Houston Astros star Jose Altuve hopes Jeremy Peña remains with the franchise for the long haul.  ...

<p>Houston Astros star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2841" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2841">Jose Altuve</a> hopes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12665" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12665">Jeremy Peña</a> remains with the franchise for the long haul.</p><p>"He's a very valuable player for us, and I'm very surprised he's not signing to a long-term deal with the Astros," Altuve said Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1916964941191393589">The Athletic's Chandler Rome</a>. "He's a guy you want in your team for the long term. (Astros general manager) Dana Brown and (owner) Mr. Crane need to start working on it."</p><p>Peña made his MLB debut in 2022 after the Astros picked him in the third round of the 2018 draft. He made an instant impact, winning ALCS and World Series MVP honors as Houston won its second championship in franchise history.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I love Houston, love this team, and this is all I've known," Peña said, according to <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1917056390595580313">Rome</a>. "I feel like every kid's dream is to play their whole career with the same team."</p><p>The 27-year-old emerged as a plus defender at shortstop over the past few seasons but was below average at the plate (97 OPS+) across the 2023 and 2024 campaigns.</p><p>Peña is off to a great start in 2025, ranking fourth among all MLB shortstops with 1.0 fWAR. He owns a 108 wRC+ with three home runs, 13 runs scored, 11 RBIs, and five stolen bases across 27 games. </p><p>Peña has two more years of arbitration following this season and is scheduled to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2027 campaign.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 01: Jeremy Pena #3 of the Houston Astros and Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros jog to the dugout after the seventh inning \a at Daikin Park on April 01, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Altuve: Astros 'need to start working on' extending Peña

We're back for another edition of Blue Jays takeaways. Things are a bit rocky after a rough 1-5 r...

