Nicky Lopez will suit up on the North Side after all.  The Chicago Cubs signed the veteran infiel...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8808" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/8808">Nicky Lopez</a> will suit up on the North Side after all.The Chicago Cubs signed the veteran infielder, who failed to crack their roster out of spring training, to a major-league contract Wednesday.Lopez, who was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels last week, initially joined the Cubs organization on a minor-league deal in February. He impressed during spring training, hitting .450/.542/.550 with four walks over 24 Cactus League appearances but was granted his release after being told he wouldn't make the team.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He subsequently caught on with the Angels on an MLB deal. He appeared in just six games - one of which came as a pitcher - before being cut when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15522" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15522">Zach Neto</a> returned from the injured list. Lopez didn't record a hit during his brief stint in Anaheim.Lopez will provide the Cubs with some middle infield depth on the bench. The team needs help in that area after optioning top prospect Matt Shaw to Triple-A Iowa last week.The 30-year-old, who spent last season across town with the White Sox, is a lifetime .247/.311/.313 hitter with seven home runs, 152 RBIs, and 47 stolen bases over parts of seven big-league seasons.The Cubs also selected veteran left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2077" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2077">Drew Pomeranz</a> from Triple-A. Pomeranz, 36, was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3272298" href="https://thescore.com/news/3272298">acquired</a> from the Seattle Mariners in a minor trade Monday. He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2021.To make room for Lopez and Pomeranz on the 40-man roster, Chicago DFA'd infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14187" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14187">Gage Workman</a> and transferred left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10586" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10586">Justin Steele</a> to the 60-day IL. Right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13999" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13999">Gavin Hollowell</a> was also optioned to Iowa to open an active roster spot.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: Nicky Lopez #8 of the Los Angeles Angels in action against the Cleveland Guardians at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 05, 2025 in Anaheim, California.

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Cubs reunite with Nicky Lopez on MLB deal

The Atlanta Braves received perhaps the best possible news about Spencer Strider's health.  Tests...

The Atlanta Braves received perhaps the best possible news about <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13620" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13620">Spencer Strider</a>'s health.Tests revealed that Strider, who was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3272273" href="https://thescore.com/news/3272273">placed</a> on the 15-day injured list Monday, is dealing with a Grade 1 strain of his right hamstring, according to <a href="https://x.com/mlbbowman/status/1914767045624791523">Mark Bowman of MLB.com</a>. A Grade 1 strain is considered mild and usually comes with a quicker recovery.Still, the Braves remain without a firm timetable for their ace's return. Strider needs time to rest and heal the strain, and the team won't know exactly when he could return for another few weeks, Bowman added.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Strider strained his hamstring while playing catch prior to Monday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. He told reporters Tuesday that he felt the injury after making a 75-foot throw and has no idea how or why it happened."I was throwing at a very low effort," Strider said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/spencer-strider-discusses-right-hamstring-injury">Bowman</a>. "I made a throw and felt it kind of sting and thought, 'That was weird.' I wasn't really sure where it came from. Then I made another throw and felt a pull on my backside and then I walked right off (the field)."The injury marks a setback for the 26-year-old, who missed most of last year while recovering from elbow surgery. Strider made his first start of the season last week in Toronto and was slated to face the Cardinals on Tuesday."It sucks," he said. "I have done absolutely nothing to help this team and this organization for the past year. I finally got to a point where I could earn my paycheck and help us win games, and now I'm back on a table while they wave machines over me."The Braves initially recalled right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17478" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17478">Michael Petersen</a> to fill Strider's active roster spot but sent him back to Triple-A Gwinnett after he threw two innings in Monday's game. Atlanta selected right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17254" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17254">Nathan Wiles</a> from Gwinnett in a corresponding move and released right-hander Amos Willingham to clear a 40-man roster spot for Wiles.Reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8180" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8180">Scott Blewett</a>, whom Atlanta acquired from Baltimore in a minor trade Sunday, will open Tuesday in Strider's place. Wiles, who was starting in Triple-A and is stretched out, will likely follow Blewett and could reach as many as 100 pitches in a bulk role, <a href="https://x.com/DOBrienATL/status/1914778059255005648">O'Brien added</a>.Atlanta, which started the season 0-7 with injuries to Strider, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8292" href="/mlb/players/8292">Ronald Acuña Jr.</a>, and other key players, enters play Tuesday on a four-game winning streak.

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 18: Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves throws during batting practice before the game against the Minnesota Twins at Truist Park on April 18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)

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Strider diagnosed with mild hamstring strain, no timetable for return

The Athletics are calling up first baseman Nick Kurtz, the franchise's top prospect, from Triple-...

The Athletics are calling up first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18799">Nick Kurtz</a>, the franchise's top prospect, from Triple-A Las Vegas, <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/nick-kurtz-athletics-prospect-call-up-mlb">Martín Gallegos of MLB.com</a> reports.Kurtz is ranked as the No. 32 prospect in all of baseball by <a href="https://www.baseballamerica.com/rankings/2025-top-100-prospects/">Baseball America</a>. He was drafted fourth overall by the A's last July after a stellar college career at Wake Forest. Kurtz played just 32 minor-league games before getting the call to West Sacramento.The 22-year-old has been lighting up the Pacific Coast League during the early stages of this season. Kurtz hit .321/.385/.655 over 97 plate appearances with Las Vegas, while his seven homers and 24 RBIs are tops among all Triple-A players.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>While he'll arrive in West Sacramento on Tuesday, Kurtz won't be activated or make his MLB debut until Wednesday's home game against the Texas Rangers, a source told <a href="https://x.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1914421869081731094">ESPN's Alden González</a>. This is in part because Texas is starting left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2301" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2301">Patrick Corbin</a> on Tuesday.Once he does steps on the field, Kurtz will become the sixth-fastest player in A's history to reach the majors from the date he was drafted, according to Gallegos. The franchise record for fastest debut belongs to Mike Morgan, who pitched in his first game five days after being drafted by the A's out of high school in June 1978.He'll also become the third player drafted in 2024 to reach the majors, joining Houston Astros outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18758" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18758">Cam Smith</a> and Los Angeles Angels reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18880" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18880">Ryan Johnson</a>.The timing of Kurtz's call-up is interesting given first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12358" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12358">Tyler Soderstrom</a>'s breakout April and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9582" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9582">Brent Rooker</a>'s presence at designated hitter. Soderstrom entered Monday sitting tied for the major-league home-run lead with nine. Rooker, who signed a five-year, $60-million extension in January, is off to a slower start but has hit six home runs in his first 22 games.Kurtz is strictly a first baseman defensively and, like Soderstrom, hits from the left side. He could potentially be eased into the majors as the left-handed half of a DH platoon with Rooker, who owns a .671 OPS versus right-handers this season compared to 1.098 against southpaws. Rooker, last year's AL Silver Slugger winner at DH, can also slide to a corner outfield spot if necessary.The Athletics, playing their first season in a temporary facility outside Sacramento after 56 years representing Oakland, sit last in the AL West with a 10-12 record. However, they entered Monday just a half-game back of fourth-place Houston and three behind the first-place Rangers.

PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 14: Nick Kurtz #28 of the Athletics looks on during the third inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Stadium on March 14, 2025 in Peoria, Arizona.

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Report: Athletics calling up top prospect Kurtz after 32 MiLB games

The San Diego Padres placed first baseman Luis Arraez on the seven-day concussion injured list af...

The San Diego Padres placed first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10597" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10597">Luis Arraez</a> on the seven-day concussion injured list after a collision with Houston Astros second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5676" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5676">Mauricio Dubón</a> in Sunday's game, they announced Monday.Infielder Mason McCoy was recalled from Triple-A El Paso in a corresponding move.Arraez has also been placed in concussion protocol, a decision that was made largely for precautionary reasons, manager Mike Shildt said Monday. The skipper said Arraez woke up with a stiff neck and was cut on his jaw but slept well. He did show some concussion symptoms on the field in the moments following the collision.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It's, overall, very favorable relative to how scary that looked," Shildt said, according to <a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/04/21/luis-arraez-going-to-il-leaves-padres-offensive-core-halved/">Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune</a>.Arraez was carted off the field Sunday after colliding with Dubon, who was covering first base on Arraez's bunt attempt.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ouch. Luis Arraez runs into Mauricio Dubón at 1st <a href="https://t.co/hbjepHwTxx">pic.twitter.com/hbjepHwTxx</a>— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) <a href="https://twitter.com/AriA1exander/status/1914096721597997282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Padres said postgame Arraez was transported to a hospital for further evaluation but was stable, conscious, responsive, and able to move his extremities. He eventually returned to San Diego's clubhouse, according to <a href="https://x.com/sdutKevinAcee/status/1914146635233308728">Acee</a>.The team <a href="https://x.com/sdutKevinAcee/status/1914153605445067160">said</a> the three-time batting champion stayed in Houston on Sunday night. He flew back to San Diego on Monday rather than joining the team in Detroit, according to Acee. Following Sunday's game, which the Padres won 3-2, Shildt told reporters that Arraez did not suffer any fractures on the play, according to <a href="http://x.com/973TheFanSD/status/1914151210992771133">97.3 The Fan</a>.Meanwhile, Dubón said it was impossible to get out of Arraez's way based on positioning."You never want to harm anyone else. He has family. He has kids. I have a kid now. It sucks. That's the worst part of it," Dubón said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1914152260172468567">Chandler Rome of The Athletic</a>.Arraez has three homers, seven RBIs, and a .755 OPS over 22 games this season.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 20: Luis Arraez #4 of the San Diego Padres is carted off the field after colliding with Mauricio Dubon in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on April 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Padres place Arraez on concussion IL after collision

Cleveland Guardians right-hander and former top prospect Triston McKenzie was designated for assi...

Cleveland Guardians right-hander and former top prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8163" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8163">Triston McKenzie</a> was designated for assignment, the team announced Monday.Right-hander Zak Kent was selected from Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move.McKenzie was once a rising star in the Guardians' organization and ranked among their top prospects prior to his call-up in 2020. A first-round pick (42nd overall) in 2015, he broke out in 2022 when he helped Cleveland to a surprising division title by posting a 2.96 ERA and team-best 0.95 WHIP over 30 starts.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Unfortunately, he was never able to rediscover that form. A shoulder issue limited McKenzie to four starts in 2023, and he spent last year bouncing between the majors and Triple-A while posting ERAs above five at both levels.The 27-year-old made the team out of spring training last month as a long reliever but allowed seven earned runs over 5 2/3 innings while issuing more walks (seven) than he had strikeouts (four) in his four regular-season appearances. In his most recent outing on April 16, McKenzie surrendered four runs on three hits in one inning and didn't strike out a batter.Manager Stephen Vogt described the decision to cut McKenzie as a tough one for the organization, calling the Brooklyn native "one of the best people I've gotten to know in this game.""As you saw, it was really difficult to find innings for Triston," Vogt said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/triston-mckenzie-designated-for-assignment-by-guardians">Tim Stebbins of MLB.com</a>. "And that's really what led to the decision. With the way our bullpen's throwing the ball, it was tough. When someone's out of options, it isn't easy. It's not perfect, but this is why sometimes you have to make these really difficult decisions."The Guardians now have seven days to either trade, release, or outright McKenzie to Triple-A Columbus.Kent, who takes McKenzie's spot on both the active and 40-man rosters, will make his MLB debut when he gets into a game. The 27-year-old owns a 2.35 ERA and 0.91 WHIP with 10 strikeouts and four walks over five relief appearances at Triple-A this season.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 16: Triston McKenzie #24 of the Cleveland Guardians looks on against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 16, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Guardians DFA former top prospect McKenzie

The wind was blowing out at Wrigley Field on Friday. Naturally, mayhem ensued.  In the wildest ga...

The wind was blowing out at Wrigley Field on Friday. Naturally, mayhem ensued.In the wildest game of the year so far, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs combined for 16 total runs in an eighth inning that saw wild comebacks from both teams during an eventual 13-11 Cubs win.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781247/cropped_Go2R82TXcAA52Cn.jpg?ts=1745012434" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781247/w220xh124_Go2R82TXcAA52Cn.jpg?ts=1745012434 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781247/w320xh180_Go2R82TXcAA52Cn.jpg?ts=1745012434 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781247/w640xh360_Go2R82TXcAA52Cn.jpg?ts=1745012434 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781247/w768xh432_Go2R82TXcAA52Cn.jpg?ts=1745012434 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781247/w1080xh607_Go2R82TXcAA52Cn.jpg?ts=1745012434 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Baseball Savant</figcaption></figure>Ian Happ's seventh-inning grand slam put the Cubs up 7-1, but that lead was hardly safe. In the top of the eighth, Arizona sent 13 men to the plate and scored 10 runs. Eugenio Suárez answered Happ with a <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/eugenio-suarez-hits-a-grand-slam-6-to-center-field-randal-grichuk-scores?q=Arizona%20Diamondbacks&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">grand slam</a> of his own, Randal Grichuk ripped a go-ahead <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/porter-hodge-in-play-run-s-to-randal-grichuk?q=Arizona%20Diamondbacks&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">two-run double</a> under third baseman Gage Workman's glove, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. gave the Snakes an 11-7 lead with a massive three-run homer.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/lourdes-gurriel-jr-homers-4-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-center-field-randal-gri?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure>Chicago stormed back in the bottom of the eighth, batting around themselves in a six-run frame to retake the lead. Carson Kelly's two-run homer, his second of the game, brought the Cubs back to within one. Three batters later, Kyle Tucker lined a homer over the right-field wall to put Chicago ahead 12-11. Seiya Suzuki would follow Tucker with his own solo shot.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/kyle-tucker-homers-6-on-a-line-drive-to-right-field-ian-happ-scores?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure>The 16 total runs set a new National League record for total scoring in the eighth inning, according to <a href="https://www.baseball-almanac.com/recbooks/rb_runs2.shtml">Baseball Almanac</a>. It was also the highest-scoring inning by combined runs in Wrigley Field's 111-year history, per the D-backs broadcast.The Cubs are the first team since Cleveland in 2006, and seventh since at least 1900, to allow 10-plus runs in an inning and still win, according to <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1913352576990425500">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>. They also became the fifth team since at least 1900 to score at least six runs and allow at least 10 in the same frame, per <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1913346030323798421">Langs</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-VMIHf" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/VMIHf/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="128" 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>This is the second time in Cubs history that they've combined with their opponent to score 21 runs in two consecutive innings, according to <a href="https://x.com/jwyllys/status/1913350176430842204">Cubs historian Ed Hartig and Jared Wyllys of CHGO Sports</a>. The last time this happened was on Sept. 4, 1893, when the Cubs - then known as the Colts - and Baltimore Orioles did it during a 15-10 Chicago win at West Side Park.Ryan Pressly gave up one more hit in the top of the ninth but was able to secure the save for the Cubs.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 18: Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates hitting a double during the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field on April 18, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Cubs outlast D-Backs after wild 8th inning featuring 16 total runs

