Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias believes any criticism his team has received is warr...

Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias believes any criticism his team has received is warranted - including the narrative that Baltimore's front office didn't do enough to improve the club during the offseason."It's hard to push back on criticism that we didn't do enough when we're in this spot right now," Elias said on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pI5uWje9v6VUJfhMYPERg?si=aR3funYETCiw6ra0DLsIfQ">"The Show" podcast with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman</a>."I think we've had a lot of bad breaks, but again, I didn't expect anywhere near this degree of injuries and then just some of the underperformance that we've gotten that I hope is temporary for a lot of guys. This is toward the extreme of outcomes."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Orioles are last in the American League East with a 13-21 record. Their starting rotation, which lost last season's ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9580" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9580">Corbin Burnes</a> to free agency, ranks last in FIP and is the only one in baseball with a negative fWAR, according to <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&amp;lg=all&amp;qual=0&amp;type=8&amp;season=2025&amp;month=0&amp;season1=2025&amp;ind=0&amp;team=0%2Cts&amp;rost=0&amp;age=0&amp;filter=&amp;players=0&amp;stats=sta&amp;sortcol=18&amp;sortdir=default&amp;pagenum=1">FanGraphs</a>. In addition to a rocky rotation, the Orioles lineup and bullpen haven't performed up to expectations and the team has been plagued by injuries - 13 players are on the injured list. "It's an unpleasant way to start the season," Elias said."A team as talented as ours to be in this position right now, there are a lot of reasons that go into that but we've had a lot of injuries and that's a big part of it, but it's certainly not everything."Elias isn't dwelling on the rough start, however. The executive thinks things will turn around for Baltimore, which he believes is one of the best teams in the league when healthy."The good news is there's a lot of season left and we do have a lot of talent," he said."I think we're getting healthier, I think we're going to pitch better, I think the hitters are going to get in more of a groove. We've got a lot of time and there's not a ton of separation in the AL right now despite our bad start, but this has been disappointing and a painful thing to go through for the entire team."

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 13: Cedric Mullins #31 of the Baltimore Orioles walks to the dugout after striking out against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 13, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras has been playing with a fractured finger, according t...

Milwaukee Brewers catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9741" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9741">William Contreras</a> has been playing with a fractured finger, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/brewers/news/william-contreras-playing-through-fracture-left-finger">MLB.com's Adam McCalvy</a>.He plans to continue catching despite the injury, McCalvy adds.Contreras had an X-ray done following Tuesday's win over the Houston Astros due to increasing pain resulting from the ailment, per McCalvy. The examination confirmed a fractured middle finger on his left hand. It's believed the 27-year-old sustained the injury last season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Contreras has told the Brewers he wants to continue playing through the pain, according to McCalvy.He didn't appear in Wednesday's 9-1 loss to the Astros, but it was a scheduled day off for Contreras after he caught nine innings in each of the first two games of the series.The two-time All-Star is hitting .242/.358/.331 with three home runs and 19 RBIs after slugging .466 with 23 round-trippers across 155 games in 2024.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 29: William Contreras #24 of the Milwaukee Brewers looks on in a game against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on April 29, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Brewers' Contreras playing through fractured finger

Warning: Video contains coarse language  San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt was ejected from Mo...