<p>We're back for another edition of Blue Jays takeaways. Things are a bit rocky after a rough 1-5 road trip through Houston and New York. Here, we take a look at some of the most pressing storylines surrounding the club.</p><h3>Long ball proves elusive ... yet again</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782850/cropped_GettyImages-2212021083.jpg?ts=1745801926" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782850/w220xh124_GettyImages-2212021083.jpg?ts=1745801926 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782850/w320xh180_GettyImages-2212021083.jpg?ts=1745801926 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782850/w640xh360_GettyImages-2212021083.jpg?ts=1745801926 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782850/w768xh432_GettyImages-2212021083.jpg?ts=1745801926 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782850/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2212021083.jpg?ts=1745801926 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Stop me if you've heard this one before: The Blue Jays are struggling to hit the ball over the fence, as the club scored just nine runs on its recent six-game trip. A new hitting coach hasn't yet fixed what appears to ail the lineup. Yes, the Blue Jays have cut down on strikeouts and are better at making contact than lineups of past years. But almost all fans would gladly trade a few more whiffs for an increase in power like the 2021 and 2022 Blue Jays showcased.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-sUUAg" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/sUUAg/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="142" 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>Andrés Giménez and Anthony Santander are tied for the team lead in home runs with three, though neither player has an OPS above .600. The duo have combined to go 28-for-171 (.164) with 11 RBIs in April despite hitting in the middle of the order. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The stars will likely start to perform better, and Daulton Varsho's return will also help in the power department. Despite that, this just doesn't profile as a lineup that's all that likely to light up scoreboards and send baseballs flying even as the weather warms up. With the pressures of an extension behind him, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hasn't yet found his power stroke. He has only two homers in 103 at-bats. The inability to score runs in bunches puts pressure on every other facet of the roster, shrinking the margin for error when it comes to winning games. That reared its head against the Astros and Yankees, representing a continuation from last season.</p><h3>Bo Bichette's confounding start</h3><p>Bichette's performance at the plate has been, in a lot of ways, a microcosm of what's plagued Toronto this year. The two-time All-Star shortstop has been a roughly league-average hitter (99<strong> </strong>wRC+) but has lacked the power he showcased when he led the AL in hits in consecutive seasons.</p><p>Bichette has never been a prolific power hitter but belted 20 or more home runs in three consecutive campaigns from 2021-23. He posted a 124 OPS+ during that span and averaged 24 homers, 89 RBIs, and 94 runs scored. It was fair to look at Bichette as one of the best offensive shortstops in baseball. However, Bichette struggled to produce and stay healthy in 2024, leading to some uncertainty about what version we would see this season. So far, it looks like Bichette's the same aggressive hitter, just without the same extra-base pop he showcased during that excellent three-year run.</p><p>Bichette does have eight doubles and 13 RBIs but is still without a home run in 101 at-bats in 2025. In fact, the 27-year-old hasn't sent a ball over the fence since last May 27 against the Chicago White Sox, a span of 218 at-bats. Bichette's fly-ball rate hasn't dropped dramatically from his career norms, leading to even more confusion about why the home runs have dried up so dramatically. The slow start won't do much to improve Bichette's bargaining power when he's expected to become a free agent at the end of the season.</p><h3>Lack of offensive production at third base</h3><p>The club is getting next to nothing in terms of positive offensive contributions from third basemen. Ernie Clement, Toronto's primary option, has a .527 OPS with zero homers, three doubles, and five RBIs in 26 games. It's not a knock on Clement as much as it is on Blue Jays management for thinking it was prudent to go into the the season with a utility player with a career OPS in the .600s as the everyday starter at a premium offensive position. The dearth of offensive production at third base is just another area of offensive exposure for which the Blue Jays don't appear to have much in the way of a concrete answer or solution.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Blue Jays' 3B production" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-KmW5A" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/KmW5A/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="183" 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>Toronto ranks 24th in average, 26th in fWAR, 27th in RBIs, and 29th in OBP while sitting last in slugging, OPS, and home runs from the third-base position this season.</p><p>Addison Barger has experience at third base, but he's been used exclusively in right field this season. The options for improvement are limited in Triple-A, too. Orelvis Martinez is hitting .154/.247/.292 with two home runs and 29 strikeouts in 65 at-bats. Riley Tirotta owns a .939 OPS with three homers in Buffalo, but he also has a 32% strikeout rate and would need to be added to the 40-man roster.</p><h3>The emergence of Brendon Little</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782165/cropped_GettyImages-2210493516.jpg?ts=1745505964" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782165/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210493516.jpg?ts=1745505964 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782165/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210493516.jpg?ts=1745505964 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782165/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210493516.jpg?ts=1745505964 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782165/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210493516.jpg?ts=1745505964 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782165/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210493516.jpg?ts=1745505964 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">G Fiume / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>While the offense has been tough to watch, the pitching staff remains impressive, with left-handed reliever Brendon Little being a bright spot. Little made 49 appearances in 2024, posting a respectable 3.74 ERA but managing only 7.09 K/9 in 45 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old has been a completely different pitcher this season, dominating hitters with a 14.25 K/9. He's had success against left-handed and right-handed batters, allowing manager John Schneider to be more aggressive in how he's deployed.</p><p>A devastating knuckle curve has been the biggest difference-maker for Little. The offering is inducing a whiff rate of almost 70% this year. Little's sinker has also piled up considerably more swing and miss than last season. It will be interesting to see if this is just noise from a smaller sample size or a sign that Little has unlocked something to allow him to become an elite high-leverage reliever.</p><h3>Looking ahead to May</h3><p>The Blue Jays finish April with a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. The Red Sox are far from perfect. However, they rank fifth in the league in runs, ninth in home runs, and sixth in OPS. They are more than capable of taking it to the Blue Jays if the pitching falters or the lineup continues to slump.</p><p>Following that, the Cleveland Guardians come to Toronto. Cleveland's had Toronto's number of late, winning 13 of 20 games against the Blue Jays over the past few seasons. The Blue Jays then head west to take on the Angels and Mariners before returning for a lengthy homestand against the Rays, Tigers, and Padres.</p>

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Blue Jays struggling to score as losses mount 

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez became the 19th player in MLB history to hit fo...

