The Cincinnati Reds are retaining closer Emilio Pagán on a one-year contract with a player option...

<p>The Cincinnati Reds are retaining closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/4500" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/4500">Emilio Pagán</a> on a one-year contract with a player option for 2027, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>Ken Rosenthal and C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6837169/2025/12/03/mlb-free-agency-emilio-pagan-reds/">reported</a> the agreement was for two years and $20 million Wednesday.</p><p>Pagán posted a 2.88 ERA and 3.72 FIP over 68 2/3 innings in his second season with the Reds this past year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 34-year-old's 32 saves in 2025 ranked second in the National League behind only San Diego Padres righty <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13691" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13691">Robert Suarez</a>.</p><p>Set to enter his 10th MLB season, Pagán boasts a 3.66 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 65 saves over 506 2/3 career innings.</p><p>He's the most recent free-agent closer to go off the board. Earlier this winter, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11736">Devin Williams</a> signed with the New York Mets, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9598" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9598">Ryan Helsley</a> joined the Baltimore Orioles, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4809" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4809">Raisel Iglesias</a> re-signed with the Atlanta Braves.</p>

CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 20: Emilio Pagán #15 of the Cincinnati Reds throws during a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park on September 20, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson was diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hip adductor strain,...

<p>New Orleans Pelicans star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69536" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69536">Zion Williamson</a> was diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hip adductor strain, the team announced Tuesday.</p><p>Williamson is expected to miss an extended period and will be re-evaluated in three weeks, <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1995963386677645765">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> reports. He also missed Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers.</p><p>The two-time All-Star is averaging 22.1 points and 5.6 rebounds over 10 games this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 25-year-old was shut down in March for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign due to a back injury. He began the current campaign healthy but missed time in late October with a foot injury and early November with a hamstring ailment.</p><p>The 2019 first overall pick has averaged 24.6 points, 6.6 boards, and 4.3 assists over his career, playing 31.4 minutes per game in 224 contests.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans free throw during the game against the Golden State Warriors on November 29, 2025 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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New Jersey Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon exited Monday's game after Columbus Blue Jackets forw...

<p>New Jersey Devils defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1903" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1903">Brenden Dillon</a> exited Monday's game after Columbus Blue Jackets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13813" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13813">Dmitri Voronkov</a> landed on him during a scuffle in the second period.</p><p>Dillon, who was slow to get up and needed help off the ice, was held out of the remainder of the contest for precautionary reasons, head coach Sheldon Keefe said postgame.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brenden Dillon had to leave his 1000th game following this fight.<br><br>(🎥: MSGSN) <a href="https://t.co/8ccDQ7JVeB">pic.twitter.com/8ccDQ7JVeB</a></p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1995672257402921242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"There's no more honorable player in this league than Brenden Dillon," Keefe added. "He plays as hard and honest game as anybody in the league. He would never do something like that to another player. That I know for certain. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Yeah, I don't like it at all. I don't think (Dillon) knows he's in a fight and then he's tackled from behind and before he knows it his helmet's off, his jersey's over his head, and we saw what happened from there. So, I don't like it at all."</p><p>Both Voronkov and Dillon were given five-minute major penalties for fighting. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13830" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13830">Adam Fantilli</a> was also issued a slashing minor on Devils goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1063" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1063">Jake Allen</a> in the sequence.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"There's no more honorable player in this league than Brenden Dillon."<br><br>Head Coach Sheldon Keefe speaks after tonight's game ⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/knSQFNS6ro">pic.twitter.com/knSQFNS6ro</a></p>— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) <a href="https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1995700754209014253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Dillon, 35, is in his second season with the Devils. He has three goals and six assists through 26 games this year while averaging over 18 minutes of ice time entering Monday. The 15-year veteran was appearing in his 1,000th game after going undrafted.</p><p>The Blue Jackets wound up winning 5-3. The Devils held a 2-1 lead at the time of Dillon's injury.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 01: Brenden Dillon #5 of the New Jersey Devils is helped off the ice after a fight during a game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on December 1, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Shohei Ohtani will represent Japan at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the two-way phenom announc...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> will represent Japan at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the two-way phenom announced Monday on Instagram.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRdecV_Evzw/?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/DRdecV_Evzw/?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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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRdecV_Evzw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Shohei Ohtani  |  大谷翔平 (@shoheiohtani)</a></p>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Japan will look to defend its 2023 WBC championship after defeating the United States in the finals.</p><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">Ohtani, the reigning WBC MVP, memorably recorded the save in the final game and struck out his then-teammate <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1674" target="_blank">Mike Trout</a> for the last out in the 3-2 victory.</span></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar is coming off another outstanding MLB season, winning the NL MVP unanimously. The 31-year-old hit 55 homers over 158 games as a DH while posting a 2.87 ERA across 47 innings as a pitcher in his return from a second Tommy John surgery.</p><p>Japan is in Pool C for the tournament with Chinese Taipei, Korea, Australia, and Czechia. That group begins play March 6 at Tokyo Dome.</p>

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 21: Shohei Ohtani #16 of Team Japan reacts after the final out in the top of the 9th inning to defeat Team USA 3-2 during World Baseball Classic Championship at loanDepot park on March 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida.