Warning: Video contains coarse languageSan Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt was ejected from Monday's 4-3 win over the New York Yankees after giving home plate umpire Adrian Johnson a piece of his mind.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Mike Shildt just EXPLODED on Adrian Johnson after Fernando Tatis Jr. got tossed. Some f bombs and motherf'ers in there 😂 <a href="https://t.co/SdI1wbHjKR">pic.twitter.com/SdI1wbHjKR</a>— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkingFriars/status/1919577541750489318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The skipper was furious following <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8286" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8286">Fernando Tatis Jr.</a>'s ejection from the contest in the eighth inning as a result of a verbal altercation with the umpire.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tatis appeared to disagree with Johnson's strike call on the third pitch of the at-bat, which caught the bottom portion of the zone. <figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784260/cropped_Screenshot_2025-05-05_at_11.17.04_PM.jpg?ts=1746501472" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784260/w220xh124_Screenshot_2025-05-05_at_11.17.04_PM.jpg?ts=1746501472 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784260/w320xh180_Screenshot_2025-05-05_at_11.17.04_PM.jpg?ts=1746501472 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784260/w640xh360_Screenshot_2025-05-05_at_11.17.04_PM.jpg?ts=1746501472 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784260/w768xh432_Screenshot_2025-05-05_at_11.17.04_PM.jpg?ts=1746501472 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784260/w1080xh607_Screenshot_2025-05-05_at_11.17.04_PM.jpg?ts=1746501472 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> MLB.com / MLB.com / MLB.com</figcaption></figure>The Padres, who were behind 3-0 when Shildt and Tatis were ejected, ultimately scored four runs in the eighth inning for an eventual come-from-behind victory over the Yankees."I love Mike Shildt," said Luis Arraez, who saw the incident from the on-deck circle, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/xander-bogaerts-drives-in-go-ahead-run-as-padres-beat-yankees">AJ Cassavell of MLB.com</a>. "He supports his players. When I saw that thing, I said: 'We'll come back.'"Tatis said he "forgot" what he said to Johnson to earn the ejection but added he was happy the ejections got "the boys hyped" before their comeback win, according to <a href="https://x.com/dennistlin/status/1919600150776778778">The Athletic's Dennis Lin</a>."You can see what kind of team we are, man," Tatis said, per Cassavell. "Everyone has each other's back over here."It was the first career ejection for the 26-year-old, who said he hadn't been tossed from a game since he was a teenager in winter ball.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 05: Manager Mike Shildt #8 of the San Diego Padres exchanges words with umpire Adrian Johnson #80 and umpire Quinn Wolcott #81 during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 05, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Padres won 4-3.

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New York Mets left-hander A.J. Minter will have season-ending surgery next Monday for a torn lat ...

New York Mets left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9513" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9513">A.J. Minter</a> will have season-ending surgery next Monday for a torn lat muscle, according to the <a href="https://x.com/NYPost_Mets/status/1919538549046624334">New York Post's Mike Puma</a>.Minter was removed from the Mets' April 26 contest against the Washington Nationals and placed on the 15-day injured list with a left lat strain.New York moved him to the 60-day IL a week later with what his manager, Carlos Mendoza, <a href="https://x.com/jorgecastillo/status/1917309120534794437">called</a> a "pretty significant" lat injury.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 31-year-old reliever performed well for the Mets through 13 games, authoring a 1.64 ERA and 11.5 K/9 in 11 innings after signing a two-year deal during the offseason.Mets designated hitter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4022" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4022">Jesse Winker</a> will also be sidelined for six-to-eight weeks with a Grade 2 oblique strain, according to <a href="https://x.com/NYPost_Mets/status/1919537470154191288">Puma</a>.Winker was placed on the IL on Monday.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 26: A.J. Minter #33 of the New York Mets walks off the field after an injury during the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 26, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout left Wednesday's game against the Seattle Mariners in th...

Los Angeles Angels outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1674">Mike Trout</a> left Wednesday's game against the Seattle Mariners in the fourth inning with a sore left knee.Manager Ron Washington said removing Trout was a precaution after the three-time MVP felt discomfort in his knee after stepping on the first base while trying to beat our a grounder, according to <a href="https://x.com/JeffFletcherOCR/status/1917715374549688354">Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/mike-trout-leaves-game-with-apparent-injury?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure>(Source: <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/mike-trout-leaves-game-with-apparent-injury?q=angels&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">MLB.com</a>)<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Trout <a href="https://x.com/JeffFletcherOCR/status/1917715981671035195">said</a> he's already feeling better after undergoing some tests and will attempt to play Thursday against the Detroit Tigers.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9561" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9561">Jo Adell</a> entered the game for Trout, who's appeared in all 29 of the Angels' games this season. The 33-year-old Trout owns a .179/.264/.462 slash line with nine home runs, 18 RBIs, and 36 strikeouts in those contests.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 29: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels strikes out against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at T-Mobile Park on April 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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After more than a year since stepping into a boxing ring, Ryan "KingRy" Garcia will make his triu...

