The Los Angeles Dodgers turned to three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani to start Game 7 of the World Serie...

The Los Angeles Dodgers turned to three-time MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> to start Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday.Ohtani last pitched in Game 4 on Tuesday, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk while striking out six over six innings as the starter. He threw 93 pitches in the loss.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodgers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dodgers</a> Dave Roberts said he’s “not sure” how long Shohei Ohtani will pitch. “I want to withhold expectations and kind of read and react”— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) <a href="https://twitter.com/billplunkettocr/status/1984737865033474507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Saturday was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4257" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4257">Tyler Glasnow</a>'s expected day to pitch. However, the flamethrowing right-hander acted as the Game 6 closer after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19077" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19077">Roki Sasaki</a> allowed the first two batters of the ninth to reach base in his second inning of work. Glasnow required only three pitches to earn the save and he's expected to be available for multiple innings during Game 7.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Manager Dave Roberts added that Game 6 starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a> made himself available for Saturday's game on zero days' rest, according to <a href="https://x.com/BillShaikin/status/1984738030456803709">Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times</a>. Yamamoto, who threw 96 pitches on Friday, was seen warming up in the Rogers Centre outfield pregame Saturday.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Dave Roberts said last night that Yoshinobu Yamamoto wouldn’t be available today, but … <a href="https://t.co/uJvxqtmlLD">pic.twitter.com/uJvxqtmlLD</a>— Dylan Hernández (@dylanohernandez) <a href="https://twitter.com/dylanohernandez/status/1984731513431474186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Ohtani has only pitched on short rest once before in his MLB career. The appearance came in 2023 when he was a member of the Los Angeles Angels after an abbreviated outing due to a rain delay. He wound up throwing seven shutout innings against the Kansas City Royals, racking up 11 strikeouts, in his next game.The Blue Jays will counter with future Hall of Famer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/633" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/633">Max Scherzer</a>. Scherzer started Game 3 opposite Glasnow, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk over 4 1/3 innings. This will be the second time in Scherzer's storied career that he starts a World Series Game 7. Scherzer is the fourth pitcher to make multiple World Series Game 7 starts, joining Bob Gibson (1964, '67, '68), Don Larsen (1957, '58), and Lew Burdette (1957, '58).Jays manager John Schneider stated that Game 5 starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20109" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20109">Trey Yesavage</a> "will definitely be a part of Game 7," according to <a href="https://x.com/Brandon_N_Wile/status/1984679814674915598">theScore's Brandon Wile</a>. He added that staff ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3634">Kevin Gausman</a> "kind of emptied the tank" during Friday night's Game 6.

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after pitching during Game Four of the 2025 World Series presented by Capital One between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Ohtani starts World Series Game 7 on 3 days' rest

The Memphis Grizzlies have suspended Ja Morant for one game for conduct detrimental to the team, ...

The Memphis Grizzlies have suspended <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62077" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62077">Ja Morant</a> for one game for conduct detrimental to the team, the club announced Saturday.The suspension comes after Morant made controversial postgame comments following Friday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Morant went 3-for-14 from the field with eight points, seven assists, and one rebound over 31 minutes in the 117-112 defeat.Following the loss, Morant repeatedly deflected questions, telling reporters to "go ask the coaching staff."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>When asked what the team could've done differently in the loss, Morant replied, "According to (the coaching staff), probably don't play me, honestly. That's basically what the message was after, so it's cool."<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ja Morant when asked questions from the media: “Go ask the coaching staff.” And then asked what could have been done differently, other than asking the coaching staff: “According to them, probably don’t play me.” (🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/50NuancesDeNBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@50NuancesDeNBA</a>) <a href="https://t.co/BNOIxhl0xa">pic.twitter.com/BNOIxhl0xa</a>— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHoopCentral/status/1984506449712857331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Grizzlies are 3-3 to start the 2025-26 season.Morant, 26, is averaging 20.8 points, 3.3 boards, and 6.7 assists while playing 28.5 minutes per game through six contests this year. The two-time All-Star is shooting just 15.6% from deep.

MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 31: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2025 - 2026 Emirates NBA Cup game on October 31, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Grizzlies suspend Morant 1 game for conduct detrimental to team