<p>Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3362" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3362">Eugenio Suárez</a> became the 19th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are going to start a dialogue. <a href="https://t.co/3HEc29CXf2">pic.twitter.com/3HEc29CXf2</a></p>— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dbacks/status/1916322266549248101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Suárez joined the exclusive club with a game-tying solo shot in the bottom of the ninth inning off Atlanta Braves closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4809" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4809">Raisel Iglesias</a>.</p><p>The veteran slugger is the first MLB player to hit four home runs in a game since J.D. Martinez accomplished the feat with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="4-HR MLB games last 40 years " aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-BPtLj" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/BPtLj/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="306" 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>"Obviously, it's awesome," Suárez said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/shoewizard59/status/1916332509547171914">Jack Sommers of Sports Illustrated</a>. "I never thought in my life that I'd be able to hit four home runs in a game. To be honest, it feels great."</p><p>Suárez hit three dingers in his first three at-bats off Braves starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8224" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8224">Grant Holmes</a>. The prolific night moved Suárez into the major-league lead with 10 home runs this season.</p><p>By joining the four-homer club, the 33-year-old nearly equaled his season total of singles, which sits at five.</p><p>The Diamondbacks ultimately lost 8-7 in 10 innings. The result is only the third time a team has been defeated despite a player hitting four home runs in a game, joining Ed Delahanty in 1896 and Bob Horner in 1986.</p><p>"That's unbelievable what the guy did," Braves manager Brian Snitker said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6314427/2025/04/27/diamondbacks-eugenio-suarez-four-home-runs/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's David O'Brien</a>. "To hit four homers, my God. And he was all over all of them, too."</p><p>Suárez did make some unfortunate MLB history, becoming the first player to homer in four consecutive at-bats in a loss, according to <a href="https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/1916327606544126251">OptaStats</a>.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 26: Eugenio Suarez #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning at Chase Field on April 26, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

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D-Backs' Suárez 19th player in MLB history with 4-HR game

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy explained why he decided to remove Sal Frelick and Caleb Dur...

<p>Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy explained why he decided to remove <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14180" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14180">Sal Frelick</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14512" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14512">Caleb Durbin</a> from Saturday's 6-5 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.</p><p>"They're two of our tougher guys," Murphy said postgame, per Brewers reporter <a href="https://x.com/SophiaMinnaert/status/1916249629802565645">Sophia Minnaert</a>. "And I think you've got to set the standard with those type (of) guys."</p><p>Durbin was picked off at second base with the Brewers trailing 5-1 in the fifth inning.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">As adeptly pointed out by <a href="https://twitter.com/katiejwoo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@katiejwoo</a> , <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/STLCards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#STLCards</a> catcher Pedro Pagés called for this pickoff play by wiggling his catcher's mitt. Sonny Gray picked up on that and then picked <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brewers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brewers</a> third baseman and Washington University product Caleb Durbin off second base. <a href="https://t.co/jhLr4VOAsP">pic.twitter.com/jhLr4VOAsP</a></p>— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnDenton555/status/1916215662675972600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Frelick missed the cutoff man on a throw from the outfield in the fourth inning, allowing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12739" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12739">Lars Nootbaar</a> to take second base on an RBI single.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/quinn-priester-in-play-run-s-to-lars-nootbaar?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><p>"These are young players, and they've got to know there's consequences for not playing right, or playing sloppy," Murphy said, according to <a href="https://x.com/Todd_Rosiak/status/1916248469435465895">Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel</a>.</p><p>The Brewers have lost four straight games to fall to 13-15 on the season.</p><p>"We got benched, and it stinks," Frelick said, according to <a href="https://x.com/Todd_Rosiak/status/1916250691137405388">Rosiak</a>. "But, yeah, you've got to make an example sometimes, and I think me and Caleb understand that. I just, I made a terrible throw. I was supposed to hit the cut, and just not a good throw."</p>

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - APRIL 26: Pat Murphy #49 of the Milwaukee Brewers talks with umpire Marvin Hudson #51after a call during the seventh inning at Busch Stadium on April 26, 2025 in St Louis, Missouri.

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Brewers' Murphy explains pulling Frelick, Durbin: 'Set the standard'

Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt remains confident in star reliever Emmanuel Clase.  Clas...

