Of course, he did it like this.  Shohei Ohtani went where no baseball player has gone before by c...

Of course, he did it like this.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> went where no baseball player has gone before by completing the first 50-homer, 50-steal season in MLB history Thursday as part of an iconic 6-for-6 performance that included - among other things - three long balls and 10 RBIs.The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar's historic 50th blast was a two-run, opposite-field blast off Miami Marlins reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12259" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12259">Mike Baumann</a> in the seventh inning. It also set a new Dodgers single-season record, breaking the previous mark set by Shawn Green in 2001. Homer No. 50 came a few innings after he swiped his 50th base of the season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
THERE IS ONLY ONE SHOHEI OHTANI. <a href="https://t.co/rKgJtW8h2l">pic.twitter.com/rKgJtW8h2l</a>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1836903502523535825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"I wanted to get it over (with)," Ohtani said through an interpreter, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/FabianArdaya/status/1836918457822011865">Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic</a>.Two innings after No. 50, Ohtani hit his third homer of the game - and 51st of the year - off Marlins position player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9864" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9864">Vidal Bruján</a> to complete one of the greatest single-game performances in baseball history.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
51/51 Club! 6-for-6! 3 Home Runs 10 RBI! WHAT A DAY FOR SHOHEI OHTANI! 🤩 (via <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLB</a>)<a href="https://t.co/xUXVDBiDlf">pic.twitter.com/xUXVDBiDlf</a>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1836910417739710590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"I'm happy, relieved, and very respectful to the peers and everybody who came before who played the sport of baseball," Ohtani said after his masterpiece, per <a href="https://x.com/BallySportsFL/status/1836920048428200175">Bally Sports Florida</a>.Ohtani is the 16th player, and first Dodger, to record at least 10 RBIs in a game. The previous franchise record of nine had been accomplished by James Loney in 2006 and Hall of Famer Gil Hodges in 1950. He's also the sixth Dodgers player since 1901 to have six hits in a nine-inning game. This was also the first five-hit, three-homer game of his career.His five extra-base hits also tied an MLB record that's been done by just 17 other players. Ohtani's the third Dodger to reach that mark, following Green in 2002 and Steve Garvey in 1977.Ohtani, who entered Thursday sitting two homers and one steal shy of 50-50, also collected two stolen bases during the dominant performance. Of the 16 players who recorded a 10-RBI game, Ohtani is the only to also steal one base - let alone two - in the same contest, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1836914208446832665">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>. He also became the seventh player to collect at least 17 total bases in one game and the first to do so without hitting four home runs, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1836918717717864749">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
On top of everything else, Shohei Ohtani is the first player since at least 1901 with two homers, two doubles, and two steals in single game. (h/t <a href="https://twitter.com/Stathead?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Stathead</a>)— Joe Sheehan (@joe_sheehan) <a href="https://twitter.com/joe_sheehan/status/1836903871513305487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Ohtani also became the second Dodgers player since 1901 to record multiple home runs and steals in a single game, joining his teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4184" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4184">Mookie Betts</a>, who did it in 2020, per <a href="https://twitter.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1836908330670858670">Langs</a>."He's one of one," manager Dave Roberts said, per <a href="https://x.com/juanctoribio/status/1836921888058102265">Juan Toribio of MLB.com</a>.The two-way superstar is now hitting .294/.376/.629 with 51 homers, 120 RBIs, 92 extra-base hits, and 51 steals across 150 games this season. His 51 homers and 51 steals are the highest totals ever reached by one player in the same season.Ohtani's now recorded both a home run and a stolen base in 13 games this season, tying Rickey Henderson's single-season record from 1986, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1836896747504693461">Langs</a>. He also has four games with at least one homer and two steals, which is one back of <a href="https://twitter.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1836896312291131869">another</a> single-season record held by Henderson.If all that wasn't enough, Ohtani's performance ensured he'll play in October for the first time in the majors. The Dodgers thumped Miami 20-4 to clinch a playoff spot for the 12th consecutive season.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 19: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a two-run home run, his 50th of the season, during the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on September 19, 2024 in Miami, Florida. Ohtani is now the first MLB player to have at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season.

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Ohtani reaches 50-50 in iconic 3-HR, 6-hit, 10-RBI game

Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman poured plenty of cold water ...

Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman poured plenty of cold water on hopes of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> pitching in the postseason."We aren't even thinking about that right now," Friedman said, according to <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2024/09/19/dodgers-andrew-friedman-shohei-ohtani-is-not-really-an-option-to-pitch-in-postseason/">Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register</a>. "Again, this is like January for him. He's just barely a year out from Tommy John."To me, he's not really an option."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Speculation about Ohtani's potential availability on the mound in October began to grow over the last few weeks as he began a post-surgery throwing program and the Dodgers' litany of pitching injuries mounted. Manager Dave Roberts stoked the fires in a big way when he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3073068" href="https://thescore.com/news/3073068">refused</a> to rule out using the two-way superstar as a reliever during playoff games if needed.However, Ohtani has thrown off a mound just six times since undergoing surgery last year, according to Plunkett. Three of those bullpen sessions came this week, and he increased his reps to 30 pitches.Both Ohtani and Friedman stressed that a previously scheduled meeting next week has nothing to do with any October pitching plans. Rather, Ohtani and the team will discuss the progression of his rehab timeline with an eye toward his being ready for Opening Day 2025."There's no conversation that was brought about with the pitching coach in terms of pitching in the postseason," Ohtani said through his interpreter earlier this week."If you strip away what's going on with the Dodgers, right now he's thrown about five bullpens, which is the equivalent of January, late January in his progression (in a normal offseason buildup) and October lines up at some point middle to late for live BPs like pitchers do when they come to spring training," Friedman explained. "The question is whether to do those then (in October) or do them in November but make sure he has enough shutdown time before the start of the following year. This has been on our radar as something to talk about since spring training."Ohtani underwent surgery to repair a ligament in his right elbow last September while with the Los Angeles Angels. The 30-year-old threw 132 innings in the majors last year and also made several memorable mound appearances for Samurai Japan at the World Baseball Classic.The Dodgers' pitching staff has been decimated by injuries over the last few months. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4257" href="/mlb/players/4257">Tyler Glasnow</a> was placed on the 60-day injured list Wednesday with an elbow sprain, while Roberts admitted rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15809" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15809">Gavin Stone</a> is unlikely to pitch again this year. Franchise icon <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/945" href="/mlb/players/945">Clayton Kershaw</a>'s status for the playoffs is also in question as he continues to rehab from a toe injury.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms up pitching in the outfield prior to facing the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 14, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Dodgers' Friedman: Ohtani 'not really an option' to pitch in playoffs

There will be playoff baseball in the Bronx in 2024.   The New York Yankees became the first Amer...