Jake Paul has lined up his next fight.  Paul is set to face former middleweight champion Julio Ce...

Jake Paul has lined up his next fight.Paul is set to face former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a cruiserweight bout June 28 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, Most Valuable Promotions told <a href="https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/44732270/jake-paul-face-former-champion-julio-cesar-chavez-jr-june-28">ESPN's Andreas Hale</a>.The 10-round fight will be broadcast on DAZN pay-per-view and will be co-promoted by MVP and Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy promotions. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Five years ago, I stepped into the ring for my pro debut after a single amateur fight, and every fight since has been a step towards becoming world champion. I just defeated the baddest man on the planet, and now I'm going against a former champion who conman Canelo couldn't finish," Jake Paul said in a statement.Paul's had a tough time finding his next opponent ever since defeating 58-year-old ex-heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in November. The YouTuber-turned-boxer appeared to have reached a deal to face superstar fighter Canelo Álvarez, only to have the reigning super-middleweight champion close a multi-fight deal with Riyadh Season instead. He was also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3246575" href="https://thescore.com/news/3246575">reportedly</a> in talks with Gervonta Davis about an exhibition fight before "Tank" faced Lamont Roach Jr. in March."The Problem Child" owns a 11-1 record as a professional, with seven of those victories coming via knockout. Paul's lone loss came in a split-decision defeat against Tommy Fury in February 2023.Chavez, 39, held the WBC middleweight title from 2011-12 and successfully defended that belt three times. He owns a lifetime record of 54-6-1 with one no-contest and 34 knockout victories.The Mexico native's most recent fight was a six-round unanimous win over ex-MMA star Uriah Hall this past July, a bout that was on the undercard of Paul's tilt against Mike Perry. However, that win was Chavez's first fight in three years."First of all, I will show what I can do now that everything is in the right place in my life - mentally and physically," Chavez said. "I feel rejuvenated and 10 years younger. Second, I want to thank MVP for taking the risk of fighting me. Unfortunately for their 'Problem Child,' they're going to have a big problem this June - one they won't know how to resolve."The co-main event will feature unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez (47-1) defending his titles against former champion Yuniel Dorticos (27-2).

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 15: Jake Paul is introduced before his fight against Mike Tyson fight during LIVE On Netflix: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium on November 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

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Jake Paul to fight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at cruiserweight