<p>Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt remains confident in star reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11259" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11259">Emmanuel Clase</a>.</p><p>Clase pitched a clean eighth inning with two strikeouts in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Boston Red Sox. The outing was Clase's first since he blew a save after allowing three runs on four hits last Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.</p><p>"It was great," Vogt said, according to <a href="https://www.si.com/mlb/guardians/news/cleveland-guardians-manager-explains-interesting-emmanuel-clase-decision">Sports Illustrated's Tommy Wild</a>. "I talked with him before the game and said, 'Hey, it's been five days. (You) didn't go on a rehab. We don't want to put you on the IL. We want to keep you active. Probably look for a little lower leverage just to get you back on your feet.' He was great with it, and that's the teammate he is."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Clase had been unavailable over the past few days due to soreness in his right shoulder. The Guardians turned to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1752" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1752">Cade Smith</a> for the save Saturday, and he also closed out two games against the New York Yankees earlier in the week.</p><p>Despite that, Vogt is excited to give the ball back to Clase when the next save situation arises.</p><p>"He'll be right back in that closer role," Vogt said.</p><p>The 27-year-old Clase owns a 7.15 ERA with four saves and 11 strikeouts across 11 1/3 innings this season.</p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 26: Rouglas Odor #53 and Craig Albernaz #55 celebrate with relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase #48 of the Cleveland Guardians after the eighth inning of game one of a doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox at Progressive Field on April 26, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Guardians defeated the Red Sox 5-4.

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Guardians' Vogt confident in Clase: 'Right back in that closer role'

Minnesota Twins rookie Luke Keaschall sustained a broken right forearm when he was hit by a pitch...

<p>Minnesota Twins rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18754" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18754">Luke Keaschall</a> sustained a broken right forearm when he was hit by a pitch in Friday's game against the Los Angeles Angels.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/luke-keaschall-is-removed-from-the-game?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Keaschall had been a huge offensive spark for the Twins after he was recalled from Triple-A. His five steals in the first five games of his career are tied for the most since at least 1901.</p><p>"Honestly, I thought I was fine," Keaschall said, according to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3274979" href="https://thescore.com/news/3274979">The Associated Press</a>. "Like, I kind of got hit, was running the bases and I'm like, 'It's just going to be a little sore. I’ll be good.' And then it wasn’t."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 22-year-old is slashing .368/.538/.526 with three doubles, four runs scored, and two RBIs across 19 at-bats.</p><p>Keaschall is Minnesota's No. 3 prospect, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/twins">MLB.com</a>, and is ranked 57th among the top-100 prospects in baseball.</p><p>The Twins are acquiring infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12651" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12651">Kody Clemens</a> from the Philadelphia Phillies, sources told <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1915971155157991574">The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal</a>.</p><p>Clemens, who was designated for assignment earlier this week, gives Twins manager Rocco Baldelli another bat off the bench with Keaschall sidelined.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 23: Luke Keaschall #15 of the Minnesota Twins advances to first base after drawing a walk against the Chicago White Sox in the third inning at Target Field on April 23, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the White Sox 6-3.

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Twins' Keaschall fractures forearm on HBP 

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone wasn't willing to announce a closer's change after Devin Wil...

<p>New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone wasn't willing to announce a closer's change after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11736">Devin Williams</a> blew the save in Friday's 4-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.</p><p>"We'll see," Boone said postgame when asked if Williams could benefit from pitching in lower-leverage situations, according to <a href="https://x.com/YESNetwork/status/1915954820848005246">YES Network</a>. "We'll kinda talk through that stuff, it's kinda raw right now. We want to do everything we can to get him right because we know how good he is and how valuable he's gonna be for us."</p><p>Williams allowed three runs on two hits and failed to record an out before he was pulled. The rough outing raised Williams' season ERA to 11.25 and WHIP to 2.38.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Nothing's working right now," Williams said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1915961406807036126">Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News</a>.</p><p>The Yankees acquired the 30-year-old in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers in the offseason.</p><p>"He's had a hard time getting count leverage, he's been behind a lot," Boone said. "That's not a great recipe."</p><p>The Yankees could turn to right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5394" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5394">Luke Weaver</a> if they decide to remove Williams from the ninth-inning role. Weaver hasn't allowed a run in 11 appearances this season and has 13 strikeouts across 13 innings.</p><p>Yankees fans were chanting "We want Weaver" as Williams continued to struggle in the ninth.</p><p>"Everyone has their opinions," Williams said.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 25: Devin Williams #38 of the New York Yankees reacts after he is pulled from the game in the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on April 25, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the New York Yankees 4-2.