Trey Yesavage put the baseball world on notice with a breakout performance in Game 5 of the World...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20109" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20109">Trey Yesavage</a> put the baseball world on notice with a breakout performance in Game 5 of the World Series.In just the eighth start of his MLB career Wednesday, Yesavage diced up the Los Angeles Dodgers for 12 strikeouts and zero walks, giving the Toronto Blue Jays a 3-2 series lead.For any pitcher in the major leagues, this kind of performance would be impressive. But for a 22-year-old who was playing in college 16 months ago? Almost unheard of - and, frankly, hard to fathom.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Here's a timeline of Yesavage's epic ascent from highly touted draft selection to World Series hero.June 1, 2024: Yesavage makes the final start of his college career for East Carolina. He allows one run on one hit and four walks while striking out six over 7 1/3 innings against Wake Forest. Yesavage takes the no-decision but East Carolina ekes out a win. The start happens to come against Chase Burns as well as slugger Nick Kurtz, the presumptive AL Rookie of the Year in 2025. Yesavage finishes the campaign with a 2.03 ERA and 0.87 WHIP over 93 1/3 innings.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807881/cropped_GettyImages-2162054463.jpg?ts=1761849142" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807881/w220xh124_GettyImages-2162054463.jpg?ts=1761849142 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807881/w320xh180_GettyImages-2162054463.jpg?ts=1761849142 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807881/w640xh360_GettyImages-2162054463.jpg?ts=1761849142 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807881/w768xh432_GettyImages-2162054463.jpg?ts=1761849142 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807881/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2162054463.jpg?ts=1761849142 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Gene Wang - Capture At Media / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>July 14, 2024: The Blue Jays select Yesavage 20th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. Burns goes No. 2 to the Cincinnati Reds. Kurtz has his name called by the Athletics at fourth.Jan. 24, 2025: MLB's preseason top 100 prospect list comes out. Yesavage debuts at No. 86. He will ascend to 26th before making his MLB debut.Feb. 13, 2025: Pitchers and catchers report to spring training. Yesavage is not among the Blue Jays' non-roster invitees to big-league camp. Righty Braydon Fisher and left-hander Mason Fluharty are as the club prioritizes its bullpen situation.March 15, 2025: Yesavage is selected to take part in the Jays' spring breakout game against the Minnesota Twins along with Arjun Nimmala and a number of other prospects.April 8, 2025: Yesavage makes his first professional appearance. It's a decent debut, going 3 2/3 innings as a starter for Single-A Dunedin in Jupiter, Florida against the Miami Marlins' affiliate. He allows two runs - both unearned - on one hit and six walks while striking out four. Yesavage doesn't get the decision but Dunedin shells the Jupiter Hammerheads 19-5.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807882/cropped_GettyImages-2206767732.jpg?ts=1761849208" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807882/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206767732.jpg?ts=1761849208 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807882/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206767732.jpg?ts=1761849208 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807882/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206767732.jpg?ts=1761849208 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807882/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206767732.jpg?ts=1761849208 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807882/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206767732.jpg?ts=1761849208 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mike Carlson / Major League Baseball / Getty</figcaption></figure>May 1, 2025: Yesavage's first decision is a win. It's his fifth professional start and he goes six shutout innings against the Philadelphia Phillies' Single-A affiliate. After allowing six walks in his debut, he's given up two total in the following 19 2/3 frames. Including his debut, he's rocking a 2.31 ERA with a 36-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio.May 20, 2025: The right-hander is promoted to High-A Vancouver following a particularly dominant outing of 12 strikeouts and zero walks - sound familiar?June 12, 2025: Four starts and less than one month later and Yesavage is promoted again - this time to Double-A New Hampshire. He flummoxed High-A hitters to a 1.56 ERA while striking out 33 and walking 11 over 17 1/3 innings.June 18, 2025: Yesavage takes his first professional loss. The New York Yankees' Double-A affiliate in Somerset solves Yesavage for four earned runs on three hits and three walks over 2 2/3 innings. He hasn't always been dominant in the minors but he's never looked this shaky. His first adversity as a pro.July 1, 2025: After bouncing back with an elite showing against the Colorado Rockies' affiliate, Yesavage is once again beat up in back-to-back outings against Double-A Portland (BOS). He allows seven earned on eight hits and three walks over 5 1/3 combined in the pair of starts. Aug. 14, 2025: With the Blue Jays officially in the hunt for October, Yesavage gets promoted to Triple-A. It's frequently a level that top prospect pitchers skip these days, but the Blue Jays trust the training staff in Buffalo and seem determined to test Yesavage against more seasoned hitters as both a starter and reliever. The playoff push will require all hands on deck.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801546/cropped_GettyImages-2235581927.jpg?ts=1758038116" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801546/w220xh124_GettyImages-2235581927.jpg?ts=1758038116 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801546/w320xh180_GettyImages-2235581927.jpg?ts=1758038116 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801546/w640xh360_GettyImages-2235581927.jpg?ts=1758038116 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801546/w768xh432_GettyImages-2235581927.jpg?ts=1758038116 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801546/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2235581927.jpg?ts=1758038116 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mark Blinch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Sept. 15, 2025: Yesavage makes his MLB debut. He posted a 3.86 ERA as a starter in Triple-A and a 2.70 ERA out of the bullpen. Nevertheless, the Jays give him his first action in the majors as the starter. He allows one run on three hits and two walks while striking out nine over five innings against the Tampa Bay Rays. "Jumping from level to level and this being my fifth team, it's crazy," Yesavage told <a href="https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/news/trey-yesavage-blue-jays-top-prospect?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage">MLB.com's Keegan Matheson</a> at the time. "It's just crazy. It's been a great experience." The Blue Jays win to increase their division lead over the Yankees to five games.Sept. 27, 2025: Yesavage's first MLB win comes against those same Rays and it's a huge one. The Yankees have closed the gap and are tied with the Jays. The rookie right-hander fires five no-hit frames against Tampa Bay, striking out five in the penultimate game of the year. It's a must-win to help the Jays avoid getting relegated to wild-card status.Oct. 5, 2025: Yesavage makes his postseason debut, starting Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Yankees. It causes some conjecture that the Jays would turn to a rookie for Game 2 over the more established Shane Bieber. However, it ensures Yesavage's outing is in the friendlier environs of Rogers Centre and not at Yankee Stadium. Regardless, he's unflappable, striking out 11 over 5 1/3 no-hit innings. The monumental outing puts the Jays up 2-0 in the series.Oct. 29, 2025: Owning a 4.26 ERA through four postseason starts now, Yesavage makes his first playoff start on the road and his second of the World Series. By now, you know the line. He becomes the first rookie in MLB history to record 12 strikeouts while also walking no one in a Fall Classic outing. 472 days after being drafted, a legend is made.

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 29: Trey Yesavage #39 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after striking out Alex Call #12 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth inning during Game Five of the 2025 World Series presented by Capital One between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Yesavage's epic ascent from prospect to World Series hero in 15 months

The Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Blake Butera as their next manager, source...

The Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Blake Butera as their next manager, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1983901016857936204">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.Butera, 33, previously served as a minor-league manager in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.He will be the youngest MLB manager in more than 50 years, dating back to when the Minnesota Twins hired Frank Quilici in 1972, Passan adds.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Butera is most recently coming off a two-year stint as the skipper for Single-A Charleston, where he led the team to a 170-82 record from 2021-22. Before that, he was managing Low-A Hudson Valley, which posted a 88-62 record from 2018-19.The Nationals hired their new president of baseball operations earlier this offseason, poaching 35-year-old Paul Toboni from the Boston Red Sox.The 2025 campaign was a transformative one for the Nationals, who posted a 66-96 record while firing general manager Mike Rizzo and skipper Davey Martinez during the season.

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 19: A view of a Washington Nationals baseball cap in the dugout during the game against the Colorado Rockies at Nationals Park on June 19, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Report: Nationals hiring Blake Butera as manager

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell underwent successful surgery on his left hand, the tea...

Pittsburgh Penguins forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2075" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2075">Rickard Rakell</a> underwent successful surgery on his left hand, the team announced Sunday.The expected recovery time for the injury is six-to-eight weeks.Rakell, 32, exited Saturday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third period and didn't return.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The star winger was off to a hot start to begin the 2025-26 campaign, scoring three goals and adding five assists while averaging nearly 18 minutes of ice time through nine games.As a result of the injury, the Swede is expected to miss the upcoming Global Series in Stockholm versus the Nashville Predators on Nov. 14 and 16.Rakell was expected to be a fixture in trade rumors this season ahead of the March 6 deadline.

