Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis is mired in an 0-for-24 slump, and his outlook is begin...

<p>Minnesota Twins third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12346" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12346">Royce Lewis</a> is mired in an 0-for-24 slump, and his outlook is beginning to turn grim.</p><p>"I'm at a point where the hope is gone," Lewis said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6389227/2025/05/28/twins-rays-royce-lewis-matt-wallner-carson-mccusker/">The Athletic's Dan Hayes</a>. "I just do my job as best as I can. If I keep hitting the ball hard, they say it's going to find a hole, but I haven't seen it yet."</p><p>The Twins have won 14 of the 19 games Lewis has appeared in, but the former first overall pick is in the midst of a career-worst season. He hasn't collected a hit in nearly two weeks and is slashing .138/.200/.215 with three extra-base hits in 70 plate appearances after missing the first 35 games of the campaign with a hamstring injury. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 25-year-old has little explanation for his slump as he continues to hit the ball nearly as hard as he did during his best year in 2023, when he hit 15 homers and posted a .921 OPS.</p><p>"Feels like a Wiffle ball game right now, truly, because you know how the Wiffle ball stays up? That's what my ball feels like," Lewis explained. "I'm hitting it. It feels good, and it's just staying up a little bit.</p><p>"Hopefully, I can produce for the team soon."</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 24: Royce Lewis #23 of the Minnesota Twins reacts after flying out in the eighth inning of the game against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field on May 24, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Twins' Lewis amid 0-for-24 slump: 'The hope is gone'

Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington didn't want anything to do with Aaron Judge early in hi...

<p>Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington didn't want anything to do with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> early in his team's 1-0 loss to the New York Yankees on Wednesday.</p><p>The Angels intentionally walked Judge twice in two innings with runners in scoring position, and the Yankees captain had a funny way of acknowledging Washington's actions. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aaron Judge tips his cap to a laughing Ron Washington after he was intentionally walked twice in the first two innings <a href="https://t.co/PB13QcIBQn">pic.twitter.com/PB13QcIBQn</a></p>— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinYanks/status/1927923542340800540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Washington's move was unpopular among the home crowd - many fans in attendance booed at being unable to see the star slugger, a California native, hit. Judge entered Wednesday slashing .450/.589/.750 with runners in scoring position.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>While Judge didn't do any damage, he was on base after a first-inning intentional pass when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13802" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13802">Anthony Volpe</a>'s sacrifice fly scored <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1851" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1851">Paul Goldschmidt</a> for the game's only run.</p><p>Washington, who has shown no restraint in issuing Judge intentional walks in the past, had a simple explanation for his decisions.</p><p>"He's dangerous," Washington said, according to MLB.com's <a href="https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/clarke-schmidt-deals-as-yankees-sweep-angels">Bryan Hoch</a>. </p><p>"I don't know what would've happened in that game if I wouldn't have walked him those first two times. You don't mess with that. I don't care how he's swinging the bat. You don't mess with that if you don't have to."</p><p>Angels starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10619" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10619">Yusei Kikuchi</a>, who issued both intentional passes to Judge in a losing effort, didn't agree with his manager's decision, even though it kept the two-time MVP somewhat contained.</p><p>"I didn't really like the intentional walk there, but it's the manager's decision, so we'll just go with it," Kikuchi said of the first-inning walk through an interpreter.</p><p>Judge ended the game 0-for-2 with the two free passes and a strikeout as the Yankees handed the Halos their fifth consecutive loss.</p>

ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 28: New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) is intentional walked during the MLB game between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels on May 28, 2025 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA.

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Washington explains intentional walks to Judge: 'You don't mess with that'

Washington Nationals president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo fired back at criticism of the o...

