The two-month mark of the MLB season is usually when the contenders begin to separate from the pr...

The two-month mark of the MLB season is usually when the contenders begin to separate from the pretenders, and most of those early mirages fade away for good. However, some of those surprises are very real from a team and individual standpoint. Let's look at 10 of the biggest shocks from the first two months of the 2025 campaign.<h3>Aaron Judge</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786637/cropped_GettyImages-2215603740.jpg?ts=1747796736" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786637/w220xh124_GettyImages-2215603740.jpg?ts=1747796736 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786637/w320xh180_GettyImages-2215603740.jpg?ts=1747796736 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786637/w640xh360_GettyImages-2215603740.jpg?ts=1747796736 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786637/w768xh432_GettyImages-2215603740.jpg?ts=1747796736 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786637/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2215603740.jpg?ts=1747796736 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> New York Yankees / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Judge being great isn't a surprise. It's how great he's been that's the shocker. Even the most optimistic fans couldn't have predicted the reigning AL MVP flirting with .400 this late into the season. He's currently hitting .398 and was above the magic mark as recently as May 21. Judge also tops the majors in all four slash categories (.398/.492/.756/1.248), plus leads the AL in homers (18) and hits (80). Remarkably, he's on pace to shatter Babe Ruth's single-season record of 457 total bases, untouched since 1921. Judge is one homer and two RBIs short of leading all three Triple Crown categories.<h3>St. Louis Cardinals </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785338/cropped_GettyImages-2214216055.jpg?ts=1747100886" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785338/w220xh124_GettyImages-2214216055.jpg?ts=1747100886 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785338/w320xh180_GettyImages-2214216055.jpg?ts=1747100886 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785338/w640xh360_GettyImages-2214216055.jpg?ts=1747100886 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785338/w768xh432_GettyImages-2214216055.jpg?ts=1747100886 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785338/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2214216055.jpg?ts=1747100886 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Left for dead by most before the campaign started, Oliver Marmol's Cardinals have defied the odds and sit one game out of a wild-card spot. Despite not having a single player with 10 home runs, St. Louis' plus-40 run differential helps confirm that the club isn't going away any time soon. NL hits leader Brendan Donovan and catcher Iván Herrera are leading a revitalized offense, while Matthew Liberatore is finally realizing his potential as an ace by authoring a quietly stellar breakout season. Not bad for a team that was actively trying to start a rebuild in January.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>AL Divisional power</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787340/cropped_GettyImages-2216036700.jpg?ts=1748275656" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787340/w220xh124_GettyImages-2216036700.jpg?ts=1748275656 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787340/w320xh180_GettyImages-2216036700.jpg?ts=1748275656 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787340/w640xh360_GettyImages-2216036700.jpg?ts=1748275656 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787340/w768xh432_GettyImages-2216036700.jpg?ts=1748275656 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787340/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2216036700.jpg?ts=1748275656 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Monica Bradburn / Major League Baseball / Getty</figcaption></figure>The balance of power has shifted dramatically in the American League. If the season ended today, three of the five AL Central teams - the division widely pegged to be baseball's worst - would make the playoffs. This isn't a case of beating up on the White Sox, either. The Tigers, last year's Cinderella story, own the AL's best record. The Twins clawed back into the race with a 16-6 May, highlighted by a 13-game winning streak. They're tied with Cleveland for the top AL wild-card spot, with the Royals one percentage point behind the Houston Astros for the No. 6 seed. By contrast, the juggernaut AL East has mostly fallen off a cliff. Outside of the 33-20 Yankees, only one of the other squads - the Tampa Bay Rays - are above .500. Injuries and inconsistency - and sometimes downright poor play - have left the division's other four teams barely clinging to relevancy.<h3>Nathan Eovaldi</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785162/cropped_GettyImages-2214008251.jpg?ts=1746993588" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785162/w220xh124_GettyImages-2214008251.jpg?ts=1746993588 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785162/w320xh180_GettyImages-2214008251.jpg?ts=1746993588 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785162/w640xh360_GettyImages-2214008251.jpg?ts=1746993588 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785162/w768xh432_GettyImages-2214008251.jpg?ts=1746993588 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785162/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2214008251.jpg?ts=1746993588 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Duane Burleson / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>The 35-year-old has turned back the clock with a fantastic start that has him in the thick of the AL Cy Young conversation. Eovaldi owns the Junior Circuit's lowest WHIP, is tied for fourth in fWAR, sits third in ERA, and has thrown one shutout. He's also in the top 10 in several other important categories. His 9.5 K/9 marks his best rate since 2021, when he finished fourth in AL Cy Young voting. Long considered a good pitcher but hardly an ace, especially in a rotation featuring names like Jacob deGrom, Eovaldi is pitching like a frontline starter.<h3>Baltimore Orioles</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786191/cropped_GettyImages-2215620039.jpg?ts=1747525142" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786191/w220xh124_GettyImages-2215620039.jpg?ts=1747525142 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786191/w320xh180_GettyImages-2215620039.jpg?ts=1747525142 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786191/w640xh360_GettyImages-2215620039.jpg?ts=1747525142 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786191/w768xh432_GettyImages-2215620039.jpg?ts=1747525142 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786191/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2215620039.jpg?ts=1747525142 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mitchell Layton / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>A team many picked to win its division finds itself with the AL's second-worst record and a managerial firing in the books. Plagued by a listless offense and a pitching staff in shambles, the Orioles have been a massive disappointment this year. The numbers paint a grim picture: Baltimore ranks 25th in runs scored, 20th in OPS, and owns a league-worst minus-92 run differential. But as bad as the bats have been, the pitching has been even rougher. The Orioles' 5.47 ERA and .272 opponent average are worst in the AL - only the Rockies have a higher team ERA. They've also allowed an MLB-high 84 home runs. Tomoyuki Sugano is their only starter with an ERA below 4.00, while free-agent addition Charlie Morton has morphed almost overnight from a helpful starter to arguably one of baseball's most inefficient arms. The depth of Baltimore's collapse has been so stark that it might be the most shocking development of the entire season thus far.