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Boone non-committal about Williams' role after blown save: 'We'll see'

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Tommy Pham has been suspended one game and fined an undisclosed amo...

<p>Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2452" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2452">Tommy Pham</a> has been suspended one game and fined an undisclosed amount for committing inappropriate actions toward fans during Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Angels.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A fan reached over the fence and touched Tommy Pham while making a play on the ball<br><br>Safe to say he did not appreciate it <a href="https://t.co/nKnZh7T3WX">pic.twitter.com/nKnZh7T3WX</a></p>— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/JomboyMedia/status/1915250244477931831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Pham has elected to appeal the suspension, <a href="https://x.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1915890507982704694">ESPN's Alden Gonzalez</a> reports.</p><p>The veteran was infamously suspended for three games in May 2022 when he was a member of the Cincinnati Reds after slapping then-San Francisco Giants outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2517" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2517">Joc Pederson</a> in the face after a disagreement regarding the fantasy football league both were involved in.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pham signed a one-year, $5-million contract with the Pirates in February. The 37-year-old is slashing .184/.267/.224 with seven runs scored, six RBIs, and three stolen bases in 23 games this season.</p>

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 23: Tommy Pham #28 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a rbi single against the Los Angeles Angels in the ninth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 23, 2025 in Anaheim, California.

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Pirates' Pham suspended 1 game for inappropriate actions to fans

The New York Mets and left-handed reliever Brooks Raley agreed to a one-year contract with a team...

<p>The New York Mets and left-handed reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3612" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3612">Brooks Raley</a> agreed to a one-year contract with a team option for the 2026 season, <a href="https://x.com/Joelsherman1/status/1915882143718269310">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a> reports.</p><p>Raley's agreement is pending a physical. He's currently rehabbing after undergoing Tommy John surgery last May.</p><p>The 36-year-old spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Mets, posting a 2.48 ERA and 70 strikeouts across 61 2/3 innings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Raley has been excellent against left-handed hitters throughout his seven-year career, holding them to a .191 batting average and .556 OPS.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 4: Brooks Raley #25 of the New York Mets in action against the Detroit Tigers during game one of a double header at Citi Field on April 4, 2024 in New York City.

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Report: Mets, Raley agree to 1-year deal with team option for 2026

The Texas Rangers are placing star shortstop Corey Seager on the 10-day injured list with a right...

<p>The Texas Rangers are placing star shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3924" href="/mlb/players/3924">Corey Seager</a> on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain, the club announced Wednesday.</p><p>Veteran infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3341" href="/mlb/players/3341">Nick Ahmed</a> is taking Seager's place on the roster. The Rangers signed Ahmed to a minor-league contract April 9.</p><p>Seager sustained the injury while running to first base during Tuesday's 8-5 win over the Athletics.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/corey-seager-leaves-with-an-apparent-injury?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><p>The 30-year-old missed 31 games with a left hamstring strain during the 2023 season. Seager also sat out nearly a month in 2019 with the same injury while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers.</p><p>The five-time All-Star is off to another productive start at the plate in 2025, posting a 139 OPS+ with four home runs and six RBIs across 21 games. Seager had been particularly hot of late, hitting .400 with 10 hits over his last 25 at-bats.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 8: Corey Seager #5 of the Texas Rangers fields a ball during a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 8, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Rangers place Seager on IL with hamstring strain

Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde announced Wednesday that right-hander Grayson Rodriguez wa...

<p>Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde announced Wednesday that right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12265" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12265">Grayson Rodriguez</a> was diagnosed with a mild lat strain, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/ByMattWeyrich/status/1915146767680577567">Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun</a>.</p><p>Hyde added Rodriguez will resume throwing in a few weeks. Rodriguez remains without a firm timetable to return to the mound.</p><p>"Let's get him back on the mound, let's get him playing catch again, and we'll go from there," Hyde said, per <a href="http://mlb.com/orioles/news/grayson-rodriguez-mild-right-lat-strain">Jake Rill of MLB.com</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rodriguez started the regular season on the injured list after feeling discomfort in the back of his pitching elbow during spring training.</p><p>The 25-year-old had a bullpen session canceled last week while dealing with shoulder soreness.</p><p>His 2024 season was cut short after sustaining a right lat injury in early August.</p><p>"He's had a tough time staying healthy the last few years, and a lat strain's a lat strain," Hyde said. "You're hoping that he starts throwing in a couple weeks and in his progression that he stays healthy."</p><p>Orioles starting pitchers have struggled so far in 2025, ranking last in the league in ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts. </p>

