The Los Angeles Dodgers placed outfielder Teoscar Hernández on the 10-day injured list with a lef...

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4472" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4472">Teoscar Hernández</a> on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain, the team announced Tuesday.Outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/418" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/418">James Outman</a> was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding roster move.Manager Dave Roberts said Hernández suffered a Grade 1 strain, which is the most mild type of strain. However, the skipper was unable to provide a firm timetable for his return.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Obviously, he's going to be inactive for a while. I don't really know a timetable," Roberts told reporters, including <a href="https://x.com/SonjaMChen/status/1919856228903063858">Sonja Chen of MLB.com</a>. "I think that's all contingent on when he starts back up again."Hernández went for an MRI after exiting Monday's game early with tightness in his hamstring and adductor. Roberts <a href="http://x.com/ByJackHarris/status/1919573522545823949">said postgame</a> that he first felt the injury while chasing a line drive in the third inning.The injury halts what's been a tremendous start to the season for the 32-year-old slugger, who re-signed with the Dodgers on a three-year, $66-million deal in the offseason. Hernández is hitting .315/.333/.600 with nine home runs and a major league-leading 34 RBIs through 33 games as L.A.'s primary right fielder.This is Hernández's first stint on the IL since April 2022, when he was a member of the Toronto Blue Jays.Outman, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12702" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12702">Andy Pages</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="" href="">Chris Taylor</a> are all likely candidates to see an increase in playing time while Hernández is sidelined. The left-handed-hitting Outman is batting eighth while playing in center field Tuesday, with Pages in right.

ATLANTA, GA MAY 04: Los Angeles right fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) warms up prior to the start of the MLB game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves on May 4th, 2025 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA.

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Teoscar placed on IL with groin strain, out 'for a while'

Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett insisted there was no intent behind his elbow to the head of ...

Florida Panthers center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> insisted there was no intent behind his elbow to the head of Anthony Stolarz that sent the Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender to the hospital."From my point of view, I'm just taking the puck to the net," Bennett said Tuesday, per <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1919775074816569401">TSN</a>. "I didn't even know that we made contact until after, and I'm on the power play, I'm trying to score, I'm taking the puck to the net. And that's really all there was to it."Bennett added that he considered the collision more of a "bump," according to <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1919772932558954929">Chris Johnston of The Athletic</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"There's no intent. Stolie is a great friend of mine, but when I hear that he went to the hospital, of course, I feel bad," he said.Bennett's elbow struck Stolarz's head in the second period of the Leafs' 5-4 Game 1 win Monday. Stolarz, who also took a puck to his facemask earlier in the contest, left the ice shortly after vomiting near the bench.Although some Leafs players and staff expressed their frustration with the play, Bennett - who has a history with Toronto after concussing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> in the 2023 playoffs - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3281514" href="https://thescore.com/news/3281514">reportedly</a> isn't expected to face supplemental discipline from the NHL. Panthers coach Paul Maurice agreed with the league not getting involved and emphasized his team's respect for Stolarz, a member of Florida's Stanley Cup-winning team last spring."Most of this, for me, is tempered by the fact that Stolie is one of our guys. We love that guy," Maurice said, per <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1919777551301365934">Johnston</a>. "If I had thought that Sam had crossed the line or an edge, I'd probably be more careful with my words. I just didn't think it happened."Bennett said he spoke briefly with Stolarz after learning he went to the hospital."I reached out to him. He responded. Obviously, (you) never want to see an injury like that," he said.Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed Tuesday that Stolarz has been released from the hospital, adding that the 31-year-old is with the team and "doing well," according to <a href="https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/1919785069616464107">TSN's Mark Masters</a>.However, Berube couldn't provide a firm update on the netminder's health, responding with "we'll see" when asked if Stolarz will play in Game 2. The bench boss gave a similar answer when questioned about a possible concussion diagnosis for the goalie.

TORONTO, ON - MAY 05: Toronto Maple Leafs Goalie Anthony Stolarz (41) tends the net during the second period of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs second round game one between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs on May 5, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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Bennett says contact with Stolarz was inadvertent: 'There's no intent'

The Texas Rangers fired offensive coordinator Donnie Ecker as their struggles at the plate grow, ...