After more than a year since stepping into a boxing ring, Ryan "KingRy" Garcia will make his triumphant return Friday in a welterweight battle against Rolando "Rolly" Romero in New York's Times Square.Garcia is coming off a one-year suspension for performance-enhancing drugs after his unanimous-decision victory over Devin Haney was later changed to a no-contest due to a positive test.It looked like the 26-year-old California native would fight Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz in his return after reports surfaced in January that their camps had agreed to a deal. However, Cruz opted out of the bout, allowing Romero to step in.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>It'll be interesting to see where Garcia's head is Friday after a roller-coaster year. He's announced his retirement, been arrested for vandalizing a Beverly Hills hotel, and been sued separately by Haney and streaming service Fanmio.Haney was seeking damages for battery, fraud, and breach of contract in connection with Garcia's doping violation. Meanwhile, Fanmio sued Garcia and his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions, for failing to appear in an exhibition boxing match against kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in Japan last December.Garcia has notably struggled with his mental health throughout his boxing career but looked confident and aggressive during his fight against Haney. He knocked down "The Dream" three times.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lPuGVHsTMn0?si=uu0IOBQiizOWQC86" 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>Garcia said he wasn't in top form when he fought Haney, but he recently told Romero during "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNHvhmNXHV8">DAZN Boxing Face Off</a>" that he's entering Friday's fight in peak physical and mental condition."I showed everyone on my Instagram, I was drinking, I was smoking (before fighting Haney), I didn't hide it, but now I'm not. ... I'm even more focused, I'm training every day, it's going to be worse. You're going to be retiring that night," Garcia said.If Garcia enters Friday's fight with the same confidence, conviction, and determination, we could see some fireworks.Speaking of fireworks, Romero is capable of setting them off himself. The Las Vegas native packs thunder in his punches, as 13 of his 16 wins have come by knockout.Romero's last four fights haven't gone well, however. He was knocked out by Gervonta "Tank" Davis in the sixth round of a May 2022 fight before winning the vacant WBA junior welterweight belt in controversial fashion over Ismael Barroso a year later. Romero lost that same title to Cruz in his first defense and was taken 12 rounds by lesser-known fighter Manuel Jaimes during his most recent fight last September.However, Romero has had the upper hand over Garcia in past sparring sessions, twice getting the better of him.Garcia admitted the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheRollyShow">videos of the sparring sessions</a> have haunted him throughout his career, but Romero won't let his past success cloud his judgment.“That's sparring. I've had guys land good shots on me, and I've landed good shots," Romero told <a href="https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/how-rolly-romero-talked-ryan-garcia-into-the-fight-hes-longed-for">Boxing Scene's Lance Pugmire</a>. "Yeah, I did beat the shit out of him both days. ... It don't matter. It's just sparring. I was just trying to get a big fight."<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-IsTEh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/IsTEh/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="258" 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>Will Garcia conquer his demons against Romero and get the rematch he seeks against Haney? Or will Romero turn things around and set himself up for a big fight?

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: Ryan Garcia and Rolly Romero face off during a press conference at The Mayan on March 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has been the hottest hitter in baseball so far this seaso...

New York Yankees outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> has been the hottest hitter in baseball so far this season, but manager Aaron Boone believes there's much more to come from the two-time AL MVP."I'm not being cute or funny, I don't think he's really been that hot yet," Boone said Tuesday before the Yankees took on the Baltimore Orioles, according to <a href="https://x.com/YESNetwork/status/1917340273639559345">YES Network</a>."Honestly, he's getting his hits, and I think it's a credit to just how great he is, but when he gets really going and starts hitting balls in the seats routinely, buckle up."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Judge is off to one of the best starts of his career for the first-place Yankees. The 33-year-old slugger entered Tuesday leading the majors in batting average (.405), on-base percentage (496), slugging percentage (.703), hits (45), RBIs (28), and fWAR (2.7).He wound up hitting a homer off Orioles starter Kyle Gibson in the top half of the first inning of Tuesday's game before making a diving grab in the bottom part of the frame.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Top of the 1st: solo home run Bottom of the 1st: diving catch Quite the start for Aaron Judge! <a href="https://t.co/b5gMg6np8y">pic.twitter.com/b5gMg6np8y</a>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1917353612843405369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Judge is also striking out at a career-low 21.4%, has played above-average defense in right field, and has stolen three bases after swiping just 10 last season.Boone praised his captain for his determination to keep improving each year, even though he's already one of baseball's best players."Every year, he's always wanting to get a little bit better, and I think he's just a more well-rounded hitter," Boone opined of Judge, who was the unanimous AL MVP winner in 2024.