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

Welcome to theScore's roundup of everything you need to know from around MLB. Here we'll touch on the notable storylines, biggest trends, most shocking plays, and some other cool things. Let's dive in!<h3>What everyone's talking about 👇</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781115/cropped_GettyImages-2209756188.jpg?ts=1744924476" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781115/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209756188.jpg?ts=1744924476 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781115/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209756188.jpg?ts=1744924476 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781115/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209756188.jpg?ts=1744924476 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781115/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209756188.jpg?ts=1744924476 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781115/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209756188.jpg?ts=1744924476 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mary DeCicco / Major League Baseball / Getty</figcaption></figure>Captain America: Team USA is powering up for next spring's World Baseball Classic. Manager Mark DeRosa announced that Aaron Judge will not only be joining the American squad but will also serve as team captain. It'll be the two-time MVP's first WBC. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3267054" href="https://thescore.com/news/3267054">Read more .</a>..Padres off and running: Just as everyone predicted, the Padres have steamrolled their way to the top of the NL West. San Diego won its first 11 home games during a 15-4 start that's included six shutouts. The last time the Padres started this hot was back in 1998 ... when they won the pennant.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Soto still adjusting: It's been a slow start for Juan Soto in Flushing. The Mets' $765-million man thinks it's because he's being "pitched differently" without Judge protecting him. The Yankees captain isn't <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3268194" href="https://thescore.com/news/3268194">too concerned</a> about his ex-teammate, though. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3267730" href="https://thescore.com/news/3267730">Read more ...</a><h3>Who's hot? 🔥</h3>Shane Baz: The Rays right-hander authored one of the best outings of his career against the Red Sox, fanning 11 over six innings of one-run baseball. Baz's curveball and changeup have been devastating so far, with whiff rates of 34.1% and 45%, respectively.Nick Pivetta: The Padres signed Pivetta late in the offseason, and he's rewarded that with a terrific start. Pivetta has wins in his last two starts, with a 0.69 ERA, 16 strikeouts, and just two walks in 13 innings.Cal Raleigh: "Big Dumper" has been swinging a red-hot bat. Raleigh hit four homers over a five-game stretch, including his 100th career long ball.<h3>Who's not? 🥶</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781116/cropped_GettyImages-2210305813.jpg?ts=1744924539" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781116/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210305813.jpg?ts=1744924539 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781116/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210305813.jpg?ts=1744924539 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781116/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210305813.jpg?ts=1744924539 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781116/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210305813.jpg?ts=1744924539 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781116/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210305813.jpg?ts=1744924539 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Julio Aguilar / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Tanner Houck: Nothing's going right for Houck, who became the first Red Sox pitcher <a href="https://stathead.com/tiny/hVpFM">in 63 years</a> to allow at least 12 runs in a game during Monday's 16-1 loss to the Rays. Houck now owns a 9.16 ERA through four starts while giving up a league-leading 19 earned runs.Dylan Crews: The Nats' top prospect may need a reset at Triple-A. One of the preseason favorites for NL Rookie of the Year, Crews' minus-5 wRC+ is the worst in baseball by a wide margin.Christian Walker: Astros fans are hoping the Walker signing isn't a repeat of the José Abreu contract. Walker's off to a dreadful start at the plate, with just one homer and a .482 OPS in 18 games. The 34-year-old has decent batted-ball metrics, which is at least a reason for some optimism.<h3>You love to see it 😍</h3>Angels star Mike Trout took time to greet a fan and his son after a game in Houston despite that fan taking a ball out of his glove.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/mike-trout-meets-with-astros-fan-who-broke-up-catch?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure>Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas had a little fun pitching in a blowout loss, imitating a handful of his teammates on the mound.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/miguel-rojas-imitates-dodgers-pitchers-on-the-mound?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><h3>We can't believe this happened 🤯</h3>Jose Miranda put himself on the blooper reel forever with a brutal baserunning error that netted him a one-way postgame ticket to Triple-A. And if you thought things couldn't get worse for him, you're dead wrong: On Monday, Miranda <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3268949" href="https://thescore.com/news/3268949">hurt his hand</a> carrying a case of water and landed on the injured list.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rknby5vhQ4w?si=ENcGzYDzQEMK5u3C" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>Spencer Torkelson got the force at second the hard way when his throw caromed off Brice Turang's helmet and bounced directly into shortstop Trey Sweeney's glove. He couldn't do this again if he had 1,000 throws.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/tigers-record-out-on-fortunate-ricochet-off-runner?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure>Over in the NCAA, Cincinnati's Donovan Ford channeled Willie Mays while making a truly jaw-dropping catch against rival Xavier. Yeah, you should go crazy after hauling that one in, Donovan.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kQEj-6q2f0M?si=5RR3e9UAKi5Oxvpc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>On Tuesday at Isotopes Park, the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes did the seemingly impossible: They scored three runs on a walk. Yes, you read that right. This one has to be seen to be believed.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/three-score-after-walk?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><h3>Sound smart among your friends 🧠</h3>Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda is scorching the baseball so far this season. The Mexico native ranks in the top 10 among all hitters in average exit velocity (95 mph) and has the fourth-best slugging percentage (.679). The Rays are treating the left-handed-hitting Aranda as a platoon player for now. Even if he continues to sit against southpaws, Aranda's minor-league track record and overall offensive profile show that a breakout could be in the cards.<h3>They said what? 🗣️</h3>Jazz Chisholm <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/article/jazz-session-chisholm-bragging-rights-033144588.html">on (temporarily) tying Aaron Judge</a> for the Yankees' HR lead: "I've got to go talk to him right now. I think I'm beating him right now, right? Stolen bases. You've got to add both. You know how they say OPS is, what, on-base plus slug? Home runs plus stolen bases."Former All-Star Eric Hosmer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3266062" href="https://thescore.com/news/3266062">on MLB's PED policy</a>: "I think the only way this game gets cleaned up and these guys don't risk 80-game suspensions for another couple years on the back end is to take away guaranteed money. ... If you tell me I have a $110 million on the line for these next three years and I could possibly lose that, I'm not even thinking that."Spencer Strider <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3269134" href="https://thescore.com/news/3269134">on the Braves' early-season hole</a>: "We're not in a great position at the moment, and that's fine. It's early still in the season, and people want to doubt us, that's great. Bring it on."Jim Palmer, 79-year-old Orioles legend, <a href="http://x.com/AviMiIIer/status/1912317893338865839">on eating chicken wings</a>: "(I've) never, ever had a wing. ... Why would I? Don't they have skin and stuff?"<h3>What to watch this weekend 📺</h3>Rays host Yankees at Steinbrenner Field: The four-game set marks the first time the Yankees will be the visiting club in their spring training home. Expect a lot of pro-Yankees fans in the crowd.Last two champions meet up in Texas: The Rangers welcome the Dodgers to town for a meeting of the past two World Series winners. The Dodgers have Yamamoto, Sasaki, and Glasnow lined up to pitch.

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Covering the Bases: The best stuff happening in MLB this week

Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda are set to square off in a lightweight title fight July 12 in...

Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda are set to square off in a lightweight title fight July 12 in New York, <a href="https://x.com/ringmagazine/status/1913069120209244662">The Ring Magazine</a> announced Thursday night.A venue is still to be determined. Full details will be revealed in the next few days.Stevenson will be defending his WBC lightweight belt. Zepeda is Stevenson's mandatory challenger.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The WBC ordered Stevenson and Zepeda to find a deal earlier this month. They had until May 6 to reach an agreement and avoid a purse bid.The matchup will see a pair of young and unbeaten stars squaring off in what promises to be an entertaining clash. Stevenson enters the fight sporting a 23-0 record with 11 knockouts, while Zepeda is 33-0 with 27 KOs.Stevenson, a champion at three weight classes, claimed the vacant WBC lightweight title with a unanimous victory over Edwin De Los Santos in November 2023. Since then he's successfully defended the belt twice, most recently Feb. 22 via a ninth-round TKO of Josh Padley in Saudi Arabia.Several of the 27-year-old's recent fights have been contested across the Hudson River in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey. Stevenson hasn't fought in New York since 2019, when he beat Christopher Diaz at Madison Square Garden.Zepeda, 28, became Stevenson's mandatory challenger following two victories over Tevin Farmer in the past year. "Camarón" beat Farmer via split decision in a 10-round fight in November in Saudi Arabia, then took the 12-round rematch in a majority decision four months later.The wins over Farmer also earned Zepeda the WBC's vacant interim lightweight title.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - FEBRUARY 22: Shakur Stevenson looks on prior to the WBC World Lightweight Title fight between Shakur Stevenson and Josh Padley as part of Beterbiev v Bivol 2: The Last Crescendo at Kingdom Arena on February 22, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Shakur to defend lightweight belt vs. Zepeda on July 12 in NYC

Patrick Corbin's cutter wasn't the only thing that had a bit more bite to it Wednesday.  Texas Ra...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2301" href="/mlb/players/2301">Patrick Corbin</a>'s cutter wasn't the only thing that had a bit more bite to it Wednesday.Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy revealed Thursday that the veteran left-hander had to battle through a bizarre injury to pitch his team to victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Corbin was nearly scratched from the start because of the after-effects of being bitten by some kind of venomous creature a few days earlier."We weren't even sure if he was going to pitch," Bochy said ahead of Thursday's series finale, according to <a href="https://x.com/kennlandry/status/1913007606148579459">Kennedi Landry of MLB.com</a>. "He had a bite. He could hardly walk when he came into the clubhouse. Some kind of venom got in there. Not sure if it was a spider or what. He was 50-50 on whether he would make the start or not."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Whatever the bug or arachnoid was ultimately couldn't stop Corbin from doing his thing. The 35-year-old mowed down the Angels, allowing one run on five hits while striking out six over 5 1/3 innings to earn his first win of the season."They were able to kind of work it out and just kind of maintain it through out the day. But it's pretty sore still," Corbin said. "It's just kind of just something that's really strange. I was just fortunate to get through yesterday, and I have some time to recover and be good to go."Though Corbin's been one of the worst pitchers in baseball over the last four seasons, durability has remained a strong suit. He made at least 31 starts in each of his last four campaigns with the Washington Nationals. Outside of one illness-related stint in 2021, Corbin hasn't spent a day on the injured list since he recovered from Tommy John surgery in July 2015.The New York native joined Texas on a one-year contract in late March after injuries ravaged the Rangers' rotation during spring training. He owns a 3.86 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with six strikeouts and three walks over his first two starts with the Rangers.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - APRIL 16: Patrick Corbin #46 of the Texas Rangers pitches during the first inning \L at Globe Life Field on April 16, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.

