The Los Angeles Angels blanked the Yankees 4-0 on Tuesday, handing New York its third straight sh...

<p>The Los Angeles Angels blanked the Yankees 4-0 on Tuesday, handing New York its third straight shutout loss.</p><p>It's the first time since 2016 that the Yankees have been held scoreless in three consecutive games.</p><p>New York has lost five straight games and is scoreless over the last 29 innings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>A shutout loss in Wednesday's game against the Angels would break the franchise record of scoreless innings (37) set by the Highlanders in 1908, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisKirschner/status/1935149996594389319">The Athletic's Chris Kirschner</a>.</p><p>Yankees manager Aaron Boone said postgame that things will start to click if the lineup can find a way to extend at-bats.</p><p>"We'll come in with the right process and just really focus on grinding out quality at-bats," Boone said, according to <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1935152428430528643">SNY</a>. "When we start to stack those, we'll take off."</p><p>Star outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> struck out three times in four at-bats Tuesday. He has just three hits in 24 at-bats with 15 strikeouts over his last seven games.</p><p>The Yankees failed to record a hit in three at-bats with runners in scoring position. They have just five hits in 45 at-bats in those situations over the last six games.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 16: Giancarlo Stanton #27 speaks to Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees in the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium on June 16, 2025 in New York, New York.

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Yankees shut out for 3rd straight game for 1st time since 2016

San Francisco Giants star Rafael Devers is ready to turn the page on his tenure with the Boston R...

<p>San Francisco Giants star Rafael Devers is ready to turn the page on his tenure with the Boston Red Sox.</p><p>"I'm moving forward from the situation in Boston," Devers <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RGVLUZr1NI&amp;ab_channel=SanFranciscoGiants">said</a> Tuesday at his introductory press conference.</p><p>The trade to the Giants came after a tumultuous start to the season. Devers bristled at Boston's decision to move him from third base to designated hitter after signing <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> in the offseason, and he also took issue with the Red Sox asking him to play first base after <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12885">Triston Casas</a>' season-ending injury.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Devers is taking a different approach with the Giants, as he indicated a willingness to play wherever they see fit.</p><p>"I'm here to give my 100%, I don't put any buts. They're the men in charge and I'm here to play wherever they want me to play," Devers said.</p><p>Devers will be the designated hitter and is batting third in his Giants debut for Tuesday's series opener against the Cleveland Guardians.</p><p>Giants manager Bob Melvin said Devers will play both designated hitter and first base moving forward and will take grounders at the position to get acclimated. </p><p>Melvin is expecting Devers to handle a potential move to first base with little issue.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rafael Devers is taking ground balls at first base <a href="https://t.co/7E8rvoVphm">pic.twitter.com/7E8rvoVphm</a></p>— Matt Lively (@mattblively) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattblively/status/1935113290067464681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"If you can play third base, you can play first base, and he's done a great job at third base before, so I don't think it's going to be too difficult for him," Melvin said. "I think more than anything, the fact that he hasn't played in the field this year, we have to take our time working him in."</p><p>Devers will immediately get a chance to see his old Red Sox teammates, as Boston pays a visit to San Francisco this weekend.</p><p>"The goal is to win the games, but I will try and give my 100% and try to win the series," Devers said.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 17: Rafael Devers #16 of the San Francisco Giants warms up during batting practice prior to the start of the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Oracle Park on June 17, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Devers to play 'wherever' Giants want, will take grounders at 1B

Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said Monday that the club remains focused on ...

<p>Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said Monday that the club remains focused on winning this season despite Sunday's shocking Rafael Devers trade.</p><p>"This trade is in no way signifying us waving the white flag on 2025," Breslow <a href="https://x.com/RedSox/status/1934764237483856241">said</a>. </p><p>The Red Sox stunned the baseball world Sunday, dealing Devers to the San Francisco Giants in a five-player blockbuster.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The trade came after a tumultuous start to the campaign, with Devers bristling at the club's decision to move him off of third base to designated hitter after Boston signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> in the offseason. Devers also took issue with the Red Sox asking him to play first base after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12885" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12885">Triston Casas</a>' season-ending injury.</p><p>"There were times during the course of conversations with Raffy's camp that they indicated that a fresh start would be best for both sides," Breslow said. "We were committed to working through this."</p><p>Many Red Sox fans took particular issue with the timing of the trade, which occurred after Boston swept a weekend series at Fenway Park with the New York Yankees to move above .500.</p><p>"The timing was absolutely not great," Breslow said. </p><p>Despite losing the team leader in home runs and RBIs, Breslow believes the Red Sox are positioned to be a better team moving forward.</p><p>"I do think there's a real chance that, at the end of the season, we're looking back and we've won more games than we otherwise would've," Breslow said.</p><p>Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy added that the team made the decision to trade Devers after it became clear the two sides weren't on the same page.</p><p>"I think it was pretty clear that we couldn't find an alignment with Raffy," Kennedy said. "We all worked at it over the last several months, starting with (manager) Alex Cora, Craig, and the staff ... all the way up to (owner) John Henry."</p><p>The Red Sox are starting rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17342" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17342">Kristian Campbell</a> at designated hitter for Monday's series opener in Seattle against the Mariners.</p><p>Boston will then travel to San Francisco for a weekend series against the Giants and its first meeting with Devers since the trade.</p>