<p>Washington Nationals president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo fired back at criticism of the organization, defending the team's progress through what's been a lengthy rebuild.</p><p>"I guess you could pick at certain draft choices and picks over the last years, you could find some faults there, but we've run some of the great players in the game though our system, drafted some of the greatest players ever," Rizzo said during an appearance on <a href="https://x.com/1067theFan/status/1927727289451545056">106.7 The Fan</a>. </p><p>The executive was responding to an article written by <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6384096/2025/05/27/washington-nationals-rebuild/">The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal</a> on Tuesday. In the piece, Rosenthal called the Nationals "perennial bottom feeders" because the organization has failed to spend and develop like good teams are supposed to.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rizzo, who has held the the Nationals head baseball position since 2009 and has been the architect of a lengthy rebuild dating back to the conclusion of their 2019 World Series championship season, disagreed with Rosenthal's opinion.</p><p>"The timing of the article was odd because we were playing good, and we really are seeing the fruits of this frustrating rebuild coming to fruition," Rizzo said.</p><p>"I'm still optimistic the needle of this team and organization is pointed north, and it's going to continue to do so until we start winning championships, which I think is in the very near future."</p><p>The Nationals haven't had a winning season since 2019 and have traded away stars such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4814" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4814">Trea Turner</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/633" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/633">Max Scherzer</a> since. </p><p>Outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14455" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14455">Jacob Young</a> and pitchers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12402" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12402">Jake Irvin</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17217" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17217">Mitchell Parker</a> are also the only players the Nationals have drafted since 2019 to produce more than 3.0 fWAR.</p>

JUPITER, FL - FEBRUARY 13: President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo of the Washington Nationals talks to media during the 2025 Grapefruit League Spring Training Media Day at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on Thursday, February 13, 2025 in Jupiter, Florida.

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Rizzo responds to reporter's criticism of Nationals: 'I'm still optimistic'

San Diego Padres right-hander Stephen Kolek recovered from a rocky first inning to earn a histori...

<p>San Diego Padres right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17230" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17230">Stephen Kolek</a> recovered from a rocky first inning to earn a historic victory during his team's 8-6 win over the Miami Marlins on Tuesday.</p><p>The 28-year-old earned the win after allowing six earned runs in the first frame before finishing his outing with 5 1/3 innings pitched and no further damage.</p><p>"After the first, I just tried to do my part to get as deep into the game as I possibly could," Kolek said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/stephen-kolek-padres-pull-off-big-comeback-win-vs-marlins">MLB.com's AJ Cassavell</a>. "Our team is awesome. They're the best, the way they showed their fight."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kolek and the Padres got a lot of help from Marlins second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14693" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14693">Ronny Simon</a>, who committed three errors - a fourth one charged to the infielder was later changed to a hit.</p><p>Simon was removed from the game because of his mishaps, causing the 25-year-old to become emotional on the field.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">After a brutal sequence of defensive mistakes, Ronny Simon is out of the game in the bottom of the 5th inning <a href="https://t.co/P5BhYV94Nb">pic.twitter.com/P5BhYV94Nb</a></p>— Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) <a href="https://twitter.com/FishOnFirst/status/1927564196587172300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>With the victory, Kolek became the first pitcher to win a game after allowing six or more runs in the first inning since Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox in 2006. </p><p>He is also the first pitcher to do so with all of the runs being earned since Cleveland's Bartolo Colon in 1999.</p><p>The Padres have won four of five since ending a six-game losing streak and would make the playoffs as a wild-card team if the season ended today.</p><p> </p>

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 27: Stephen Kolek #32 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Petco Park on May 27, 2025 in San Diego, California.

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Kolek recovers for historic victory in Padres' comeback win

The Colorado Rockies signed shortstop Orlando Arcia to a one-year contract, the team announced We...

<p>The Colorado Rockies signed shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3574" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3574">Orlando Arcia</a> to a one-year contract, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>Financial terms aren't yet known.</p><p>Arcia was released by the Atlanta Braves on Sunday after spending parts of five seasons with the organization.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 30-year-old hit .194/.219/.226 with six hits and one RBI in 14 games this season before he was let go.</p><p>Arcia was an All-Star in 2023 when he posted a career-high 17 home runs and 65 RBIs.</p><p>The Rockies have been giving talented youngster <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13683" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13683">Ezequiel Tovar</a> the bulk of the starting reps at shortstop, but Arcia also has experience playing second, third, and the outfield.</p><p> </p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 08: Orlando Arcia #11 of the Atlanta Braves makes a play in the second inning against the pat Truist Park on April 08, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Rockies sign former All-Star Arcia to 1-year contract

The Chicago White Sox traded catcher Matt Thaiss to the Tampa Bay Rays for minor-league outfielde...