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 25: Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Rickard Rakell (67) handles the puck during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 25, 2025, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

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Penguins' Rakell to miss 6-8 weeks after hand surgery

The Toronto Blue Jays will host Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Monday at Ro...

The Toronto Blue Jays will host Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Monday at Rogers Centre, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> is prepared for the moment."I was born ready," Guerrero told Hazel Mae of Sportsnet following Sunday's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3373216" href="https://thescore.com/news/3373216">Game 6 victory</a>. "I was born ready. And I want it all for this city."<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“I’m going to give all I have for the city. I’m going to give all I have for the fans.” Vladimir Guerrero Jr. chats with <a href="https://twitter.com/thehazelmae?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thehazelmae</a> after the Blue Jays forced a Game 7. 💙 <a href="https://t.co/dvufd5Ypyq">pic.twitter.com/dvufd5Ypyq</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1980116053377089972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Guerrero is having a torrid postseason, crushing six homers while hitting .462/.532/1.000 over 10 games. He is currently tied for the most playoff homers in Blue Jays' franchise history with José Bautista and Joe Carter.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"My dad was telling me, 'Game 7 is give it all you have,'" Guerrero, the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, added, according to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3373389" href="https://thescore.com/news/3373389">The Associated Press' Ian Harrison</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 14th player in MLB history with 6 Home Runs in the first 10 games of a postseason<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WANTITALL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WANTITALL</a> <a href="https://t.co/MMCeFESlji">pic.twitter.com/MMCeFESlji</a>— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNstats/status/1980087219458351520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Jays' slugger has the third-best OPS ever in a single postseason, among hitters with at least 40 plate appearances, according to <a data-in-app-uri="" href="">StatsCentre</a>. Guerrero sits behind only Barry Bonds, who posted a 1.559 OPS in 2002, and Carlos Beltrán's 1.557 OPS in '04.

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates while scoring after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning during Game Six of the American League Championship Series presented by loanDepot between the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Sunday, October 19, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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The Portland Trail Blazers and Shaedon Sharpe agreed to a four-year, $90-million rookie extension...

The Portland Trail Blazers and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102802" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102802">Shaedon Sharpe</a> agreed to a four-year, $90-million rookie extension ahead of Monday evening's deadline, the guard's agent told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1980046263363186740">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> on Sunday.The news broke shortly after the team agreed to a four-year, $82-million extension with forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110264" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110264">Toumani Camara</a>, according to<a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1980033841239556493"> Charania</a>.The 22-year-old Sharpe averaged 18.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game over 72 contests last season. He was selected seventh overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Camara earned his extension after a breakout 2024-25 season in which he was named to the All-Defensive second team in his second NBA campaign. He also garnered some downballot support for Defensive Player of the Year.The 25-year-old Belgian averaged 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 0.6 blocks over 78 games with Portland last season. Camara was one of only seven players who recorded 100-plus steals and 50-plus blocks last season, while his 116 steals ranked ninth in the NBA.Camara was originally selected 52nd overall by Phoenix in 2023 and then traded to Portland several months later in the three-team deal that sent Blazers icon Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Lillard returned to Portland as a free agent in July.

PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: Toumani Camara #33 and Shaedon Sharpe #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers high five during the second half at Moda Center on March 19, 2025 in Portland, Oregon.

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theScore provides running analysis and insights throughout the 2025 MLB wild-card series, continu...