<h3>Báez's renaissance</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785557/cropped_GettyImages-2214381982.jpg?ts=1747231380" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785557/w220xh124_GettyImages-2214381982.jpg?ts=1747231380 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785557/w320xh180_GettyImages-2214381982.jpg?ts=1747231380 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785557/w640xh360_GettyImages-2214381982.jpg?ts=1747231380 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785557/w768xh432_GettyImages-2214381982.jpg?ts=1747231380 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785557/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2214381982.jpg?ts=1747231380 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>Four years into what's been a disastrous contract, the Tigers are finally getting some production out of Javier Báez in ways they couldn't have imagined. The former Gold Glove shortstop easily transitioned to center field, making several highlight-reel plays at his new position and stabilizing an area of need for Detroit. He's also started hitting again, as his .286/.321/.468 slash line is by far his best since 2021. And he seems to have rediscovered the energy and flair that made him a fan favorite in Chicago. It's only May, and Báez may have already clinched AL Comeback Player of the Year honors. Who saw that coming? Certainly not the Tigers.<h3>Atlanta Braves</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778658/cropped_GettyImages-2207447502.jpg?ts=1743686215" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778658/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207447502.jpg?ts=1743686215 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778658/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207447502.jpg?ts=1743686215 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778658/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207447502.jpg?ts=1743686215 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778658/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207447502.jpg?ts=1743686215 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778658/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207447502.jpg?ts=1743686215 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Orlando Ramirez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Here's another team that entered the season among the most popular playoff picks and has instead fallen flat. The Braves dug themselves a massive hole early with an 0-7 start, made worse by losing top offseason addition Jurickson Profar to an 80-game PED suspension during the slide. Ace Spencer Strider returned from elbow surgery in April, only to immediately get hurt again. Atlanta's situation isn't as bad as Baltimore's, but it's far from ideal. The Braves clawed back to within .500 range, and with Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. healthy again, there's optimism. However, history isn't on their side. No club has ever reached October after starting a year 0-7. This isn't where anybody expected Atlanta to be.<h3>Colorado Rockies</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786911/cropped_GettyImages-2215569612.jpg?ts=1747950842" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786911/w220xh124_GettyImages-2215569612.jpg?ts=1747950842 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786911/w320xh180_GettyImages-2215569612.jpg?ts=1747950842 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786911/w640xh360_GettyImages-2215569612.jpg?ts=1747950842 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786911/w768xh432_GettyImages-2215569612.jpg?ts=1747950842 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786911/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2215569612.jpg?ts=1747950842 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>The 2025 Rockies are the inverse of Judge: it's not that they're bad, it's how bad they are. Colorado's 8-42 start marks the worst record through the first 50 contests of a campaign since the 1895 Louisville Colonels. The team sits dead last in almost every meaningful statistic on both sides of the ball and has already endured three separate eight-game losing streaks. The Rockies have won consecutive outings just once and are still looking for their first series victory. They've also been shut out eight times, including a historic 21-0 drubbing that led to manager Bud Black's firing. The change hasn't helped, as they're 2-12 under interim skipper Warren Schaeffer. Colorado's on pace to finish with 135 losses, which would surpass the 1899 Cleveland Spiders' single-season record.<h3>Mets starting pitching</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787341/cropped_GettyImages-2216413189.jpg?ts=1748276022" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787341/w220xh124_GettyImages-2216413189.jpg?ts=1748276022 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787341/w320xh180_GettyImages-2216413189.jpg?ts=1748276022 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787341/w640xh360_GettyImages-2216413189.jpg?ts=1748276022 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787341/w768xh432_GettyImages-2216413189.jpg?ts=1748276022 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787341/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2216413189.jpg?ts=1748276022 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Evan Yu / Major League Baseball / Getty</figcaption></figure>The rotation was supposed to be the Mets' undoing. Instead, it's been the reason New York has kept pace with the Phillies in the NL East. Even without Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, and Paul Blackburn, the Mets' starters boast MLB's lowest ERA (2.84) and have surrendered the fewest homers (21) of any rotation. David Peterson and Griffin Canning have been revelations, while converted reliever Clay Holmes has seamlessly transitioned to a starting role. Meanwhile, Kodai Senga has bounced back from missing most of last season to post an NL-best 1.46 ERA. This rotation is serving notice to the rest of the NL that the Mets aren't to be taken lightly.<h3>Pete Crow-Armstrong</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784146/cropped_GettyImages-2213262421.jpg?ts=1746459037" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784146/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213262421.jpg?ts=1746459037 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784146/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213262421.jpg?ts=1746459037 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784146/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213262421.jpg?ts=1746459037 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784146/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213262421.jpg?ts=1746459037 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784146/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213262421.jpg?ts=1746459037 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> John Fisher / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>There was always a ton of hype around Crow-Armstrong as a prospect, but even the most optimistic Cubs fans likely didn't see this coming. The 23-year-old leads the NL in fWAR (3.1), trailing only Aaron Judge across all of baseball. With 14 homers and 14 steals already in the bag, Crow-Armstrong is flying toward the Cubs' first 30-30 season since Sammy Sosa in 1995 - and a 40-40 campaign might not be out of the question. He's also playing elite defense: his nine outs above average lead all center fielders, and he ranks in the 94th percentile for arm strength. The sky seems to be the limit for Crow-Armstrong and his NL Central-leading Cubs.