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 2: Craig Breslow speaks as he is officially introduced as Chief Baseball Officer of the Boston Red Sox during a press conference on November 2, 2023 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Breslow: Red Sox not waving white flag on 2025 despite Devers trade

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

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First pitch: Everything you need to know from the week in MLB

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis credited his rotation mates for having his back dur...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12435" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12435">Bowden Francis</a> credited his rotation mates for having his back during what's been a rough performance so far this season.</p><p>"Just the way they've had my back … (I'm) grinding.. (I'm) at my lowest," Francis said Saturday, according to <a href="https://x.com/thehazelmae/status/1934024998655512992">Sportsnet's Hazel Mae</a>.</p><p>Francis was looking sharp after three innings during Saturday's outing against the Philadelphia Phillies. However, things unraveled in the bottom of the fourth, and he was unable to get out of the inning. He finished the start with three walks, two runs, four strikeouts, and one hit across 3 2/3 innings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I think the three (innings) outweigh the four batters that got away," Francis said, according to <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/1934025935147470944">MLB.com's Keegan Matheson</a>. "I think there's a lot of positives we can take from that and continue to work."</p><p>Francis' ERA sits at 6.05 on the season, and his 19 home runs allowed are the second most in the league, ahead of only Tampa Bay Rays right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9731" href="/mlb/players/9731">Zack Littell</a>.</p><p>Blue Jays manager John Schneider isn't considering moving Francis out of the rotation or sending him down to Triple-A despite his struggles.</p><p>"I think we need him," Schneider said, per <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/1934024419577299389">Matheson</a>. "He's working his ass off with (pitching coach) Pete (Walker). I think he's going to take what he did before the walks in the fourth inning and build off of it."</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 8: Pitching coach Pete Walker of the Toronto Blue Jays confers with Bowden Francis #44 and Alejandro Kirk #30 in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on June 8, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Blue Jays' Francis battling through 'lowest' stretch of career

Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez took direct aim at his players for the club's recent s...

<p>Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez took direct aim at his players for the club's recent struggles at the plate.</p><p>"It's never on coaching," Martinez said after Saturday's loss to the Miami Marlins, according to <a href="https://x.com/spencernusbaum_/status/1933992659661578676">Spencer Nusbaum of The Washington Post</a>. "Coaches work their asses off every single day. We're not going to finger point here and say it's on the coaches. It's never on the coaches."</p><p>The Nationals have struggled to generate offense in June, scoring a league-worst 30 runs in 12 games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Sometimes you got to put the onus on the players," Martinez said. "They got to go out there, and they got to play the game. And play the game the right way. We can't hit for them. We can't catch the balls for them. We can't pitch for them. We can't throw strikes for them. They got to do that."</p><p>Martinez has been the Nationals' manager since 2018. He helped lead the franchise to its first World Series in 2019, but the team hasn't made it back to the postseason since.</p><p>"I feel like coaching is a very tough gig," Nationals first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4609" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4609">Josh Bell</a> said, according to <a href="https://x.com/MarkZuckerman/status/1933996065205690699">MASN's Mark Zuckerman</a>. "They're here before we are, and they leave after we leave. We all have different personalities in here, and sometimes we're willing to listen and sometimes we're not. They're just trying to chip away and help us become the best version of ourselves, and hopefully it shows up in between the lines."</p><p>The Nationals have lost seven straight games to drop to 30-40 on the season. Washington's -61 run differential is third worst in the National League ahead of only the Miami Marlins and Colorado Rockies.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 12: Manager Dave Martinez of the Washington Nationals makes a pitching change during the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on May 12, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Nats manager blames players for offensive struggles: 'Never on coaching'

Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis exited Friday's loss to the Houston Astros with a strai...