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

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Orioles' Rodriguez has mild lat strain, won't throw for few weeks

Javier Báez is willing to play anywhere on the diamond if it gives the Detroit Tigers a better ch...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3569" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3569">Javier Báez</a> is willing to play anywhere on the diamond if it gives the Detroit Tigers a better chance to win.</p><p>Báez made his first career start in center field during Monday's win over the San Diego Padres. The 32-year-old has also made appearances at shortstop and third base this season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/keider-montero-in-play-out-s-to-gavin-sheets-orzfn9?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We're here to help the team," Báez said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/javier-baez-makes-first-career-start-in-center-field">MLB.com's Jason Beck</a>. "Everybody's available to help the team. There's many times here to play different positions, and we have a lot of guys that can do it. If I can stay healthy, I'll do whatever, man. I can even catch if you need me."</p><p>Báez is in the fourth season of a six-year, $140-million contract signed ahead of the 2022 campaign. The two-time All-Star has dropped his strikeout rate to start the season but has yet to hit a home run and owns a .639 OPS in 18 games.</p>

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 21: Detroit Tigers centerfielder Javier Báez (28) makes an easy catch for the third out of the second inning during the game between the Detroit Tigers versus the San Diego Padres on Monday April 21, 2025 at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI.

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Tigers' Báez open to playing any position: 'I'll do whatever'

Chicago White Sox left-hander Martín Pérez is unlikely to return this season after sustaining an ...

<p>Chicago White Sox left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1406" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1406">Martín Pérez</a> is unlikely to return this season after sustaining an elbow injury.</p><p>Pérez won't undergo Tommy John surgery but his year is effectively over, although he could resume throwing in September, a source told <a href="https://x.com/JesseRogersESPN/status/1914765193881469387">ESPN's Jesse Rogers</a>.</p><p>Pérez was diagnosed with a left flexor strain, according to <a href="https://x.com/scottmerkin/status/1914807670063706583">MLB.com's Scott Merkin</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The White Sox signed Pérez to a one-year, $5-million contract in January. The 34-year-old posted a 1-1 record with a 3.15 ERA and 18 strikeouts over four starts this season.</p><p>Pérez was initially placed on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation over the weekend. The White Sox transferred him to the 60-day IL on Monday to open up a roster spot.</p>

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 12: Chicago White Sox pitcher Martín Pérez (54) delivers a pitch during an MLB game against the Boston Red Sox on April 12, 2025 at Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois.

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Report: White Sox lefty Pérez likely done for year with elbow injury

New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. was involved in a strange play during the fourt...

<p>New York Yankees second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> was involved in a strange play during the fourth inning of Monday's loss to the Cleveland Guardians.</p><p>Cleveland infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12845" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12845">Brayan Rocchio</a> flared a broken-bat liner in Chisholm's direction, but Chisholm turned his back thinking the bat was heading for him, allowing the ball to scoot past him for an RBI single.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">¿¿¿¿Jazz Chisholm???? <a href="https://t.co/oAfuxMz1VO">pic.twitter.com/oAfuxMz1VO</a></p>— EL TIO POLO (@picksdepolo) <a href="https://twitter.com/picksdepolo/status/1914459904620028048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I want to make every play out there for my guy, but at the same time you don't want to die," Chisholm said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/eboland11/status/1914490768321884353">Erik Boland of Newsday</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Chisholm added he was struck in the calf by a shattered bat when he played in Single-A.</p><p>The 27-year-old hit a two-run homer to cut the deficit in the eighth inning, but the Yankees ultimately dropped the game 6-4.</p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 21: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees celebrates his two-run home run in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on April 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Chisholm leaves ball to avoid broken bat: 'Don't want to die'

The Chicago Cubs acquired veteran reliever Drew Pomeranz from the Seattle Mariners for cash consi...