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The Winnipeg Jets and captain Adam Lowry reached an agreement on a new five-year, $25-million con...

<p>The Winnipeg Jets and captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2147" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2147">Adam Lowry</a> reached an agreement on a new five-year, $25-million contract Wednesday.</p><p>Lowry was slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer at the end of his current five-year, $16.25-million deal.</p><p>The center has one goal and two assists over seven games this season after missing the start of the year due to a hip injury.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Lowry has played his entire 12-year career with the Jets, becoming the franchise's captain in 2023. He's scored 122 goals and has 276 points over 782 games.</p><p>The 32-year-old earned down-ballot Selke consideration the past two seasons, racking up 28 goals, 41 assists, 125 blocks, and 321 hits while winning 50.4% of faceoffs over that span.</p><p>The new deal kicks in during the 2026-27 season and will run through the 2030-31 campaign.</p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 13: Adam Lowry #17 of the Winnipeg Jets looks on against the Seattle Kraken during the third period at Climate Pledge Arena on November 13, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Jake Paul ripped into Gervonta Davis after their Nov. 14 exhibition fight was canceled Monday.  M...

<p>Jake Paul ripped into Gervonta Davis after their Nov. 14 exhibition fight was canceled Monday.</p><p>Most Valuable Promotions announced the bout's cancellation just days after Davis was accused of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress in a civil lawsuit filed by an ex-girlfriend.</p><p>"Gervonta Davis is an actual walking human piece of garbage," Paul posted on X. "Working with him is an absolute nightmare."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gervonta Davis is an actual walking human piece of garbage. Working with him is an absolute nightmare. The unprofessionalism, the bizarre requests, the showing up hours late to shoots. To the numerous arrests and related accusations and lawsuits. If you support this man you…</p>— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/jakepaul/status/1985546734483755433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I didn't want to give this woman abuser a platform to grow his fans and to grow his bank account," Paul added. "My company champions women. I'm so sorry to everyone involved."</p><p>The fight was slated to take place in Miami and stream live on Netflix. Paul is now pursuing another fight with a different opponent that Netflix will broadcast later this year.</p><p>"Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate this situation responsibly," Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, said in a statement. "While we will not be moving forward with this event, our plan still remains for Jake Paul to headline an event on Netflix in 2025. Details regarding a new date, location, Jake's opponent, and additional bouts will be shared as soon as they are finalized."</p><p>Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) is the current WBA 135-pound champion.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 23: Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Jake Paul shake hands at news conference for their exhibition match scheduled for November 14 at Kaseya Center on September 23, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers turned to three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani to start Game 7 of the World Serie...

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers turned to three-time MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> to start Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday.</p><p>Ohtani last pitched in Game 4 on Tuesday, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk while striking out six over six innings as the starter. He threw 93 pitches in the loss.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodgers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dodgers</a> Dave Roberts said he’s “not sure” how long Shohei Ohtani will pitch. “I want to withhold expectations and kind of read and react”</p>— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) <a href="https://twitter.com/billplunkettocr/status/1984737865033474507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Saturday was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4257" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4257">Tyler Glasnow</a>'s expected day to pitch. However, the flamethrowing right-hander acted as the Game 6 closer after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19077" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19077">Roki Sasaki</a> allowed the first two batters of the ninth to reach base in his second inning of work. Glasnow required only three pitches to earn the save and he's expected to be available for multiple innings during Game 7.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Manager Dave Roberts added that Game 6 starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a> made himself available for Saturday's game on zero days' rest, according to <a href="https://x.com/BillShaikin/status/1984738030456803709">Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times</a>. Yamamoto, who threw 96 pitches on Friday, was seen warming up in the Rogers Centre outfield pregame Saturday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dave Roberts said last night that Yoshinobu Yamamoto wouldn’t be available today, but … <a href="https://t.co/uJvxqtmlLD">pic.twitter.com/uJvxqtmlLD</a></p>— Dylan Hernández (@dylanohernandez) <a href="https://twitter.com/dylanohernandez/status/1984731513431474186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ohtani has only pitched on short rest once before in his MLB career. The appearance came in 2023 when he was a member of the Los Angeles Angels after an abbreviated outing due to a rain delay. He wound up throwing seven shutout innings against the Kansas City Royals, racking up 11 strikeouts, in his next game.</p><p>The Blue Jays will counter with future Hall of Famer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/633" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/633">Max Scherzer</a>. Scherzer started Game 3 opposite Glasnow, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk over 4 1/3 innings. This will be the second time in Scherzer's storied career that he starts a World Series Game 7. Scherzer is the fourth pitcher to make multiple World Series Game 7 starts, joining Bob Gibson (1964, '67, '68), Don Larsen (1957, '58), and Lew Burdette (1957, '58).</p><p>Jays manager John Schneider stated that Game 5 starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20109" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20109">Trey Yesavage</a> "will definitely be a part of Game 7," according to <a href="https://x.com/Brandon_N_Wile/status/1984679814674915598">theScore's Brandon Wile</a>. He added that staff ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3634">Kevin Gausman</a> "kind of emptied the tank" during Friday night's Game 6.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after pitching during Game Four of the 2025 World Series presented by Capital One between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Ohtani starts World Series Game 7 on 3 days' rest

The Memphis Grizzlies have suspended Ja Morant for one game for conduct detrimental to the team, ...