There will be playoff baseball in the Bronx in 2024. The New York Yankees became the first American League team to clinch a postseason berth Wednesday after beating the Seattle Mariners 2-1 at T-Mobile Park.During the postgame celebration, Yankees captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> acknowledged that "the job's not finished" and made it clear that the division crown is still the goal.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Aaron Judge on returning to the Postseason: "We definitely know the job's not finished."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YANKSonYES?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YANKSonYES</a> <a href="https://t.co/pITsqxf5DM">pic.twitter.com/pITsqxf5DM</a>— YES Network (@YESNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/YESNetwork/status/1836633676613861749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>New York scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th inning courtesy of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1681" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1681">Anthony Rizzo</a>'s RBI single. The Mariners had the tying and winning runs on base in the bottom half of the inning but blew the game when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12373" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12373">Julio Rodríguez</a> wandered off third base and into a double play after dodging <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9644" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9644">Randy Arozarena</a>'s bat.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Julio Rodriguez gets thrown out after he had to dodge a flying bat and then forgot to get back on base 😱 <a href="https://t.co/LaEBP59Bzx">pic.twitter.com/LaEBP59Bzx</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1836629906416906628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"I don't think I've seen that before," Mariners manager Dan Wilson said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/BNightengale/status/1836631935382065423">Bob Nightengale of The USA Today</a>.The Yankees have now reached the playoffs in seven of the last eight campaigns and in 25 of 30 seasons during baseball's wild-card era (since 1995). They failed to qualify in 2023 after going 82-80 and finishing fourth in the AL East.The Yankees still have plenty to play for, even with a playoff berth wrapped up. They sit five games up on the Baltimore Orioles for the top spot in the AL East, and the two teams are set to play a three-game set at Yankee Stadium next week. Baltimore currently owns the tiebreaker, leading the season series 6-4.New York is also attempting to secure a top-two seed in the AL, which would guarantee a place in the ALDS. The team has a seven-game lead on the Houston Astros and owns the tiebreaker to clinch a bye through the wild-card round.

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 18: Aaron Judge #99 of the New Yankees celebrates clinching a playoff spot with teammates in the clubhouse after a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on September 18, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees won 2-1 in 10 innings.

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Yankees clinch 7th postseason berth in last 8 seasons

The Los Angeles Dodgers' battered rotation is taking a few more hits ahead of the playoffs.  Los ...

The Los Angeles Dodgers' battered rotation is taking a few more hits ahead of the playoffs.Los Angeles transferred right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4257" href="/mlb/players/4257">Tyler Glasnow</a> to the 60-day injured list as part of a flurry of roster moves Wednesday, effectively ending his season. Manager Dave Roberts also revealed that rookie right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15809" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15809">Gavin Stone</a>, who's on the IL with shoulder inflammation, is "very unlikely" to pitch again in 2024, according to <a href="https://x.com/ByJackHarris/status/1836505329502208195">Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times</a>.Moving Glasnow to the 60-day IL means he's now ineligible to be reinstated until Oct. 16, which lines up with Game 3 of the NLCS.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Glasnow was originally sidelined in mid-August with elbow tendinitis, and he experienced setbacks during his rehab over the last week. On Saturday, after he was diagnosed with a sprained elbow, Roberts <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3074569" href="https://thescore.com/news/3074569">admitted</a> that the All-Star's return this season was unlikely.The 30-year-old, who's in the first season of a five-year contract signed after the Dodgers traded for him in December, put up a 3.49 ERA, 2.90 FIP, and 0.95 WHIP in 22 starts this year. Glasnow set personal-best marks in a slew of categories, including strikeouts (168), innings (134), and BB/9 rate (2.4).Stone, meanwhile, had emerged as another reliable starter for L.A. before hitting the IL on Sept. 6, putting up a 3.53 ERA and 1.21 WHIP along with 116 strikeouts over 25 starts. Roberts said Stone's progress toward a possible return in late September or during the playoffs has been stalled by continued shoulder soreness, and he's been unable to resume throwing.Although Roberts isn't optimistic, Stone is holding out hope of pitching again in 2024. The 25-year-old said he's hoping to begin throwing next week, and a final decision on his status won't be made until then, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/ByJackHarris/status/1836521612629123321">Harris</a>.The Dodgers entered Wednesday with a chance to clinch a postseason berth but are limping toward October. L.A.'s pitching staff has been decimated by injuries all year. Nine pitchers and seven starters are currently on the IL. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a> did return from a rotator cuff injury earlier this month, but he didn't throw more than four innings in either of his two September starts.One of those injured pitchers, veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw, threw around 80 pitches in a bullpen on Wednesday, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/billplunkettocr/status/1836520928957862085">Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register</a>. While Roberts called that an "encouraging" step for the franchise icon, who's on the shelf with a toe injury, he also acknowledged that time is of the essence if Kershaw is going to pitch in October."There's going to be a point whenever we all come together and decide to fire that bullet and let him pitch for us," Roberts <a href="https://twitter.com/billplunkettocr/status/1836520928957862085">said</a> of Kershaw. "I'm holding out hope that it happens. I don't think anyone knows when it's going to happen. But today was a big step in the right direction."Glasnow's move to the 60-day IL cleared a 40-man roster spot for left-handed reliever Zach Logue, who was selected from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Logue is ineligible to pitch for the Dodgers in the playoffs because he joined the organization last week.L.A. also activated reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2141" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2141">Joe Kelly</a> from the IL and optioned right-handers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12498" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12498">Bobby Miller</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12494" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12494">Michael Grove</a> to Triple-A.