The Texas Rangers fired offensive coordinator Donnie Ecker as their struggles at the plate grow, the team announced Sunday."After lengthy discussions and deliberations, we feel now is the appropriate time to provide our hitters with a new voice as we pursue goals of winning the division and reaching the postseason," Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young said in a statement following the team's 8-1 win over the Seattle Mariners. "We are extremely grateful to Donnie for all that he accomplished here with the Rangers, including his role in the club's 2023 World Series championship. We wish him the best."The team didn't name a replacement for Ecker. For now, hitting coach Justin Viele and assistant hitting coach Seth Conner will seemingly remain in their roles, although the Rangers said they'd address the structure of manager Bruce Bochy's hitting staff in the coming days.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ecker, 39, was in his fourth season as the Rangers' offensive coordinator and also served as bench coach from 2022-24. Under his watch, the Rangers enjoyed several successful offensive seasons, including their championship season.This season, however, has been a very different story. Texas has scored the fewest runs in the American League (113), ahead of only the woeful Colorado Rockies. The team also ranks 27th in OPS (.644) and 19th in homers (31). Last week, the Rangers went seven straight games without hitting a home run. They snapped that drought late in Friday's 13-1 loss to Seattle.Sunday's win marked just the sixth time this year that the Rangers have scored six-plus runs in a game. They've scored three or fewer runs in 15 of their last 22 contests.Texas tried to shake up its scuffling offense earlier this week by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3279024" href="https://thescore.com/news/3279024">optioning</a> first baseman Jake Burger to Triple-A. Burger was one of the team's biggest offseason acquisitions but has been one of its worst individual hitters.Young apparently made another move to fix the lineup Sunday by placing outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5706" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5706">Leody Taveras</a> on outright waivers, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1919163156124873152">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>. Taveras, the Rangers' primary center fielder to start the season, has put up a .601 OPS with one homer and eight RBIs over 29 games.If Taveras is claimed, his new team would be responsible for what remains of his $4.75-million salary.The Rangers sit in fourth place in the AL West with a 17-18 record.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - MARCH 31: A detail of the Texas Rangers logo on a hat in the dugout prior to a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on March 31, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Rangers fire offensive coordinator Ecker as hitting woes mount

The Boston Red Sox will look at a variety of options to replace Triston Casas at first base. Rafa...

The Boston Red Sox will look at a variety of options to replace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12885" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12885">Triston Casas</a> at first base. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5400" href="/mlb/players/5400">Rafael Devers</a> won't be one of them.Red Sox manager Alex Cora made it clear Saturday that Devers, who was reportedly being considered as a first base option during the offseason, will not be grabbing a trapper's mitt any time soon."From my end, right now, no," Cora said, according to <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2025/05/red-sox-wont-use-rafael-devers-to-replace-triston-casas-so-heres-their-plan.html">MassLive's Chris Cotillo</a>. "We asked him to do something in spring training. In the beginning, he didn't agree with it. Now, he's very comfortable doing what he's doing. Like I told you guys in spring training, he's my DH.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It's not delicate at all. We made a decision. We talked to him. He's a DH."First base was thrown into flux for the Red Sox when Casas <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3279587" href="https://thescore.com/news/3279587">ruptured</a> his patella tendon while running out a ground ball in Friday's game. Casas is not expected to return this season.Devers is a natural third baseman but has been viewed as a first baseman-in-waiting in some corners due to his player profile and defensive struggles at the hot corner. Talk about his potentially moving across the diamond ramped up over the winter as the Red Sox reportedly began shopping Casas while also chasing star third basemen <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2381" href="/mlb/players/2381">Nolan Arenado</a>.After signing Bregman in February and retaining Casas, the Red Sox opted to move Devers into a full-time DH role. The 28-year-old, who inked a 10-year, $313.5-million extension in 2023, initially rejected the move but has since embraced his new role. After a slow start, he entered Saturday hitting .242/.365/.445 with five homers, 21 RBIs, and an AL-best 25 walks.The timing of Casas' injury may also be playing a role in keeping the three-time All-Star third baseman at DH. Cora said he has no desire to throw Devers, or any other player with limited to no experience playing there, into the fire at the position with no chance to get comfortable."We've been through that act before, moving people around and playing guys at first base who never played first base," Cora said. "It wasn't good. The effort was there. I appreciated (ex-Red Sox outfielder) Franchy (Cordero) playing first. Kyle (Schwarber), of course, we needed to play first (in 2021), but he wasn't a first baseman. ... It's a tough position to play."For now, the Red Sox will go forward with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13606" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13606">Romy Gonzalez</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/10014" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/10014">Abraham Toro</a> as their primary first basemen, with Gonzalez seeing the bulk of action. Additional depth options in the minors include Nick Sogard, Blake Sabol, and Vaughn Grissom; veteran catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1798" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1798">Yasmani Grandal</a> is also at Triple-A and has played 97 games at first."We'll give Romy some at-bats. We will. I want to see how it works out," Cora said. "Defensively, he has been solid. Offensively, he has been good. It's an opportunity for him to go out there and perform. I don't want him to feel like this is it, that this is his chance to shine. Just do your part. Don’t try to be somebody you're not."