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 21: Manager, Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees and Aaron Judge #99 talk before the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium on August 21, 2024, in New York, New York.

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Boone doesn't believe Judge has been hot yet: 'Buckle up'

The Baltimore Orioles' depleted starting rotation is welcoming back a familiar face for their upc...

The Baltimore Orioles' depleted starting rotation is welcoming back a familiar face for their upcoming series against the New York Yankees. Right-hander Kyle Gibson will start and make his season debut against the Bronx Bombers on Tuesday in Baltimore, manager Brandon Hyde announced.Gibson was building up in the minors after signing a one-year, $5.25-million contract with the Orioles in late March and missing most of spring training.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 37-year-old returns to Baltimore after winning 15 games and posting a 4.13 FIP across 192 innings with the club in 2023.Gibson spent 2024 with the St. Louis Cardinals, authoring a 4.24 ERA in 169 2/3 innings.The Orioles' rotation ranks 28th in ERA and last in the majors in FIP, with injuries sidelining several starters, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12265" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12265">Grayson Rodriguez</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5202" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5202">Zach Eflin</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12260" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12260">Kyle Bradish</a>.

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 24: Kyle Gibson #48 of the Baltimore Orioles reacts after the eighth inning during the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Thursday, August 24, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman and manager John Schneider were ejected from Sunday'...

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3634">Kevin Gausman</a> and manager John Schneider were ejected from Sunday's game against the New York Yankees following separate exchanges with home plate umpire Chris Conroy.Gausman was removed with two outs in the third inning after a frustrating frame that saw him tie a club record with 53 pitches thrown."If you try to get to 100 pitches and you throw 50 of them in one inning, that's pretty crazy," Gausman said, according to <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/1916599985757376629">MLB.com's Keegan Matheson</a>. "I don't even think I've been close to that. Not ideal. Your stuff is definitely going to waver."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>As Gausman walked off the field, he began yelling at Conroy, who ejected the pitcher.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
After a difficult third inning, Kevin Gausman gets ejected while arguing with home plate umpire Chris Conroy. <a href="https://t.co/oKzf8M7yaO">pic.twitter.com/oKzf8M7yaO</a>— Blue Jays Nation (@thejaysnation) <a href="https://twitter.com/thejaysnation/status/1916570712120369506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"As I was coming off the mound, I kind of let him know I was going to watch his bad umpiring inside," Gausman said.The Blue Jays starter pitched well in the first two innings, retiring the Yankees on 18 pitches while allowing one hit. Things unraveled for Gausman in the third when he walked five - three of which came with two outs in the inning - and allowed a bases-clearing double to catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12678" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12678">Austin Wells</a>.He was visibly upset with a number of close calls from Conroy that didn't go his way throughout the frame.Gausman entered Sunday with a 3.16 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in five starts but saw those numbers rise to 4.50 and 1.00, respectively.Schneider was later ejected in the fifth inning after storming onto the field to argue with Conroy about calls he made during <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a>'s at-bat against left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4259" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4259">Max Fried</a>.The Blue Jays lost the game 11-2.

TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 17: John Schneider, manager of the Toronto Blue Jays yells at umpire Tom Hallion in the ninth inning of their MLB game against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on April 17, 2024 in Toronto, Canada.

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The New York Yankees are pulling right-hander Devin Williams from the closer's role after a rough...