<p>The Chicago White Sox traded catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8187" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8187">Matt Thaiss</a> to the Tampa Bay Rays for minor-league outfielder Dru Baker, the teams announced Tuesday.</p><p>Thaiss was traded after the White Sox reinstated fellow catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12637" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12637">Korey Lee</a> from the injured list.</p><p>The 30-year-old Thaiss appeared in 35 games for Chicago this season, authoring a .212/.382/.294 slash line with eight RBIs and 23 walks in 110 plate appearances.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The former first-round draft choice of the Los Angeles Angels also ranks in the 73rd percentile in blocks above average, according to <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/matt-thaiss-642136?stats=statcast-r-hitting-mlb">Baseball Savant</a>.</p><p>Tampa Bay transferred outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14350" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14350">Jonny DeLuca</a> to the 60-day IL to make room on the active roster for Thaiss. Catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8210" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8210">Ben Rortvedt</a> was also designated for assignment.</p><p>Baker was selected by the Rays in the fourth round of the 2021 draft. The 25-year-old owns a .219/.351/.266 slash line with three RBIs in 22 minor-league games this season.</p><p> </p>

KANSAS CITY, MO - MAY 06: Chicago White Sox catcher Matt Thaiss (29) before an MLB game between the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals on May 6, 2025 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO.

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White Sox trade Thaiss to Rays for minor-leaguer

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch has seen a lot of things over his career, but he admitted he's ...

<p>Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch has seen a lot of things over his career, but he admitted he's never witnessed a pitching performance like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a>'s start against the Cleveland Guardians.</p><p>"I have been around no-hitters, some of the most epic performances ... I don't think I've ever seen a more efficient, more dominant outing than what I saw on Sunday," Hinch told <a href="https://x.com/MLBNetworkRadio/status/1927420722554577219">MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM</a>.</p><p>Skubal threw a two-hit, 13-strikeout shutout on 94 pitches in a 5-0 win over the Guardians, sitting down the last hitter of the game with a 102.6-mph fastball.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The pitch was the fastest ever thrown by a starter in the ninth inning or later.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/gabriel-arias-strikes-out-swinging-vas4tt?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Source: <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/gabriel-arias-strikes-out-swinging-vas4tt?q=Tarik%20Skubal&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">MLB.com</a>)</p><p>"Capping it with 102.6? There's no way you're going to see that again," Hinch said. "It's hard to describe his day without taking a pause and being in awe."</p><p>Skubal is in the midst of another incredible campaign after unanimously winning the 2024 AL Cy Young Award. The southpaw owns a 2.49 ERA with a league-leading 92 strikeouts and 1.96 FIP for the first-place Tigers.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

DETROIT, MI - MAY 25: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers, right, celebrates with catcher Dillon Dingler #13 after pitching a complete-game shutout against the Cleveland Guardians during the ninth inning of his complete-game shutout at Comerica Park on May 25, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Hinch: Never seen dominance like Skubal's 13-K shutout

Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman and his wife, Chelsea, are donating $1 million to a hosp...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1412" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1412">Freddie Freeman</a> and his wife, Chelsea, are donating $1 million to a hospital that treated their son Maximus during a scary health incident last year, according to <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1927100877388624241">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.</p><p>The Children's Hospital of Orange County helped Maximus - who was 3 years old at the time - recover from Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological condition in which the body's immune system attacks its own nerves.</p><p>"Seeing every room full in the PICU each and every day impacted Chelsea and I deeply," Freeman told Passan. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Getting to know the doctors, nurses, and care teams and seeing how they show up each day to bring healing and hope to kids and their families was inspiring. CHOC saved Maximus' life."</p><p>Freeman was placed on the Dodgers' family emergency list last July after Maximus started to experience paralysis and had to be taken to hospital, where he was put on a ventilator and fed through tubes.</p><p>After Maximus was discharged, the Dodgers first baseman returned and received support from teammates and fans. Freddie went on to have a historic postseason for Los Angeles while he battled through an ankle injury and a rib injury.</p><p>Maximus is "80% recovered after today's assessment," Chelsea shared on social media in late March, according to the <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/03/27/sports/freddie-freemans-wife-shares-update-on-sons-health-journey-after-scare/">New York Post's Jaclyn Hendricks</a>.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

Baseball: World Series: Los Angeles Dodgers Freddie Freeman (5) victorious, celebrates with his wife and son after defeating the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Game 5. Bronx, NY 10/30/2024 CREDIT: Erick W. Rasco (Set Number: X164636 TK1)

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Freeman, wife donate $1M to hospital that treated their son

The Boston Red Sox traded left-hander Sean Newcomb to the Athletics for cash considerations, the ...