<p>Minnesota Twins third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12346" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12346">Royce Lewis</a> exited Friday's loss to the Houston Astros with a strained left hamstring.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MNTwins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MNTwins</a> Royce Lewis left injured with a leg injury in the 9th inning of the game tonight. <a href="https://t.co/bxVhlEmf8t">pic.twitter.com/bxVhlEmf8t</a></p>— Mike Kurland (@Mike_Kurland) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Kurland/status/1933718214925795729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Twins are placing Lewis on the injured list, according to Betsy Helfand of the <a href="https://x.com/betsyhelfand/status/1934008460422557708">St. Paul Pioneer Press</a>.</p><p>Lewis missed roughly the first month of the regular season after straining his left hamstring during spring training.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 26-year-old has dealt with injuries throughout his career, missing time due to issues with his quad, adductor, oblique, and hamstring. He also tore his ACL for a second time in 2022.</p><p>Lewis has struggled at the plate this season, registering a .585 OPS with only two home runs and nine RBIs in 30 games. He had been heating up of late, hitting .429 with four runs scored and four RBIs across his last 21 at-bats.</p>

HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 13: Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis (23) leaves the field with Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli (5) in the top of the ninth inning during the MLB game between the Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros on June 13, 2025 at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas.

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Twins' Lewis strains left hamstring for 2nd time this season

Arizona Diamondbacks closer Justin Martinez will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the rest of ...

<p>Arizona Diamondbacks closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15415" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15415">Justin Martinez</a> will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the rest of the season, manager Torey Lovullo said Friday, according to <a href="https://x.com/Gambo987/status/1933638809868251641">98.7 FM's John Gambadoro</a>.</p><p>Martinez exited Monday's win against the Seattle Mariners with tightness in his pitching elbow after his velocity dropped in the ninth inning. He was later diagnosed with a sprained UCL.</p><p>The 23-year-old finishes the season with a 4.11 ERA with five saves and 22 strikeouts across 15 1/3 innings. Martinez signed a five-year, $18-million contract extension in March.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Veteran right-hander <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1683">Shelby Miller</a> earned the first save for the Diamondbacks in Martinez's absence.</p><p>Left-handed reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8223" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8223">A.J. Puk</a> has also been sidelined with an elbow issue since April but has been cleared to start throwing from 120 feet. Puk remains without a timetable to return.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 09: Relief pitcher Justin Martinez #63 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on June 09, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Mariners 8-4 in 11 innings.

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D-Backs closer Martinez will undergo Tommy John surgery

Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes sustained a left hamstring injury running to first bas...

<p>Houston Astros third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9550" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9550">Isaac Paredes</a> sustained a left hamstring injury running to first base in the seventh inning of Thursday's 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox.</p><p>Astros manager Joe Espada said postgame the team "will know more tomorrow" about Paredes' status moving forward, according to <a href="https://x.com/matthewkawahara/status/1933359780426285331">Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/isaac-paredes-exits-with-leg-injury-in-the-8th?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Paredes hit his team-leading 15th home run of the season in the bottom of the fifth inning.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Astros acquired Paredes from the Chicago Cubs in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8173" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a> blockbuster trade. The 26-year-old has been excellent at the plate in his first year in Houston, registering an .831 OPS with 15 home runs, nine doubles, one triple, 37 runs scored, and 42 RBIs in 67 games.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 12: Isaac Paredes #15 of the Houston Astros runs the bases on a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Daikin Park on June 12, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Astros' Paredes injures hamstring in win over White Sox

The Los Angeles Angels called up top prospect and 2024 first-round pick Christian Moore, the club...

<p>The Los Angeles Angels called up top prospect and 2024 first-round pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18783" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18783">Christian Moore</a>, the club announced Friday.</p><p>Moore is in the lineup for Friday's series opener against the Baltimore Orioles, batting ninth and playing second base.</p><p>The Angels selected Moore with the eighth overall pick in last year's draft. He's the No. 56 prospect in baseball, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects">MLB Pipeline</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Moore has progressed quickly through the minors, making just 20 appearances at Triple-A. The 22-year-old raked for the Salt Lake Bees, slashing .350/.424/.575 with four home runs, four doubles, one triple, and 18 RBIs in 80 at-bats this season.</p><p>Moore could provide a boost for the Angels at second base. Angels second basemen rank 28th in the major leagues in wRC+ (52), 28th in batting average (.199), and 29th in OPS (.547) this season.</p><p>The Angels have been aggressive calling up prospects over the past few seasons, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15522" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15522">Zach Neto</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17192" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17192">Nolan Schanuel</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12354" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12354">Reid Detmers</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15629" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15629">Ben Joyce</a> making their MLB debuts not long after they were drafted.</p>

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 25: Los Angeles Angels second baseman Christian Moore (94) walks back to the dugout after striking out during the MLB Spring Training game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels on March 25, 2025 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA.