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 04: Tyler Glasnow #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on June 4, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Dodgers move Glasnow to 60-day IL, Stone 'very unlikely' to return

The New York Mets got good news regarding Francisco Lindor, as an MRI of the star shortstop's ail...

The New York Mets got good news regarding <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2909" href="/mlb/players/2909">Francisco Lindor</a>, as an MRI of the star shortstop's ailing back came back negative, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/NYNJHarper/status/1835769863123489060">SNY's John Harper</a>.Lindor is not playing on Monday and still needs a few more days before slotting back in. However, he's expecting to return before the regular season ends."I'm (doing) great," the 30-year-old told reporters, per <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYtv/status/1835764802527924473">SNY</a>. "I still have a little bit of pain, but we have good news. Everything seems like it's good. It could be three-to-five days (until I return) or it could be two-to-three. (It) depends how my back reacts. The trainers, they have an amazing gameplan, and then it's going to be up to (manager Carlos Mendoza) and if I feel OK to play."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Lindor exited Friday's game in Philadelphia after jamming his back and missed his first game of the season the next day. He was a late addition to Sunday's lineup but was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3075468" href="https://thescore.com/news/3075468">removed</a> after one inning due to back discomfort, leading to additional testing."Honestly, (I'm) relieved," Mendoza <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYtv/status/1835772464699257189">said</a> about the test results. "Really good news, 'cause we didn't know what was gonna happen. ... I was expecting the worst, to be honest with you."Lindor has been a force for the surprising Mets at shortstop, hitting .271/.342/.494 with 31 homers and 86 RBIs in 148 games this season. The four-time All-Star is three steals away from posting his second straight 30-30 campaign.The Mets' surge over the last few months, led in large part by Lindor, has vaulted them right back into the NL wild-card race. New York enters play Monday in a tie with Atlanta for the final playoff spot, despite losing two in a row.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1660" href="/mlb/players/1660">Jose Iglesias</a> will man shortstop and hit leadoff for the Mets on Monday against the Washington Nationals. Rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15424" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15424">Luisangel Acuña</a> could also start at the position while Lindor is sidelined.

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 14: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets reacts after hitting a home run during the third inning against the Oakland Athletics at Citi Field on August 14, 2024 in New York City.

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Lindor has clean MRI, could return by weekend

Boston Red Sox radio broadcaster Joe Castiglione is retiring at the end of the season.  Castiglio...

Boston Red Sox radio broadcaster Joe Castiglione is retiring at the end of the season.Castiglione, who was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, made the announcement during the third inning of Sunday's broadcast against the New York Yankees.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
After 42 years as the voice of the Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer Joe Castiglione announces his retirement. Congratulations on a Hall of Fame career, Joe! <a href="https://t.co/8lQUIxJwnh">pic.twitter.com/8lQUIxJwnh</a>— WEEI Red Sox Network (@SoxBooth) <a href="https://twitter.com/SoxBooth/status/1835388713121259665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Red Sox also announced plans to honor him before their final regular-season home game on Sept. 29.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Castiglione joined the Red Sox radio booth in 1983 and became their primary radio voice 10 years later. The Connecticut native was behind the microphone for the team's historic 2004 World Series title, the first of four Red Sox titles he called. All told, he worked over 6,500 games for the franchise and will go down as the longest-tenured announcer in team history.In July, Castiglione received the Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick Award, given annually to a broadcaster for contributions to baseball. He was only the second broadcaster to be honored primarily for his work with the Red Sox, following Curt Gowdy in 1984."Joe calls games with an authenticity that makes every listener feel like an insider," Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner said in a statement released by <a href="https://www.audacy.com/weei/sports/red-sox/red-sox-broadcaster-joe-castiglione-announces-retirement">WEEI</a>. "He turns every play into a shared experience, perfectly capturing our joy and disbelief with his unforgettable call - 'Can you believe it?' - after the final out of the 2004 World Series. He has carried us through loss and disappointment with compassion and sincerity and has been a nightly companion to millions for generations, earning his place as one of New England's most beloved voices."Castiglione <a href="https://twitter.com/tylermilliken_/status/1835390434811564236">told</a> the Red Sox television broadcast that he'll continue to be involved with the organization as an ambassador in retirement. He may also return to the booth as a fill-in broadcaster "here or there."Prior to being hired by the Red Sox, Castiglione spent time as the television voice of the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers, as well as the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.

BOSTON, MA - JULY 28: Broadcaster Joe Castiglione reacts throws a ceremonial first pitch recognizing his receipt of the National Baseball Hall of Fame 2024 Ford C. Frick Award before a game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox on July 28, 2024 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Iconic Red Sox broadcaster Joe Castiglione announces retirement

The New York Mets removed shortstop Francisco Lindor from Sunday's game against the Philadelphia ...

The New York Mets removed shortstop <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2909">Francisco Lindor</a> from Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies in the second inning due to back discomfort.Following the game, Lindor said he'll undergo an MRI on his back on Monday, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/timbhealey/status/1835412522352132124">Newsday's Tim Healey</a>.Lindor added that he was dealing with a sore back for about two weeks before he jammed it during Friday's game, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/TimBritton/status/1835413414140575877">Tim Britton of The Athletic</a>. That issue caused him to leave Friday's game early.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>After missing his first game of the season on Saturday, Lindor was a last-minute addition to Sunday's lineup following batting practice. The 30-year-old singled to lead off the game but didn't appear to run down the line at full strength. He played defense in the first before being replaced at shortstop by Luisangel Acuña to start the bottom of the second.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Francisco Lindor appeared to run gingerly to first base on his leadoff hit <a href="https://t.co/0rDtWPbtAu">pic.twitter.com/0rDtWPbtAu</a>— SNY (@SNYtv) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYtv/status/1835373191813890512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Lindor is closing in on his second straight 30-30 campaign, hitting .271/.342/.494 with 31 homers, 86 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases over 148 games this season. He entered Sunday leading the National League in at-bats (601) and plate appearances (670).The Mets lost to Philadelphia 2-1 on Sunday to drop the weekend series.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets looks on during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on September 13, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Lindor to undergo MRI after leaving game with back discomfort