The New York Yankees are pulling right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11736">Devin Williams</a> from the closer's role after a rough start to his debut campaign with the team."For right now, I'm going to take him out of that role," manager Aaron Boone announced Sunday, according to <a href="https://x.com/BrendanKutyNJ/status/1916514615753638103">The Athletic's Brendan Kuty</a>.Williams owns an 11.25 ERA, 2.38 WHIP, and .343 opponents' batting average during his 10 appearances after coming over from the Milwaukee Brewers in an offseason trade.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 30-year-old blew a save Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays in his most recent outing. He allowed three earned runs on two hits without recording an out during his team's 4-2 loss.Boone said Williams doesn't have a set role for now, and he just wants to see the pitcher stack some good outings, according to <a href="https://x.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1916518117955572019">Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News</a>. "He's ready to do whatever," Boone <a href="https://x.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1916523230895939985">said</a>. The skipper said <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5394" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5394">Luke Weaver</a> will get the majority of future save opportunities for the Yankees. Weaver hasn't allowed an earned run in 13 innings this season and performed well as New York's closer at the end of 2024 and during last year's playoffs.

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

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It's been a little more than six years since Bryce Harper signed a 13-year contract to spend the ...

It's been a little more than six years since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1688" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1688">Bryce Harper</a> signed a 13-year contract to spend the remainder of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies, but things could have been different.The two-time National League MVP recently acknowledged playing for the Chicago Cubs was atop his list during 2018 free agency, but things never panned out between him and the organization because the Cubs never engaged him about a deal."Going into that offseason, they were the No. 1 team on my list,” Harper told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6313501/2025/04/26/phillies-bryce-harper-kyle-tucker-wrigley-field-cubs/">The Athletic's Patrick Mooney</a>. "Without a doubt."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Harper discussed possibly playing on the North Side of Chicago while the Phillies were in the Windy City for a three-game weekend series against the Cubs.The slugger said while the Cubs were a top destination for him several years ago, he understood why they never contacted him when their organization was attempting to lock up cornerstone pieces such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4221" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4221">Kris Bryant</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1681" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1681">Anthony Rizzo</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3569" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3569">Javier Báez</a>. The three of them were important pieces for a Cubs team that had just won a World Series in 2016.Harper said while the allure of playing for a historic franchise like the Cubs would have been a fantastic opportunity, he's pleased with his decision to join the Phillies as he's become beloved by the city of Philadelphia."Obviously, I'm extremely happy with where I am in Philadelphia. I would never change it for the world. I love the fan base, city, everything. It's a blast. But pre-2019, going into free agency, the Cubs were at the top of my list."Harper owns a .283/.391/.530 slash line with 157 home runs and 471 RBIs in 753 games since joining the Phillies. He also helped lead them to the World Series in 2022, when they lost to the Houston Astros in six games.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 25: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies plays first base in a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 25, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Harper says Cubs were 'No. 1 team on my list' when he was free agent

The speed of Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson has been a topic of conversation since th...

The speed of Tampa Bay Rays outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16538" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16538">Chandler Simpson</a> has been a topic of conversation since the 24-year-old was called up to the majors earlier this month, and the stolen-base threat believes the discussions are warranted."I love stealing bases," Simpson told <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2025/04/27/chandler-simpson-rays-speed/83305535007/">USA Today's Bob Nightengale</a>. "It gets me real hyped because I know that when I get on, all eyes are on me. Everybody in the stadium, the pitcher, the catcher, the pitching coach, their manager, all of the fans in the stands, my manager, my teammates, they all know that I'm going to steal."It's man versus man, me versus you, and I feel that nobody can stop me."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Simpson stole 104 bases in the minors last season and has already swiped two bags in the first seven games of his major-league career. He also used his speed and athleticism Saturday to rob <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2577" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2577">Manny Machado</a> of a home run during Tampa Bay's 4-1 win over San Diego.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/manny-machado-flies-out-sharply-to-center-fielder-chandler-simpson?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure>(Source: <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/manny-machado-flies-out-sharply-to-center-fielder-chandler-simpson?q=Chandler%20Simpson&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">MLB.com</a>)While Simpson's speed is alluring, so is his bat. The Atlanta native is hitting .346 over his first 28 plate appearances, which shouldn't be surprising considering his career minor-league average was .324 thanks to terrific bat-to-ball skills.Simpson believes his approach to hitting will be what separates him from past speedsters such as Billy Hamilton and Terrance Gore, and it will allow him to be a game-changing talent for the Rays."Whenever I step to the plate, I want to try to wreck havoc," Simpson said."They're going to have to worry about putting me on base. They're going to have to worry about me on base, and it's going to be a problem pitching to other people in the lineup. I want to be that guy who is feared by pitchers and fielders as well."The Rays have caught fire since promoting Simpson, posting a 5-2 record. They're also riding a four-game winning streak after beating the Padres on Saturday.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 25: Chandler Simpson #14 of the Tampa Bay Rays runs to first base on a single against the San Diego Padres during the third inning at Petco Park on April 25, 2025 in San Diego, California.