<p>The Chicago Cubs acquired veteran reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2077" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2077">Drew Pomeranz</a> from the Seattle Mariners for cash considerations, the Cubs announced.</p><p>Seattle signed Pomeranz to a minor-league contract just ahead of Opening Day.</p><p>The 36-year-old's deal contained an upward mobility clause, requiring the Mariners to make him available to all other teams. If a club showed interest in promoting Pomeranz, Seattle was obligated to either recall him or work out a trade, <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1914446341532737808">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a> reports.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pomeranz hasn't appeared in a major-league game since 2021, when he posted a 1.75 ERA in 27 outings with the San Diego Padres. He's familiar with Cubs manager Craig Counsell, having spent part of the 2019 season with the Milwaukee Brewers while Counsell was the skipper.</p>

PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 20: Drew Pomeranz #31 of the Seattle Mariners poses for a portrait during photo day at the Peoria Sports Complex on February 20, 2025 in Peoria, Arizona.

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Cubs acquire Pomeranz from Mariners

The Atlanta Braves placed right-hander Spencer Strider on the 15-day injured list with a strained...

<p>The Atlanta Braves placed right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13620" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13620">Spencer Strider</a> on the 15-day injured list with a strained right hamstring, the club announced Monday.</p><p>The setback comes after Strider made his season debut last week. He missed most of the 2024 campaign following elbow surgery.</p><p>Strider sustained the injury playing catch ahead of Monday's series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, according to <a href="https://x.com/mlbbowman/status/1914434846228930963">Mark Bowman of MLB.com</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Braves recalled right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/16085" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/16085">Michael Petersen</a> from Triple-A in a corresponding roster move. He made one appearance for the Braves this season, pitching two scoreless innings with one strikeout against the Tampa Bay Rays on April 13.</p><p>Strider allowed two runs on five hits with one walk and five strikeouts across five innings in his first start against the Toronto Blue Jays. His average fastball velocity of 95.4 mph was more than one mile per hour slower than when he last took the mound.</p><p>The 26-year-old was scheduled to start Tuesday's game. It's not yet clear who will pitch in his place.</p><p>Atlanta has found its stride of late, posting an 8-6 record after starting the season 0-7. The Braves are coming off a three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins at home over the weekend.</p>

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 16: Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 in TorontoOntario, Canada.

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Braves place Strider on IL with hamstring strain

Atlanta Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. made his thoughts known after teammate Jarred Kel...

<p>Atlanta Braves star outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8292" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8292">Ronald Acuña Jr.</a> made his thoughts known after teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10712" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10712">Jarred Kelenic</a> came under fire for not hustling out of the batter's box during Saturday's game against the Minnesota Twins.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/simeon-woods-richardson-in-play-no-out-to-jarred-kelenic?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><p>Kelenic was thrown out at second base after admiring a ball off the right-field wall in a 3-3 game in the sixth inning.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Braves manager Brian Snitker appeared to protect Kelenic following the game. However, Acuña posted a since-deleted tweet that the situation would've played out differently if the 2023 NL MVP was involved.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><a href="" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781486/Acuna.jpg?ts=1745170588" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781486/Acuna.jpg?ts=1745170588 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781486/Acuna.jpg?ts=1745170588 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781486/Acuna.jpg?ts=1745170588 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781486/Acuna.jpg?ts=1745170588 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781486/Acuna.jpg?ts=1745170588 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></a></figure><p>Kelenic went into Snitker's office after Sunday's contest to apologize for not running harder on the play, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/ronald-acuna-jr-jarred-kelenic-social-media-post">MLB.com's Mark Bowman</a>, who adds the skipper admitted he didn't see what the player did.</p><p>"I don't look for him to not (hustle), because he plays with his hair on fire all the time, and he's laying out," Snitker said. "I didn't know it until I saw it this morning."</p><p>Snitker also acknowledged he hasn't spoken to Acuña, who was removed from a game in August 2019 for a lack of hustle on a similar play.</p><p>"I heard about it as I was walking to the dugout," the 69-year-old said when asked about Acuña's response. "I heard something was up. I came in and they said it was down. I haven't talked to him, so I don't know."</p><p>Acuña is on the injured list as he continues to rehab from knee surgery after he tore his left ACL last May. The 27-year-old also tore his right ACL during the Braves' championship-winning campaign in 2021.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 11: Brian Snitker and Ronald Acuna Jr. #13, Ozzie Albies #1 and Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves line the basepath during the national anthem prior to Game 3 of the Division Series between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Acuña reacts to Kelenic's lack of hustle: 'They would take me out of the game'

Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde was none too pleased after his club suffered a humiliating...