Gerrit Cole's avoidance of Rafael Devers may have reignited baseball's most famous rivalry.  The ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2913" href="/mlb/players/2913">Gerrit Cole</a>'s avoidance of Rafael Devers may have reignited baseball's most famous rivalry.The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/2" href="/mlb/teams/2">Red Sox</a> had some <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3074416" href="https://thescore.com/news/3074416">harsh words</a> for Cole and the New York Yankees after his decision to walk Devers while throwing a no-hitter in the fourth inning. Cole, who also hit his longtime nemesis earlier in the game, unraveled after putting Devers on base in an eventual 7-1 Boston win.A day later, Red Sox manager Alex Cora is viewing the incident as a potentially galvanizing moment for his club as it fights to make the postseason.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"If this (making the playoffs) happens, we're going to look back at yesterday. We're probably going to thank Gerrit Cole for getting us going," Cora said before Sunday's game, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisKirschner/status/1835348328222965886">Chris Kirschner of The Athletic</a>. "Hopefully it happens and hopefully we can face him in the playoffs because he will have to pitch to him. Hopefully it happens. We still have a long way to go. "I'm not promising that we're going to make the playoffs, but if we do, we're going to look back on Saturday."The Red Sox are trying to claw their way into October after they dropped out of a playoff spot in August. Having won five of eight heading into Sunday's game, Boston now sits 3 1/2 games back of the Twins, who hold down the final AL wild-card berth, and a half-game behind Detroit and Seattle.The anger in Boston's dugout after Cole walked Devers was seemingly unanimous, to the point that starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13634">Brayan Bello</a> - who called Cole's move weak - <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisKirschner/status/1835352554021998724">threw behind</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> in the sixth inning. Cora essentially confirmed that Bello's pitch was intentional but stated Sunday that there won't be any more attempts at retaliation."(The situation was) closed around the sixth inning. We had our chance. Didn't happen, and we have to move on," he said, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1835350539682332789">Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News</a>.Cora indicated that he and Judge have since spoken about the incident, according to Phillips. He also confirmed that a conversation with Yankees manager Aaron Boone took place on Saturday."We (Boone and I) talked," Cora said of Boone, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/yankees-red-sox-intentional-walk-cole-devers-92b8d61a74bee9020609293966b9726a">Larry Fleisher of The Associated Press</a>. "There's two ways of seeing it, their dugout and our dugout. Like I told him, put yourself in our shoes and you will understand why we feel this way."Barring a playoff matchup, Sunday marks the final Yankees-Red Sox game of 2024. The winner of the contest will clinch the season series.

BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 25: Manager Alex Cora #13 of the Boston Red Sox in the dugout before their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Fenway Park on August 25, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Cora sees Cole-Devers as spark: We'll 'thank Gerrit' if we make playoffs

San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin ripped into his team following their latest lackluster ef...

San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin ripped into his team following their latest lackluster effort in an 8-0 loss to the San Diego Padres on Saturday.After the Giants were shut out in a third straight contest for the first time in 32 years, Melvin called out his players during a postgame meeting that delayed his press conference. The manager took particular issue with what he characterized as sloppy defensive play by the team."We only made one error, but it didn't look like it," Melvin said, according to <a href="https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/san-francisco-giants/bob-melvin-team-meeting-padres/1782121/">Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area</a>. "We're out of position too much, we didn't get good breaks on balls. Yeah, it's sloppy."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Melvin added: "It's the big leagues. It looks like instructional league at times."The skipper especially had a problem with a first-inning miscue by San Francisco's middle infielders on a relay play. Neither shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14188" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14188">Brett Wisely</a> nor second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12510" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12510">Marco Luciano</a> were in position to cut off <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9605" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9605">Heliot Ramos</a>' throw on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2577" href="/mlb/players/2577">Manny Machado</a>'s double, allowing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2876" href="/mlb/players/2876">Jurickson Profar</a> to score from first.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Manny gets the scoring started 👏 <a href="https://t.co/Yz6f8TZCQ4">pic.twitter.com/Yz6f8TZCQ4</a>— San Diego Padres (@Padres) <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres/status/1835125592502813109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"I know we got some guys playing out of position - Wisely's not a shortstop, even though he's played good shortstop this year, Lucie's learning the position at second base - but still, that's not major-league quality what we did tonight," Melvin said.Melvin added that the team will go back to basics Sunday by running relay drills during pregame, something usually only done in spring training, in hopes of patching up the mistakes and spurring a strong finish to the season."It almost feels like it's cratering here," he said. "We're only a couple of weeks left in the season, and we've got too much at stake, and we've accomplished too much, even though it's been disappointing as a whole, but we've accomplished too much to just start playing baseball like this. As a staff, we have to try and do something about that."San Francisco's playoff hopes, already thin coming into September, are all but over due to the recent downturn. The Giants have lost 18 of their last 30 contests and sit 9 1/2 games out of a playoff spot with 13 remaining.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Bob Melvin #6 of the San Francisco Giants looks on before the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on September 06, 2024 in San Diego, California.

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Giants' Melvin rips 'sloppy' play during postgame meeting

Oscar Piastri claimed his second win of the season Sunday at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.  Sunday's...