theScore provides running analysis and insights throughout the 2025 MLB wild-card series, continuing Wednesday and running through Thursday if necessary. Keep checking back for updates as the opening round unfolds and check out our <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3342755" href="https://thescore.com/news/3342755">Game 1</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3358529" href="https://thescore.com/news/3358529">Game 2 takeaways</a>.Jump to: <a href="#DET">DET vs. CLE</a> I <a href="#CHC">SD vs. CHC</a><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-j1Jxw" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/j1Jxw/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="141" 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>Final: The Yankees get the best of their rivals by taking the last two games of the wild-card series to advance to the ALDS against the Toronto Blue Jays. Cam Schlittler was incredible, completely shutting down the Red Sox offense in the clincher. New York went 5-8 against the Blue Jays this season but took two of three in September. Boston now faces another critical offseason in which it'll need to add more starting pitching and determine the long-term future of Alex Bregman. The wild-card round was great. Bring on the LDS.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>8th inning: Cam Schlittler is making a name for himself on the biggest stage. The Yankees right-hander absolutely dominated the Red Sox, striking out 12 -the most by a Yankee rookie ever in the postseason - over eight shutout innings. Boston has managed five singles and just one runner in scoring position. If only the Red Sox had Rafael Devers for a game like this. Schlittler might have even pitched himself into a job on the Lumon softball team.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Schlittler 🔥— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenStiller/status/1973932187956490502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>4th inning: The Yankees are putting the ball in play and good things are happening. New York finally gets to Connelly Early as the rookie isn't getting a lot of help from his defense or the BABIP gods. The Yankees score four runs in the inning courtesy of a double, three singles, and an error. Early is lifted with two outs, though you have to wonder why Alex Cora left him in there so long without even a mound visit. Boston's been plagued by its poor defense all season, so it should come as no surprise that it led to its undoing here.2nd inning: Giancarlo Stanton's "hustle" double (lol) is stranded at second base. The Yankees DH rips a 114.5-mph rocket to the gap in left-center field that he thinks is launched over the wall. Stanton looks into his dugout in celebration before quickly realizing the ball is landing well short. He does somehow make it to second base, but Connelly Early buckles down to retire the next three batters to end the threat. It's been impressive how composed these young starters have been in the early going.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Giancarlo thought he hit a home run <a href="https://t.co/QWAXRRq8AT">pic.twitter.com/QWAXRRq8AT</a>— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinYanks/status/1973910794732478970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>1st inning: After an incredibly entertaining undercard, we've reached the main event. Cam Schlittler is gassed up, topping out at 100.5 mph as he breezes through Jarren Duran, Trevor Story, and Alex Bregman with relative ease. Six of the 24-year-old's 14 pitches in the opening frame registered triple digits. Fellow rookie starter Connelly Early also looked unfazed in his first taste of postseason work, retiring the Yankees in order on just eight pitches.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-o45zJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/o45zJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="141" 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><a id="CHC" name="CHC">Final:</a> Hey, Chicago, whaddya say? The Cubs hang on - with a little help from home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn - to knock off the Padres to clinch their first postseason series since 2017. The win sets up an NLDS clash with the Milwaukee Brewers. Chicago scored only six runs over the three games, but pitched well and played excellent defense to secure the series victory. An encouraging development is that Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker combined to go 5-for-8 in Game 3. For the Padres, it's just another disappointing playoff finish for a club that faces a lot of questions this offseason.7th inning: That's an enormous insurance run off the bat of Michael Busch. The Cubs first baseman, who hit a career-high 34 homers this season, is 3-for-4 in Game 3. It's just the second run the Padres' relievers have surrendered in 14 1/3 innings this series.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
MIKE DROP. <a href="https://t.co/gmmV86xhvz">pic.twitter.com/gmmV86xhvz</a>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1973891964077814114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>6th inning: Mike Shildt is pulling every lever to keep this game close in hopes his offense can finally wake up. Yu Darvish, Jeremiah Estrada, Michael King, Wandy Peralta, and now closer Robert Suarez have already appeared as we head into the seventh. The Padres are 0-for-2 with RISP in Game 3 and 3-for-20 in the series. Can they finally break through?5th inning: It's certainly been a series to forget for Fernando Tatis Jr. The Padres star is 0-for-3 with two strikeouts on the afternoon and 1-for-11 over the three games. In Tatis' defense, facing Daniel Palencia can't be easy. Craig Counsell is using his once-closer in a fireman role in the mid-innings this series, and the flamethrower's been electric. Palencia threw 1 2/3 perfect innings in Game 1, and he came out firing 100-mph four-seam fastballs in the fifth to retire Tatis with a runner in scoring position.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
G A S O L I N A. <a href="https://t.co/cD9zbbT3HG">pic.twitter.com/cD9zbbT3HG</a>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1973882838648045784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>4th inning: If you haven't watched a lot of the Cubs this season, you might not have known how good Jameson Taillon's been. The big right-hander posted a 1.57 ERA over his final six regular-season starts and looked fantastic today, tossing four shutout innings with four strikeouts before being lifted to start the fifth. The Padres have had only one runner in scoring position early on.2nd inning: Not having a fully healthy Michael King is a major blow for the Padres, and they're paying for it early in Game 3. The right-hander threw just 15 2/3 innings in September and is a big reason why Yu Darvish started this contest. Darvish faces seven batters and doesn't record an out in the second inning after allowing a single, double, hit-by-pitch, and RBI single. Mike Shildt is forced to go to former Cubs reliever Jeremiah Estrada, who gets out of the inning by surrendering only one inherited run. San Diego has already used its bullpen for 8 1/3 innings this series and will need to ask for at least 24 outs today.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-kKa9H" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kKa9H/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="141" 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><a id="DET" name="DET">Final:</a> The Tigers move on, winning the right to face the Seattle Mariners in a best-of-five ALDS matchup starting Saturday. Tarik Skubal will likely go in Sunday's Game 2. Let's be honest, this result is probably for the best. The Guardians entered the postseason as the only club with a negative run differential. They wind up scoring 10 total runs over the three-game series against a Tigers pitching staff that ranked 17th in the majors by ERA despite playing half its games in the spacious Comerica Park. Cleveland showed some late life, but Ramírez once again got caught advancing to second base by a great tag from Báez to end the eighth-inning rally.7th inning: So ... why is Sabrowski still out there? Instead of counting himself lucky that he managed to get an out from Sabrowski in a third straight game, Vogt rolls the dice on giving him another clean frame. The lefty coughs up a very loud double to Báez and then allows Parker Meadows to reach on a dribbler that he played a little too lazily. Vogt goes to the bullpen and signals for Hunter Gaddis, who's also working in his third straight game. The Guardians do, in fact, employ other relievers. I'm sure of it. He gives up a two-run single from Wenceel Pérez, and it's all Tigers. Sabrowski and Gaddis end up combining to allow four runs on five hits and one walk while retiring only two batters. Matt Festa mercifully gets the final two outs of the inning, but the damage is done. Why is this the first time the Guardians have used Festa in this series? Vogt will have to answer for this.6th inning: Call it the Dillon Dingler Game. There's no telling how that Guardians rally could've gone in the fourth inning if Dingler didn't catch Ramírez stealing. And now, he's hit the go-ahead homer into the left-field bleachers of Progressive Field. It feels like this contest will come down to the wire, but the Tigers are 12 outs away from heading to the ALDS. Meanwhile, on the Guardians' side, Vogt does end up calling upon Sabrowski for a third straight game, and the southpaw gets Zach McKinstry to ground out. His workload will surely end there.4th inning: Nothing can ruin a rally quite like the collective defense of Dillon Dingler and Javier Báez. The Guardians tie it up, thanks to a Ramírez single that cashes in George Valera. However, Ramírez gets a bit greedy and tries to steal second base. The throw and tag to get him are simply a thing of beauty.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The classic Javier Báez no-look tag 🫣 <a href="https://t.co/qfswDUoq60">pic.twitter.com/qfswDUoq60</a>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1973846404335296692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>There's no one better in the game. Dingler caught nearly 32% of would-be base-stealers this year. And Báez? He's not nicknamed El Mago for nothing. We're back to even at 1-1.3rd inning: Stephen Vogt is once again showing his managerial acumen. A quick hook for Cecconi after he gives up back-to-back singles with one out in the third, and the skipper calls upon lefty Tim Herrin with Kerry Carpenter as the assignment. Herrin winds up allowing an RBI double to Carpenter but settles in to retire Wenceel Pérez for the second straight day and then strikes out Spencer Torkelson. Cleveland has only one other usable lefty remaining in the 'pen in Kolby Allard. Erik Sabrowski is also in there, but the fact that he worked Games 1 and 2 likely makes him unavailable. Early advantage: Tigers.2nd inning: Chase DeLauter's first big-league hit is a single into shallow right field during a must-win playoff game. Doesn't get much better than that after dropping the fly ball in the first inning of his debut Wednesday. It doesn't pay dividends, as Gabriel Arias strikes out next and Bo Naylor pops up to end the inning, but a hit is a hit.1st inning: Although Cecconi wasn't very efficient, he was effective, getting out of the first frame with two strikeouts on 26 pitches. Gleyber Torres squared up a Cecconi slider to lead off but hit it right at left fielder Steven Kwan. Flaherty looks a lot more comfortable early, getting through the first on 14 pitches and ending on a José Ramírez strikeout.Pregame: It's what sports fans live for: Win or go home. Tigers-Guardians kicks off three elimination games Thursday as only one of the wild-card matchups didn't go the distance. Slade Cecconi will take the mound first for the slightly favored Guardians at home (-130 on ESPN BET and theScore Bet). Cecconi has 236 MLB innings under his belt with a 5.07 ERA, but he put together the best season of his career this year in his first campaign as a full-time starter. He'll go up against Jack Flaherty, who signed a fresh two-year contract with the Tigers this past offseason. While Cecconi has made a couple postseason relief appearances, Flaherty has quite a lot of playoff experience as a starter, including last year's decisive World Series Game 5 for the victorious Los Angeles Dodgers. The righty allowed two homers and was yanked after recording four outs, but he's been here before. And that might count for something.