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 29: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox flips his bat during the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in TorontoOntario, Canada.

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Cora rules out Devers replacing Casas at 1B: 'He's my DH'

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Corbin Burnes will miss his next scheduled start after being di...

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9580" href="/mlb/players/9580">Corbin Burnes</a> will miss his next scheduled start after being diagnosed with right shoulder inflammation, manager Torey Lovullo announced Saturday, according to <a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2025/05/03/arizona-diamondbacks-corbin-burnes-to-miss-time-with-shoulder-issue/83432619007/">Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic</a>.Burnes was scheduled to start Monday against the New York Mets at Chase Field. The D-Backs have yet to name a replacement starter.While the D-Backs will skip over Burnes this time, they're optimistic he won't land on the injured list and can take the mound when his turn comes up again next weekend. Burnes underwent an MRI in Phoenix on Friday, which Lovullo said came back normal aside from some inflammation.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I think it had probably been a start or two that he had been expressing that and feeling (fatigue in his shoulder)," Lovullo said. "We were with him. 'What are you thinking? What do you want to do?' He's like, 'I'm good, let me just keep going.' At some point, we just all decided the best thing to do, to get ahead of it, is let's examine it, get some imaging, pull back if we need to, and let him potentially skip a start, and he should be good for the rest of the year."Burnes is off to a bit of a slow start with the D-Backs, posting a 3.58 ERA, 5.08 FIP, and 1.38 WHIP with 28 strikeouts and 17 walks over six starts. He's allowed only five home runs in 32 2/3 innings, but his 7.7 K/9 rate and 4.7 BB/9 rate currently stand as his career-worst marks.Burnes appeared to be rounding into form of late, having allowed four earned runs over his last three starts. In his most recent outing Wednesday in New York, he allowed just one run over six innings against the Mets but issued a season-high five walks while tallying only three strikeouts.The 2021 NL Cy Young winner joined Arizona on a six-year, $210-million contract during the offseason.

BRONX, NY - APRIL 01: Corbin Burnes #39 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches during the game against the New York Yankees on April 1, 2025 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.

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D-Backs' Burnes won't make next start due to shoulder inflammation

Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout is optimistic his latest stint on the injured list will e...

Los Angeles Angels superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1674" href="/mlb/players/1674">Mike Trout</a> is optimistic his latest stint on the injured list will end after the minimum 10-day period.The Angels placed Trout on the IL on Friday with a bone bruise in his left knee, which he sustained two days earlier while running out a ground ball."Yesterday I was pretty sore, but today is a lot better," Trout told reporters Friday, including <a href="https://x.com/JeffFletcherOCR/status/1918449778536661489">Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The injury marks the latest health setback for Trout, who hasn't played more than 130 games in a season since 2019. He was limited to 29 contests last year after tearing his left meniscus and undergoing surgery twice. The Angels moved Trout to right field full time in 2025 in an attempt to keep him healthy.However, the three-time AL MVP expressed confidence that this injury is different. Trout noted that there's no structural damage and that the bruise is already feeling better, per Fletcher. He also added that he's able to walk without issue."I didn't feel a pop or anything, I just felt something weird," Trout said when describing how the injury occurred, per <a href="https://apnews.com/article/trout-bruise-injured-list-074a5d00e1a47b6c5408f795dd2570ca">Mike DiGiovanna of The Associated Press</a>. "I thought it was just scar tissue breaking up. ... I kind of lunged to the side (of the bag) and it smashed the two bones. I haven't felt anything in my knee for the last three, four months. I've been feeling good."For now, Trout will continue to rest. He said he's taking a few additional days off to ensure that the issue is fully healed, according to <a href="https://x.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1918449568334893297">ESPN's Alden González</a>.The 33-year-old hit nine homers in his first 29 games to start this season but owns a lower-than-usual .179/.264/.462 slash line in 121 plate appearances.After putting Trout on the IL, the Angels recalled first baseman Niko Kavadas from Triple-A Salt Lake City in a corresponding move.