Oscar Piastri claimed his second win of the season Sunday at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.Sunday's results moved McLaren ahead of Red Bull by 20 points in the constructors' championship. It's the first time McLaren has led in the standings in over 10 years, last doing so after the 2014 Australian Grand Prix."That was probably the most stressful afternoon of my life," Piastri said over the radio after winning, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/f1-azerbaijan-piastri-leclerc-verstappen-norris-99b71e9417dec829477196bb7088f8d7">The Associated Press</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Piastri passed Charles Leclerc for the lead on Lap 20 and held off the Ferrari driver for the rest of the Grand Prix.It's the fourth straight race in Baku that Leclerc started on pole but didn't win. He finished second Sunday.The race ended under virtual safety car after Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz crashed, promoting George Russell to the final podium position.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
PEREZ &amp; SAINZ CRASH WITH 2 LAPS TO GO! A brutal end to a spectacular battle at the front of the field sees both drivers not making it to the finish.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AzerbaijanGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AzerbaijanGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/HBYmW6mmG5">pic.twitter.com/HBYmW6mmG5</a>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1835296840889040975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Championship contender Lando Norris passed Max Verstappen with three laps left. Norris cut Verstappen's lead to 59 points in the drivers' championship despite starting the race in 15th.Verstappen <a href="https://twitter.com/fia/status/1835342932930347495">received</a> a post-race warning for infringing on the safety car. However, he wasn't convinced that the stewards were correct."To be honest, I didn't pass under the virtual safety car. We crossed the line," Verstappen told the Sky Sports broadcast before the warning was issued, per <a href="https://twitter.com/LukeSmithF1/status/1835313445018746986">Luke Smith of The Athletic</a>. "The race is finished, and there are a lot of examples in the past and this year as well where we did exactly the same thing. So, for me, I'm a bit surprised."William's Franco Colapinto earned the first points of his career with a P8 finish in his second race.Standing in for the suspended Kevin Magnussen at Haas, Ollie Bearman became the first driver in Formula 1 history to earn points with two different teams in their first two starts. Bearman finished 10th in Baku and seventh at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with Ferrari earlier this year.Stewards <a href="https://twitter.com/fia/status/1835339507131957755">investigated</a> the Sainz-Perez collision but ultimately took no action, deeming it to be a "racing incident" without fault from either side. Also, McLaren was <a href="http://twitter.com/fia/status/1835339409731862771">fined</a> 5,000 euros for a pit lane infringement.

Oscar Piastri of McLaren after the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit in Baku, Azerbaijan on September 15, 2024.

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Piastri wins Azerbaijan Grand Prix, McLaren takes constructors' lead

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Edwin Uceta was suspended and fined an undisclosed amount by Major League ...

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12500" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12500">Edwin Uceta</a> was suspended and fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Baseball on Wednesday for intentionally throwing at Philadelphia Phillies outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2880" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2880">Nick Castellanos</a> on Tuesday, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/TBTimes_Rays/status/1833947985123651745">Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times</a>.Uceta was originally suspended three games but had it dropped down to two after an appeal, <a href="https://x.com/TBTimes_Rays/status/1833986338796056673">per Topkin</a>, and he'll begin serving it Wednesday.Rays manager Kevin Cash received a one-game suspension, which he'll serve Wednesday. Cash's suspension is automatic.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Uceta drilled Castellanos in the back with a fastball after allowing three runs during his eighth-inning relief appearance. Both benches and bullpens immediately cleared as an angry Castellanos barked at the pitcher. Uceta and Cash were ejected after the fracas died down.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Benches clear in Philadelphia between the Phillies and the Rays. <a href="https://t.co/KkdmS9AmZS">pic.twitter.com/KkdmS9AmZS</a>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1833675407523983797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"I just told him that was bullshit," a livid Castellanos <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3072199" href="https://thescore.com/news/3072199">said</a> of the incident postgame. "You're throwing a baseball over 90 mph, and you're frustrated, and you're gonna throw at somebody? That's like my 2-year-old throwing a fit because I take away his dessert before he's finished."Uceta owns a 1.49 ERA with 51 strikeouts in 25 relief appearances for the Rays this year. The 26-year-old is in his fourth big-league season and first with Tampa Bay.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 10: Edwin Uceta #63 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Rays' Uceta suspended for incident vs. Phillies

Chicago Cubs reliever Porter Hodge fought through an apparent heart issue to record the save in T...

Chicago Cubs reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17219" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17219">Porter Hodge</a> fought through an apparent heart issue to record the save in Tuesday's win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.While facing Dodgers third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4250" href="/mlb/players/4250">Max Muncy</a> with two out in the ninth inning, Hodge <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/porter-hodges-gets-checked-on-in-the-9th?q=porter%20hodge&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">stepped off</a> the mound in apparent discomfort. He took deep breaths while being tended to by Cubs trainers, as well as manager Craig Counsell and catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8927" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8927">Miguel Amaya</a>.Hodge was eventually cleared to remain in the game. He finished the at-bat, and win, successfully when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12736">Pete Crow-Armstrong</a> stole a potential Muncy homer to seal a 6-3 Cubs victory.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We noticed he was just going super fast, and then at some point, his heart was racing, and just to the point where he was concerned a little bit," Counsell explained postgame, per <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/cubs-injuries-and-roster-moves">MLB.com</a>. "He said it had happened to him before and it would go away and nothing would (come) of it. So it took him a couple minutes, but it went away, and he said, 'I'm good to go.'"The skipper added that the team may send Hodge for further testing.Hodge, 23, has tallied five saves with a 1.66 ERA and 46 strikeouts over 34 appearances since making his big-league debut in May. He recorded the final three outs of the Cubs' combined no-hitter at Wrigley Field on Sept. 4.

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Chicago Cubs pitcher Porter Hodge talks with the trainer and manager Craig Counsell in the 9th inning of the MLB game between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 10, 2024 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.

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Cubs' Hodge completed save after apparent heart issue on mound

The Atlanta Braves lost a big piece of their rotation Wednesday, as they placed right-hander Reyn...