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MLB's 10 biggest surprises 2 months into season

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

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First pitch: Everything you need to know from the week in MLB

This was Tarik Skubal's masterpiece.  The Detroit Tigers ace and reigning AL Cy Young winner turn...

This was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a>'s masterpiece.The Detroit Tigers ace and reigning AL Cy Young winner turned in one of the majors' finest outings of this decade Sunday, spinning a two-hit, 13-strikeout shutout on just 94 pitches against the Cleveland Guardians in a 5-0 victory.Skubal finished his first career complete game by fanning <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12316" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12316">Gabriel Arias</a> on a 103-mph fastball. It was both the fastest strikeout pitch by a starting pitcher since tracking began in 2008 and the fastest ever thrown by a starter in the ninth inning or later, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1926700342122582404">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/gabriel-arias-strikes-out-swinging-vas4tt?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure>(Video source: <a href="http://www.mlb.com">MLB.com</a>)"It's pretty special. These fans are incredible," Skubal told the <a href="https://x.com/tigers/status/1926709090140516537">Roku broadcast</a> moments after the final out. "When you run back out there for the ninth, the emotions that kind of run through me - I'm an emotional player, and (you) take a second and appreciate it for sure."Skubal's 13 Ks are the most ever by a pitcher in a shutout of 99 pitches or fewer, according to <a href="https://x.com/castrovince/status/1926694325544505580">Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com</a>. The previous record of 12 for this feat - which has become widely known as a "Maddux," in honor of the legendary pitcher who did it a record 14 times - was shared by Sandy Koufax in his 1964 no-hitter, Cliff Lee in 2011, and Carlos Carrasco in 2014.The 28-year-old also set a new Tigers record for strikeouts without issuing a walk in a shutout, breaking the old mark of 10 set by "Wild" Bill Donovan against the St. Louis Browns in 1908, per <a href="https://stathead.com/tiny/2QGtb">Stathead</a>. The 13 strikeouts also tied the franchise record for Ks in a shutout by a left-hander and were one off the team's overall mark.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tarik Skubal is the first pitcher in Tigers history to throw a complete game with zero walks, no more than two hits, and 13+ strikeouts. The last Major League pitcher to do so was Jacob deGrom on April 23, 2021. <a href="https://t.co/fScGwpVEE3">pic.twitter.com/fScGwpVEE3</a>— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/DetroitTigersPR/status/1926697662742458750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The southpaw's <a href="https://www.mlb.com/glossary/advanced-stats/game-score">Game Score</a> of 96 is the <a href="https://stathead.com/tiny/Y4X39">highest</a> by a Tigers pitcher since Hall of Famer Jim Bunning's no-hitter on July 20, 1958 (Bunning scored a 97 in that outing). Bunning and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/195" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/195">Justin Verlander</a>, who did it twice, are the only other Tigers with Game Scores of 95 or better in a nine-inning start. Skubal is also just the <a href="https://stathead.com/tiny/VPG7C">sixth pitcher</a> to record a Game Score above 95 this decade.Cleveland had no answers for Skubal, who started his day with five perfect innings before allowing a leadoff double to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12512" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12512">Will Wilson</a> in the sixth. The Guardians only had three total baserunners on the day (two singles and one hit-by-pitch), none of whom advanced beyond second base.With such little resistance from Cleveland and an efficient pitch count, it made manager AJ Hinch's decision to let Skubal pitch the ninth a very easy one."In this era, starting pitching still matters," Hinch <a href="https://x.com/DetroitTigersPR/status/1926713754596639061">said</a>. "Obviously, we are careful across the industry in how we handle these guys, and the pitch counts have diminished and the inning totals have diminished. Sometimes it's your big boy's day, and you got to leave him out there."The outing lowered Skubal's ERA to 2.49 and dropped his WHIP to 0.84 through 11 starts. He also took over the AL strikeout lead with 92 and owns the majors' lowest BB/9 rate at 0.9, while his 13.14 strikeout-to-walk ratio is nearly two points better than the single-season record.All of the run support he needed came during a five-run Tigers fourth against Cleveland's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15706" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15706">Logan Allen</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8847" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8847">Zach McKinstry</a> provided the winning blow with a two-run homer.

DETROIT, MI - MAY 25: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers reacts after throwing the final strikeout in his first career complete game to win the game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Sunday, May 25, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Skubal destroys Guardians with 13-K, 94-pitch shutout

The Boston Red Sox will be without Alex Bregman longer than they initially expected after the thi...