<p>The Memphis Grizzlies have suspended <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62077" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62077">Ja Morant</a> for one game for conduct detrimental to the team, the club announced Saturday.</p><p>The suspension comes after Morant made controversial postgame comments following Friday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Morant went 3-for-14 from the field with eight points, seven assists, and one rebound over 31 minutes in the 117-112 defeat.</p><p>Following the loss, Morant repeatedly deflected questions, telling reporters to "go ask the coaching staff."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>When asked what the team could've done differently in the loss, Morant replied, "According to (the coaching staff), probably don't play me, honestly. That's basically what the message was after, so it's cool."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ja Morant when asked questions from the media:<br><br>“Go ask the coaching staff.”<br><br>And then asked what could have been done differently, other than asking the coaching staff:<br><br>“According to them, probably don’t play me.”<br><br>(🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/50NuancesDeNBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@50NuancesDeNBA</a>)<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/BNOIxhl0xa">pic.twitter.com/BNOIxhl0xa</a></p>— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHoopCentral/status/1984506449712857331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Grizzlies are 3-3 to start the 2025-26 season.</p><p>Morant, 26, is averaging 20.8 points, 3.3 boards, and 6.7 assists while playing 28.5 minutes per game through six contests this year. The two-time All-Star is shooting just 15.6% from deep.</p>

MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 31: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2025 - 2026 Emirates NBA Cup game on October 31, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Grizzlies suspend Morant 1 game for conduct detrimental to team