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The Chicago Cubs will be without right-hander Cade Horton for at least their wild-card round agai...

The Chicago Cubs will be without right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19127" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19127">Cade Horton</a> for at least their wild-card round against the San Diego Padres, the team announced Saturday.The Cubs placed the rookie starter on the injured list due to a rib fracture, and the earliest he'll be eligible to return is Game 5 of the National League Division Series.Horton is considered a favorite to win the NL Rookie of the Year, authoring a 2.67 ERA and 3.59 FIP over 118 innings this season. The righty exited his last start early with back soreness and underwent an MRI. The decision to place Horton on the IL came after a scheduled bullpen session to help assess the severity of his injury.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Cubs' first-round matchup is set against the Padres. All three games will be played at Wrigley Field after Chicago secured home-field advantage by beating the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday.Left-hander Jordan Wicks was called up in the corresponding roster move. He's posted a 7.94 ERA this year over 11 1/3 frames.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 23: Cade Horton #22 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in a game against the New York Mets at Wrigley Field on September 23, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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The Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to name Paul Toboni the franchise's next head of baseball operations, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1970914990136885390">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.Toboni, 35, is currently serving as assistant general manager for the Boston Red Sox.The Nationals have been without a baseball operations leader since firing GM Mike Rizzo as well as manager Davey Martinez in early June. Senior vice president and assistant GM Mike DeBartolo filled the role on an interim basis.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Toboni originally joined an MLB front office in 2013 when the Athletics hired him as a baseball operations intern. He then quickly rose through the ranks with the Red Sox, going from intern in 2015 to assistant GM in 2023.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
For a Nationals team in need of a serious infusion of talent, it's worth noting Paul Toboni ran the draft for Boston when it chose Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell, Payton Tolle, Connelly Early and the prospects who went to Chicago in the Garrett Crochet deal.— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1970918635788189705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Toboni played two years of college baseball at California, hitting .115/.219/.115 over 24 games.

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So, you wanted robot umpires? You've got them. Sort of.  Major League Baseball will introduce the...

So, you wanted robot umpires? You've got them. Sort of.Major League Baseball will introduce the long-awaited and rigorously tested automated ball-strike challenge system beginning next year after an 11-person competition committee <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3352429" href="https://thescore.com/news/3352429">approved</a> its implementation Tuesday.The change will grant each team the opportunity to challenge two calls by the home plate umpire every game in 2026 and beyond. With the ability to retain your challenge if the team is vindicated by the replay review, this effectively presents unlimited challenges so long as you bat 1.000, as they say.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>That's a good thing, right?<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This was last night. There are typically around 1,000 missed calls a week. The ABS challenge system is going to get plenty of use. <a href="https://t.co/NUeTDjgwoC">https://t.co/NUeTDjgwoC</a>— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1970550626091462904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>With approximately 90 games per week in MLB, that's roughly 360 opportunities for teams to attempt to overturn an incorrect umpire.But, as Passan points out above, there are 1,000 incorrect calls.So, MLB has done the calculus and decided that being wrong nearly 64% of the time is still acceptable.How is this being celebrated as a win?MLB has been on a heater when it comes to implementing new rules that speed up and modernize the game. The pitch clock has been wildly successful, limiting the defensive shift has gone so well even its loudest detractors have been quieted, and larger bases have brought back aggressive running.The introduction of the ABS doesn't maintain this direction. It's a step to appease fans who don't actually know what they want.Is there anything more frustrating in baseball right now than having the replay review room agonize over a pop-slide at second base for more than two minutes just to have the seemingly incorrect call upheld due to insufficient evidence to overturn?Overturned balls and strikes will admittedly be a lot more seamless, decisive, and faster than that. But it's relevant because baseball fans believe they want replay review until they see it implemented. And then they'll realize all they wanted was correct calls.A challenge system is a commitment to being right only sometimes - when the victim of the bad call feels it was too egregious to let slide.If we borrow from the experience of watching other leagues that are already well into the replay review eras, ask an English Premier League fan if they enjoy when the referee makes the VAR symbol. Check in with your local hoops fan and see if they enjoy an extended stoppage during a playoff game to assess whether a hard foul qualifies as flagrant or not. Sports needs less of this, not more.The notion of "correct calls" in sports is a mirage. The people playing the sports are fallible. Why should we expect our officiating to be any different? Not to mention, no current technology is perfect in knowing if the three-inch ball moving 100 mph crossed the 17-inch plate at a specific height that's dependent on the batter's size.The options going forward are very simple:<ul>
<li>Admit that umpires are fallible human beings who can make mistakes and are indeed standing behind well-trained catchers who are actively trying to fool them hundreds of times per night.</li>
<li>Adopt the automated strike zone as law.</li>
</ul>Option 1 is admittedly my preference and likely that of the umpires' union as well. However, pitch-framing defenders are increasingly in the minority. That leaves us with the second option: Don't have umpires make the original call at all.Don't create any need to slow down the game a handful of times just because a 2-0 pitch on the edge of the zone in the fourth inning of Rays-Reds was incorrectly called a strike by an imperceptible margin.Half measures simply aren't worth celebrating.

