWS">Chicago White Sox</a>: </strong>The White Sox are 2-4 after six games, which is somehow good enough for a share of the division lead. Last year, during their record-setting 121-loss season, it took them 11 contests to secure their second win and 18 games to get their third. After the previous campaign's misery, guaranteeing the White Sox won't be <em>that</em> bad again has to bring smiles to the South Side.</p><p><strong><a id="CIN" name="CIN">Cincinnati Reds</a>: </strong>Elly De La Cruz had four hits, two homers, and seven RBIs in his first game using a torpedo bat. He hit 25 home runs and stole 67 bases in 2024 without the benefit of the highly publicized piece of lumber. The Reds will need De La Cruz and the rest of the lineup to find some runs, with, or without the torpedo bat after getting shut out in three consecutive games.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776290/cropped_GettyImages-2203968636.jpg?ts=1742516977" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776290/w220xh124_GettyImages-2203968636.jpg?ts=1742516977 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776290/w320xh180_GettyImages-2203968636.jpg?ts=1742516977 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776290/w640xh360_GettyImages-2203968636.jpg?ts=1742516977 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776290/w768xh432_GettyImages-2203968636.jpg?ts=1742516977 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776290/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2203968636.jpg?ts=1742516977 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brandon Sloter / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><a id="CLE" name="CLE">Cleveland Guardians</a>:</strong> Kyle Manzardo was expected to face challenges against left-handed pitchers. Instead, he's opened the season by mashing southpaws to the tune of .667/.714/2.167 with two homers. The hulking DH even added a triple for good measure. It's clear Manzardo's ready to anchor Cleveland's lineup.</p><p><strong><a id="COL" name="COL">Colorado Rockies</a>: </strong>Rockies starting pitchers have an ERA under 2.00. That isn't a typo. Don't adjust your screen. The real test begins when the club returns to Coors Field. At the very least, Kyle Freeland and Germán Márquez should be reliable contributors this season.</p><p><strong><a id="DET" name="DET">Detroit Tigers</a>: </strong>Casey Mize seems to be finally staking his claim to a rotation spot. The former first overall pick, who's battled elbow injuries, hasn't allowed a run after a solid start to open his year. Mize breaking out would give Detroit three reliable starters, and that could go a long way toward helping the Tigers return to the playoffs.</p><p><strong><a id="HOU" name="HOU">Houston Astros</a>: </strong>Hunter Brown has carried the momentum from his breakout 2024 campaign into this season. The right-hander has 15 strikeouts and 1.00 WHIP through a pair of starts against the Mets and Twins. Brown could be on the verge of becoming one of the top starters in the AL. </p><p><strong><a id="KC" name="KC">Kansas City Royals</a>: </strong>Maikel Garcia's gotten off to a tremendous start, slashing .353/.421/.824 with two homers. A Garcia breakout would be welcome news for the Royals, who could desperately use another impact bat. At just 25 years old, there's no reason Garcia can't keep this going.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771018/cropped_GettyImages-2036979261.jpg?ts=1739835144" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771018/w220xh124_GettyImages-2036979261.jpg?ts=1739835144 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771018/w320xh180_GettyImages-2036979261.jpg?ts=1739835144 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771018/w640xh360_GettyImages-2036979261.jpg?ts=1739835144 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771018/w768xh432_GettyImages-2036979261.jpg?ts=1739835144 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771018/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2036979261.jpg?ts=1739835144 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Masterpress / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><a id="LAA" name="LAA">Los Angeles Angels</a>: </strong>Forget about his slash line. Mike Trout, who hit his first home run Wednesday, made it through the season's first week healthy. That's a win not just for the Angels but for baseball.</p><p><strong><a id="LAD" name="LAD">Los Angeles Dodgers</a>: </strong>The Dodgers are cruising, and it doesn't even feel like they're fully operational yet. Six of their first eight wins were comebacks. The margin for error for this collection of talent is so huge. Good luck to the rest of the league.</p><p><strong><a id="MIA" name="MIA">Miami Marlins</a>: </strong>Otto Lopez looks like a keeper. The 26-year-old leads the Marlins in home runs, RBIs, and OPS through seven games. Any offensive improvement to go with his elite defensive play at second base would make Lopez a valuable piece moving forward.</p><p><strong><a id="MIL" name="MIL">Milwaukee Brewers</a>: </strong>Freddy Peralta is delivering for a depleted pitching staff. The Brewers ace has 16 strikeouts, one walk, and a 2.08 ERA in his first two starts. With a handful of veterans on the shelf, Milwaukee will need Peralta to be at his absolute best if it hopes to stay afloat.</p><p><strong><a id="MIN" name="MIN">Minnesota Twins</a>: </strong>Harrison Bader is making his hits count. Minnesota's offseason acquisition is 4-for-19 through six games with three homers. His eight RBIs lead the Twins and account for 37% of the team's runs driven in on the campaign.</p><p><strong><a id="NYM" name="NYM">New York Mets</a>: </strong>Luis Torrens has been a godsend with Francisco Alvarez on the IL. Torrens is hitting .313 with a .978 OPS. His defensive play behind the plate came up clutch in a recent comeback win over the Marlins.