Trey Yesavage put the baseball world on notice with a breakout performance in Game 5 of the World...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20109" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20109">Trey Yesavage</a> put the baseball world on notice with a breakout performance in Game 5 of the World Series.</p><p>In just the eighth start of his MLB career Wednesday, Yesavage diced up the Los Angeles Dodgers for 12 strikeouts and zero walks, giving the Toronto Blue Jays a 3-2 series lead.</p><p>For any pitcher in the major leagues, this kind of performance would be impressive. But for a 22-year-old who was playing in college 16 months ago? Almost unheard of - and, frankly, hard to fathom.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here's a timeline of Yesavage's epic ascent from highly touted draft selection to World Series hero.</p><p><strong>June 1, 2024:</strong> Yesavage makes the final start of his college career for East Carolina. He allows one run on one hit and four walks while striking out six over 7 1/3 innings against Wake Forest. Yesavage takes the no-decision but East Carolina ekes out a win. The start happens to come against Chase Burns as well as slugger Nick Kurtz, the presumptive AL Rookie of the Year in 2025. Yesavage finishes the campaign with a 2.03 ERA and 0.87 WHIP over 93 1/3 innings.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807881/cropped_GettyImages-2162054463.jpg?ts=1761849142" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807881/w220xh124_GettyImages-2162054463.jpg?ts=1761849142 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807881/w320xh180_GettyImages-2162054463.jpg?ts=1761849142 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807881/w640xh360_GettyImages-2162054463.jpg?ts=1761849142 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807881/w768xh432_GettyImages-2162054463.jpg?ts=1761849142 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807881/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2162054463.jpg?ts=1761849142 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Gene Wang - Capture At Media / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>July 14, 2024:</strong> The Blue Jays select Yesavage 20th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. Burns goes No. 2 to the Cincinnati Reds. Kurtz has his name called by the Athletics at fourth.</p><p><strong>Jan. 24, 2025:</strong> MLB's preseason top 100 prospect list comes out. Yesavage debuts at No. 86. He will ascend to 26th before making his MLB debut.</p><p><strong>Feb. 13, 2025:</strong> Pitchers and catchers report to spring training. Yesavage is not among the Blue Jays' non-roster invitees to big-league camp. Righty Braydon Fisher and left-hander Mason Fluharty are as the club prioritizes its bullpen situation.</p><p><strong>March 15, 2025:</strong> Yesavage is selected to take part in the Jays' spring breakout game against the Minnesota Twins along with Arjun Nimmala and a number of other prospects.</p><p><strong>April 8, 2025:</strong> Yesavage makes his first professional appearance. It's a decent debut, going 3 2/3 innings as a starter for Single-A Dunedin in Jupiter, Florida against the Miami Marlins' affiliate. He allows two runs - both unearned - on one hit and six walks while striking out four. Yesavage doesn't get the decision but Dunedin shells the Jupiter Hammerheads 19-5.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807882/cropped_GettyImages-2206767732.jpg?ts=1761849208" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807882/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206767732.jpg?ts=1761849208 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807882/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206767732.jpg?ts=1761849208 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807882/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206767732.jpg?ts=1761849208 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807882/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206767732.jpg?ts=1761849208 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807882/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206767732.jpg?ts=1761849208 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mike Carlson / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>May 1, 2025:</strong> Yesavage's first decision is a win. It's his fifth professional start and he goes six shutout innings against the Philadelphia Phillies' Single-A affiliate. After allowing six walks in his debut, he's given up two total in the following 19 2/3 frames. Including his debut, he's rocking a 2.31 ERA with a 36-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio.</p><p><strong>May 20, 2025:</strong> The right-hander is promoted to High-A Vancouver following a particularly dominant outing of 12 strikeouts and zero walks - sound familiar?</p><p><strong>June 12, 2025:</strong> Four starts and less than one month later and Yesavage is promoted again - this time to Double-A New Hampshire. He flummoxed High-A hitters to a 1.56 ERA while striking out 33 and walking 11 over 17 1/3 innings.</p><p><strong>June 18, 2025:</strong> Yesavage takes his first professional loss. The New York Yankees' Double-A affiliate in Somerset solves Yesavage for four earned runs on three hits and three walks over 2 2/3 innings. He hasn't always been dominant in the minors but he's never looked this shaky. His first adversity as a pro.</p><p><strong>July 1, 2025:</strong> After bouncing back with an elite showing against the Colorado Rockies' affiliate, Yesavage is once again beat up in back-to-back outings against Double-A Portland (BOS). He allows seven earned on eight hits and three walks over 5 1/3 combined in the pair of starts. </p><p><strong>Aug. 14, 2025:</strong> With the Blue Jays officially in the hunt for October, Yesavage gets promoted to Triple-A. It's frequently a level that top prospect pitchers skip these days, but the Blue Jays trust the training staff in Buffalo and seem determined to test Yesavage against more seasoned hitters as both a starter and reliever. The playoff push will require all hands on deck.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801546/cropped_GettyImages-2235581927.jpg?ts=1758038116" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801546/w220xh124_GettyImages-2235581927.jpg?ts=1758038116 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801546/w320xh180_GettyImages-2235581927.jpg?ts=1758038116 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801546/w640xh360_GettyImages-2235581927.jpg?ts=1758038116 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801546/w768xh432_GettyImages-2235581927.jpg?ts=1758038116 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801546/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2235581927.jpg?ts=1758038116 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Sept. 15, 2025:</strong> Yesavage makes his MLB debut. He posted a 3.86 ERA as a starter in Triple-A and a 2.70 ERA out of the bullpen. Nevertheless, the Jays give him his first action in the majors as the starter. He allows one run on three hits and two walks while striking out nine over five innings against the Tampa Bay Rays. "Jumping from level to level and this being my fifth team, it's crazy," Yesavage told <a href="https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/news/trey-yesavage-blue-jays-top-prospect?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage">MLB.com's Keegan Matheson</a> at the time. "It's just crazy. It's been a great experience." The Blue Jays win to increase their division lead over the Yankees to five games.</p><p><strong>Sept. 27, 2025:</strong> Yesavage's first MLB win comes against those same Rays and it's a huge one. The Yankees have closed the gap and are tied with the Jays. The rookie right-hander fires five no-hit frames against Tampa Bay, striking out five in the penultimate game of the year. It's a must-win to help the Jays avoid getting relegated to wild-card status.</p><p><strong>Oct. 5, 2025:</strong> Yesavage makes his postseason debut, starting Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Yankees. It causes some conjecture that the Jays would turn to a rookie for Game 2 over the more established Shane Bieber. However, it ensures Yesavage's outing is in the friendlier environs of Rogers Centre and not at Yankee Stadium. Regardless, he's unflappable, striking out 11 over 5 1/3 no-hit innings. The monumental outing puts the Jays up 2-0 in the series.</p><p><strong>Oct. 29, 2025:</strong> Owning a 4.26 ERA through four postseason starts now, Yesavage makes his first playoff start on the road and his second of the World Series. By now, you know the line. He becomes the first rookie in MLB history to record 12 strikeouts while also walking no one in a Fall Classic outing. 472 days after being drafted, a legend is made.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 29: Trey Yesavage #39 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after striking out Alex Call #12 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth inning during Game Five of the 2025 World Series presented by Capital One between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Yesavage's epic ascent from prospect to World Series hero in 15 months

The Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Blake Butera as their next manager, source...

<p>The Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Blake Butera as their next manager, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1983901016857936204">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.</p><p>Butera, 33, previously served as a minor-league manager in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.</p><p>He will be the youngest MLB manager in more than 50 years, dating back to when the Minnesota Twins hired Frank Quilici in 1972, Passan adds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Butera is most recently coming off a two-year stint as the skipper for Single-A Charleston, where he led the team to a 170-82 record from 2021-22. Before that, he was managing Low-A Hudson Valley, which posted a 88-62 record from 2018-19.</p><p>The Nationals hired their new president of baseball operations earlier this offseason, poaching 35-year-old Paul Toboni from the Boston Red Sox.</p><p>The 2025 campaign was a transformative one for the Nationals, who posted a 66-96 record while firing general manager Mike Rizzo and skipper Davey Martinez during the season.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 19: A view of a Washington Nationals baseball cap in the dugout during the game against the Colorado Rockies at Nationals Park on June 19, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Report: Nationals hiring Blake Butera as manager