The Atlanta Braves lost a big piece of their rotation Wednesday, as they placed right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5352" href="/mlb/players/5352">Reynaldo López</a> on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.The team didn't provide a timetable for his potential return."The MRI came back clean," Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters, according to <a href="https://x.com/BallySportsSO/status/1833983438187364635">Bally Sports South</a>. "He's got inflammation and, hopefully, we'll calm it down. (We'll) probably give him a few days off then see where he's at when he starts throwing again."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>López was removed from Tuesday's start against the Washington Nationals after just one inning with what the team initially called shoulder tightness. His velocity was noticeably down during the brief outing.This is the 30-year-old's second IL stint this season. He missed time in August due to a forearm issue. López has been a surprising success in his first season with Atlanta, and his first full campaign as a starter since 2020. He owns a 2.03 ERA over 28 starts, which is the lowest among pitchers with at least 120 innings, along with 137 strikeouts and a 1.15 WHIP.His injury is a blow to a Braves squad that's now tied with the rival New York Mets for the final NL wild-card spot. Before his injury, López was a likely candidate to start one of the wild-card series games if the team got there.Potential rotation replacements in the organization include 2023 All-Star Bryce Elder, former first-round pick Hurston Waldrep, rookie AJ Smith-Shawver, and onetime World Series hero Ian Anderson. All four hurlers are currently pitching at Triple-A and on the 40-man roster. All but Anderson have made appearances in the majors this year.Atlanta selected infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8734" href="/mlb/players/8734">Cavan Biggio</a> from Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding roster move. Biggio, 29, was acquired from the San Francisco Giants in a minor-league trade on Saturday, and is therefore ineligible to play in the postseason. He'll provide infield depth to a bench that's been hit by injuries in recent days.To make room for Biggio on the 40-man roster, the Braves designated right-hander Jimmy Herget for assignment. Infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12414" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12414">Luke Williams</a> was also optioned to Triple-A.

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 10: Reynaldo López #40 of the Atlanta Braves meets with teammates and training staff on the pitcher's mound during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 10, 2024 in Washington, DC.

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Braves place López on IL with shoulder inflammation

Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon admitted that it may be difficult to recover the ...

Los Angeles Angels third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2908" href="/mlb/players/2908">Anthony Rendon</a> admitted that it may be difficult to recover the All-Star form that helped him earn a nine-figure contract."It's hard to say because it's been so long, battling injuries and surgeries for this long," Rendon told <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2024/09/09/angels-anthony-rendon-says-hell-keep-fighting-to-overcome-injuries/">Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register</a>. "I'm not getting any younger, but I'm going to continue to fight my ass off till I'm done."Rendon's Angels tenure hasn't come close to what was expected of him since he signed a seven-year, $245-million deal in 2020 after winning a Silver Slugger and World Series championship with the Washington Nationals. The 34-year-old has only managed an OPS above .712 once over his five years with the Angels, during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign. This year has been his worst yet, hitting .218/.307/.267 with zero home runs in 57 games.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Rendon's career stats by team<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>BA</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Nationals</td>
<td>916</td>
<td>.290</td>
<td>.859</td>
<td>994</td>
<td>136</td>
<td>546</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Angels</td>
<td>257</td>
<td>.242</td>
<td>.717</td>
<td>224</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>125</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Injuries have been one of the root causes of his issues. Rendon has missed time due to hip, wrist, shin, hamstring, and back injuries over the last five seasons. He again was placed on the injured list Tuesday, this time with an oblique strain after his back flared up over the weekend."No idea," he said about what to do differently to stop his injuries. "If you have any recommendations, I'll take them. I feel like I've exhausted every blood test, DNA test, food, nutrition, allergies, anti-inflammatory stuff. And I have no idea. Everything that's not a banned substance."Rendon drew criticism from around the baseball world in spring training when he claimed the sport had "never been a top priority for me." Many took those words to mean that he doesn't care, although he's consistently fought back against that sentiment. The 12-year veteran admitted to being upset by his declining performance and maintained that he's determined to try to turn it around for as long as he's in the majors."It's frustrating not being able to be the man that I once was or to be the player that I once was," Rendon said. "I gotta try to keep persevering, keeping fighting my ass off."

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 12: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Los Angeles Angels warms up before playing against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on April 12, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Angels' Rendon: 'Hard to say' if I can regain past form after injuries

Even manager Alex Cora is somewhat surprised by how his Boston Red Sox have kept pace in the AL p...

Even manager Alex Cora is somewhat surprised by how his Boston Red Sox have kept pace in the AL playoff race over the last week."We're right there. Still right there. I don't know how," Cora said after his team's 12-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/rob-refsnyder-s-five-rbis-lead-red-sox-rout-of-orioles">Ian Browne of MLB.com</a>. "They show up every day. They work hard, and they did an amazing job offensively today."Boston's inconsistency over the course of the season, and especially during the last few months, appeared to doom its playoff hopes. The team has gone 16-20 since Aug. 1 and was in a particularly steep slide entering September that pushed it even further away from contention. A critical loss to the Mets last week prompted Cora to admit that the team was "running out of time."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But Boston managed to even itself out in the week since Cora's warning. The Red Sox have won four of their last seven to stay within three games of the slumping Minnesota Twins for the final AL wild-card spot. Boston is now in a dogfight with the Tigers and Mariners, who are all tied at 73-71 while trying to catch Minnesota.Everything went right for the Red Sox offense Monday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4513" href="/mlb/players/4513">Rob Refsnyder</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5140" href="/mlb/players/5140">Tyler O'Neill</a> hit back-to-back homers twice during their beatdown of Baltimore. Refsnyder was a perfect 4-for-4 and reached base in all five of his plate appearances, while O'Neill and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5400" href="/mlb/players/5400">Rafael Devers</a> each had three hits and Ceddanne Rafaela drove in four.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This is NOT a replay. Rob Refsnyder and Tyler O'Neill go back-to-back for the <a href="https://twitter.com/RedSox?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RedSox</a> for the second time tonight! <a href="https://t.co/nsCBJ6fIIs">pic.twitter.com/nsCBJ6fIIs</a>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1833322805577847110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The pitching staff also did its part to shut down an excellent Orioles offense. Starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13634">Brayan Bello</a> worked around five walks and finished his day with five strikeouts and just two runs allowed before ceding to relievers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15378" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15378">Brennan Bernardino</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12737" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12737">Josh Winckowski</a>.Although they're still facing an uphill battle, Monday's win provided the Red Sox with some much-needed optimism heading into the final stretch."(Three) games back, but I think we're in a good position," O'Neill said. "It's all about momentum this time of year. Feels like things are coming together. Pitching has been looking a lot better. Big game like this for the offense is good just for everybody."So, you know, anything can happen over the last couple weeks. And that's what it's all about, playing meaningful baseball in September and hopefully into October. We'll see where it goes."