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Angels call up top prospect Moore

It's been an eventful season for Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox. The All-Star didn't hide h...

<p>It's been an eventful season for Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox. The All-Star didn't hide his displeasure about how the team handled his move off third base in the spring, and things took another interesting turn after first baseman Tristian Casas suffered a season-ending injury, as Devers firmly said he had no interest moving over.</p><p>Devers and the Red Sox disagreeing certainly isn't a first in Major League Baseball. Here, we take a look at some notable feuds.</p><h3>Jeter and A-Rod's fractured bond</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789813/cropped_GettyImages-2991107.jpg?ts=1749587746" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789813/w220xh124_GettyImages-2991107.jpg?ts=1749587746 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789813/w320xh180_GettyImages-2991107.jpg?ts=1749587746 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789813/w640xh360_GettyImages-2991107.jpg?ts=1749587746 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789813/w768xh432_GettyImages-2991107.jpg?ts=1749587746 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789813/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2991107.jpg?ts=1749587746 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez began their respective MLB careers as close friends, sometimes even sleeping at each other's house when the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners matched up. But things took a turn in 2001, when Rodriguez said the key to the Yankees' dominance wasn't Jeter.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"You never say, 'Don't let Derek beat you.' That's never your concern," A-Rod said in an interview with Esquire.</p><p>Things were never quite the same after that, even after the Yankees traded for Rodriguez ahead of the 2004 season, resulting in A-Rod moving from shortstop to third base in an effort to defer to Jeter. But the two won a World Series together in 2009 and have largely moved past the feud as colleagues during MLB broadcasts on Fox.</p><h3>NL MVP duo at odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789814/cropped_GettyImages-1682976.jpg?ts=1749587805" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789814/w220xh124_GettyImages-1682976.jpg?ts=1749587805 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789814/w320xh180_GettyImages-1682976.jpg?ts=1749587805 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789814/w640xh360_GettyImages-1682976.jpg?ts=1749587805 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789814/w768xh432_GettyImages-1682976.jpg?ts=1749587805 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789814/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1682976.jpg?ts=1749587805 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Donald Miralle / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>San Francisco Giants teammates Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent terrorized opposing pitchers during their six seasons together. They combined to win five consecutive NL MVPs from 2000-2004. However, the two were never friendly with one another despite backing each other up in the batting order.</p><p>The duo notably had a physical altercation in the dugout during a game in 2002, the same year the Giants made it to the World Series before losing in seven games to the Angels.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EKf1dQ2xFck?si=O5VzEGI-8S9eOek4" 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>Bonds and Kent were polar opposites in terms of personality and never had much to say about each other.</p><p>"On the field, we’re fine, but, off the field, I don’t care about Barry and Barry doesn’t care about me. Or anybody," Kent told Sports Illustrated in 2002.</p><h3>D-Backs owner takes aim at high-paid pitcher</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742310/cropped_GettyImages-2159447898.jpg?ts=1732142866" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742310/w220xh124_GettyImages-2159447898.jpg?ts=1732142866 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742310/w320xh180_GettyImages-2159447898.jpg?ts=1732142866 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742310/w640xh360_GettyImages-2159447898.jpg?ts=1732142866 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742310/w768xh432_GettyImages-2159447898.jpg?ts=1732142866 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742310/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2159447898.jpg?ts=1732142866 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rich Schultz / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick turned heads when he admitted that pushing the front office to sign left-hander Jordan Montgomery to a $25-million contract ahead of the 2024 season was a "horrible decision."</p><p>Montgomery struggled to produce and was demoted to the bullpen after saying his agent, Scott Boras, "butchered" his free agency. It was rare to see an owner and a player be so candid in an era in which public confrontation is generally avoided.</p><h3>Nationals teammates get into it</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789815/cropped_GettyImages-490330798.jpg?ts=1749587883" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789815/w220xh124_GettyImages-490330798.jpg?ts=1749587883 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789815/w320xh180_GettyImages-490330798.jpg?ts=1749587883 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789815/w640xh360_GettyImages-490330798.jpg?ts=1749587883 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789815/w768xh432_GettyImages-490330798.jpg?ts=1749587883 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789815/w1080xh607_GettyImages-490330798.jpg?ts=1749587883 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Greg Fiume / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Fiery closer Jonathan Papelbon was known for wearing his heart on his sleeve during an excellent 12-year career, and one of his most notorious incidents came in 2015 as a member of the Washington Nationals.</p><p>Papelbon apparently took issue with Harper not hustling out of the box on a fly ball. The two exchanged words when Harper returned to the dugout, and things took quite a turn when Papelbon put his hand on Harper's throat and pushed him against the dugout wall.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7aF0JojI99M?si=qNn8lxi6l7F6bD56" 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>The two quickly squashed the beef following the game.</p><p>"He apologized, so whatever," Harper said. "I really don't care. ... It's like brothers fighting. That's what happens."</p><h3>Infamous postgame brawl in Cincinnati</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789816/cropped_GettyImages-53161743.jpg?ts=1749587959" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789816/w220xh124_GettyImages-53161743.jpg?ts=1749587959 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789816/w320xh180_GettyImages-53161743.jpg?ts=1749587959 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789816/w640xh360_GettyImages-53161743.jpg?ts=1749587959 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789816/w768xh432_GettyImages-53161743.jpg?ts=1749587959 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789816/w1080xh607_GettyImages-53161743.jpg?ts=1749587959 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andrew D. Bernstein / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Lou Piniella managed the Cincinnati Reds for three seasons from 1990-92 and led the club to its last World Series title in 1990. Outside of that glorious accomplishment, Piniella's time in the Queen City might be best remembered for a scrap with All-Star reliever Rob Dibble.</p><p>Following a game near the end of the 1992 season, Piniella said he didn't use Dibble because of a shoulder issue. Dibble took exception, and the two ended up grappling in front of television cameras.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ENNsfXkdBaQ?si=50syyBfK3JtRV7Xf" 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>