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell underwent successful surgery on his left hand, the tea...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2075" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2075">Rickard Rakell</a> underwent successful surgery on his left hand, the team announced Sunday.</p><p>The expected recovery time for the injury is six-to-eight weeks.</p><p>Rakell, 32, exited Saturday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third period and didn't return.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The star winger was off to a hot start to begin the 2025-26 campaign, scoring three goals and adding five assists while averaging nearly 18 minutes of ice time through nine games.</p><p>As a result of the injury, the Swede is expected to miss the upcoming Global Series in Stockholm versus the Nashville Predators on Nov. 14 and 16.</p><p>Rakell was expected to be a fixture in trade rumors this season ahead of the March 6 deadline. </p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 25: Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Rickard Rakell (67) handles the puck during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 25, 2025, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

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Penguins' Rakell to miss 6-8 weeks after hand surgery

The Toronto Blue Jays will host Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Monday at Ro...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays will host Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Monday at Rogers Centre, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> is prepared for the moment.</p><p>"I was born ready," Guerrero told Hazel Mae of Sportsnet following Sunday's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3373216" href="https://thescore.com/news/3373216">Game 6 victory</a>. "I was born ready. And I want it all for this city."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I’m going to give all I have for the city. I’m going to give all I have for the fans.”<br><br>Vladimir Guerrero Jr. chats with <a href="https://twitter.com/thehazelmae?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thehazelmae</a> after the Blue Jays forced a Game 7. 💙 <a href="https://t.co/dvufd5Ypyq">pic.twitter.com/dvufd5Ypyq</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1980116053377089972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Guerrero is having a torrid postseason, crushing six homers while hitting .462/.532/1.000 over 10 games. He is currently tied for the most playoff homers in Blue Jays' franchise history with José Bautista and Joe Carter.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"My dad was telling me, 'Game 7 is give it all you have,'" Guerrero, the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, added, according to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3373389" href="https://thescore.com/news/3373389">The Associated Press' Ian Harrison</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr.<br><br>14th player in MLB history with 6 Home Runs in the first 10 games of a postseason<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WANTITALL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WANTITALL</a> <a href="https://t.co/MMCeFESlji">pic.twitter.com/MMCeFESlji</a></p>— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNstats/status/1980087219458351520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Jays' slugger has the third-best OPS ever in a single postseason, among hitters with at least 40 plate appearances, according to <a data-in-app-uri="" href="">StatsCentre</a>. Guerrero sits behind only Barry Bonds, who posted a 1.559 OPS in 2002, and Carlos Beltrán's 1.557 OPS in '04.</p>

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates while scoring after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning during Game Six of the American League Championship Series presented by loanDepot between the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Sunday, October 19, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Vlad Jr.: 'I was born ready' for Game 7 vs. Mariners

The Portland Trail Blazers and Shaedon Sharpe agreed to a four-year, $90-million rookie extension...

<p>The Portland Trail Blazers and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102802" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102802">Shaedon Sharpe</a> agreed to a four-year, $90-million rookie extension ahead of Monday evening's deadline, the guard's agent told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1980046263363186740">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> on Sunday.</p><p>The news broke shortly after the team agreed to a four-year, $82-million extension with forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110264" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110264">Toumani Camara</a>, according to<a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1980033841239556493"> Charania</a>.</p><p>The 22-year-old Sharpe averaged 18.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game over 72 contests last season. He was selected seventh overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Camara earned his extension after a breakout 2024-25 season in which he was named to the All-Defensive second team in his second NBA campaign. He also garnered some downballot support for Defensive Player of the Year.</p><p>The 25-year-old Belgian averaged 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 0.6 blocks over 78 games with Portland last season. Camara was one of only seven players who recorded 100-plus steals and 50-plus blocks last season, while his 116 steals ranked ninth in the NBA.</p><p>Camara was originally selected 52nd overall by Phoenix in 2023 and then traded to Portland several months later in the three-team deal that sent Blazers icon Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Lillard returned to Portland as a free agent in July.</p>

PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: Toumani Camara #33 and Shaedon Sharpe #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers high five during the second half at Moda Center on March 19, 2025 in Portland, Oregon.

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Blazers agree to 4-year extensions with Sharpe, Camara

theScore provides running analysis and insights throughout the 2025 MLB wild-card series, continu...