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Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor says he's not only on the upcoming White House event, but that he'll be facing Michael Chandler."I'm on it. I am. This is me," McGregor said Friday on <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/video/6379819173112">Fox &amp; Friends</a>."Michael Chandler," the Irishman quickly responded when asked who he'd face. "Michael Chandler and myself have done the show, "The Ultimate Fighter." We've had a good back and forth. He's a good, tough guy. The Mac is excited to get back for sure."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The UFC White House event doesn't have a firm date yet but is tentatively scheduled for June 2026 on the South Lawn.Despite McGregor stating he's on the card, UFC CEO Dana White has remained non-committal on which fights will be featured and said that bouts won't be announced until February."We'll build the greatest card of all time for the White House fight," White said on Fox News Channel's Special Report with Bret Baier after McGregor's appearance. "And Conor and I have been talking consistently. He wants this fight bad. You know, when you get to a level that Conor's at, you gotta find things in life that motivate you, and the White House card has definitely motivated Conor McGregor."McGregor, 37, hasn't fought since suffering a 1st-round knockout loss and broken leg in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Conor McGregor attends Charity Day 2025 Hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund at BGC Group on September 11, 2025 in New York City.

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Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber joined an exclusive club Thursday, obliterating his ...

Philadelphia Phillies slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4761" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4761">Kyle Schwarber</a> joined an exclusive club Thursday, obliterating his fourth homer of the night in a rout of the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Kyle Schwarber slugs his way into MLB history 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/aIvgMzzfu5">pic.twitter.com/aIvgMzzfu5</a>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1961235455648960711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Inning</th>
<th>Type</th>
<th>Opposing pitcher</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1st</td>
<td>Solo</td>
<td>Cal Quantrill</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4th</td>
<td>2-run</td>
<td>Austin Cox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5th</td>
<td>3-run</td>
<td>Cox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7th</td>
<td>3-run</td>
<td>Wander Suero</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>The Phillies went on to rout the division-rival Braves 19-4.Schwarber is the 21st player in MLB history to accomplish the feat. He's also the third to do so this season after Eugenio Suárez (then with the Arizona Diamondbacks) and the Athletics' Nick Kurtz.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Prior to Suárez and Kurtz, no player had launched four home runs in a single contest since 2017. That season is coincidentally the only other campaign that featured more than one four-homer game (J.D. Martinez and Scooter Gennett).Schwarber now sits at a career-high 49 dingers on the campaign. The 32-year-old is hitting .248/.370/.586 with 94 runs scored and 119 RBIs.He came up in the bottom of the eighth inning with a chance to become the first player in MLB history to hit five homers in a single game. However, he popped out to shallow left field with infielder Vidal Bruján pitching."It was pretty cool to go out there and do that," Schwarber said postgame, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/kyle-schwarber-hits-4-home-runs-against-braves">Paul Casella of MLB.com</a>. "And you get the opportunity for a fifth one …"He added: "I shouldn't have even asked the question, but I was in the cage and I was like, 'How many guys have hit five? And nobody said anything, so I was like, 'Oh, OK, well that answers the question.'"The Phillies now lead all other franchises in four-homer games.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Most individual four-homer games by franchise: Phillies: 4 Braves: 3 Dodgers: 2 Diamondbacks: 2 <a href="https://t.co/iwG2ZCr3ky">https://t.co/iwG2ZCr3ky</a>— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1961236253946646666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 28: Brandon Marsh #16 pours a water bottle on Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies during his post game interview after a 19-4 win over the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on August 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Kyle Schwarber hit four home runs during the game.

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<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/13" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/13">Florida Panthers</a> superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> will be on the cover of NHL 26, EA Sports announced Monday.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
He’s a tone-setter, a leader, and now a cover star. Matthew Tkachuk is the face of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHL26?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHL26</a>. See the full reveal August 6th: <a href="https://t.co/gsLeVReKbu">https://t.co/gsLeVReKbu</a> <a href="https://t.co/S24tmSe834">pic.twitter.com/S24tmSe834</a>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1952399385993576926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Tkachuk is coming off another strong season, scoring 22 goals and adding 35 assists over 52 games while missing time with injury.The 27-year-old helped lead the Panthers to a second straight Stanley Cup, netting eight goals over 23 playoff games with 15 helpers. He scored the championship-clinching goal in Game 6 against the Edmonton Oilers.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tkachuk is the first Panther to be on the standard cover since goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck was the featured player for NHL 97. Olli Jokinen was on the European cover of NHL 2005 while with Florida.The deluxe edition will also feature Matthew's brother Brady, the Ottawa Senators captain, and their father, Keith, on the cover.The game releases Sept. 12.

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 17: Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers hoists the Stanley Cup after Game Six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers won the Stanley Cup Final series 4-2.

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The Minnesota Twins traded right-handed reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12684" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12684">Griffin Jax</a> to the Tampa Bay Rays for right-handed starter Taj Bradley, the teams announced Thursday.Jax, 30, is posting a 4.50 ERA and 2.00 FIP over 46 innings across 50 appearances this season. The righty was considered one of the top arms on the market this trade deadline, posting an elite 36.4% strikeout rate and 6.6% walk rate while working as Minnesota's high-leverage reliever.Bradley, 24, was recently optioned by the Rays amid a tough campaign, authoring a 4.61 ERA and 4.20 FIP over 111 1/3 innings.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The righty showed promise over his first two years in the majors, recording a 27.3% strikeout rate and 8.3% walk rate over 252 2/3 innings, with 46 starts and a pair of relief appearances.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JULY 30: Griffin Jax #22 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Boston Red Sox in the ninth inning at Target Field on July 30, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Red Sox defeated the Twins 13-1.

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Twins trade Jax to Rays for Bradley

The Toronto Blue Jays traded infielder Will Wagner to the San Diego Padres for catcher Brandon Va...

The Toronto Blue Jays traded infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15496" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15496">Will Wagner</a> to the San Diego Padres for catcher Brandon Valenzuela, the teams announced Thursday.Wagner, 27, was hitting .237/.336/.298 with seven doubles and one steal this season through 40 games with the Jays while primarily playing third base and first base.The corner infielder broke out over 24 games last year as a rookie, posting a .788 OPS with two homers.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He's the son of Hall of Fame reliever Billy Wagner, who was inducted into Cooperstown as a member of the 2025 class this past weekend. Valenzuela, 24, is hitting .229/.313/.387 with 12 homers and six steals over 87 games with Double-A San Antonio this year.He has been in the Padres' system since 2018.

DETROIT, MI - JULY 25: Toronto Blue Jays third base Will Wagner (7) during the game between the Detroit Tigers versus the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday July 25, 2025 at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI.

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Blue Jays trade Will Wagner to Padres

The Tampa Bay Rays have optioned Taj Bradley to Triple-A Durham following a rough outing in the t...