23 August 2015: Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) is congratulated by right fielder Bryce Harper (34) after pitching against the Milwaukee Brewers at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. where the Washington Nationals defeated the Milwaukee Brewers, 9-5.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31534589/related

5 memorable MLB player-team feuds

The Boston Red Sox have acquired reliever Jorge Alcala from the Minnesota Twins for infield prosp...

<p>The Boston Red Sox have acquired reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10676" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10676">Jorge Alcala</a> from the Minnesota Twins for infield prospect Andy Lugo, the clubs announced Wednesday.</p><p>Alcala struggled mightily for the Twins to start the season, registering an 0-2 record with an 8.88 ERA and 28 strikeouts across 24 1/3 innings. He's had issues keeping the ball in the park, allowing 1.85 HR/9.</p><p>Alcala emerged in the 2024 season, posting a 1.56 ERA with zero homers allowed before the All-Star break. The 29-year-old fell apart in the second half, posting a 5.70 ERA while allowing eight home runs in 23 2/3 innings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Lugo is hitting .265 with four home runs, 20 RBIs, and a .757 OPS in 151 at-bats at Single-A this season. The 21-year-old has primarily played first and third base, but he's also had a few appearances in left field.</p>

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 03: Jorge Alcala #66 of the Minnesota Twins pitches against the Athletics in the bottom of the ninth inning at Sutter Health Park on June 03, 2025 in Sacramento, California. The Twins won the game 10-3.

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Red Sox acquire Alcala from Twins for infield prospect

Detroit Tigers right-hander Jackson Jobe will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the remainder o...

<p>Detroit Tigers right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17680" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17680">Jackson Jobe</a> will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the remainder of the 2025 season, the club announced Wednesday.</p><p>Jobe was placed on the injured list with a flexor strain in his elbow at the end of May.</p><p>The 22-year-old was the third overall pick in the 2021 draft. Jobe entered the season as a popular pick to win American League Rookie of the Year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He finishes the campaign with a 4-1 record, a 4.22 ERA, and 39 strikeouts across 49 innings (10 starts).</p><p>The AL Central-leading Tigers have been deploying a rotation that includes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5646" href="/mlb/players/5646">Jack Flaherty</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17201" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17201">Keider Montero</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10561" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10561">Casey Mize</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15973" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15973">Sawyer Gipson-Long</a>.</p>

DETROIT, MI - MAY 28: Jackson Jobe #21 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Tigers' Jobe will have Tommy John surgery

Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris is hopeful the team can find common ...

<p>Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris is hopeful the team can find common ground on a contract that keeps superstar left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a> with the team for the foreseeable future.</p><p>"I'd say, I'm watching him pitch, too, and I love watching him pitch," Harris told <a href="https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-tigers/detroit-tigers-scott-harris-talks-tarik-skubal-extension">97.1 The Ticket</a> on Wednesday. "And I'm really proud that he's a Tiger right now."</p><p>Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young winner is putting together another spectacular campaign as he looks to capture the award for a second consecutive year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 28-year-old owns a 6-2 record with a sparkling 2.16 ERA, 105 strikeouts, and just seven walks in 83 1/3 innings (13 starts) this season.</p><p>Skubal is arbitration-eligible for one more season before he's scheduled to hit free agency after the 2026 campaign.</p><p>Harris acknowledges keeping Skubal from testing free agency won't be a completely straightforward process.</p><p>"Sometimes it sounds a lot easier to just lock him up and sign extensions and just get it done because you feel like it," Harris said. "It's a lot harder than that."</p><p>Skubal is represented by super agent Scott Boras, who's historically preferred having his clients test the open market in free agency.</p><p>The southpaw is a strong candidate to surpass Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a>'s $325-million contract for the biggest deal for a pitcher in MLB history.</p>

DETROIT, MI - MAY 09: Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) walks in from the bullpen prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers versus the Texas Rangers on Monday May 9, 2025 at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI.

