Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale ripped his latest poor performance after Sunday's 8-3 loss to the T...

Atlanta Braves ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1577" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1577">Chris Sale</a> ripped his latest poor performance after Sunday's 8-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. "Frustrated would be a wild understatement," he said after allowing four runs in 4 1/3 innings pitched, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/chris-sale-struggles-in-braves-loss-to-rays">Mark Bowman of MLB.com</a>. "I just hate sucking, and I'm just bad. It's simple."The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner has been a shell of himself through his first four starts in 2025. He owns a 6.63 ERA and 1.53 WHIP after winning the pitching triple crown last year.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He's one of several key players struggling on a Braves team that has stumbled to a 4-11 record out of the gate. "I don't know if I’ve ever been this frustrated, honestly," Sale said. "I feel like I'm banging my (freaking) head against the wall right now, and I'm getting nothing out of it."Sale showed signs of rounding into form despite the poor results. His fastball averaged 96.2 mph on Sunday after sitting at just 93.2 mph through his first three outings. His 41.7% chase rate also ranks in the 95th percentile. His next start is likely to be next weekend against the Minnesota Twins.

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 13: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves reacts in the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on April 13, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Braves' Sale frustrated amid poor start: 'I just hate sucking'

Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman was pitching with some extra emotion during Sunday's 7-6 wi...

Toronto Blue Jays closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4786" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4786">Jeff Hoffman</a> was pitching with some extra emotion during Sunday's 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles. The closer, who nearly joined the Orioles in the offseason as a free agent before a deal fell apart due to failed physical assessments, blew a kiss at Baltimore's dugout after closing out the game.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jeff Hoffman blows as a kiss to the O’s bench <a href="https://t.co/OzOeYdXmr4">pic.twitter.com/OzOeYdXmr4</a>— Paul Mancano (@PaulMancano) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulMancano/status/1911525338125095021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"When I'm thinking about the games before the games are being played and stuff, yeah, obviously that's in definitely my head, but once I'm in the game, in the moment, I'm focused on making pitches," Hoffman told reporters, including Jacob Calvin Meyer of <a href="https://x.com/jcalvinmeyer/status/1911535557160612182">The Baltimore Sun</a>, postgame.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"If you get started thinking about all that stuff while you're out there, things tend not to go well. So I do my best to stay in the moment and just try to make the next pitch and get my team back in the dugout."Hoffman held the Orioles scoreless in the ninth inning before coming back out to secure the win in the tenth.The righty has made an excellent first impression since joining the Blue Jays on a three-year, $33-million contract. He owns a 0.96 ERA and 0.64 WHIP with 13 strikeouts through 9 2/3 innings pitched. "I did not see (the kiss), but whatever he wants to do, he can do it," Blue Jays outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8938" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8938">Myles Straw</a> said, according to <a href="https://x.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1911543713039303020">Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith</a>. "As long as he keeps pitching like that, he can do whatever he wants."Hoffman was an All-Star in 2024 as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies.He and the Blue Jays head home to Toronto to open a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves on Monday.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 13: Jeff Hoffman #23 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 after a 7-6 victory against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 13, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Blue Jays' Hoffman blows kiss at Orioles' dugout after closing game

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer left Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles wit...

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2931" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2931">George Springer</a> left Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles with left wrist discomfort.X-rays on Springer's wrist were negative, and the Blue Jays are considering him day-to-day, according to <a href="https://x.com/ArdenZwelling/status/1911529598954995861">Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling</a>.Springer <a href="https://x.com/thejaysnation/status/1911500410944438338">looked uncomfortable after a swing</a> during an at-bat in the fifth inning. He convinced team trainers to let him stay in the game but shook out his hand in visible pain after striking out.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15496" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15496">Will Wagner</a> pinch hit for Springer when his spot in the lineup came up again in the top of the seventh inning. Springer was serving as designated hitter.The 35-year-old has been hot to start the season, hitting .375/.436/.604 with two home runs and 10 RBIs through 16 games. He's hit three doubles and one triple while stealing two bases.Springer struggled for much of 2024, hitting just 19 home runs with a career-low .674 OPS (91 OPS+) in 145 games.The Blue Jays ultimately won the game 7-6 in 10 innings.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 12: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after flying out in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 12, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Blue Jays' Springer day-to-day after exiting with wrist discomfort

Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout took the high road after a fan impeded his ability to catch a ...