<p>Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde was none too pleased after his club suffered a humiliating 24-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Easter Sunday.</p><p>"Unfortunately, it’s embarrassing," Hyde said postgame, according to<a href="https://www.masnsports.com/blog/morton-allows-seven-runs-in-24-2-loss-mateo-and"> MASN's Roch Kubatko</a>. "It’s not what you want to do on Easter Sunday in front of your home crowd. You want to compete."</p><p>The Reds pounded Orioles pitching for 25 hits and tagged veteran right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1117" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1117">Charlie Morton</a> for seven runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings. Morton fell to 0-5 in his first five starts with the Orioles after signing a one-year contract in the offseason.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I think it's more letting the team down," Morton said. "I've gone through enough failure. I've gone through enough searching, wondering about it, but it's letting your teammates down. It's letting your coaches down and the fans down. That's something that you really never get over."</p><p>The loss dropped the Orioles to 9-12 on the season. They got off to a much better start in 2024, posting a 14-7 record through the same amount of games.</p>

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 20: Manager Brandon Hyde #18 of the Baltimore Orioles watches the game in the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 20, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Hyde frustrated after Orioles allow 24 runs to Reds: 'Embarrassing'

New York Mets star outfielder Juan Soto was touched by the support he's received from Mets fans d...

<p>New York Mets star outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> was touched by the support he's received from Mets fans despite an inconsistent start at the plate in his first year with the club.</p><p>Soto received a standing ovation ahead of a key at-bat during Friday's game and delivered an RBI single en route to a 5-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LAvPQjmvHV0?si=sn-iRLipA4Sp_3cS" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>"It's a great feeling," Soto said Sunday, per <a href="https://x.com/SNY_Mets/status/1914059779036549128">SNY</a>. "When you have a fan base supporting you, when you're doing bad, when you're doing good, it's just great. I really appreciate what they did. I feel like they don't know how meaningful (it is). It means a lot for the players when they do that. It feels really special."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Soto had a pair of hits, one walk, and three RBIs during Sunday's 7-4 victory over St. Louis, which completed a four-game sweep.</p><p>"He's going to be as hot as a firecracker here pretty soon," Mets outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3045" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3045">Brandon Nimmo</a> said of Soto, according to <a href="https://x.com/timbhealey/status/1914072113108988033">Tim Healey of Newsday</a>.</p><p>Sunday's game brought Soto's slash line up to .256/.385/.436 with three home runs, five doubles, 12 RBIs, and 17 walks in 22 games this season.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets hits a 2RBI double in the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field on April 20, 2025 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The New York Mets defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 7-4.

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Soto appreciates Citi Field ovation: 'Feels really special'

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone was livid after the umpire crew didn't overturn a foul call ...

<p>New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone was livid after the umpire crew didn't overturn a foul call on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a>'s deep fly ball in Sunday's 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/judge-homer-ruled-foul-boone-gets-ejected?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><p>"The audacity of the call standing is remarkable," Boone said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/BryanHoch/status/1914057832749473795">MLB.com's Bryan Hoch</a>. "It's a home run."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Boone got his money's worth after Judge was called out on strikes, giving the umpires an earful to earn his first ejection of the season.</p><p>"It was a fair ball, but that's why you got replay," Judge said, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/judge-nonhome-run-yankees-392a085753d0be78986180879b0f7e1f">The Associated Press</a>. "It's tough in a situation like this where in a minor-league park the foul poles aren't as high, so that’s why you have replay, you got every angle. It's a terrible call."</p><p>Judge finished the game with one hit in four at-bats and a pair of strikeouts as the Yankees improved to 14-8 on the season.</p>

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 20: Manager Aaron Boone of the New York Yankees argues with the umpire after Aaron Judge #99 New York Yankees is called out looking during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on April 20, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.