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Rangers' Corbin beat Angels after being bitten by venomous critter

Washington Nationals reliever Jorge López has been suspended three games for intentionally throwi...

Washington Nationals reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5036" href="/mlb/players/5036">Jorge López</a> has been suspended three games for intentionally throwing at Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1105" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1105">Andrew McCutchen</a>, the league announced Thursday, according to <a href="https://x.com/andrewcgolden/status/1912890887098577169">Andrew Golden of The Washington Post</a>. Nationals manager Dave Martinez was suspended for one game. Golden reports López intends to appeal the suspension. The reliever insisted there was no intent behind the pitch that sailed over McCutchen's head and caused the benches to briefly clear.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I apologize for everything," López said after his team's 6-1 loss at PNC Park, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/nationals-pirates-benches-clear-in-pittsburgh">Jessica Camerato of MLB.com</a>. "I didn't make any pitch (on purpose) right there. ... I tried to do my adjustment. I've been trying to find my way with my delivery, I tried to find my way through the whole season. And it's really miserable that happened. I regret what just happened."With the count at 1-1, López's 92-mph sinker flew over McCutchen and sent the former MVP sprawling to the ground. It came three pitches after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8245" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8245">Bryan Reynolds</a> reached base after being hit by a López sinker. A clearly upset McCutchen exchanged words with López and both benches emptied, although order was quickly restored.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/jorge-lopez-ejected-after-hbp-wild-pitch?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure>(Video source: <a href="http://www.mlb.com">MLB.com</a>)Umpires determined there was intent and ejected López. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16569" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16569">Eduardo Salazar</a> finished the at-bat and walked McCutchen before surrendering a grand slam to the next batter, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10705" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10705">Oneil Cruz</a>.Tensions at PNC Park were high even before the incident. Pittsburgh's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8236" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8236">Mitch Keller</a> hit Nationals infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5611" href="/mlb/players/5611">Paul DeJong</a> in the face and broke his nose during Tuesday's game. López also had a bit of history with Reynolds and McCutchen; the Pirates duo took him deep in the eighth inning of a game last September when López pitched for the Chicago Cubs.All of this might have been in the minds of the Pirates when their sluggers were hit Wednesday."It was way too close to his head," Pirates manager Derek Shelton said, according to <a href="https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2025/04/16/mlb-andrew-mccutchen-derek-shelton-jorge-lopez/stories/202504160009">Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</a>. "Bryan had gotten hit two pitches before. And then we go above Cutch's head? Not a fan of that."McCutchen said he wasn't sure if the pitch's placement was intentional. He also took a more positive approach to the incident, noting that moments like this can help bring a team together."You don't always want to feel like you're forcing the team bond and the team here and doing this," McCutchen said. "Sometimes you have to. You have to force this, especially around the season. But when the season's gone the way that it's gone for us so far, sometimes things like that can bring a team that's just trying to figure out their identity and figure out the whys. Why are we up and down, why do we score 10 one day and can't seem to score one the next?"You have something like today. It can bring teams together. But it's a good overall win for us. Hopefully that's the fire that we need."

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 16: Jorge López #21 of the Washington Nationals screams at the umpires after being ejected from the game in the seventh inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game at PNC Park on April 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Nationals' López suspended 3 games for throwing at McCutchen

A bad week for Minnesota Twins infielder Jose Miranda got even worse, thanks to a freak off-field...

A bad week for Minnesota Twins infielder Jose Miranda got even worse, thanks to a freak off-field injury.Barely 24 hours after being optioned to the minors following a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3266001" href="https://thescore.com/news/3266001">baserunning blunder</a>, Miranda strained his left hand while lifting a case of water and was placed on the Triple-A injured list.Miranda was shopping at a Minneapolis-area Target on Monday when the case of water fell, according to <a href="https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-twins-matt-wallner-injured-infield-single-new-york-mets-target-field/601332030">Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune</a>. He then tried to grab the falling case before it hit the ground, which apparently caused the hand injury. Miranda felt some pain in his hand while trying to pick it back up.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Twins didn't provide a timeline for how long he'll be sidelined. The minimum stint on the Triple-A IL is seven days.Miranda broke camp as the Twins' Opening Day third baseman but quickly lost his spot in the lineup after going just 6-for-36 with 13 strikeouts over his first 12 games. In the eighth inning of Saturday's game, the 26-year-old was easily tagged out when he incorrectly assumed he'd been forced at second and began jogging back to the dugout, which led to his demotion.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 05: Jose Miranda #64 of the Minnesota Twins reacts to striking out against the Houston Astros in the fifth inning at Target Field on April 05, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Astros 6-1.

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Twins' Miranda injures hand carrying water after Triple-A demotion

New York Mets outfielder Jose Siri was diagnosed with a fractured tibia, manager Carlos Mendoza a...

New York Mets outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4979" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4979">Jose Siri</a> was diagnosed with a fractured tibia, manager Carlos Mendoza announced Monday.Siri will be placed on the injured list before Tuesday's game."The MRI showed a fracture. We gotta get more information before we know how long he's going to be out, but he's gonna be out for a while," Mendoza said following his team's 5-1 win over the Minnesota Twins, per <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1911973119864033348">SNY</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Siri suffered the injury when he fouled a ball off his left leg during the second inning of Saturday's game against the Athletics. He limped off the field and was unable to complete the at-bat.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/j-t-ginn-foul-to-jose-siri?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure>(Video source: <a href="http://www.mlb.com">MLB.com</a>)Initial X-rays returned negative, but when his symptoms continued, the Mets sent him for further tests that revealed the injury."With how much pain he was going through, and watching him walk, he could barely (walk). ... That's why we sent him for a MRI and CT scan today," Mendoza said.Although no timetable was provided, Siri is hopeful that it won't be a long IL stint."It's obviously disappointing whenever something like that happens, but at the same time we're not gonna get too ahead of ourselves," the 29-year-old <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1911974744003408257">said</a> through a translator. "(We're) probably gonna re-evaluate (the injury) within the next week to see how it is. Everybody's different."I'm a quick healer, so hopefully something good can come out of it."Siri has struggled at the plate to start this season, hitting .050/.208/.100 with one RBI, four walks, eight strikeouts, and two stolen bases over 10 games.New York acquired Siri from the Tampa Bay Rays for reliever Eric Orze this past November.