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 28: Boston Red Sox players react after a win against the Toronto Blue Jays on August 28, 2024 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Red Sox feeling optimistic after huge win over Orioles: 'We're right there'

Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli was left almost without words after the Kansas City Royals...

Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli was left almost without words after the Kansas City Royals completed a sweep of his team on Sunday."That was an unprofessional series of baseball we played and that's my only comment," Baldelli told reporters following the Twins' 2-0 loss, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/nightengalejr/status/1832881315148157239">Bobby Nightengale of the Star Tribune</a>. He then left the podium without taking any questions.Baldelli also held a team meeting following the game, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/betsyhelfand/status/1832886966444015722">Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press</a>. Catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10995" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10995">Ryan Jeffers</a> told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5754606/2024/09/08/rocco-baldelli-twins-swept-by-royals/?source=emp_shared_article">Dan Hayes of The Athletic</a> that the skipper was irate while addressing the team and added it was the angriest he'd ever seen Baldelli.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"He's tried the rah-rah (speech) and the pump-up," Jeffers said, per Hayes. "It was time for that. Maybe now is the time for the kick in the ass."It was certainly a weekend to forget for the Twins, who were outscored 11-2 over the three-game set at Kauffman Stadium. Sunday's loss marked the second time they were shut out in three days following a 5-0 defeat in the series opener. All told, the Twins recorded just 14 hits in the three-game set and scored in just one of 27 innings.Minnesota managed a mere five hits against Royals starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3633" href="/mlb/players/3633">Michael Wacha</a> and two relievers on Sunday, with three of those coming from catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2510" href="/mlb/players/2510">Christian Vázquez</a>. The team only had two runners reach second base, with both doing so in the first inning. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12347" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12347">Trevor Larnach</a> ripped a double off Wacha that looked like it might start a rally, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12716" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12716">Jose Miranda</a> was thrown out at the plate by right fielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4638" href="/mlb/players/4638">Hunter Renfroe</a>.The Twins have lost 10 of 14 games since Aug. 25 and five of their last six contests. After coming into the weekend series holding a half-game lead on the Royals for second in the AL Central, they now trail Kansas City by 2 1/2 games in both the division and AL wild-card standings.Minnesota does continue to hold down the final AL playoff spot, but its lead on the Tigers and Mariners shrunk to just 3 1/2 games with Sunday's results.

DETROIT, MI - JULY 26: Manager Rocco Baldelli #5 of the Minnesota Twins before a game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 26, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Baldelli furious after Twins swept by Royals: 'An unprofessional series'

Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Teoscar Hernández appears to have evaded serious injury.  One day aft...

Los Angeles Dodgers slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4472" href="/mlb/players/4472">Teoscar Hernández</a> appears to have evaded serious injury.One day after a pitch off his left foot caused serious concern for the Dodgers, Hernández announced that all testing came back negative for any major injuries, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/FabianArdaya/status/1832540938901844372">Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic</a>. While he's not in Saturday's lineup, Hernández won't need to go on the injured list."Thank God, nothing is broke. ... I thought it was going to be bad news," he told reporters, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/billplunkettocr/status/1832541301595894126">Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hernández was initially diagnosed with a left foot contusion after taking a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5285" href="/mlb/players/5285">Matthew Boyd</a> slider off his foot in the first inning of Friday's game. Manager Dave Roberts was worried enough to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3069084" href="https://thescore.com/news/3069084">admit</a> postgame that he was pessimistic even after initial X-rays returned negative for fractures. Additional screening, including an MRI and CT scan, also came back clean."I'm just glad it was a breaking ball and not a fastball," Hernández said, per <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeDiGiovanna/status/1832541276950163478">Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times</a>.The 31-year-old added that he was already feeling better and is eyeing a return to the lineup Monday or Tuesday, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/ByJackHarris/status/1832540911945056537">Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times</a>. The timeline ultimately depends on how manageable the pain is as he resumes baseball activites over the next few days.Hernández is in the midst of a huge bounce-back campaign in L.A. after signing a one-year deal with the Dodgers over the winter. The two-time Silver Slugger winner is hitting .266/.331/.488 with 28 homers and 87 RBIs over 138 games this season.Rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12702" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12702">Andy Pages</a> is starting in left field in place of Hernández on Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians.

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 06: Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) is in some pain after being hit by a pitch during the MLB game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 6, 2024 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.

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Dodgers' Hernández avoids major foot injury, could return by Tuesday

The Seattle Mariners' inconsistent play in 2024 will not cost president of baseball operations Je...

The Seattle Mariners' inconsistent play in 2024 will not cost president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto his job.Mariners ownership has already decided to retain Dipoto for at least 2025 and possibly longer, sources told <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/jerry-dipoto-expected-to-return-as-mariners-president-in-2025-sources-say/">Ryan Divish and Adam Jude of the Seattle Times</a>. General manager Justin Hollander is also slated to return.Dipoto's job security is not subject to change if the Mariners miss the playoffs, Divish and Jude added.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Seattle's choice to retain Dipoto was apparently made earlier in the summer, before the club's mid-August downturn. After sitting in a virtual tie for first place in the AL West on Aug. 11, the Mariners nearly fell out of contention by going 1-8 on the ensuing road trip. That stretch led Dipoto to fire longtime manager Scott Servais, replacing him with rookie skipper Dan Wilson.Dipoto was originally hired as the Mariners' GM in September 2015 following his five-year stint running the Los Angeles Angels. Under his watch, the Mariners snapped a 21-year playoff drought and have posted winning records six times. However, Dipoto's Seattle teams have yet to win a division title, and the 2022 run remains the franchise's only postseason appearance over the last 22 seasons.The 56-year-old previously signed extensions in 2018 and 2021, when he was promoted to his current position as head of baseball operations. The length of his current contract is unknown, and Seattle has not made any announcements about a new extension for Dipoto.The Mariners own a 7-6 record under Wilson after Thursday's win in Oakland. Still, their road to the playoffs will be difficult thanks to that mid-August swoon. At 71-70 overall, Seattle sits 4.5 games behind first-place Houston in the AL West and five games back of Kansas City for the final AL wild-card spot.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 17: Baseball Operations President Jerry Dipoto of the Seattle Mariners addresses the media after picking SS Cole Young 21st overall in the 2022 MLB Draft at T-Mobile Park on July 17, 2022 in Seattle, Washington.