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Rays' Simpson feels like 'nobody can stop me' from stealing bases

The Tampa Bay Rays acquired outfielder Travis Jankowski from the Chicago White Sox in exchange fo...

The Tampa Bay Rays acquired outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3841" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3841">Travis Jankowski</a> from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for cash considerations, the team announced Saturday. Left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10721" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10721">Shane McClanahan</a> was placed on the 60-day injured list with a nerve issue in a corresponding move.Jankowski appeared in seven games for the White Sox before he was outrighted to Triple-A Charlotte in April. The 33-year-old slashed .214/.267/.214 in those contests.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 2023 World Series winner has played for seven different teams throughout his 11-year career, authoring a .235/.319/.304 slash line with 102 steals in 688 games.McClanahan hasn't pitched this season. He was placed on the injured list with left triceps inflammation during spring training.The 27-year-old last appeared in a big-league game in 2023 and spent 17 months recovering from Tommy John before returning this spring.McClanahan is one of baseball's top starters when healthy. He posted a 3.02 ERA and 10.1 K/9 in 74 starts between 2021-2023.The Rays also optioned infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13883" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13883">Coco Montes</a> to Triple-A Durham on Saturday.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 30: Shane McClanahan #18 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on June 30, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.

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Rays acquire Jankowski from White Sox, place McClanahan on 60-day IL

The Boston Red Sox are expected to start right-hander Lucas Giolito against the Toronto Blue Jays...

The Boston Red Sox are expected to start right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4272" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4272">Lucas Giolito</a> against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday."He's healthy and he's ready," manager Alex Cora told <a href="https://x.com/SmittyOnMLB/status/1916153368696721705">MassLive's Christoper Smith</a>. "So the plan is for him to be with us in Toronto. Most likely Game 2."It will be Giolito's first start since October 1, 2023 and will mark his debut with the Red Sox, who signed him to a two-year, $38.5-million contract in December 2023.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 30-year-old missed all of 2024 after undergoing an internal brace procedure to correct an issue with his pitching elbow. He entered spring training in line to be a member of Boston's rotation but was put on the injured list with a hamstring strain in March.Giolito has had an up-and-down career in the majors. He was an AL Cy Young contender in three consecutive years from 2019-2021 while pitching for the Chicago White Sox before falling off in 2022 and 2023.The Red Sox rotation, which sits 16th in the majors with a 3.92 ERA, is starting to solidify after it also saw the return of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13634">Brayan Bello</a> on Tuesday.Giolito and Bello join a rotation that consists of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12246" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12246">Garrett Crochet</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9530" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9530">Tanner Houck</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8193" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8193">Walker Buehler</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4767" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4767">Sean Newcomb</a>.

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: Lucas Giolito #54 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during a Grapefruit League game against the Philadelphia Phillies at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida on March 11, 2025.

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Giolito set for Red Sox debut, 1st start since 2023

Seattle Mariners ace Logan Gilbert left Friday's start against the Miami Marlins after three inni...