<p><em>theScore provides running analysis and insights throughout the 2025 MLB wild-card series, continuing Wednesday and running through Thursday if necessary. Keep checking back for updates as the opening round unfolds and check out our <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3342755" href="https://thescore.com/news/3342755">Game 1</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3358529" href="https://thescore.com/news/3358529">Game 2 takeaways</a>.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#DET">DET vs. CLE</a> I <a href="#CHC">SD vs. CHC</a></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-j1Jxw" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/j1Jxw/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="141" 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><strong>Final:</strong> The Yankees get the best of their rivals by taking the last two games of the wild-card series to advance to the ALDS against the Toronto Blue Jays. Cam Schlittler was incredible, completely shutting down the Red Sox offense in the clincher. New York went 5-8 against the Blue Jays this season but took two of three in September. Boston now faces another critical offseason in which it'll need to add more starting pitching and determine the long-term future of Alex Bregman. The wild-card round was great. Bring on the LDS.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>8th inning: </strong>Cam Schlittler is making a name for himself on the biggest stage. The Yankees right-hander absolutely dominated the Red Sox, striking out 12 -the most by a Yankee rookie ever in the postseason - over eight shutout innings. Boston has managed five singles and just one runner in scoring position. If only the Red Sox had Rafael Devers for a game like this. Schlittler might have even pitched himself into a job on the Lumon softball team.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="de" dir="ltr">Schlittler 🔥</p>— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenStiller/status/1973932187956490502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>4th inning:</strong> The Yankees are putting the ball in play and good things are happening. New York finally gets to Connelly Early as the rookie isn't getting a lot of help from his defense or the BABIP gods. The Yankees score four runs in the inning courtesy of a double, three singles, and an error. Early is lifted with two outs, though you have to wonder why Alex Cora left him in there so long without even a mound visit. Boston's been plagued by its poor defense all season, so it should come as no surprise that it led to its undoing here.</p><p><strong>2nd inning:</strong> Giancarlo Stanton's "hustle" double (lol) is stranded at second base. The Yankees DH rips a 114.5-mph rocket to the gap in left-center field that he thinks is launched over the wall. Stanton looks into his dugout in celebration before quickly realizing the ball is landing well short. He does somehow make it to second base, but Connelly Early buckles down to retire the next three batters to end the threat. It's been impressive how composed these young starters have been in the early going.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Giancarlo thought he hit a home run <a href="https://t.co/QWAXRRq8AT">pic.twitter.com/QWAXRRq8AT</a></p>— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinYanks/status/1973910794732478970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>1st inning:</strong> After an incredibly entertaining undercard, we've reached the main event. Cam Schlittler is gassed up, topping out at 100.5 mph as he breezes through Jarren Duran, Trevor Story, and Alex Bregman with relative ease. Six of the 24-year-old's 14 pitches in the opening frame registered triple digits. Fellow rookie starter Connelly Early also looked unfazed in his first taste of postseason work, retiring the Yankees in order on just eight pitches.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-o45zJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/o45zJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="141" 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><a id="CHC" name="CHC"><strong>Final:</strong></a> Hey, Chicago, whaddya say? The Cubs hang on - with a little help from home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn - to knock off the Padres to clinch their first postseason series since 2017. The win sets up an NLDS clash with the Milwaukee Brewers. Chicago scored only six runs over the three games, but pitched well and played excellent defense to secure the series victory. An encouraging development is that Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker combined to go 5-for-8 in Game 3. For the Padres, it's just another disappointing playoff finish for a club that faces a lot of questions this offseason.</p><p><strong>7th inning:</strong> That's an enormous insurance run off the bat of Michael Busch. The Cubs first baseman, who hit a career-high 34 homers this season, is 3-for-4 in Game 3. It's just the second run the Padres' relievers have surrendered in 14 1/3 innings this series.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MIKE DROP. <a href="https://t.co/gmmV86xhvz">pic.twitter.com/gmmV86xhvz</a></p>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1973891964077814114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>6th inning: </strong>Mike Shildt is pulling every lever to keep this game close in hopes his offense can finally wake up. Yu Darvish, Jeremiah Estrada, Michael King, Wandy Peralta, and now closer Robert Suarez have already appeared as we head into the seventh. The Padres are 0-for-2 with RISP in Game 3 and 3-for-20 in the series. Can they finally break through?</p><p><strong>5th inning:</strong> It's certainly been a series to forget for Fernando Tatis Jr. The Padres star is 0-for-3 with two strikeouts on the afternoon and 1-for-11 over the three games. In Tatis' defense, facing Daniel Palencia can't be easy. Craig Counsell is using his once-closer in a fireman role in the mid-innings this series, and the flamethrower's been electric. Palencia threw 1 2/3 perfect innings in Game 1, and he came out firing 100-mph four-seam fastballs in the fifth to retire Tatis with a runner in scoring position.