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Tigers' Harris hopes to keep Skubal: 'I love watching him pitch'

The Arizona Diamondbacks placed closer Justin Martinez on the 15-day injured list with a sprained...

<p>The Arizona Diamondbacks placed closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15415" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15415">Justin Martinez</a> on the 15-day injured list with a sprained right ulnar collateral ligament, the club announced Tuesday.</p><p>Diamondbacks manager Torrey Lovullo said Martinez is heading for a second opinion on the injury, according to <a href="https://x.com/nickpiecoro/status/1932567184586473787">Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic</a>.</p><p>Martinez exited Monday's win against the Seattle Mariners with tightness in his pitching elbow after his velocity dropped in the ninth inning.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/justin-martinez-swinging-strike-to-donovan-solano?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>"My elbow was getting tight in the last few pitches, and I decided to call the trainer out to figure out what was going on," Martinez said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/justin-martinez-christian-montes-de-oca-elbow-injuries">MLB.com's Steve Gilbert</a>.</p><p>Martinez missed just over three weeks in May due to shoulder inflammation.</p><p>The 23-year-old owns a 4.11 ERA with five saves and 22 strikeouts across 15 1/3 innings this season. Martinez signed a five-year, $18-million contract extension in March.</p><p>Veteran right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1683" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1683">Shelby Miller</a> filled in as Arizona's closer during Martinez's last IL stint and could get the first opportunity in the ninth inning again.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 09: Relief pitcher Justin Martinez #63 of the Arizona Diamondbacks walks off the field with a trainer after an injury during the ninth inning of the MLB game against the Seattle Mariners at Chase Field on June 09, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Mariners 8-4 in 11 innings.

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D-Backs place closer Martinez on IL with UCL sprain

The Texas Rangers are signing veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel to a minor-league contract, a source...

<p>The Texas Rangers are signing veteran reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1378" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1378">Craig Kimbrel</a> to a minor-league contract, a source told <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1932553446332194853">The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal</a>.</p><p>Kimbrel elected free agency after the Atlanta Braves designated him for assignment following one appearance.</p><p>The 37-year-old pitched a scoreless inning with one strikeout, one hit, and one walk in his 2025 debut against the San Francisco Giants. Kimbrel signed a minor-league contract for a second stint with the Braves in March.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Texas has struggled to find a viable option in the ninth inning, blowing 10 of 28 save opportunities this season. The team's relievers rank 26th in the league with 203 strikeouts.</p><p>Left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15660" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15660">Robert Garcia</a> has seen save opportunities of late after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4266" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4266">Luke Jackson</a> struggled in the closer's role. Garcia owns a 3.12 ERA with 25 strikeouts and four saves across 26 innings.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 6: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the game at Oracle Park on June 6, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Report: Rangers, Kimbrel agree to minor-league deal