The Boston Red Sox will be without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> longer than they initially expected after the third baseman sustained a "significant" right quadriceps injury during Friday's game, manager Alex Cora announced Saturday."He's going to be out for a while. Very similar to (his previous quad injury in) '21," Cora said following Boston's 6-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader."I'm not going to give you a timetable. Hopefully, our medical staff (will have him ready) sooner rather than later, but he will be out for a while."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bregman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3290281" href="https://thescore.com/news/3290281">left</a> Friday's game accompanied by a trainer after singling in the fifth inning with what the team initially called right quad tightness. While initially optimistic about his status, an MRI taken Saturday confirmed the severity of his injury."Yeah no doubt, it surprised me a lot," Bregman said Saturday, according to <a href="https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/05/24/red-sox-star-infielder-expected-to-miss-significant-time-with-quad-injury/">Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald</a>. "But it is what it is, and now I'm going to try and take it day by day and crush rehab."In 2021, while playing for the Houston Astros, Bregman missed over two months of action due to a left quad strain.The 31-year-old was off to a fantastic start in Boston after joining the Red Sox on a three-year, $120-million deal in February. Bregman owns a .299/.385/.553 slash line with 11 homers and 35 RBIs over 51 games this season. Defensively, his six defensive runs saved lead all qualified AL third basemen.The Red Sox <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3290751" href="https://thescore.com/news/3290751">called up</a> prized infield prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16199" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16199">Marcelo Mayer</a> from Triple-A in response to Bregman's injury. Mayer arrived at Fenway Park Saturday afternoon and will play third base in his debut during the nightcap. Though a natural shortstop, he's played six games at third in the minors, four of which have come this season."We'll play him everywhere," Cora said of Mayer. "He can play second, he can play shortstop, he can play third."Other options to man third in Bregman's absence besides Mayer include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13720" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13720">David Hamilton</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10014" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10014">Abraham Toro</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13718" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13718">Nick Sogard</a>. Cora also listed center fielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13703" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13703">Ceddanne Rafaela</a> as a possibility in emergency situations Friday, per <a href="https://x.com/MacCerullo/status/1926024322990141581">Cerullo</a>.One player fans shouldn't expect to see at the hot corner is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5400" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5400">Rafael Devers</a>. Cora said the slugger, who was forced off his longtime position and into full-time DH duties following Bregman's signing, won't be returning to third, according to <a href="https://x.com/jcmccaffrey/status/1926380817766314443">The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey</a>.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 23: Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox exits the game during the fifth inning of game one of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on May 23, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Cora: Bregman's quad injury 'significant,' timetable still unknown

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes isn't paying attention to trade rumors that have grown louder ...

Pittsburgh Pirates ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> isn't paying attention to trade rumors that have grown louder during the team's recent struggles."It doesn't make any difference with the (trade) talks," Skenes told <a href="https://x.com/JMackeyPG/status/1926111346392793129">Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</a> following the Bucs' 6-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. "I'm not going anywhere, I don't think. I have to figure out how to continue to improve this place."He added: "There's no substance to just all that talk that you hear on social media and news outlets and stuff like that," Skenes said, according to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3290479" href="https://thescore.com/news/3290479">Associated Press</a>. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Pirates seem headed toward yet another losing campaign. Although they're 6-8 since new manager Don Kelly took over for the fired Derek Shelton earlier this month, they're already 13 1/2 games out of first place in the NL Central. Pittsburgh's 18-34 record places second worst in the NL, ahead of only the lowly Colorado Rockies.Skenes has nothing to do with any of that. The reigning NL Rookie of the Year is authoring a sensational sophomore season, owning a 2.36 ERA and 0.95 WHIP with 70 strikeouts over 11 starts. Still, he's received zero support, owning a 3-5 record that includes a complete-game loss; the Pirates are 4-7 in games he's started.The entire situation has led to some questioning whether Pittsburgh should look to trade Skenes this summer for what would be a gigantic return. General manager Ben Cherington <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3289915" href="https://thescore.com/news/3289915">shot down</a> any notion of such a move this week, saying that a Skenes trade is "not at all part of the conversation."Skenes won't be in control of his future until after the 2029 season, when he reaches free agency. Sill, the 22-year-old doesn't expect to be moved any time soon and seems eager to bring winning baseball back to the Steel City."When I got drafted, I came in with the intention of winning a World Series here. That hasn't changed," Skenes <a href="https://x.com/JMackeyPG/status/1926111346392793129">said</a>. "I don't think my days here are numbered by any means."

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 23: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on May 23, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Pirates' Skenes dismisses trade rumors: 'I'm not going anywhere'

The slumping Athletics shook up their roster Friday in an effort to end their nine-game losing st...