The Tampa Bay Rays have optioned <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15419" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15419">Taj Bradley</a> to Triple-A Durham following a rough outing in the team's 11-9 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.Manager Kevin Cash called it a "tough decision," but reiterated that Bradley is "massive to our success."<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Here’s Kevin Cash’s full comments on the decision to option Taj Bradley. <a href="https://t.co/6iREy3dY9h">https://t.co/6iREy3dY9h</a> <a href="https://t.co/vL7AUtDO6f">pic.twitter.com/vL7AUtDO6f</a>— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ry_Bass/status/1948224059797332378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The right-hander allowed four runs on four hits and three walks while collecting only five outs. He didn't record a strikeout and gave up a three-run homer to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15803" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15803">Colson Montgomery</a> before getting lifted in the second inning.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bradley was never the pitcher of record, though, leaving the game tied 4-4. The Rays battled back to lead 7-5 at one point but coughed up six runs in the eighth en route to defeat.The 24-year-old has struggled this year, authoring a 4.61 ERA and 4.20 FIP over 111 1/3 innings.The young starter has battled command issues for much of his major-league tenure, posting an 8.5% walk rate and 1.46 HR/9 entering the evening. Over his first two campaigns, Bradley flashed a promising 27.3% strikeout rate, but that's dipped by nearly seven percentage points this year.Tampa Bay's starting rotation ranks 18th by FanGraphs' WAR but possesses the eighth-best ERA in MLB (3.80).The Rays didn't announce a corresponding move.

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JULY 23: Taj Bradley #45 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches in the first inning during the game against the Chicago White Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field on July 23, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Rays option Taj Bradley after rough outing vs. White Sox

We offer our insights and analysis from Day 1 of the 2025 MLB Draft. (All times ET.) See all 105 ...