</p><p><strong><a id="NYY" name="NYY">New York Yankees</a>: </strong>No Juan Soto, no problem for the Yankees.<strong> </strong>Five hitters have an OPS above .970, and three have hit at least four homers. Aaron Judge has already crushed an AL-best five long balls.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777963/cropped_GettyImages-2206938077.jpg?ts=1743721500" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777963/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206938077.jpg?ts=1743721500 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777963/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206938077.jpg?ts=1743721500 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777963/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206938077.jpg?ts=1743721500 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777963/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206938077.jpg?ts=1743721500 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777963/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206938077.jpg?ts=1743721500 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Samuel Corum / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><a id="PHI" name="PHI">Philadelphia Phillies</a>: </strong>Jesús Luzardo's new sweeper induced an astonishing 70% whiff rate in his Phillies debut, leading to 11 strikeouts. Luzardo's always had the talent to be among the game's best starters. If he can stay healthy, this could be the year he puts it all together.</p><p><strong><a id="PIT" name="PIT">Pittsburgh Pirates</a>: </strong>Paul Skenes hasn't really dominated, but he still has a 1.46 ERA with over a strikeout per inning across two starts. Skenes' outings remain appointment viewing.</p><p><strong><a id="SD" name="SD">San Diego Padres</a>: </strong>It's hard to find any faults when you open 7-0 for the first time in franchise history. The lineup is raking, the rotation looks sharp, and the bullpen has been lights out. Maybe the Padres will find a way to put pressure on the Dodgers atop the NL West standings.</p><p><strong><a id="SF" name="SF">San Francisco Giants</a>: </strong>The Giants are riding high after sweeping the Astros and opening the season with a 5-1 road record. The club should be encouraged to have this success considering offseason acquisition Willy Adames is struggling to the tune of a .366 OPS.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777882/cropped_GettyImages-2206599498.jpg?ts=1743721582" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777882/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206599498.jpg?ts=1743721582 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777882/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206599498.jpg?ts=1743721582 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777882/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206599498.jpg?ts=1743721582 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777882/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206599498.jpg?ts=1743721582 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777882/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206599498.jpg?ts=1743721582 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rod Mar / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><a id="SEA" name="SEA">Seattle Mariners</a>: </strong>The team's pitching remains elite, with Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo leading the way. Gilbert's 18 strikeouts tops the AL, and he's issued just one walk in 12 innings. Castillo owns a 3.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP while holding hitters to a .182 average.</p><p><strong><a id="STL" name="STL">St. Louis Cardinals</a>: </strong>Iván Herrera hit three of his eight career home runs in one game, becoming the first catcher in Cardinals history to go deep three times in the same contest. St. Louis is certainly hoping Herrera is part of the next homegrown core to usher in another era of great Cardinals baseball.</p><p><strong><a id="TB" name="TB">Tampa Bay Rays</a>: </strong>Tampa's pitching staff has taken a liking to Steinbrenner Field. Rays hurlers have allowed a league-low two homers through six games while striking out 61 and walking only six in 54 innings. They also own the AL's lowest WHIP (0.91) and ERA (2.00).</p><p><strong><a id="TEX" name="TEX">Texas Rangers</a>: </strong>After losing multiple starting pitchers to injuries during spring training, the remaining members of the rotation have picked up the slack. Three starters - Jack Leiter, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jacob deGrom - boast an ERA below 1.20. Eovaldi threw a shutout Tuesday, and Leiter followed with five shutout frames in back-to-back 1-0 wins.</p><p><strong><a id="TOR" name="TOR">Toronto Blue Jays</a>: </strong>The Andrés Giménez trade is paying huge dividends already. Toronto's big offseason acquisition owns a 1.131 OPS with three homers in seven games, and he continues to play stellar defense at second base. It's early, but this could be a sign that Giménez has rediscovered his 2022 form at the plate.</p><p><strong><a id="WSH" name="WSH">Washington Nationals</a>: </strong>Keibert Ruiz was a top-100 prospect for several years with the Dodgers before landing in Washington. Ruiz struggled to a .619 OPS last season but appears to have put that behind him with a .381 average and 1.149 OPS with two home runs in six games.</p>

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What we loved from each MLB team after 1 week

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Josh Goldberg

News editor

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