The slumping Athletics shook up their roster Friday in an effort to end their nine-game losing streak.The A's optioned starting center fielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12422" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12422">JJ Bleday</a> to Triple-A Las Vegas and designated outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5778" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5778">Seth Brown</a>, a longtime member of the club, for assignment as part of a 10-player roster shuffle.Outfielder Denzel Clarke, ranked as the A's No. 8 prospect by <a href="https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/2015-athletics/prospects/?season=2025&amp;ranking=preseason">Baseball America</a>, was one of five players called to the majors from Triple-A on Friday. Left-hander Jacob Lopez and corner infielder CJ Alexander were also recalled, while catcher Willie MacIver and infielder/outfielder Logan Davidson were promoted to the big leagues for the first time.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>This was Brown's seventh season with the A's and 10th in their organization, making him by far the team's longest-tenured member. The former 19th-rounder reached the 20-homer mark in each of his first two full big-league seasons, including a career-high 25 in 2022.However, Brown hasn't posted an OPS above .700 since that 2022 campaign. The 32-year-old, who has one more year of arbitration remaining, started just 19 games this year and was hitting .192/.311/.288 with one homer, three RBIs, and 17 strikeouts before being cut.Bleday entered this year as the A's starting center fielder but lost that job after failing to repeat his breakout 2024 campaign. The 27-year-old put up a .762 OPS with 20 homers last season but hit just .204/.291/.365 with six homers and 18 RBIs over 47 games in 2025. He also played poor defense, contributing minus-6 defensive runs saved in center.The A's are hoping Clarke will improve their production in center field. The 25-year-old Toronto native was hitting .286/.436/.419 with 21 RBIs, seven steals, and 29 walks over 133 plate appearances at Triple-A before his call-up. Clarke's best attributes are his speed and base-stealing abilities, as well as his defense.MacIver, 28, hit .389/.469/.548 with two homers and 30 RBIs in 35 games as a catcher and DH at Las Vegas this year. He'll presumably serve as Shea Langeliers' primary backup.Davidson was hitting .303/.452/.428 with two homers and 22 RBIs over 186 PAs at Triple-A. The 2019 first-rounder started games at all four infield positions, as well as left field, this season.Lopez has shuttled between West Sacramento and Las Vegas this year, making four appearances in the majors. He'll start Friday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to <a href="https://x.com/MartinJGallegos/status/1926023683534893463">Martín Gallegos of MLB.com</a>. Alexander made his big-league debut with Kansas City last summer.In addition to sending out Brown and Bleday, the A's also optioned right-hander Carlos Duran and catcher Jhonny Pereda to Triple-A. Duran allowed three earned runs in one-third of an inning during his big-league debut Thursday. Pereda made waves by striking out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> late in a blowout loss last week but put up a .480 OPS in 16 games at his regular position.The A's also placed third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3741" href="/mlb/players/3741">Gio Urshela</a> on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain and cleared a 40-man roster spot by moving second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14042" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14042">Zack Gelof</a> to the 60-day IL.The A's started their maiden season in West Sacramento strong but have fallen off of late. Thursday's loss to the Los Angeles Angels was their ninth straight and dropped them seven games back of first-place Seattle.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 2: Seth Brown #15 of the Athletics looks on in the dugout prior to the game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on May 2, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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Slumping A's DFA Brown, option Bleday as part of 10-player shuffle

Ronald Acuña Jr. is back.  The Atlanta Braves activated their star outfielder from the injured li...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8292" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8292">Ronald Acuña Jr.</a> is back.The Atlanta Braves activated their star outfielder from the injured list Friday, paving the way for Acuña to make his season debut against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park.Acuña will lead off and play right field in Friday's game.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
La Bestia is BACK 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/ronaldacunajr24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ronaldacunajr24</a> <a href="https://t.co/1Ccmd38SXU">pic.twitter.com/1Ccmd38SXU</a>— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1925733831513972823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Acuña hasn't played in the majors since tearing the ACL in his left knee on May 26, 2024. It was the second time he required ACL reconstruction surgery, having previously torn the ligament in his right knee in 2021.After a nearly yearlong rehab, the 2023 NL MVP finally returned to game action last week, making minor-league rehab appearances in the Florida Complex League and with Triple-A Gwinnett. Acuña went 6-for-15 with two homers, four extra-base hits, and seven walks over his six-game rehab stint.In his final rehab outing on Wednesday, Acuña went 1-for-4 with a walk and played a full nine innings in right field for the first time this year. The Braves had scheduled a seventh rehab game for Acuña on Thursday, but with his return to the majors imminent, they scratched him from Gwinnett's lineup shortly before first pitch."It'll be good, he feels ready, and that's great," manager Brian Snitker said, according to <a href="https://www.ajc.com/sports/2025/05/ronald-acuna-will-rejoin-braves-in-coming-days-possibly-friday/">Gabriel Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution</a>. "It'll be great to get him back in the lineup."In his most recent full campaign, Acuña ran away with NL MVP honors after producing just the fifth (to that date) 40-homer, 40-steal season, and first-ever 40-70 campaign. He also hit .337/.416/.596 and led the majors in hits (217), runs (149), steals, and OBP.The Braves have sorely missed his electric bat atop their lineup. Atlanta's leadoff hitters own a .603 OPS through 49 games in 2025, a figure that ranks last in the NL and 28th overall."We know how electric that guy is," first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4249" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4249">Matt Olson</a> told Burns. "MVP-caliber player. To get his energy back, and lead off the game with No. 13, it's going to be exciting."The Braves also designated shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3574" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3574">Orlando Arcia</a> for assignment Friday.Thursday's loss to the Washington Nationals dropped the Braves to 24-25 on the season. Although they've recovered somewhat from a disastrous 0-7 start, Snitker's club enters play Friday sitting 7.5 games behind the first-place Phillies and 3.5 games out of a playoff spot.

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 13: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves stands in the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Truist Park on September 13, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Braves' Acuña to make season debut Friday

The Colorado Rockies found yet another new low Thursday afternoon.  With their 2-0 loss to the Ph...