<p>The Boston Red Sox traded left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4767" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4767">Sean Newcomb</a> to the Athletics for cash considerations, the teams announced Tuesday.</p><p>This will be Newcomb's second stint with the Athletics after he played for them in 2023 and 2024.</p><p>Newcomb was designated for assignment Saturday after posting a 3.95 ERA, a 3.41 FIP, and 41 strikeouts in 12 appearances (five starts) for the Red Sox.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 31-year-old also walked 17 hitters in 41 innings.</p><p>Newcomb has major-league experience as both a starter and reliever. His best campaign was in 2018 when he won 12 games and posted a 3.90 ERA in 164 innings for the Atlanta Braves.</p><p>The Athletics placed first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18799">Nick Kurtz</a> on the 10-day injured list with a strained left hip flexor, selected the contract of outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14314" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14314">Drew Avans</a>, and designated pitchers Matt Krook and Ryan Cusick for assignment in corresponding moves.</p><p> </p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 21: Sean Newcomb #19 of the Boston Red Sox delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Fenway Park on May 21, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Red Sox trade Newcomb to Athletics

The San Diego Padres placed right-hander Michael King on the 15-day injured list with right shoul...

<p>The San Diego Padres placed right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9842" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9842">Michael King</a> on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, the team announced Sunday.</p><p>King was scratched from his start Saturday after he felt stiffness in his shoulder following an awkward sleep, <a href="https://x.com/sdutKevinAcee/status/1926361903313326569">Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune</a> reported.</p><p>The 30-year-old has been terrific for the Padres this season, authoring a 2.59 ERA and 10.3 K/9 with one shutout in 10 starts.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>King was one of the National League's top pitchers in 2024, finishing seventh in Cy Young voting after coming over in a trade from the New York Yankees for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>.</p><p>The Padres are already without starters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2901" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2901">Yu Darvish</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5369" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5369">Joe Musgrove</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15537" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15537">Matt Waldron</a>, all of whom are on the injured list.</p><p>San Diego recalled right-hander David Morgan to take King's spot on the active roster.</p><p> </p>

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 18: Michael King #34 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Petco Park on May 18, 2025 in San Diego, California.

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Padres place King on IL with shoulder inflammation

The New York Yankees are looking to beef up their starting rotation with the Major League Basebal...

<p>The New York Yankees are looking to beef up their starting rotation with the Major League Baseball's trade deadline two months away.</p><p>New York is aggressively pursuing a right-handed bat and would prefer a third baseman, according to <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2025/05/25/jacob-degrom-stats-mlb-pitchers-patrick-corbin/83847496007/">USA Today's Bob Nightengale</a>.</p><p>The Yankees own the highest wRC+ against both right-handed and left-handed pitching in the majors, but their need for a third baseman increased after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13635" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13635">Oswaldo Cabrera</a> was sidelined for the entire season with a fractured ankle. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The right-handed hitting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12545" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12545">Oswald Peraza</a> has been getting the majority of the reps at third in Cabrera's absence, but he hasn't produced much with the bat (.172/.243/.328).</p><p>Veteran infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2093" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2093">DJ LeMahieu</a> is also an option to play third once <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> returns from the injured list. Chisholm also has experience playing third, but he's a left-handed hitter.</p><p>The Yankees were linked to right-handed hitting third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2381" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2381">Nolan Arenado</a> of the St. Louis Cardinals during the offseason.</p><p>In addition to a right-handed bat, the Yankees are on the hunt for a starting pitcher. </p><p>New York has four starters on the IL - namely, ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2913" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2913">Gerrit Cole</a> is out for the entire campaign - and could use an extra arm to fortify its rotation behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4259" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4259">Max Fried</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4763" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4763">Carlos Rodón</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9586" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9586">Clarke Schmidt</a>. Rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15569" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15569">Will Warren</a> and veteran journeyman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5350" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5350">Ryan Yarbrough</a> are currently filling the voids in the Yankees' rotation.</p>

Tampa, Florida: New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman speaks on the phone during day five of Yankee Spring Training at George M. Steinbrenner field in Tampa, Florida on February 19, 2023.

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Report: Yankees aggressively pursuing right-handed bat, starter

The Boston Red Sox called up infield prospect Marcelo Mayer, they announced Saturday.  Mayer arri...