Seattle Mariners ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12376" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12376">Logan Gilbert</a> left Friday's start against the Miami Marlins after three innings with right forearm tightness.Gilbert acknowledged postgame that he'll likely have an MRI on Saturday to determine the extent of his injury, but a source told <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/logan-gilbert-exits-start-with-forearm-tightness">MLB.com's Daniel Kramer</a> initial medical reviews showed modest but "not zero" concern about the injury. The same source told Kramer there is optimism Gilbert's UCL is intact."I don't want to make it like a pity party about myself," Gilbert said, according to Kramer. "But I take a lot of pride in that, just kind of how I want to be known - eating innings and being dependable and being healthy. I can't control all of that. But I've been healthy and never really came out of a start. I think this is the first one."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Gilbert, who has never been on the injured list during his big-league career, didn't allow a baserunner in his abbreviated start before being replaced by right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5921" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5921">Casey Lawrence</a>."I've got a lot of faith," Gilbert said. "God's got a plan. I trust in that. I think it'll be all right. I think it could be a lot, lot worse. So we'll see what happens."The 27-year-old All-Star owns a 2.37 ERA with a 0.79 WHIP and 44 strikeouts over 30 1/3 innings (six starts) this season.Gilbert logged a career-high 208 2/3 innings last year before finishing sixth in AL Cy Young voting. He's amassed 734 2/3 innings (127 starts) since his 2021 rookie season.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 25: Logan Gilbert #36 and Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners look on during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at T-Mobile Park on April 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Mariners' Gilbert exits with forearm tightness: 'Could be a lot, lot worse'

The Boston Red Sox starting rotation will get a boost ahead of Tuesday's game against the Seattle...

The Boston Red Sox starting rotation will get a boost ahead of Tuesday's game against the Seattle Mariners.Right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13634">Brayan Bello</a> was reinstated from the 15-day injured list and will start against the Mariners, the team announced.Bello hasn't pitched during the regular season due to a shoulder strain.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 25-year-old, who also didn't appear in a spring training contest, made four rehab starts in the minors ahead of Tuesday. He posted a 7.07 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, and 13.5 K/9 in those outings.Bello enters 2025 with a career ERA of 4.42 and an FIP of 1.42.Boston's rotation, which is without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10752" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10752">Kutter Crawford</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15514" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15514">Richard Fitts</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4272" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4272">Lucas Giolito</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13699" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13699">Chris Murphy</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10786" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10786">Patrick Sandoval</a>, ranks 10th in the majors in ERA, 11th in FIP, and 16th in K/9.The Red Sox optioned right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13702" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13702">Zack Kelly</a> to Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move.

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 19: Brayan Bello #66 of the Boston Red Sox walks to the dugout prior to the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Thursday, September 19, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.

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Red Sox reinstate Bello ahead of 1st start of 2025

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone isn't concerned about right-hander Devin Williams despite a ...

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone isn't concerned about right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11736">Devin Williams</a> despite a rocky start to the closer's first campaign with the club."The stuff's good and the stuff will probably continue to tick up even a little bit," Boone told <a href="https://x.com/TalkinYanks/status/1914725886470861032">Talkin' Yanks</a> on Tuesday."He's still really, really good and that's what the stuff is showing us. ... Devin's going to be fine."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 30-year-old owns a 7.88 ERA and 2.13 WHIP through his first nine appearances of the season.Williams was charged with three earned runs in one inning during his last appearance against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, resulting in a 10-8 loss in extra innings for the Yankees.But Boone isn't concerned about the outing. He <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3271140" href="https://thescore.com/news/3271140">noted</a> following the loss that Williams got a lot of soft contact and dealt with some bad luck after third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13635" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13635">Oswaldo Cabrera</a> committed a throwing error to set the stage for the Rays' ninth-inning rally."(Williams) had about as unlucky of one as you can have the other day," Boone said. "I know it's noisy early here in the season ... but break down the outing. ... I mean that's just not bouncing your way."The Yankees acquired Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in December to shore up the backend of their bullpen after he posted a 1.83 ERA with 68 saves during the first six seasons of his career.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 27: Devin Williams #38 of the New York Yankees reacts after a walk in the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium on March 27, 2025 in New York City.

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Yankees' Boone not concerned about Williams: He's 'going to be fine'

McLaren's Oscar Piastri was victorious at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday and moved into f...