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="eu" dir="ltr">G A S O L I N A. <a href="https://t.co/cD9zbbT3HG">pic.twitter.com/cD9zbbT3HG</a></p>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1973882838648045784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>4th inning: </strong>If you haven't watched a lot of the Cubs this season, you might not have known how good Jameson Taillon's been. The big right-hander posted a 1.57 ERA over his final six regular-season starts and looked fantastic today, tossing four shutout innings with four strikeouts before being lifted to start the fifth. The Padres have had only one runner in scoring position early on.</p><p><strong>2nd inning:</strong> Not having a fully healthy Michael King is a major blow for the Padres, and they're paying for it early in Game 3. The right-hander threw just 15 2/3 innings in September and is a big reason why Yu Darvish started this contest. Darvish faces seven batters and doesn't record an out in the second inning after allowing a single, double, hit-by-pitch, and RBI single. Mike Shildt is forced to go to former Cubs reliever Jeremiah Estrada, who gets out of the inning by surrendering only one inherited run. San Diego has already used its bullpen for 8 1/3 innings this series and will need to ask for at least 24 outs today.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-kKa9H" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kKa9H/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="141" 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><a id="DET" name="DET"><strong>Final:</strong></a> The Tigers move on, winning the right to face the Seattle Mariners in a best-of-five ALDS matchup starting Saturday. Tarik Skubal will likely go in Sunday's Game 2. Let's be honest, this result is probably for the best. The Guardians entered the postseason as the only club with a negative run differential. They wind up scoring 10 total runs over the three-game series against a Tigers pitching staff that ranked 17th in the majors by ERA despite playing half its games in the spacious Comerica Park. Cleveland showed some late life, but Ramírez once again got caught advancing to second base by a great tag from Báez to end the eighth-inning rally.</p><p><strong>7th inning</strong>: So ... why is Sabrowski still out there? Instead of counting himself lucky that he managed to get an out from Sabrowski in a third straight game, Vogt rolls the dice on giving him another clean frame. The lefty coughs up a very loud double to Báez and then allows Parker Meadows to reach on a dribbler that he played a little too lazily. Vogt goes to the bullpen and signals for Hunter Gaddis, who's also working in his third straight game. The Guardians do, in fact, employ other relievers. I'm sure of it. He gives up a two-run single from Wenceel Pérez, and it's all Tigers. Sabrowski and Gaddis end up combining to allow four runs on five hits and one walk while retiring only two batters. Matt Festa mercifully gets the final two outs of the inning, but the damage is done. Why is this the first time the Guardians have used Festa in this series? Vogt will have to answer for this.</p><p><strong>6th inning:</strong> Call it the Dillon Dingler Game. There's no telling how that Guardians rally could've gone in the fourth inning if Dingler didn't catch Ramírez stealing. And now, he's hit the go-ahead homer into the left-field bleachers of Progressive Field. It feels like this contest will come down to the wire, but the Tigers are 12 outs away from heading to the ALDS. Meanwhile, on the Guardians' side, Vogt does end up calling upon Sabrowski for a third straight game, and the southpaw gets Zach McKinstry to ground out. His workload will surely end there.</p><p><strong>4th inning:</strong> Nothing can ruin a rally quite like the collective defense of Dillon Dingler and Javier Báez. The Guardians tie it up, thanks to a Ramírez single that cashes in George Valera. However, Ramírez gets a bit greedy and tries to steal second base. The throw and tag to get him are simply a thing of beauty.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="es" dir="ltr">The classic Javier Báez no-look tag 🫣 <a href="https://t.co/qfswDUoq60">pic.twitter.com/qfswDUoq60</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1973846404335296692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>There's no one better in the game. Dingler caught nearly 32% of would-be base-stealers this year. And Báez? He's not nicknamed El Mago for nothing. We're back to even at 1-1.</p><p><strong>3rd inning:</strong> Stephen Vogt is once again showing his managerial acumen. A quick hook for Cecconi after he gives up back-to-back singles with one out in the third, and the skipper calls upon lefty Tim Herrin with Kerry Carpenter as the assignment. Herrin winds up allowing an RBI double to Carpenter but settles in to retire Wenceel Pérez for the second straight day and then strikes out Spencer Torkelson. Cleveland has only one other usable lefty remaining in the 'pen in Kolby Allard. Erik Sabrowski is also in there, but the fact that he worked Games 1 and 2 likely makes him unavailable. Early advantage: Tigers.</p><p><strong>2nd inning:</strong> Chase DeLauter's first big-league hit is a single into shallow right field during a must-win playoff game. Doesn't get much better than that after dropping the fly ball in the first inning of his debut Wednesday. It doesn't pay dividends, as Gabriel Arias strikes out next and Bo Naylor pops up to end the inning, but a hit is a hit.</p><p><strong>1st inning:</strong> Although Cecconi wasn't very efficient, he was effective, getting out of the first frame with two strikeouts on 26 pitches. Gleyber Torres squared up a Cecconi slider to lead off but hit it right at left fielder Steven Kwan. Flaherty looks a lot more comfortable early, getting through the first on 14 pitches and ending on a José Ramírez strikeout.</p><p><strong>Pregame:</strong> It's what sports fans live for: Win or go home. Tigers-Guardians kicks off three elimination games Thursday as only one of the wild-card matchups didn't go the distance. Slade Cecconi will take the mound first for the slightly favored Guardians at home (-130 on ESPN BET and theScore Bet). Cecconi has 236 MLB innings under his belt with a 5.07 ERA, but he put together the best season of his career this year in his first campaign as a full-time starter. He'll go up against Jack Flaherty, who signed a fresh two-year contract with the Tigers this past offseason. While Cecconi has made a couple postseason relief appearances, Flaherty has quite a lot of playoff experience as a starter, including last year's decisive World Series Game 5 for the victorious Los Angeles Dodgers. The righty allowed two homers and was yanked after recording four outs, but he's been here before. And that might count for something.</p>