We offer our insights and analysis from Day 1 of the 2025 MLB Draft. (All times ET.) See all 105 selections <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3281280" href="https://thescore.com/news/3281280">here</a>.Jump to: <a href="#Nationals">WSH</a> | <a href="#Angels">LAA</a> | <a href="#Mariners">SEA</a> | <a href="#Rockies">COL</a> | <a href="#Cardinals">STL</a> | <a href="#Pirates">PIT</a> | <a href="#Blue%20Jays">TOR</a> | <a href="#Orioles">BAL</a> | <a href="#Tigers">DET</a> | <a href="#Mets">NYM</a> | <a href="#Phillies%20/%20Athletics">ATH</a> | <a href="#Phillies%20/%20Athletics">PHI</a>10:36 p.m. - That's a wrap! The Los Angeles Angels select Nate Snead 105th overall as a compensation pick at the end of the third round to complete Day 1. That's eight Tennessee Volunteers taken.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-YKwdG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/YKwdG/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="415" 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>The penultimate selection of Day 1 was an interesting one as well. The Dodgers nabbed Landyn Vidourek, who is unranked by Pipeline. The 21-year-old outfielder posted a 1.010 OPS, slugged 14 homers, and went 39-for-40 in stolen-base attempts with Cincinnati this year.It should be noted, not having any prospects at the draft was a massive miss this year. MLB moved it to well after the College World Series and into the All-Star break so they could turn it into more of an event. This wasn't one.The 2025 MLB Draft continues Monday at 11:30 a.m. ET with Rounds 4-20.9:45 p.m. - While the draft continues toward its third and final round of the night, the Mariners have reportedly already agreed to an $8.8-million signing bonus with No. 3 pick Kade Anderson, according to <a href="https://x.com/AramLeighton8/status/1944524052774683133">Aram Leighton</a>. That's roughly $700,000 below slot, which now represents additional money the Mariners can use elsewhere in the draft. There's a decent chance some or all of those savings go directly to their 57th overall selection, Nick Becker, a prep shortstop who is committed to playing for Virginia with his brother.<a id="Phillies / Athletics" name="Phillies%20/%20Athletics">9:06 p.m.</a> - The first round is over! Under three hours to make 36 picks - MLB deserves some credit for how quickly this moved along. I'm going to clean up some quick thoughts as things slow down:Athletics draft Jamie Arnold 11th overall: It wouldn't surprise me if this ends up being the steal of the draft when we look back on this in a decade. Over his final two years in college, the lefty struck out 278 batters and issued 53 walks over 190 1/3 innings. This played out great for the A's, an organization that, historically, loves drafting college arms.Phillies draft Gage Wood 26th overall: This feels like a pick made by a Dave Dombrowski team, without a doubt. Wood has star potential and that was on full display with his 19-strikeout no-hitter in the College World Series. He also has some bust potential in that he simply hasn't thrown many innings and might be destined for a relief role. The good news is a Dombrowski-run team always needs a closer.<a id="Mets" name="Mets">8:56 p.m.</a> - The Mets take two-way player Mitch Voit 38th overall! But don't get too excited, Voit doesn't even have Bryce Eldridge upside, let alone Shohei Ohtani ceiling. Even announcing Voit as a two-way player feels like malpractice, as he hasn't pitched since he was a sophomore when he posted a 5.49 ERA over 10 starts with Michigan. The Mets would be best to develop him solely as a hitter, where he can be a very good slugging second baseman.8:44 p.m. - The Tigers go even further off the board by drafting Michael Oliveto, who was ranked No. 219 by Pipeline, 34th overall. It's hard to tell if they love his skillset or if this is an under-slot selection that ensures they can afford to sign their top selection in Yost. It's probably a little bit of both and we're a long way from figuring out what Oliveto is.8:37 p.m. - The Orioles convert their third pick of the night into Arkansas shortstop Wehiwa Aloy at No. 31. Some teams that took those prep shortstops early are going to look foolish for passing on Aloy, who unequivocally has a higher floor than most of them. The 21-year-old posted a 1.107 OPS with the Razorbacks as a junior and also performed well in the wooden-bat Cape Cod League, hitting .309/.352/.642 with eight homers and three doubles over 21 games. He might not have the best defensive instincts, but he has the arm to manage third base and would fit great at second as well.<a id="Tigers" name="Tigers">8:13 p.m.</a> - We have a big reach alert. The Tigers added to the suspicion that teams will do anything to get a prep shortstop by selecting Jordan Yost out of Florida's Sickles High School at 24th overall. Yost entered the night ranked 50th by <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/draft/jordan-yost-803723">Pipeline</a>, but he was expected to follow through on his commitment to Florida if he slipped that far. Detroit drafts again at No. 34 but may need to wisely utilize its $10.9 million bonus pool (17th in MLB), as Yost likely wants close to full slot value ($3.73 million).<a id="Orioles" name="Orioles">7:52 p.m.</a> - The Orioles, one of the more intriguing teams in this draft with three picks in the top 31, made their first selection of the night by choosing slugging catcher Ike Irish at 19th overall. The best guess here is that they wanted one of the prep shortstops to fall to them and use their ample bonus pool to sign them over slot. Instead, Baltimore ends up with the best player remaining on the board at the time, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/draft/">MLB Pipeline</a>. Irish is a fascinating prospect with elite pop and improving swing decisions. The concerns around him are either about durability (if he hits his ceiling, his bat will play in a corner outfield spot anyway) or that he got eaten up in the wooden-bat Cape Cod League.7:39 p.m. - Prep shortstops continue to be at a premium. The Nats set the tone by going a smidge off the board to nab Eli Willits, and here's how it's looked since:<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-AcG9v" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/AcG9v/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="433" 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>It'll be fascinating to follow along with this class of high school shortstops as organizations take sizable risks on them in a relatively weak class. Pierce to the Rays at 14th overall is one of the more interesting ones to follow, as Tampa Bay adds another light-hitting prepster with speed to a system that loves to develop those types of players.<a id="Blue Jays" name="Blue%20Jays">7:07 p.m.</a> - We're jumping ahead a bit to the Blue Jays' pick of JoJo Parker at eighth overall. Teams seem to be favoring prep shortstops this draft. In a class with no slam-dunk star, it makes sense to take a big swing on a high-floor player like Parker. Scouts like his likelihood of sticking at short, and he's a polished left-handed hitter with an all-fields approach. But it's a bit odd to make this selection with Florida State lefty Jamie Arnold still on the board. Like Arjun Nimmala (selected 20th overall by Toronto in 2023), Parker is a long-term project. And, for now, the Jays have shown an ability to develop malleable, high-ceiling infielders.<a id="Pirates" name="Pirates">7 p.m.</a> - The Pirates continue to show no fear in drafting high variance high schoolers by taking right-hander Seth Hernandez sixth overall, which is odd because they're so bad at developing them. The Vanderbilt commit has incredible stuff for a prep arm, but he's a long way from the majors. The only thing Pittsburgh seems to excel at drafting is players who are already MLB-ready or close to it. The pick is a good one. The ability to develop? Inconclusive.<a id="Cardinals" name="Cardinals">6:56 p.m.</a> - Tennessee lefty Liam Doyle goes to the Cardinals fifth overall. Doyle may be the most MLB-ready pitcher, but only if St. Louis sees him as a reliever. The comparisons to Garrett Crochet are too easy to make. Both were Vols, both are southpaws, and Doyle could come out of an MLB bullpen later this season - his fastball is that good. If the Cardinals view Doyle as a starter, he must work on not throwing with maximum effort 100% of the time while also refining his repertoire.<a id="Rockies" name="Rockies">6:44 p.m.</a> - A pick that made sense since before the draft lottery even began - the Colorado Rockies get Ethan Holliday. As the son of Rockies legend Matt Holliday, Ethan will be beloved in Colorado. It's possible that the development of Jackson Holliday with the Orioles caused some to sour on Ethan, and that seems wrong, as they're not the same player at all. Even if Ethan doesn't land at shortstop for the Rockies, he could be a legitimate power-hitting third baseman, and that's pretty exciting.<a id="Mariners" name="Mariners">6:30 p.m.</a> - The rich get richer as the Mariners snap up Kade Anderson third overall. Despite being widely regarded as the best pitcher in the class, Anderson still has work to do to develop. His deep repertoire helps make him an incredibly interesting prospect, but no single pitch he features would be deemed a reliable out pitch in MLB. And that's fine, since the perfect organization has just drafted him to help him refine his craft. If you thought Anderson could be a frontline starter for any team, believe he can be an ace when the Mariners develop him.<a id="Angels" name="Angels">6:18 p.m.</a> - The Angels select right-hander Tyler Bremner second overall. If you yelled "WHO?" at your TV, you weren't alone. <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/draft/">MLB Pipeline</a> had four college pitchers ranked higher than Bremner. The 21-year-old is no slouch, though. If Bremner were eligible last year, he would've also heard his name called very early. This season was a bit tougher for him, but he still posted a 111-to-19 strikeout-to-walk ratio as a junior over 77 1/3 innings with UC Santa Barbara. This pick resembles the 2020 selection of Reid Detmers at 10th overall. While Bremner's ceiling might not be as high as his peers, his floor looks pretty strong. It wouldn't surprise me if he's the first pitcher from this class to reach the majors.<a id="Nationals" name="Nationals">6:11 p.m.</a> - It didn't take long for the first surprise of the night. The Nationals selected prep standout Eli Willits first overall. He's a 17-year-old switch-hitting shortstop with elite contact and plate discipline who reclassified from the 2026 cycle. This is a huge swing by interim GM Mike DeBartolo in an attempt to get his version of Bobby Witt Jr. But Willits' profile may be a bit more Bryson Stott, depending on how he develops.5:40 p.m. - One pick that'll be fascinating is the Baltimore Orioles at 19th overall. Despite not picking until pretty late, the O's command the largest bonus pool. That's largely because they acquired the 37th overall selection from the Tampa Bay Rays for Bryan Baker earlier this week. Mike Elias and Co. likely believe they can pick someone who falls to them and comfortably sign them over slot.5:30 p.m. - The Nationals are on the clock. Expect them to take either LSU pitcher Kade Anderson or high school infielder Ethan Holliday. The Nationals haven't had the No. 1 pick in the MLB draft since 2010, when they selected Bryce Harper. They've used their most recent first-round picks on college bats. With longtime general manager Mike Rizzo recently fired, it'll be fascinating to see how interim GM Mike DeBartolo puts his first fingerprints on the organization as boss.5 p.m. - Here we go! The Nationals own the first pick, followed by the Angels, Mariners, Rockies, and Cardinals. The first night of the draft will cover the opening three rounds (105 picks). Washington won the draft lottery in December despite owning 10.2% odds.

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2025 MLB Draft: Running analysis of Day 1

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Michael Bradburn

Supervising editor

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Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb

News Editor

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