The Colorado Rockies found yet another new low Thursday afternoon.With their 2-0 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field, the Rockies fell to 8-42, marking the worst 50-game start in baseball's modern era (since 1901).The 1904 Washington Senators held the previous 50-game record in the modern era, opening that season 9-41. Only one team - the 1895 Louisville Colonels - has ever endured a worse start than this year's Rockies, according to <a href="https://champsorchumps.us/records/worst-mlb-regular-season-records-through-50-games">Champs Or Chumps</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Colorado's start is also worse than that of the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, who went 9-41 out of the gate en route to a single-season loss record of 134 games. Thursday's defeat puts the Rockies on pace for 136, which would break the Spiders' 126-year-old mark.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>50-Game Record</th>
<th>Final Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1895 Louisville Colonels</td>
<td>7-43</td>
<td>35-96</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2025 Rockies</td>
<td>8-42</td>
<td>TBD</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1886 Washington Nationals</td>
<td>9-41</td>
<td>28-92</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1899 Cleveland Spiders</td>
<td>9-41</td>
<td>20-134</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1904 Washington Senators</td>
<td>9-41</td>
<td>38-113</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1897 St. Louis Browns</td>
<td>10-40</td>
<td>29-102</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2023 Athletics</td>
<td>10-40</td>
<td>50-112</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1932 Red Sox</td>
<td>10-40</td>
<td>43-111</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>For additional perspective, the 2024 Chicago White Sox started 15-35 and finished with a modern-era record 121 losses.The Rockies dropped to 1-9 since firing longtime manager Bud Black on May 11. They've now been shut out eight times in 2025, including a historic 21-0 defeat against San Diego on May 10.

DENVER, CO - MAY 19: Colorado Rockies interim manager Warren Schaeffer (34) looks on from the dugout during a game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on May 19, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Rockies off to worst 50-game start in modern era

Tyler Glasnow is throwing baseballs again, but it's still unclear when the injured right-hander w...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4257" href="/mlb/players/4257">Tyler Glasnow</a> is throwing baseballs again, but it's still unclear when the injured right-hander will be able to help the Los Angeles Dodgers' ailing rotation.Glasnow, who has been on the injured list with shoulder inflammation since late April, began a throwing program earlier this week. However, he's only throwing on flat ground, manager Dave Roberts noted Thursday."From what I hear, the catch play, the flat-ground stuff has been good. I'm not sure when he's going to get on the mound, though," Roberts told <a href="https://x.com/Matthew__Moreno/status/1923159994570092892">Matthew Moreno of Dodger Blue 1958</a> ahead of Thursday's game against the Athletics.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Glasnow visited with Neal ElAttrache - the noted orthopedic surgeon who is also the Dodgers' head physician - on Monday, <a href="https://dodgerblue.com/dodgers-injury-updates-blake-snell-tyler-glasnow-meeting-with-dr-neal-elattrache/2025/05/12/">Matt Borelli of DodgerBlue.com</a> reported earlier this week.This shoulder issue is the latest ailment to befall Glasnow, who's struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. Although he threw a career-high 134 innings in 2024, he's never made more than 22 starts in a season and missed last year's World Series run because of an elbow injury.Glasnow posted a 4.50 ERA with 23 strikeouts and 11 walks over five early-season starts in 2025. He pitched into the sixth inning during just one of those outings, and he departed his most recent start April 27 after just one inning because of the shoulder issue. Glasnow landed on the IL a few days later.He's one of 14 Dodgers pitchers on the IL with an array of injuries. L.A. entered play Thursday owning the best record in the National League despite being down to just four regular starters - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9566" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9566">Dustin May</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9723" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9723">Tony Gonsolin</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12497" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12497">Landon Knack</a>. Reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17229" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17229">Matt Sauer</a> was tabbed to start Thursday's game as an opener.While the team is getting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/945" href="/mlb/players/945">Clayton Kershaw</a> back Saturday, his season debut will come a little more than a week after rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19077" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19077">Roki Sasaki</a> landed on the IL with his own shoulder issue. Two-time Cy Young Award winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5351" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5351">Blake Snell</a> has also been out since April because of shoulder problems.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 27: Tyler Glasnow #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on April 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Roberts: Glasnow throwing on flat ground, return to mound still TBD

Welcome to the first edition of theScore's 2025 Cy Young rankings, where we look at the top five ...

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Cy Young rankings: Tight races in both leagues to start season

The Colorado Rockies fired longtime manager Bud Black and bench coach Mike Redmond after a dismal...