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 04: Jose Siri #19 of the New York Mets looks on during the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Friday, April 4, 2025 in New York, New York.

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Mets' Siri fractures tibia, will be placed on IL

The Colorado Rockies placed designated hitter Kris Bryant on the 10-day injured list due to lumba...

The Colorado Rockies placed designated hitter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4221" href="/mlb/players/4221">Kris Bryant</a> on the 10-day injured list due to lumbar degenerative disc disease, they announced Monday.It's unclear what type of treatment Bryant will receive for the issue. Manager Bud Black said that while the former NL MVP is likely to return after the minimum 10 days are up, the condition will force the team to manage his playing time."A lot of players - especially at this point in their career - have to manage certain things in their body," Black said, per <a href="https://x.com/TheAndresPablo/status/1911940619930337456">Andrés Soto of MLB.com</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>This is the latest setback for Bryant during an immensely disappointing Rockies tenure. Since joining the Rockies on a seven-year, $182-million contract in 2022, the four-time All-Star has played in just 170 games due to being sidelined by injuries. He's accrued minus-1.8 fWAR as a Rockie, tied for the fourth-worst among hitters with at least 700 plate appearances since 2022.Back issues have been Bryant's most frequent problem. Last year, his recurring back problems forced him to the IL twice; he also missed over a month due to a low back strain in 2022.As a result, the Rockies have deployed Bryant, who was once one of baseball's most versatile defensive players, exclusively as a DH or pinch-hitter this season. He's hitting .154/.195/.205 with one RBI, two walks, and 13 strikeouts over 41 plate appearances in 2025.The 33-year-old is earning $25 million annually through 2028.The Rockies selected catcher Braxton Fulford from Triple-A Albuquerque in a corresponding roster move. To open a 40-man roster spot for Fulford, pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12791" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12791">Jeff Criswell</a> was transferred to the 60-day IL.

DENVER, CO - APRIL 5: Kris Bryant #23 of the Colorado Rockies reacts after striking out in the third inning against the Athletics at Coors Field on April 5, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Rockies place Bryant on IL with lumbar degenerative disc disease

The New York Yankees placed right-hander Marcus Stroman on the 15-day injured list Saturday with ...

The New York Yankees placed right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4101" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4101">Marcus Stroman</a> on the 15-day injured list Saturday with left knee inflammation. Stroman underwent tests following a disastrous outing Friday against the San Francisco Giants. "When he came out, he said his left knee was bugging him," manager Aaron Boone said after his team's rain-shortened 9-1 loss, per <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1910888345724420097">Yankees Videos</a>. "So we got some X-rays here, and I think he went to the hospital to get some more testing, and so we'll see what (results) we have tomorrow."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Stroman struggled from the outset against the Giants, allowing five runs before recording an out. He was pulled after two-thirds of an inning, having allowed four hits, including a three-run homer to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17231" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17231">Jung Hoo Lee</a>, while walking three.The outing continued a rough start to the season for the 33-year-old, who now owns a 11.57 ERA and 2.04 WHIP with seven strikeouts and seven walks over three starts.Stroman appeared to be getting squeezed out of the Yankees' rotation after not pitching during their playoff run last October. However, injuries to starters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2913" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2913">Gerrit Cole</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11752" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11752">Luis Gil</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9586" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9586">Clarke Schmidt</a> during spring training allowed the New York native to keep his starting spot for at least the beginning of 2025.The Yankees managed just two hits against Giants pitchers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4388" href="/mlb/players/4388">Robbie Ray</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16212" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16212">Spencer Bivens</a> Friday, before the game was called after five-and-a-half innings due to inclement weather.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: Marcus Stroman #0 of the New York Yankees in action against the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium on March 30, 2025 in New York City. New York Yankees defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 12-3.

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Stroman lands on IL with knee inflammation 

The MLB-best San Diego Padres will be down a bat for the next little while, as they placed second...

The MLB-best San Diego Padres will be down a bat for the next little while, as they placed second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8318" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8318">Jake Cronenworth</a> on the 10-day injured list with a fractured right rib.Cronenworth characterized the timetable for his return as being "open-ended," although he's optimistic he won't be sidelined for long, according to <a href="https://x.com/AJCassavell/status/1910814782674080142">AJ Cassavell of MLB.com</a>.Utility player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4829" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4829">Tyler Wade</a> was called up from Triple-A El Paso in a corresponding move.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Cronenworth sustained the injury when he was hit by a pitch in the first inning of Sunday's game against the Chicago Cubs, according to <a href="https://x.com/AJCassavell/status/1910804913044726176">AJ Cassavell of MLB.com</a>. He finished that game, then played all nine innings and homered the next night against the Athletics in West Sacramento.However, the 31-year-old was forced to leave Tuesday's game after three innings when he wasn't able to run out a ground ball because of the pain. An MRI taken Thursday revealed the fracture.The Padres became the first team to reach 10 wins Wednesday, but they did so without several of their stars. Besides Cronenworth, the team is also without outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14111" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14111">Jackson Merrill</a>, who's sidelined with a strained hamstring. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8286" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8286">Fernando Tatis Jr.</a> also left Tuesday's game early with a shoulder injury, although he'll return to the lineup Friday against the Colorado Rockies, according to <a href="https://x.com/sdutKevinAcee/status/1910819094443831764">Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune</a>.Cronenworth, a two-time All-Star, is hitting .257/.409/.486 with two homers and five RBIs over 44 plate appearances to start this season.Wade, 30, put up a .524 OPS over 90 games with the Padres last season in a part-time role. He's mostly played second base at Triple-A this year, but he also has experience at third, shortstop, and all three outfield spots. He's a candidate to cover second in Cronenworth's absence; other options include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1660" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1660">Jose Iglesias</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10597" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10597">Luis Arraez</a>.To make room for Wade on the 40-man roster, the Padres transferred knuckleball pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15537" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15537">Matt Waldron</a> to the 60-day IL.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 05: Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres fields the ball during the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 05, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Padres place Cronenworth on IL with fractured rib

The Boston Red Sox added some experienced catching depth Thursday, agreeing to a minor-league con...