<p>The Boston Red Sox called up infield prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16199" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16199">Marcelo Mayer</a>, they announced Saturday.</p><p>Mayer arrived at Fenway Park in time for Game 2 of Boston's doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles. He'll make his big-league debut batting sixth and playing third base in the nightcap.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKDTSCxRuzz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKDTSCxRuzz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>"I'm excited," Mayer told reporters outside Worcester's Polar Park, according to <a href="https://x.com/KatieMo61/status/1926363555420389715">MassLive's Katie Morrison-O'Day</a>. "It's been a pretty emotional 30 minutes, but I'm super excited. ... That rush that I felt (when I got the news), it's something I wish everybody could experience. I've never experienced anything like that."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Red Sox plan to deploy Mayer, a natural shortstop who's made all but 16 of his minor-league defensive appearances at that position, across multiple infield spots going forward.</p><p>"If he is here, he's going to play," manager Alex Cora said. "We'll play him everywhere. He can play second, he can play shortstop, he can play third."</p><p>Mayer is the No. 2-ranked prospect in the Red Sox organization and the eighth-ranked prospect in MLB. </p><p>The 22-year-old has slashed .271/.347/.471 with nine home runs and 43 RBIs in 43 games at Triple-A this season.</p><p>Boston selected Mayer with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 draft out of Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, California.</p><p>Mayer's promotion comes after Red Sox third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> suffered a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3290815" href="https://thescore.com/news/3290815">"significant"</a> quad injury during Friday's 19-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Between games of Saturday's doubleheader, the Red Sox placed Bregman on the 10-day injured list with a right quad strain and moved first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12885" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12885">Triston Casas</a> to the 60-day IL to open Mayer's 40-man roster spot.</p>

MONTERREY, MEXICO - MARCH 25: Marcelo Mayer #39 of the Boston Red Sox looks on from the dugout before a game against the Monterrey Sultanes on March 25, 2025 at Estadio Mobil Super in Monterrey, Mexico.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31378505/related

Red Sox call up prized infield prospect Mayer

Ronald Acuña Jr. left quite an impression on his Atlanta Braves teammates after hitting a mammoth...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8292" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8292">Ronald Acuña Jr.</a> left quite an impression on his Atlanta Braves teammates after hitting a mammoth home run on the first pitch he saw in nearly a year.</p><p>"You had a packed house of a bunch of Braves fans probably halfway expecting something like that to happen," left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1577" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1577">Chris Sale</a> said following Friday's 2-1 loss to the San Diego Padres, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/ronald-acuna-jr-makes-2025-season-debut">MLB.com's Mark Bowman</a>.</p><p>"That just kind of goes to who he is as a player and the electricity he can create on his own. That was one of the cooler moments I've seen on the baseball field."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Acuña clobbered a first-pitch fastball from Padres starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8297" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8297">Nick Pivetta</a> 467 feet into the Truist Park bleachers, igniting his home crowd in the process.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/ronald-acuna-jr-homers-on-the-first-pitch-he-sees?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(Source: <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/ronald-acuna-jr-homers-on-the-first-pitch-he-sees?t=most-popular">MLB.com</a>)</p><p>The plate appearance marked the first for the 27-year-old in 362 days since tearing the ACL in his left knee. He became the first player in AL/NL history to hit a leadoff homer in their first at-bat after missing at least 150 games, according to Bowman.</p><p>"He's one of those players where you better not go get a beer or anything because you might miss something cool," Braves manager Brian Snitker said. "He's that kind of force in the game. He's going to energize everybody."</p><p>Acuña went 2-for-4 in his return. The Venezuelan said postgame he was excited to finally get back on the field after such a long layoff but was left disappointed with the loss.</p><p>"I haven't been able to play with my teammates in over a year, and I haven't played in front of the fans in over a year," Acuña said. "It was great to be out there. But ultimately we lost, and that's all that matters."</p>

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 23: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves hits a solo home run in the first inning during the game between the San Diego Padres and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Friday, May 23, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31375949/related

Sale: Acuña's HR in return 'one of the cooler moments I've seen'

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Ben Lively is expected to undergo surgery to repair a damaged fl...