<p><em>Welcome to theScore's roundup of everything you need to know from around MLB. Here we'll touch on the notable storylines, biggest trends, most shocking plays, and some other cool things from the week. Let's dive in!</em></p><h3>What everyone's talking about 👇</h3><p><strong>Rumble in the Bronx:</strong> Red Sox rookie Hunter Dobbins added some much-needed spice to the Boston-New York rivalry by saying he'd rather retire than play for the Yankees. Aaron Judge greeted Dobbins with a two-run home run in the first inning of Sunday's start. The 25-year-old got the last laugh though, as Boston won the game and the series. </p><p><strong>Corbin Burnes needs Tommy John surgery: </strong>The D-Backs' $210-million offseason signing will miss extended time after injuring his elbow. The right-hander posted a 2.66 ERA in 11 starts.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>White Sox ownership change on horizon: </strong>Jerry Reinsdorf reached an agreement with Justin Ishbia that will eventually give the latter, a billionaire businessman, the option to take control of the franchise in the future. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3296334" href="https://thescore.com/news/3296334">Read more</a> ...</p><p><strong>MLB to propose ABS system for 2026: </strong>Commissioner Rob Manfred plans to submit a proposal to have the automated ball-strike system in place in time for the 2026 season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3295992" href="https://thescore.com/news/3295992">Read more</a> ...</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKhsLUpM3GF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKhsLUpM3GF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><h3>Who's hot? 🔥</h3><p><strong>Marcus Semien:</strong> The Rangers veteran has found his footing after a dreadful start to the season at the plate. Semien had a multi-homer game against the Rays and is hitting over .400 in his past seven games.</p><p><strong>Framber Valdez: </strong>Valdez is off to a tremendous start to June, posting a 2-0 record with a 1.69 ERA and 11.25 K/9 as the Astros continue their surge to the top of the AL West standings.</p><p><strong>Robbie Ray: </strong>The 33-year-old is pitching like he did when he won the AL Cy Young in 2021. Ray allowed just one home run over his last eight starts and has dominated opponents with a 1.93 ERA, 11.57 K/9, and a .130 batting average in his last two starts.</p><h3>Who's not? 🥶</h3><p><strong>Lucas Giolito: </strong>In his most recent outing, the Angels teed off on Giolito to the tune of eight hits and seven runs in just 1 2/3 innings. Giolito's pitched to an 11.37 ERA over his last two starts.</p><p><strong>Willy Adames: </strong>The shortstop continues to struggle in his first season in San Francisco. Adames is still hitting under .200 and has just one hit over his last 27 at-bats.</p><p><strong>Corey Seager: </strong>Seager hasn't done much since returning from a second IL stint for a hamstring injury. He's been striking out more often and is hitless over his last 22 at-bats.</p><h3>Player who deserves more attention 🔎</h3><p><strong>Jesús Sánchez: </strong>The Marlins outfielder has been hot at the plate, scorching the ball against right-handed pitching while primarily batting second in the lineup. He had a five-RBI game against the Rays and is rostered in just 10<strong>%</strong> of Yahoo! Fantasy leagues.</p><h3>You love to see it 😍</h3><p>Dodgers manager Dave Roberts surprised Shohei Ohtani with a new car of sorts for his baby daughter. Some day soon, she'll enjoy it.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O8z6muK_5K0?si=ZIfQZhYwn71dahlR" 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>Aaron Judge made a young Yankees fan's first trip to a game an especially memorable experience.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aaron Judge is the greatest in so many ways🥹 <a href="https://t.co/ukr1xHU9iM">pic.twitter.com/ukr1xHU9iM</a></p>— Captain's Corner (@Captain2Corner) <a href="https://twitter.com/Captain2Corner/status/1930678475515376085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Angels third base coach Eric Young Sr. is still a dad at heart. During Saturday's game against the Seattle Mariners, Young made sure to leave some snacks in the coaches' box for his son, Mariners third base coach Eric Young Jr.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AcRGu1Je6fU" title="Angels 1B coach, Eric Young Sr., left snacks out for his son, Mariners 1B coach Eric Young Jr. 🙂" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><h3>We can't believe this happened 🤯</h3><p>Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler and third baseman Zach McKinstry teamed up for an unbelievable circus catch against the White Sox. A sliding Dingler tipped the pop-up right into McKinstry's glove just a foot or so off the ground.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/dingler-mckinstry-combine-for-ridiculous-catch?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford channeled his inner football player, hurdling over Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Shane Baz to get to first base for a single.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/shane-baz-in-play-no-out-to-wyatt-langford?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Roman Anthony, the top prospect in baseball, continued to torture Triple-A pitching, crushing a 497-foot grand slam Saturday. Why he's still doing this in Worcester instead of at Fenway Park remains a mystery.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/anthony-demolishes-a-497-foot-grand-slam?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><h3>Sound smart among your friends 🧠</h3><p>Angels shortstop Zach Neto has been one of the most improved offensive players this year. Neto increased his hard-hit rate over 30% from last season and his expected slugging percentage by over 100 points. He's hitting the ball over three miles per hour harder than in 2024 and looks primed for his first All-Star appearance.</p><h3>They said what? 🗣️</h3><p><strong>Red Sox right-hander Walker Buehler on early-season <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3297017" href="https://thescore.com/news/3297017">struggles</a>: </strong>"This organization put a lot of faith in me this offseason, and I've been f-----g embarrassing for us."</p><p><strong>Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3297082" href="https://thescore.com/news/3297082">says</a> expending less energy has improved his performance: </strong>"Just go at 70%. That's what's been working for me."</p><p><strong>Twins starter Joe Ryan <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3296834" href="https://thescore.com/news/3296834">ripped</a> the Athletics' facility in West Sacramento: </strong>"We're in the big leagues, and we have these amenities for a reason. It's to get prepared and go inside if you need to for a second. Whatever your routine is, you can't do that here. You can't do that in Tampa. As (Pablo Lopez's) teammate, it makes it sting a little bit more. I don't think Pablo is the kind of guy that's going to say (the pitching mound was the reason for his injury), but I'll say it."</p><h3>What to watch this week 📺</h3><p><strong>Padres and Dodgers meet for first time since NLDS: </strong>The Padres came closer than any team to eliminating the Dodgers in last year's postseason, holding a 2-1 advantage before dropping the last two games. The two NL West powers are set to meet seven times in the next 10 games.</p><p><strong>Yankees-Red Sox open Round 2:</strong> New York will look for revenge in Boston on the weekend after dropping two of three at Yankee Stadium. Judge has 12 homers in 48 games at Fenway Park.</p><p><strong>Phillies host Cubs in powerhouse showdown: </strong>The scoreboard operator at Citizens Bank Park should be ready for a busy couple of days, with two high-powered lineups poised to do damage in an intriguing series of NL contenders.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31505611/related