The Boston Red Sox added some experienced catching depth Thursday, agreeing to a minor-league contract with veteran backstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1798" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1798">Yasmani Grandal</a>, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ByRobertMurray/status/1910448007142924665">Robert Murray of FanSided</a>.Grandal will earn a base salary of $1.35 million if he's in the majors, a source told <a href="https://x.com/ChrisCotillo/status/1910472163012075580">MassLive's Chris Cotillo</a>. For now, he'll report to Boston's Triple-A affiliate in Worcester, per <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2025/04/red-sox-sign-former-all-star-catcher-to-minor-league-deal.html">MassLive's Sean McAdam</a>.Grandal can opt out on May 1 if he's not in the majors by then, <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/status/1910519471929799009">Cotillo</a> reports.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 36-year-old spent last season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he hit .228/.304/.400 with nine homers and 27 RBIs over 72 games. While far from the All-Star level production of his past, it marked his best offensive season since 2021. However, he was unable to find a contract in free agency this winter, and did not participate in spring training.Grandal brings some much-needed depth behind the plate to Boston's organization. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12269" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12269">Connor Wong</a>, the Red Sox starting catcher, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3261310" href="https://thescore.com/news/3261310">landed</a> on the 10-day injured list this week with a fractured finger. His injury left the team with just two catchers - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15437" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15437">Blake Sabol</a>, who was recalled Tuesday after Wong was hurt, and rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14562" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14562">Carlos Narváez</a> - on both the 26-man and 40-man rosters.In Worcester, Grandal will share time behind the plate with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8925" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8925">Seby Zavala</a> and Enderso Lira while waiting to be called up to the majors.Grandal is a lifetime .236/.345/.424 hitter with 194 home runs and 592 RBIs across parts of 13 big-league seasons. The native of Havana, Cuba, was an All-Star with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2015, and again in 2019 with the Milwaukee Brewers.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 29: Yasmani Grandal #6 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates after a solo home run in sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on July 29, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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Report: Red Sox, Grandal agree to minor-league deal

There's an old adage in baseball: You can't win a pennant or clinch a playoff spot in April, but ...

There's an old adage in baseball: You can't win a pennant or clinch a playoff spot in April, but you sure can lose them. Through the first week-plus of the 2025 season, several teams are in danger of finding this out firsthand.Here, we look at how worried five teams should be amid their early-season struggles. We rate the level of concern, with five grimace emojis being the highest level.<h3>Atlanta Braves</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778829/cropped_GettyImages-2207527048.jpg?ts=1743771472" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778829/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207527048.jpg?ts=1743771472 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778829/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207527048.jpg?ts=1743771472 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778829/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207527048.jpg?ts=1743771472 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778829/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207527048.jpg?ts=1743771472 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778829/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207527048.jpg?ts=1743771472 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>Record: 2-9 Level of concern: 😬😬😬😬😬<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Braves are already being forced to make baseball history in order to turn their dismal campaign around, as no team has ever made the playoffs after going 0-7 out of the gate.Sure, their season-opening road trip through San Diego and Los Angeles didn't do them any favors, but it's also no excuse for how poorly the Braves have played. Only two of those seven losses were by one-run margins, and they've already lost a potential tiebreaker to the Padres. Their starters, save for Spencer Schwellenbach, have struggled. Reynaldo López hit the IL with a potentially serious shoulder injury after one start, and the bullpen hasn't performed anywhere close to expectations as a unit.Even when including Tuesday's seven-run outburst against the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta's offense has generally been non-existent. The Braves have hit just eight home runs through their first 11 games, and their 82 wRC+ sits 23rd in the league. Third baseman and former Silver Slugger winner Austin Riley is sporting an 81 wRC+ with a 35.4% strikeout rate.Other factors have also put Atlanta behind the 8-ball early. Jurickson Profar, the team's marquee offseason acquisition, received an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs after four contests; if Atlanta somehow bucks the odds and makes the playoffs, he'll be ineligible to participate. Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. are still out, and while Strider's making rehab starts, it's still unclear when either star will be back in Atlanta, or what version of the stars the team will get.The Braves finally got win No. 1 in their home opener last week, but they'll need more than that to right this ship. That slow start made this week's series against the Phillies one of the most important early April showdowns that we've seen in awhile, as they try to simply keep pace while digging out of this rut. The Braves are an incredibly talented team - arguably the most talented out of this group - but they're in some serious trouble.<h3>Minnesota Twins</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778831/cropped_GettyImages-2208034936.jpg?ts=1743771776" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778831/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208034936.jpg?ts=1743771776 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778831/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208034936.jpg?ts=1743771776 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778831/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208034936.jpg?ts=1743771776 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778831/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208034936.jpg?ts=1743771776 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778831/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208034936.jpg?ts=1743771776 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Brace Hemmelgarn / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Record: 4-8 Level of concern: 😬😬😬The Twins' stunning collapse last September seems to have carried over into 2025. If not for the schedule-makers gifting them an early series against the lowly White Sox, things could be even worse than they already are.Minnesota is one of the worst offensive teams in the AL thus far (0.2 fWAR), while its 74 wRC+ is tied for 25th in baseball. Three of the Twins' eight homers belong to Harrison Bader. Star shortstop Carlos Correa is 7-for-43 with a 44 wRC+, while Byron Buxton owns a .502 OPS and has struck out 16 times in 41 at-bats. Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee opened the season on the IL, and the Twins' lackluster offense clearly misses them.Things aren't much better on the mound, where the Twins' 4.11 ERA ranks 17th out of 30 teams. Starters Chris Paddack and Bailey Ober both have ERAs above 10. Pablo López, Minnesota's one reliable starter through three turns, injured his hamstring during Tuesday's start and is heading to the IL. Defense has also been an issue for the Twins, with sloppy glovework becoming the norm in their games.So yeah, things are bleak in Minneapolis. But this is where the important caveat comes in: the Twins play in the AL Central. As we saw last year, anything can happen in this division. <h3>Seattle Mariners</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779737/cropped_GettyImages-2207818326.jpg?ts=1744219958" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779737/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207818326.jpg?ts=1744219958 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779737/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207818326.jpg?ts=1744219958 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779737/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207818326.jpg?ts=1744219958 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779737/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207818326.jpg?ts=1744219958 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779737/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207818326.jpg?ts=1744219958 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Stephen Brashear / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Record: 5-8 Level of concern: 😬😬😬😬The Mariners missed the postseason by one game in each of the last two seasons and did little to address an offense that finished 21st in runs scored and 29th in batting average last season. That lack of activity looks like a mistake, as the lineup continues to struggle to score runs through the first 13 games of this campaign.Seattle's 44 runs rank 21st in the league, while the club's .200 batting average sits 29th. Julio Rodríguez, Randy Arozarena, Cal Raleigh, and four other starters are each hitting below .200, and only one player, Jorge Polanco, has at least 10 RBIs.To make matters worse, starting center fielder Victor Robles is out at least 12 weeks after injuring his shoulder, Ryan Bliss is sidelined with a torn biceps, and their starting pitching - which was supposed to be a strength - hasn't looked sharp. Seattle's starters have combined for a 4.55 ERA, which ranks 20th.Bryce Miller, in particular, is off to a rough start. Opposing hitters are batting .302 against the 26-year-old, who is striking out hitters less often and walking more than his averages from last season.<h3>Cincinnati Reds</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779008/cropped_GettyImages-2208590749.jpg?ts=1743855743" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779008/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208590749.jpg?ts=1743855743 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779008/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208590749.jpg?ts=1743855743 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779008/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208590749.jpg?ts=1743855743 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779008/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208590749.jpg?ts=1743855743 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779008/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208590749.jpg?ts=1743855743 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Patrick McDermott / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Record: 5-8 Level of concern: 😬😬It's been a frustrating start to Terry Francona's tenure in Cincinnati. A mystery illness swept their clubhouse, causing the manager and a number of players to be sent to the team hotel during a recent trip to Milwaukee. The team sits below .500 and tied for last in the NL Central thanks largely to a non-existent offense.Cincinnati's already lost three consecutive 1-0 contests - which hadn't happened since 1960 - and was mired in a 35-inning scoreless drought until last week, a stretch that's tied for the fourth-longest in franchise history.As a team, the Reds are hitting .206 while getting on base at a .267 clip.The offense has either shown up in bunches or almost not at all. Cincinnati's scored 14, 11, and 6 runs in a game, but three or fewer runs in nine of 13 contests. The Reds finished 16th in runs, 19th in homers, and 21st in OPS last season, so another slow offensive start is a bit troublesome for a team that did little to improve the lineup over the winter. The club really needs the core of Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand to really take the next step this season.<h3>Baltimore Orioles</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779007/cropped_GettyImages-2208332755.jpg?ts=1743855563" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779007/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208332755.jpg?ts=1743855563 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779007/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208332755.jpg?ts=1743855563 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779007/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208332755.jpg?ts=1743855563 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779007/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208332755.jpg?ts=1743855563 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779007/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208332755.jpg?ts=1743855563 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Kevin Sousa / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Record: 5-8 Level of concern: 😬😬The Baltimore Orioles were criticized for not doing enough this offseason after failing to replace Corbin Burnes with another top-tier starting pitcher. Thirteen games into their season, the Orioles sit below .500 because of a pitching staff that ranks 26th with a 4.78 ERA.Charlie Morton and Dean Kremer have been particularly bad, combining for 26 earned runs in 27 2/3 innings, but the starting staff isn't responsible for all of the damage. Baltimore's normally potent bullpen has had a few blips on the radar, with Cionel Pérez (16.20 ERA) struggling, while returning closer Félix Bautista is still finding his legs (three walks and two earned runs in three appearances) since coming back from Tommy John surgery.To make things worse, right-hander Zach Eflin went on the IL with a lat strain after a solid start to the campaign.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pitcher</th>
<th>IP</th>
<th>ERA</th>
<th>WHIP</th>
<th>K</th>
<th>Opp. AVG</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Zach Eflin</td>
<td>18.0</td>
<td>3.00</td>
<td>0.83</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>.215</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dean Kremer</td>
<td>14.1</td>
<td>8.16</td>
<td>1.67</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>.333</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charlie Morton</td>
<td>13.1</td>
<td>8.78</td>
<td>1.88</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>.309</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cade Povich</td>
<td>10.1</td>
<td>3.48</td>
<td>1.84</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>.378</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tomoyuki Sugano</td>
<td>9.1</td>
<td>2.89</td>
<td>1.29</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>.243</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>The Orioles have one of MLB's deepest lineups - minus the injured Colton Cowser, who is sidelined six-to-eight weeks with a fractured thumb - so the level of concern is moderate. Baltimore won't succeed, however, unless the pitching staff, which could see the injured Grayson Rodriguez return in May, starts to improve.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30918232/related