McLaren's Oscar Piastri was victorious at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday and moved into first place in the driver standings.Red Bull's Max Verstappen finished second, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc outlasted McLaren's Lando Norris for third.Piastri began the race in second position and attempted to pass Verstappen on Turn 1, with the Red Bull driver leaving the track to keep his position. He was given a five-second penalty for the action, allowing Piastri to pass him later in the race following a pit stop. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️ ⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️ Lights out! It's a chaotic start to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix!! 😲<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaudiArabianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaudiArabianGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/VbWKlrLmmt">pic.twitter.com/VbWKlrLmmt</a>— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1914004168886337794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"It was a pretty tough race. Very happy to have won," Piastri said after the victory. "Once I got on the inside, I was not coming out of Turn 1 in second. In the end, that is what got me the race, so very happy with the work we do on the starts."The first lap also saw a collision between Alpine's Pierre Gasly and Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda, who were both forced to retire from the race.Norris, who started in 10th position after crashing during qualifying, quickly made his way through the field and finished a little over a second behind Leclerc to secure 12 points. Norris is 10 points behind his teammate, Piastri, for top position in the driver standings, while Verstappen is third.F1 driver standings<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>DRIVER</th>
<th>TEAM</th>
<th>POINTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Oscar Piastri</td>
<td>McLaren</td>
<td>99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lando Norris</td>
<td>McLaren</td>
<td>89</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Max Verstappen</td>
<td>Red Bull</td>
<td>87</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>George Russell</td>
<td>Mercedes</td>
<td>73</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charles Leclerc</td>
<td>Ferrari</td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Piastri is the first Australian driver to lead the standings since Mark Webber in 2010. Webber is Piastri's manager. Leclerc's third-place finish secured the 44th podium of his career, tying him with Fernando Alonso for the fifth-most podiums in Ferrari history, according to <a href="https://x.com/F1GuyDan/status/1914023657674096897">theScore's Daniel Valente</a>.

TOPSHOT - McLaren's Australian driver Oscar Piastri celebrates winning the 2025 Saudi Arabia Formula One Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 20, 2025.

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Piastri takes lead in driver standings with Saudi GP victory

Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski loves designated hitter Ky...

Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski loves designated hitter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4761" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4761">Kyle Schwarber</a> and hopes he'll be a member of the organization for many more years."He's not only an outstanding talent ... but the make-up of him, he's a genuine leader. ... Absolutely love him," Dombrowski said on <a href="https://x.com/MLBNetworkRadio/status/1913973811021488571">MLB Network Radio</a>."We hope to keep him to be a Phillie for years to come."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Dombrowski wouldn't disclose if the Phillies and Schwarber have discussed a contact extension, but he said the 32-year-old slugger "is a guy we'd like to stay."Schwarber is in the final year of a four-year, $79-million deal he signed with the Phillies before the 2022 campaign. The two-time All-Star is slashing .284/.436/.608 and is tied for the NL lead with seven homers to go along with 16 RBIs and 18 walks in 21 games this season.Schwarber has hit 138 homers and posted an .841 OPS (132 OPS+) during his four campaigns in Philadelphia.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 17: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park on April 17, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Giants 6-4.

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Dombrowski: Phillies hope to keep Schwarber for 'years to come'

Red Bull's Max Verstappen earned pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after McLaren's L...

Red Bull's Max Verstappen earned pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after McLaren's Lando Norris crashed during the Q3 portion of qualifying.Norris' teammate, Oscar Piastri, will start in second position, with George Russell of Mercedes beginning third.Verstappen beat the lap record of the Jeddah Corniche circuit by 0.178 seconds to earn his second pole position of the season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Simply lovely that," a surprised Verstappen exclaimed over the radio after securing top position. <figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Saudi Arabian GP Qualifying 🇸🇦" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-PKcV0" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/PKcV0/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="854" 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>Norris took himself out of qualifying after crashing into the wall coming out of Turn 5. The drivers' standings leader said he was OK after the incident, but could be heard calling himself a "f---ing idiot" over the radio following the error.Norris leads Piastri by five points in the drivers' standings and sits eight points ahead of Verstappen.Lewis Hamilton qualified seventh after barely making it into Q3. The Ferrari driver got through to the final session by just 0.007 seconds. He was also out-qualified by Williams' Carlos Sainz for the second consecutive race. Hamilton replaced Sainz at Ferrari ahead of this season.

Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen reacts in the pits after the qualifying round for the 2025 Saudi Arabia Formula One Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 19, 2025.

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Verstappen earns Saudi pole after Norris crashes during Q3

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Bryan Mcwilliam

News Editor

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