<p>Cleveland Guardians right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4776" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4776">Ben Lively</a> is expected to undergo surgery to repair a damaged flexor tendon and ulnar collateral ligament, the team announced Friday.</p><p>He could miss 12-16 months after the surgery.</p><p>Lively recently visited with Dr. Keith Meister to seek a second opinion on his elbow, which was injured during a May 12 start against the Milwaukee Brewers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Meister confirmed Lively has a flexor tendon injury and a loose medial elbow joint due to "an insufficient ulnar collateral ligament."</p><p>The 33-year-old has been solid for the Guardians in 2025, authoring a career-best 3.22 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in nine starts. </p><p> </p>

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 12: Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Ben Lively (39) delivers a pitch to the plate during the first inning of the Major League Baseball Interleague game between the Milwaukee Brewers and Cleveland Guardians on May 12, 2025, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31369993/related

Guardians' Lively to have UCL surgery, miss 12-16 months

The Chicago White Sox optioned first baseman Andrew Vaughn to Triple-A Charlotte, the team announ...

<p>The Chicago White Sox optioned first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12309" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12309">Andrew Vaughn</a> to Triple-A Charlotte, the team announced Friday.</p><p>Vaughn was sent down as part of a roster transaction which included outfielders <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5354" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5354">Andrew Benintendi</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4992" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4992">Mike Tauchman</a> being reinstated from the injured list and infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16382" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16382">Tim Elko</a> being optioned.</p><p>The 27-year-old Vaughn has hit .189/.218/.314 with 43 strikeouts in 48 games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The third overall pick in the 2019 draft has been a mainstay at first base for the White Sox, appearing in 610 games since 2021.</p><p>Vaughn's best campaign was in 2022, when he hit 17 homers with a .750 OPS (111 OPS+).</p>

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 26: Andrew Vaughn #25 of the Chicago White Sox looks on prior to the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on Saturday, April 26, 2025 in Sacramento, California.

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White Sox demote Vaughn to minors

Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman left Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader against the Baltim...

<p>Boston Red Sox third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> left Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles with right quad tightness, the team announced.</p><p>Bregman exited in the fifth inning after suffering the injury while rounding first base.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bregman is hurt <a href="https://t.co/uqQB3mXbq1">pic.twitter.com/uqQB3mXbq1</a></p>— Red Sox Stats (@redsoxstats) <a href="https://twitter.com/redsoxstats/status/1925993209617883397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Manager Alex Cora had no further information about his status, including whether he'll need a stint on the injured list.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"(His quad is) just tight. We'll see how he comes in tomorrow," Cora said after Boston's 19-5 win, according to <a href="https://x.com/SmittyOnMLB/status/1926029531535581298">MassLive's Christopher Smith</a>. "So he won't play the second one. He'll get treatment. We'll know more tomorrow."</p><p>Bregman himself was feeling more optimistic about his prognosis postgame.</p><p>"Actually, it was more positive from what I originally thought," he told <a href="https://x.com/bradfo/status/1926033069422547168">Rob Bradford of WEEI</a>.</p><p>Bregman has been one of MLB's best hitters after signing a three-year, $120-million contract with the Red Sox in the offseason. The 31-year-old is slashing .296/.382/.551 with 11 home runs, 17 doubles, and 35 RBIs in 196 at-bats. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10014" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10014">Abraham Toro</a> entered as a pinch runner for Bregman and stayed in the game at first base, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13718" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13718">Nick Sogard</a> moved from first to third. Sogard and Toro were scheduled to start Game 2 of Friday's doubleheader at those same positions before it was postponed.</p><p>Cora added that center fielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13703" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13703">Ceddanne Rafaela</a> will be the emergency option at third behind Sogard, according to <a href="https://x.com/MacCerullo/status/1926024322990141581">Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald</a>.</p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 23: Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox calls to the dugout for a trainer after hitting a single against the Baltimore Orioles during the fifth inning at Fenway Park on May 23, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31369703/related

Red Sox star Bregman leaves game with quad tightness

The Kansas City Royals designated Hunter Renfroe for assignment in order to recall fellow outfiel...

<p>The Kansas City Royals designated <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4638" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4638">Hunter Renfroe</a> for assignment in order to recall fellow outfielder Nick Loftin from Triple-A, the team announced Friday.</p><p>Renfroe was hitting .182/.241/.242 this season with no home runs, four RBIs, and 21 strikeouts in 108 plate appearances.</p><p>His minus-0.9 fWAR was the third-worst mark in the majors by hitters with at least 100 plate appearances. His only valuable metric this season was his 81st-percentile arm strength, according to <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/hunter-renfroe-592669?stats=statcast-r-hitting-mlb">Baseball Savant</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 33-year-old was in the second year of a two-year, $13-million deal he signed with the Royals before the 2024 season. </p><p>Renfroe ends his Royals tenure with a .219/.286/.362 slash line and 15 homers and 56 RBIs in 155 games.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 15: Hunter Renfroe #16 of the Kansas City Royals reacts after making the catch for the last out int he third inning against the New York Yankees the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 15, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31368322/related

Royals designate Renfroe for assignment

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor isn't worried about teammate Juan Soto living up to the ...