Assessing level of concern for 5 MLB teams off to slow starts

The Chicago White Sox were a few feet away from a tie game. Instead, they lost a heartbreaker to ...

The Chicago White Sox were a few feet away from a tie game. Instead, they lost a heartbreaker to the Cleveland Guardians - and possibly their right fielder, too.Chicago trailed 3-1 with two out and two on in the ninth inning when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12599" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12599">Miguel Vargas</a> laced what appeared to be a game-tying single off Guardians closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11259" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11259">Emmanuel Clase</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12483" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12483">Jacob Amaya</a> scored easily on the play, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4992" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4992">Mike Tauchman</a> rounded third behind him. But Tauchman pulled up lame halfway down the line, allowing Guardians catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3638" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3638">Austin Hedges</a> to apply an uncontested tag to secure a 3-2 Cleveland win.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/emmanuel-clase-in-play-run-s-to-miguel-vargas-x5287?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure>(Video Source: <a href="http://www.mlb.com">MLB.com</a>)<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>A clearly frustrated Tauchman was able to pick himself up and walk off the field. The White Sox placed him on the injured list Thursday with a right hamstring strain.Tauchman opened his season on the injured list because of a hamstring strain he suffered during spring training. He was just reinstated from the IL on Sunday.The White Sox fell to 2-9 on the young season despite out-hitting Cleveland 8-3. Tauchman contributed three hits in the loss, including a single in the ill-fated top of the ninth.

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 09: Chicago White Sox right fielder Mike Tauchman (18) on his knees after being tagged out to end the Major League Baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians on April 9, 2025, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH.

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White Sox lose on play at plate when Tauchman injures hamstring

The Baltimore Orioles lost another starting pitcher to the injured list.  Right-hander Zach Eflin...

The Baltimore Orioles lost another starting pitcher to the injured list.Right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5202" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5202">Zach Eflin</a> was placed on the 15-day IL with a lat strain, the club announced WednesdayEflin will be shut down for around a week, manager Brandon Hyde said Tuesday following the team's 4-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to <a href="https://x.com/ByMattWeyrich/status/1909826635869921556">Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun</a>. A firm timetable for his return was not announced.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Eflin left Monday's start after just 73 pitches due to what the team called shoulder fatigue. Though he was effective during the outing, allowing just one run on four hits before being removed, his velocity declined as the game progressed.The 30-year-old also missed time last season due to shoulder inflammation.Eflin's injury is the latest blow to an Orioles rotation that's been without several key members to start the season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12265" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12265">Grayson Rodriguez</a> has been dealing with elbow inflammation since spring training and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12260" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12260">Kyle Bradish</a> is continuing his recovery from Tommy John surgery, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12581" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12581">Tyler Wells</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9579" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9579">Trevor Rogers</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17461" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17461">Chayce McDermott</a> are also on the IL.Baltimore also lost swingman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2935" href="/mlb/players/2935">Albert Suárez</a> to a shoulder issue after just one regular-season appearance. Suárez was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3261270" href="https://thescore.com/news/3261270">transferred</a> to the 60-day IL on Monday and is expected to miss a few months of action.Eflin, the Orioles' Opening Day starter, is 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, and eight strikeouts through three starts to start 2025. He's in his first full season with the O's after being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in a midseason trade last July.Right-hander Colin Selby was recalled from Triple-A to take Eflin's spot on the active roster.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 02: Zach Eflin #24 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 02, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.