The Colorado Rockies fired longtime manager Bud Black and bench coach Mike Redmond after a dismal 7-33 start to the season, the team announced following Sunday's game.Third base coach Warren Schaeffer has been elevated to interim manager for the remainder of the campaign, while hitting coach Clint Hurdle will take over as interim bench coach."Our play so far this season, especially coming off the last two seasons, has been unacceptable. Our fans deserve better, and we are capable of better," owner Dick Monfort said in a <a href="https://x.com/Rockies/status/1921681581455892558">statement</a>. "While we all share responsibility in how this season has played out, these changes are necessary. We will use the remainder of 2025 to improve where we can on the field and to evaluate all areas of our operation so we can properly turn the page into the next chapter of Rockies baseball."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Black compiled a 543-690 record over nine campaigns as the Rockies' skipper, and he passed Hurdle to become the winningest manager in team history last season. The 67-year-old led Colorado to the playoffs in each of his first two years at the helm but failed to post a winning record after 2018. The club is now well on its way to a fourth straight last-place finish and third consecutive 100-loss season."We had a lot of internal talks," general manager Bill Schmidt said, according to <a href="http://denversports.com/mlb/colorado-rockies/bud-black-firing/2120873">Andrew Mason of 104.3 The Fan</a>. "I think we're capable of playing better than we've played, and so, it was the time to make a change."Black was fired less than 24 hours after the team suffered a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3283861" href="https://thescore.com/news/3283861">historic 21-0 loss</a> to the San Diego Padres. Bill Schmidt, who had <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3283814" href="https://thescore.com/news/3283814">publicly backed</a> Black before Saturday's game, said his decision was made before Sunday's game began. The Rockies won 9-3 to snap their third eight-game losing streak of the season."Trying to get everything in place this morning was gonna rush it," Schmidt said. "So, I made the decision we'd do it post game, win or lose."So, I know it took a little air out of winning the game, but I think the right thing, you don't put somebody on a plane and do it in Texas (on Monday), you do it here. So, that's why we made the decision."The Rockies' struggles have been mounting with each passing day: Colorado now owns a minus-128 run differential in 2025 and has yet to win a series this year. The team's 7-33 record is the worst through the first 40 games of a campaign since the 1988 Baltimore Orioles started 6-34, per <a href="https://apnews.com/article/padres-rockies-score-f94b952483c103dd4c2613e1afb077d7">The Associated Press</a>.Sunday's result put the Rockies on pace to finish at 29-133, a record that would shatter the modern-era loss record set by last year's White Sox and leave them one shy of tying the all-time mark held by the 1899 Cleveland Spiders.Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who was mentored by Black while on his coaching staff in San Diego, felt the firing was unjust."I'm bummed. I'm disappointed," Roberts said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6348379/2025/05/11/rockies-fire-bud-black/">Steve Berman and Dennis Lin of The Athletic</a>. "I don't think Casey Stengel could change the outcome of that ball club, and that's not the manager's fault. But obviously, they felt they needed a change in voice or direction. But for me, there's not many people that are better than Buddy Black. So, yeah, that's very disappointing. It is certainly not his doing."Redmond, who also lost his job Sunday, was Black's bench coach for his entire tenure as manager. The 54-year-old spent three years managing the Miami Marlins before joining the Rockies.Schaeffer, meanwhile, becomes the eighth manager in Rockies history. The 40-year-old first joined Black's staff as third base coach in 2023 after spending seven years managing in Colorado's farm system at three different levels. Colorado brought Hurdle, who led the Rockies to their only NL pennant in 2007, back into their dugout as interim hitting coach last month after Hensley Meulens was fired. The 67-year-old had been working as a special assistant to Schmidt since 2021, two years after he retired from managing.As part of the coaching staff shuffle, the Rockies are promoting Triple-A hitting coach Jordan Pacheco and minor-league hitting coordinator Nick Wilson to take over for Hurdle as the team's hitting coaches, according to <a href="https://x.com/BNightengale/status/1921692985760022593">Bob Nightengale of USA Today</a>. Assistant hitting coach Andy Gonzalez, meanwhile, will shift to third base coach in place of Schaeffer.

Los Angeles, CA - April 16: Manager Bud Black of the Colorado Rockies walks back toward the dugout after changing pitchers against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

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Rockies fire Bud Black after 7-33 start

The Toronto Blue Jays placed second baseman Andrés Giménez on the 10-day injured list with a righ...

The Toronto Blue Jays placed second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8766" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8766">Andrés Giménez</a> on the 10-day injured list with a right quad strain, the team announced.Infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13857" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13857">Michael Stefanic</a> was selected from Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. To make room for Stefanic on the 40-man roster, right-hander Dillon Tate was designated for assignment.Giménez left Wednesday's game in Anaheim in the seventh inning after he sustained the injury, and he had an MRI on Thursday. Full details about the severity of the strain were not immediately revealed.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Although no timetable was provided, the team is hopeful that his IL stint won't be a long one, manager John Schneider said, per <a href="https://x.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1920984934937751736">Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith</a>. Giménez is improving, Schneider added, and will rest for the next couple of days.Toronto acquired Giménez, a three-time Gold Glove winner, from the Cleveland Guardians in a four-player trade during the offseason. The 26-year-old has struggled offensively this season, hitting .195/.273/.305 in 36 games. He hasn't homered since clubbing three in his first five contests.Giménez has been playing his usual stellar defense, though, as his six defensive runs saved lead all qualified second basemen.Stefanic, 29, hit .319/.454/.372 with 13 RBIs, four steals, and 18 walks to 14 strikeouts across 119 plate appearances in Triple-A to start this year. The Idaho native has appeared in 90 big-league contests with the Los Angeles Angels over the past three seasons.Stefanic and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10877" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10877">Ernie Clement</a>, who's primarily manned third base this season, are options to see time at second while Giménez is out. Utility player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14202" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14202">Addison Barger</a> also has some experience at the keystone in the minors.The Blue Jays enter Friday's series opener against the Seattle Mariners sitting third in the AL East with a 17-20 record.

TORONTO, ONTARIO - MARCH 27: Andrés Giménez #0 of the Toronto Blue Jays jogs around the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the fourth inning on Opening Day at Rogers Centre on March 27, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario.