SEATTLE, WA - APRIL 29: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels smiles during the game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Trout hopeful for minimum IL stint, says knee already feels 'better'

The Cleveland Guardians got some good news on star third baseman José Ramírez after he left Frida...

The Cleveland Guardians got some good news on star third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4066" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4066">José Ramírez</a> after he left Friday's game with a mild right ankle sprain.Manager Stephen Vogt told reporters following his team's 5-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays that while Ramírez's ankle is quite sore, all tests so far have come back clean, according to <a href="https://x.com/PJFOX8/status/1918487044415713323">P.J. Ziegler of Fox 8 Cleveland</a>. The Guardians will wait and see how he feels in the morning before deciding if he'll play in Saturday's game.Ramírez sustained the injury in the third inning while scampering down the line to beat out an infield single. After being hit in the back by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4426" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4426">Chris Bassitt</a>'s errant throw, Ramírez appeared to trip over the base and immediately went down in pain. He was tended to by Guardians trainers and was able to walk off the field under his own power.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/chris-bassitt-in-play-no-out-to-jose-ramirez-hfn46u?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure>(Video source: <a href="http://www.mlb.com">MLB.com</a>)<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14101" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14101">Daniel Schneemann</a> pinch-ran for Ramírez and remained in the game to play second base. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12316" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12316">Gabriel Arias</a> moved from second to third.Ramírez is hitting .274/.323/.451 with five homers, 15 RBIs, and eight steals over his first 31 games this season.

TORONTO, ON - MAY 2: Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Guardians leaves the game with an injury against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on May 2, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Guardians' Ramírez exits with mild ankle sprain

The Los Angeles Angels are placing star outfielder Mike Trout on the 10-day injured list with a b...

The Los Angeles Angels are placing star outfielder Mike Trout on the 10-day injured list with a bone bruise in his left knee, manager Ron Washington announced following the team's 10-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers, according to <a href="https://x.com/RhettBollinger/status/1918161818528432536">Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com</a>.Washington added that the bruise isn't a significant injury. However, he didn't provide a timetable for Trout's return.Trout didn't play Thursday after leaving Wednesday's game with knee soreness, which began when he tried beating out a ground ball earlier in the contest.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Trout played only 29 games last season after twice tearing the meniscus in his left knee. He's battled an array of injuries over recent years and hasn't appeared in more than 130 contests in a campaign since 2019.The three-time AL MVP is hitting .179/.264/.462 with nine homers and 18 RBIs through 29 games this season.

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 10: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels hits a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on April 10, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Angels placing Trout on IL with bone bruise in knee

The Texas Rangers are trying to shake up their listless offense by sending out one of their bigge...

The Texas Rangers are trying to shake up their listless offense by sending out one of their biggest offseason acquisitions.Texas is reportedly optioning slumping first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12550" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12550">Jake Burger</a> to Triple-A Round Rock, sources told <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1918082248022409461">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>. First base prospect Blaine Crim will be promoted to the majors in a corresponding move.Burger has one minor-league option remaining, allowing the Rangers to send him out. The team views the move as a chance for him to "reset" and hopes he'll return to the majors soon, according to Rosenthal.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Texas acquired Burger from the Miami Marlins in December for three prospects after trading longtime first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9902" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9902">Nathaniel Lowe</a> to Washington. Burger emerged as a dependable power bat over the last few seasons, hitting 34 home runs in 2023 and 29 last year.However, the 29-year-old's power has gone missing in Arlington. Over Burger's first 30 games with the Rangers, he's hit .190/.231/.330 with three homers and 32 strikeouts. He entered play Thursday sporting a 55 wRC+, which ranked in the 15 lowest marks among qualified hitters this year.Burger's reported demotion comes during a team-wide power outage that's left the Rangers with a minus-12 run differential. Thursday's 3-0 loss to the Athletics marked Texas' fourth shutout loss of the young season and seventh consecutive game without a home run. The Rangers have scored the second-fewest runs (103) in baseball this season, ahead of only the Colorado Rockies.Crim, who will reportedly replace Burger on the active roster, will make his MLB debut when he gets into a game. The 27-year-old, now in his third go-around at Triple-A, is hitting .313/.365/.535 with seven home runs and 25 RBIs over 28 games with Round Rock this season.Texas will need to make an additional move to clear a 40-man roster spot for Crim before Friday's game.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 27: Jake Burger #21 of the Texas Rangers looks on from the dugout prior to the game between the Texas Rangers and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Sunday, April 27, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Report: Rangers demote slumping Burger after latest shutout loss