<p>New York Mets shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2909" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2909">Francisco Lindor</a> isn't worried about teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> living up to the expectations of his record-breaking deal.</p><p>"In the grand scheme of things, people have tendencies to look at a long-term contract in a one-year span," Lindor said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/francisco-lindor-been-through-mets-struggles-like-juan-soto">MLB.com's Anthony DiComo</a>. </p><p>"But it's a long-term contract. It's going to play out. He's going to be one of the greatest Mets to play in this organization. To play 15 years here, he's going to throw up some crazy numbers."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Soto is receiving criticism for how he's started his debut campaign with the Mets after inking a 15-year, $765-million contract with the franchise. The outfielder is slashing .243/.374/.429 with eight home runs and 21 RBIs in 49 games. He also had a recent conversation with manager Carlos Mendoza after showing a lack of hustle during a game against the Boston Red Sox.</p><p>Like Soto, Lindor went through tough times during his first season with the Mets, who acquired him in a trade from the Cleveland Guardians and inked him to a 10-year, $341-million extension.</p><p>But the four-time All-Star developed a strategy that helped him transform into a better performer and teammate, and he believes Soto will similarly work through his struggles.</p><p>"I learned how to stay the course and live in the moment and not live so much with the exterior noises," Lindor said. "And then rely on the people that were here to help me continue to get better."</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 09: Juan Soto #22 and Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets celebrate after defeating the Chicago Cubs at Citi Field on May 09, 2025 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Cubs 7-2.

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Lindor confident Soto will be among 'greatest Mets' ever

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Jared Jones underwent right elbow surgery to repair his ulnar col...

<p>Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15909" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15909">Jared Jones</a> underwent right elbow surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament Wednesday, the team announced.</p><p>Jones is projected to return to full competition in 10-12 months after Dr. Keith Meister performed the operation in Dallas.</p><p>The 23-year-old hasn't pitched this season. He was shut down in spring training because of a UCL sprain.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The California native was expected to be a big part of the Pirates' rotation after posting a 4.14 ERA and 9.8 K/9 in 121 2/3 innings during his 2024 rookie campaign.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 15: Jared Jones #37 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals during inter-league play at PNC Park on September 15, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. All Pirates players are wearing #21 in honor of Roberto Clemente today.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31350162/related

Pirates' Jones expected to miss 10-12 months after elbow surgery

The Pittsburgh Pirates might be in last place, but there's reportedly no way they will consider t...

<p>The Pittsburgh Pirates might be in last place, but there's reportedly no way they will consider trading ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a>.</p><p>"No chance, no way, no how," a Pirates source told the <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/1925197471187079308">New York Post's Jon Heyman</a>.</p><p>The Pirates remain determined to build around the right-hander who they drafted first overall in 2023, according to Heyman.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Skenes has become a superstar since joining the majors, winning Rookie of the Year and finishing third in Cy Young voting last year.</p><p>Although the Pirates have scuffled to a 16-33 record, the 22-year-old has continued to pitch well in his sophomore season. His success isn't showing up in the wins column, however, with the hurler owning a 3-5 record despite a 2.44 ERA and 2.75 FIP due to a lack of run support.</p><p>One American League executive recently told <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3286415" href="https://thescore.com/news/3286415">theScore's Travis Sawchik</a> that the Pirates should consider trading Skenes while his value is high and he's under club control for four more seasons after this one.</p><p>"It's a shame to be using up that eligibility without being leveraged," the executive said.</p><p>An executive also told Sawchik that trading Skenes now could land the Pirates a return similar to the one the Washington Nationals received for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> in 2022.</p><p>Washington acquired shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12501" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12501">CJ Abrams</a>, budding outfield star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14393" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14393">James Wood</a>, staff ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12506" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12506">MacKenzie Gore</a>, and emerging prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12218" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12218">Robert Hassell III</a> in that deal.</p><p> </p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 22: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on August 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31349748/related

Report: 'No chance' Pirates would consider Skenes trade

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/bryan-mcwilliam/content_cards