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<p>The Chicago Cubs will be without right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19127" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19127">Cade Horton</a> for at least their wild-card round against the San Diego Padres, the team announced Saturday.</p><p>The Cubs placed the rookie starter on the injured list due to a rib fracture, and the earliest he'll be eligible to return is Game 5 of the National League Division Series.</p><p>Horton is considered a favorite to win the NL Rookie of the Year, authoring a 2.67 ERA and 3.59 FIP over 118 innings this season. The righty exited his last start early with back soreness and underwent an MRI. The decision to place Horton on the IL came after a scheduled bullpen session to help assess the severity of his injury.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Cubs' first-round matchup is set against the Padres. All three games will be played at Wrigley Field after Chicago secured home-field advantage by beating the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday.</p><p>Left-hander Jordan Wicks was called up in the corresponding roster move. He's posted a 7.94 ERA this year over 11 1/3 frames.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 23: Cade Horton #22 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in a game against the New York Mets at Wrigley Field on September 23, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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<p>The Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to name Paul Toboni the franchise's next head of baseball operations, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1970914990136885390">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.</p><p>Toboni, 35, is currently serving as assistant general manager for the Boston Red Sox.</p><p>The Nationals have been without a baseball operations leader since firing GM Mike Rizzo as well as manager Davey Martinez in early June. Senior vice president and assistant GM Mike DeBartolo filled the role on an interim basis.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Toboni originally joined an MLB front office in 2013 when the Athletics hired him as a baseball operations intern. He then quickly rose through the ranks with the Red Sox, going from intern in 2015 to assistant GM in 2023.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">For a Nationals team in need of a serious infusion of talent, it's worth noting Paul Toboni ran the draft for Boston when it chose Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell, Payton Tolle, Connelly Early and the prospects who went to Chicago in the Garrett Crochet deal.</p>— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1970918635788189705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2025</a>
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<p>So, you wanted robot umpires? You've got them. Sort of.</p><p>Major League Baseball will introduce the long-awaited and rigorously tested automated ball-strike challenge system beginning next year after an 11-person competition committee <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3352429" href="https://thescore.com/news/3352429">approved</a> its implementation Tuesday.</p><p>The change will grant each team the opportunity to challenge two calls by the home plate umpire every game in 2026 and beyond. With the ability to retain your challenge if the team is vindicated by the replay review, this effectively presents unlimited challenges so long as you bat 1.000, as they say.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>That's a good thing, right?</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This was last night. There are typically around 1,000 missed calls a week. The ABS challenge system is going to get plenty of use. <a href="https://t.co/NUeTDjgwoC">https://t.co/NUeTDjgwoC</a></p>— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1970550626091462904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>With approximately 90 games per week in MLB, that's roughly 360 opportunities for teams to attempt to overturn an incorrect umpire.</p><p>But, as Passan points out above, there are 1,000 incorrect calls.</p><p>So, MLB has done the calculus and decided that being wrong nearly 64% of the time is still acceptable.</p><p>How is this being celebrated as a win?</p><p>MLB has been on a heater when it comes to implementing new rules that speed up and modernize the game. The pitch clock has been wildly successful, limiting the defensive shift has gone so well even its loudest detractors have been quieted, and larger bases have brought back aggressive running.</p><p>The introduction of the ABS doesn't maintain this direction. It's a step to appease fans who don't actually know what they want.</p><p>Is there anything more frustrating in baseball right now than having the replay review room agonize over a pop-slide at second base for more than two minutes just to have the seemingly incorrect call upheld due to insufficient evidence to overturn?</p><p>Overturned balls and strikes will admittedly be a lot more seamless, decisive, and faster than that. But it's relevant because baseball fans believe they want replay review until they see it implemented. And then they'll realize all they wanted was <em>correct</em> calls.</p><p>A challenge system is a commitment to being right only sometimes - when the victim of the bad call feels it was too egregious to let slide.</p><p>If we borrow from the experience of watching other leagues that are already well into the replay review eras, ask an English Premier League fan if they enjoy when the referee makes the VAR symbol. Check in with your local hoops fan and see if they enjoy an extended stoppage during a playoff game to assess whether a hard foul qualifies as flagrant or not. Sports needs less of this, not more.</p><p>The notion of "correct calls" in sports is a mirage. The people playing the sports are fallible. Why should we expect our officiating to be any different? Not to mention, no current technology is perfect in knowing if the three-inch ball moving 100 mph crossed the 17-inch plate at a specific height that's dependent on the batter's size.</p><p>The options going forward are very simple:</p><ul>
<li>Admit that umpires are fallible human beings who can make mistakes and are indeed standing behind well-trained catchers who are actively trying to fool them hundreds of times per night.</li>
<li>Adopt the automated strike zone as law.</li>
</ul><p>Option 1 is admittedly my preference and likely that of the umpires' union as well. However, pitch-framing defenders are increasingly in the minority. That leaves us with the second option: Don't have umpires make the original call at all.</p><p>Don't create any need to slow down the game a handful of times just because a 2-0 pitch on the edge of the zone in the fourth inning of Rays-Reds was incorrectly called a strike by an imperceptible margin.</p><p>Half measures simply aren't worth celebrating.</p>

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Conor McGregor attends Charity Day 2025 Hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund at BGC Group on September 11, 2025 in New York City.

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