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Report: Mariners to retain Dipoto as head of baseball ops

Legendary New York Yankees radio voice John Sterling will briefly return to the airwaves.  Sterli...

Legendary New York Yankees radio voice John Sterling will briefly return to the airwaves.Sterling, who abruptly retired in April, will be on the mic for the Yankees' playoff games on WFAN, he confirmed Thursday.The 86-year-old will also be behind the mic alongside longtime partner Suzyn Waldman for the Yankees' Sept. 24-26 series against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium as a tune-up, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanHoch/status/1831799905494728793">Bryan Hoch of MLB.com</a>. Sterling will then work every Yankees playoff game, with WFAN insisting he calls road contests as a condition of his return, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5747500/2024/09/05/yankees-john-sterling-playoffs-return-wfan/">Andrew Marchand of The Athletic</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Sterling's comeback is temporary; he plans to resume his retirement when the Yankees' season ends."Not a chance," Sterling said when asked if he'd consider returning in 2025, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanHoch/status/1831801475967955284">Hoch</a>. "I couldn't even think about it. This is my last hurrah doing baseball games."Known for his personalized home-run calls and trademark cry of "Theeeeeee Yankees win!" after each victory, Sterling called over 5,000 consecutive Yankees games between 1989 and 2019. He reduced his workload over the last few seasons by not making most road trips.After starting the season alongside Waldman as usual, Sterling retired in early April. The Yankees honored him in a ceremony days later, presenting him with an 83-inch TV as a gift. He made a cameo appearance in the radio booth on Aug. 20, calling two innings as part of a T-shirt giveaway in his and Waldman's honor at Yankee Stadium."It sounds corny, but I really miss doing the games with Suzyn. I miss the interaction in those few hours," Sterling told Hoch. "We've always had such a good time together."A New York native, Sterling spent 36 of his 64 years in sports broadcasting calling Yankees games.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Long time New York Yankees radio broadcaster John Sterling speaks to the media prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on April 20, 2024 in New York City.

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John Sterling returning to Yankees' radio booth for playoffs

Chicago Cubs pitchers Shota Imanaga, Nate Pearson, and Porter Hodge combined to no-hit the Pittsb...

Chicago Cubs pitchers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17236" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17236">Shota Imanaga</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9616" href="/mlb/players/9616">Nate Pearson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17219" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17219">Porter Hodge</a> combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 12-0 Cubs victory at Wrigley Field.It's the Cubs' first no-hitter at their home ballpark since Milt Pappas' complete-game gem Sept. 2, 1972.Imanaga struck out seven and walked two on 95 pitches over his seven shutout innings. Pearson worked a flawless eighth in relief of Imanaga, and Hodge followed with a perfect ninth.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Shota Imanaga, Nate Pearson, and Porter Hodge throw the second combined no-hitter in <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cubs</a> history! <a href="https://t.co/CfDPNDJ3qN">pic.twitter.com/CfDPNDJ3qN</a>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1831510584845586524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Imanaga has not pitched into the eighth inning as a big-leaguer and has only thrown 100 pitches in three of his 26 starts. That made the decision to remove him from the no-no relatively straightforward for manager Craig Counsell."Look, it's always hard to do in that situation. You're taking care of Shota. It's 100% about taking care of Shota, and making sure we're doing the right thing for him," Counsell told reporters, per <a href="https://x.com/ryan_a_herrera/status/1831524398873923809">Ryan Herrera of CHGO Sports</a>.Imanaga revealed he was unaware of the no-hitter before being lifted."(Counsell) came to talk to me, and usually he looks happy about telling me good job," Imanaga said through an interpreter, according to <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2024/09/04/cubs-throw-combined-no-hitter-to-beat-pirates-12-0">Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times</a>. "But he looked a little worried. And so I was figuring out what was going on, and that's when I learned."The no-hitter is the 18th in Cubs franchise history, dating back to 1876, and the second combined no-no following a four-pitcher effort in 2021. It's also the 21st combined no-hitter in MLB history.Wrigley Field has now hosted nine no-hitters since it opened in 1914. However, Wednesday's was only the second at the venerable ballpark since Pappas' effort in '72, joining Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies in 2015. Four of the Cubs' no-hitters after Pappas were thrown on the road, while the fifth was pitched at a neutral site (Carlos Zambrano against Houston in Milwaukee in 2008).For Imanaga, this marks the second time he's been involved in a no-hitter as a professional. He threw a complete-game no-no in 2022 while pitching for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan.The 31-year-old now owns a 2.99 ERA with 155 strikeouts and 25 walks over 26 starts in his first MLB season.The Pirates, meanwhile, were no-hit for the 14th time in their history. This was the first time they were victims of a combined effort.The three Cubs pitchers got plenty of run support to aid their historic feat. Chicago pounded out 17 hits against five Pirates hurlers, including homers from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5401" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5401">Dansby Swanson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12736">Pete Crow-Armstrong</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4899" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4899">Cody Bellinger</a>.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 04: Shota Imanaga #18, Miguel Amaya #9, Porter Hodge #37, and Nate Pearson #56 of the Chicago Cubs pose for a photo after the 12-0 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on September 04, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Imanaga, 2 relievers throw Cubs' 1st home no-hitter in 52 years

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Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb

News Editor

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