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

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

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

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Cubs reunite with Nicky Lopez on MLB deal

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

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

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

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Strider diagnosed with mild hamstring strain, no timetable for return

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Padres place Arraez on concussion IL after collision

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

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

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

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Guardians DFA former top prospect McKenzie

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

The wind was blowing out at Wrigley Field on Friday. Naturally, mayhem ensued.In the wildest game of the year so far, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs combined for 16 total runs in an eighth inning that saw wild comebacks from both teams during an eventual 13-11 Cubs win.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781247/cropped_Go2R82TXcAA52Cn.jpg?ts=1745012434" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781247/w220xh124_Go2R82TXcAA52Cn.jpg?ts=1745012434 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781247/w320xh180_Go2R82TXcAA52Cn.jpg?ts=1745012434 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781247/w640xh360_Go2R82TXcAA52Cn.jpg?ts=1745012434 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781247/w768xh432_Go2R82TXcAA52Cn.jpg?ts=1745012434 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781247/w1080xh607_Go2R82TXcAA52Cn.jpg?ts=1745012434 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Baseball Savant</figcaption></figure>Ian Happ's seventh-inning grand slam put the Cubs up 7-1, but that lead was hardly safe. In the top of the eighth, Arizona sent 13 men to the plate and scored 10 runs. Eugenio Suárez answered Happ with a <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/eugenio-suarez-hits-a-grand-slam-6-to-center-field-randal-grichuk-scores?q=Arizona%20Diamondbacks&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">grand slam</a> of his own, Randal Grichuk ripped a go-ahead <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/porter-hodge-in-play-run-s-to-randal-grichuk?q=Arizona%20Diamondbacks&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">two-run double</a> under third baseman Gage Workman's glove, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. gave the Snakes an 11-7 lead with a massive three-run homer.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/lourdes-gurriel-jr-homers-4-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-center-field-randal-gri?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure>Chicago stormed back in the bottom of the eighth, batting around themselves in a six-run frame to retake the lead. Carson Kelly's two-run homer, his second of the game, brought the Cubs back to within one. Three batters later, Kyle Tucker lined a homer over the right-field wall to put Chicago ahead 12-11. Seiya Suzuki would follow Tucker with his own solo shot.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/kyle-tucker-homers-6-on-a-line-drive-to-right-field-ian-happ-scores?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure>The 16 total runs set a new National League record for total scoring in the eighth inning, according to <a href="https://www.baseball-almanac.com/recbooks/rb_runs2.shtml">Baseball Almanac</a>. It was also the highest-scoring inning by combined runs in Wrigley Field's 111-year history, per the D-backs broadcast.The Cubs are the first team since Cleveland in 2006, and seventh since at least 1900, to allow 10-plus runs in an inning and still win, according to <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1913352576990425500">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>. They also became the fifth team since at least 1900 to score at least six runs and allow at least 10 in the same frame, per <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1913346030323798421">Langs</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-VMIHf" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/VMIHf/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="128" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure>This is the second time in Cubs history that they've combined with their opponent to score 21 runs in two consecutive innings, according to <a href="https://x.com/jwyllys/status/1913350176430842204">Cubs historian Ed Hartig and Jared Wyllys of CHGO Sports</a>. The last time this happened was on Sept. 4, 1893, when the Cubs - then known as the Colts - and Baltimore Orioles did it during a 15-10 Chicago win at West Side Park.Ryan Pressly gave up one more hit in the top of the ninth but was able to secure the save for the Cubs.

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

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

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

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

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

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Jake Paul to fight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at cruiserweight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Rangers' Corbin beat Angels after being bitten by venomous critter

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

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

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

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Nationals' López suspended 3 games for throwing at McCutchen

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Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb

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Tom Ruminski

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