The Athletics acquired catcher Austin Wynns from the Cincinnati Reds for cash considerations, the...

<p>The Athletics acquired catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5685" href="/mlb/players/5685">Austin Wynns</a> from the Cincinnati Reds for cash considerations, the clubs announced Sunday.</p><p>The Reds designated Wynns for assignment on Friday. The 34-year-old will provide the Athletics with another option after starting catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12388" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12388">Shea Langeliers</a> was placed on the injured list with an oblique injury.</p><p>The Athletics currently have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12519">Willie MacIver</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12268" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12268">Jhonny Pereda</a> on the roster to handle catching duties.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Wynns' path to playing time in Cincinnati was blocked by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8162" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8162">Tyler Stephenson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5665" href="/mlb/players/5665">Jose Trevino</a>.</p><p>He's enjoying a strong season at the plate, hitting .400 with three home runs and 11 RBIs in 18 games.</p>

CINCINNATI, OH - APRIL 17: Cincinnati Reds catcher Austin Wynns (38) looks on during an MLB game against the Seattle Mariners on April 17, 2025 at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31500728/related

Athletics acquire Wynns from Reds

The Houston Astros designated right-hander Forrest Whitley for assignment, the club announced Sun...

<p>The Houston Astros designated right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12452" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12452">Forrest Whitley</a> for assignment, the club announced Sunday.</p><p>Houston recalled left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15418" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15418">Brandon Walter</a> from Triple-A in a corresponding roster move.</p><p>Whitley, 27, was the Astros' No. 1 prospect in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. He was a first-round pick in the 2016 draft.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Injuries and a suspension for violating the league's drug prevention and treatment program prevented Whitley from making his MLB debut until 2024, when he appeared as a reliever.</p><p>Whitley made three appearances last season and didn't allow a run with five strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings. He struggled this year, though, registering a 12.27 ERA and 2.05 WHIP in five games.</p>

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 29: Houston Astros relief pitcher Forrest Whitley (55) throws a pitch in the top of the eighth inning during the MLB game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Houston Astros on May 29, 2025 at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31500407/related

Astros DFA former top prospect Whitley

The Cleveland Guardians optioned struggling outfielder Jhonkensy Noel to Triple-A, the club annou...

<p>The Cleveland Guardians optioned struggling outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13645" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13645">Jhonkensy Noel</a> to Triple-A, the club announced Sunday.</p><p>Cleveland recalled outfielder Johnathan Rodríguez in a corresponding roster move.</p><p>Noel is hitting .146 with a pair of home runs, 12 runs scored, and nine RBIs across 46 games this season. He has struck out 34 times and drawn only three walks in 103 at-bats.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It hasn't been the start to the season that he would have liked or that we would have liked," manager Stephen Vogt said, according to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3297634" href="https://thescore.com/news/3297634">The Associated Press</a>. "We know how good of a player that he is, so we told Jhonkensy to just go play, go relax and go back to being you."</p><p>Noel was Cleveland's Opening Day starter in right field, but he struggled defensively, ranking in the 21st percentile in Baseball Savant's outs above average.</p><p>The 23-year-old emerged as a fan favorite in 2024, earning the nickname "Big Christmas." He hit 13 home runs and posted a .774 OPS in 67 regular-season contests last year. Noel also hit a clutch, game-tying home run in the ninth inning of Game 3 of Cleveland's ALCS matchup against the New York Yankees.</p>

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 07: Jhonkensy Noel #43 of the Cleveland Guardians runs to first base during the game between the Houston Astros and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Saturday, June 7, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.