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Blue Jays place Giménez on IL with quad strain

Rafael Devers has drawn his line in the sand: He's not a first baseman.  The Boston Red Sox slugg...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5400" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5400">Rafael Devers</a> has drawn his line in the sand: He's not a first baseman.The Boston Red Sox slugger revealed Thursday that chief baseball officer Craig Breslow approached him about playing first base after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12885" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12885">Triston Casas</a>' season-ending knee injury. Devers, a third baseman by trade who's now the Red Sox full-time designated hitter, not only rejected the idea but was angry at the team for even broaching the subject."I don't feel that they stayed true to their word," Devers said through a translator, according to <a href="https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/05/08/red-sox-rafael-devers-calls-out-front-office-craig-breslow-amid-triston-casas-injury-first-base/">Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald</a>. "They asked me to - they told me that I was going to be playing this position, DH, and now they're going back on that. So yeah, I just don't think they stayed true to their word."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Devers' frustrations apparently intensified as he spoke to reporters."I don't think, me personally, it's the best decision, after they asked me to play a different position, and I don't even have two months playing this position," he said, according to Starr. "I know I'm a ballplayer but at the same time, they can't expect me to play every single position out there."In spring training, they talked to me and basically told me to put away my glove, that I wasn't going to play any other position but DH, so right now I just feel like it's not an appropriate decision by them to ask me to play another position."Devers saved his harshest words for Breslow. The two-time Silver Slugger winner believes the executive, who pitched in the majors for 12 seasons, should have known better than to ask him to switch."It was the GM (Breslow) that I spoke with," he <a href="https://x.com/SmittyOnMLB/status/1920592648609386927">said</a>, according to <a href="https://x.com/SmittyOnMLB/status/1920595982451908986">Christopher Smith of MassLive</a>. "I'm not sure what he has with me. He played ball, and I would like to think he knows that changing positions like that isn't easy."Devers added, per Starr: "They (the front office) put me in this situation. As you know, they told me that they didn't want to allow me to play any other position. And now I think they should do their jobs essentially, and hit the market and look for another player. I'm not sure why they want me to be in-between."Devers has no professional experience playing first base but has struggled defensively at third. The arrival of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> in February pushed Devers to DH, a move he initially scoffed at before eventually embracing that role.When asked whether he might change his tune about first base down the line, Devers said, "No.""I mean, I don't think so," he said, according to Starr. "Like they've told me, I'm a little hard-headed, and this is - they already asked me to change once, and this time I don't think I can be as flexible."Devers also said he didn't expect his refusal to cause any issues with his teammates, before again taking aim at Breslow and the front office."Here in the clubhouse, thankfully the relationship that I have with my teammates is great," Devers said, according to <a href="https://x.com/SmittyOnMLB/status/1920596665703993359">Smith</a>. "I don't understand some of the decisions that the GM makes. Next thing you know someone in the outfield gets hurt, and they want me to play in the outfield. I think I know the kind of player I am. And, yeah, that's just where I stand."Devers, who signed a 10-year, $313.5-million extension with Boston two years ago, is hitting .246/.370/.430 with five homers, 23 RBIs, and an AL-best 28 walks through his first 38 games this season.<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:///mlb/players/10014" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10014">Abraham Toro</a> have been splitting first-base duties for the Red Sox since Casas was injured.

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 29: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox reacts during an at bat against the Texas Rangers during the second inning at Globe Life Field on March 29, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.

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Devers rips Red Sox over request to play 1B: Team didn't stick to its word

Yet another Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher has landed on the injured list.  Reliever Evan Phillips w...

Yet another Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher has landed on the injured list.Reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8784" href="/mlb/players/8784">Evan Phillips</a> was placed on the 15-day IL on Wednesday with right forearm discomfort, the team announced. Right-hander Matt Sauer was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move.The Dodgers made the roster move in the middle of their afternoon game against the Miami Marlins. Sauer, who had joined the team in Miami on the taxi squad, entered Wednesday's game shortly after the announcement and earned a four-inning save in L.A.'s 10-1 victory.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The team is optimistic about his prognosis, though. Manager Dave Roberts said postgame that Phillips will not undergo an MRI and anticipates that he'll return after the minimum 15 days, according to <a href="https://x.com/THEREAL_DV/status/1920261391354634362">David Vassegh of AM 570</a>.This is the latest setback for Phillips, who opened this season on the IL while recovering from a rotator cuff injury he sustained during the playoffs last October. He recorded one save and didn't allow a run in 5 2/3 innings since returning April 19.The 30-year-old emerged as a reliable back-end reliever for the Dodgers after joining the team as a waiver claim in 2021. Phillips shared closing duties in both 2023 and '24 and has a 2.22 ERA with a 10.2 K/9 rate over his five years in L.A.Including Phillips, the Dodgers now have 13 pitchers on the IL. Their bullpen was already without key relievers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8140" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8140">Michael Kopech</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3013" href="/mlb/players/3013">Blake Treinen</a>, and Brusdar Graterol; other injured arms include starters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4257" href="/mlb/players/4257">Tyler Glasnow</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5351" href="/mlb/players/5351">Blake Snell</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/945" href="/mlb/players/945">Clayton Kershaw</a>.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5525" href="/mlb/players/5525">Tanner Scott</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3735" href="/mlb/players/3735">Kirby Yates</a>, and Alex Vesia should continue to share the bulk of late-inning duties while Phillips is sidelined.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 02: Evan Phillips #59 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after their 2-1 win against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on May 02, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Dodgers place Phillips on IL with forearm discomfort

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'

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Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb

News Editor

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