Los Angeles Angels star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1674">Mike Trout</a> took the high road after a fan impeded his ability to catch a fly ball in foul territory during the second inning of Saturday night's game against the Houston Astros. <figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/tyler-anderson-foul-to-yainer-diaz-jc0iqa?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure>(Video source: <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/tyler-anderson-foul-to-yainer-diaz-jc0iqa">MLB.com</a>)"They were really apologetic," Trout said after meeting with the fan and his young son, who he was trying to protect by catching the ball, according to Jeff Fletcher of <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2025/04/12/angels-win-in-houston-after-fan-pulls-ball-from-mike-trouts-glove/">The Orange County Register.</a><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Obviously, didn't really affect the game. I got a kid myself. That kid was probably nine years old. ... They're really nice people."Trout immediately motioned to the umpires for an interference call after the incident occurred, but they ruled no interference because the contact was initiated out of bounds in foul territory. The three-time MVP said postgame that the fan got a finger on the ball before he caught it, meaning the play would have been ruled dead regardless of whether he made the catch, per Fletcher. The incident was ultimately inconsequential, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15394" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15394">Yainer Diaz</a> was retired on the next pitch.The Angels went on to win the game 4-1.

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 12: Los Angeles Angels right fielder Mike Trout (27) complains to first base umpire Alan Porter (64) after a fan interfered with his catch in the bottom of the second inning during the MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros at Daikin Park on April 12, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Trout forgives 'really apologetic' Astros fan who stole fly ball

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora didn't mince words after the Chicago White Sox embarrassed his t...

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora didn't mince words after the Chicago White Sox embarrassed his team 11-1 on Friday night."We didn't hit. We didn't play defense. We didn't pitch," Cora said, per <a href="https://x.com/NESN/status/1910887715626680651">NESN</a>. "Turn the page, be ready for tomorrow. We just gotta be better."Chicago entered the contest on an eight-game losing streak but scored double-digit runs for the second time this season with the help of Boston's five errors, its most in a game since 2021.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4767" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4767">Sean Newcomb</a> lasted just four innings, allowing six runs - only two of which were earned - on six hits. He also walked two batters. Offensively, Boston's star hitters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12272" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12272">Jarren Duran</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5400" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5400">Rafael Devers</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> combined for one hit. "It's a horrible night, we know it," Cora said. "It's a horrible night in every aspect of the game. We didn't play well. They know it, we know it, I know it. Just got to show up tomorrow and win a game."The Red Sox dropped to 7-8 on the year after the loss, which was their fourth in their past five games. The White Sox, meanwhile, improved to 3-10 after getting back in the win column.Game 2 of the series gets underway at 4:10 p.m. ET Saturday.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 11: Triston Casas #36 of the Boston Red Sox tags out Luis Robert Jr. #88 of the Chicago White Sox at first base during the first inning at Rate Field on April 11, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Cora: Red Sox 'just gotta be better' after blowout loss to White Sox

The Los Angeles Dodgers activated star first baseman Freddie Freeman from the injured list, the t...

The Los Angeles Dodgers activated star first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1412" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1412">Freddie Freeman</a> from the injured list, the team announced Friday.Freeman is batting fourth and playing at first against the Chicago Cubs.The 35-year-old landed on the injured list in early April with an ankle injury after slipping in the shower. The ankle he hurt was the same one he had surgically repaired during the offseason. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Freeman had an MRI exam on his ankle that only showed scar tissue fraying, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1910817594703306838">ESPN's Alden González</a>.The eight-time All-Star was off to a hot start at the plate before being sidelined, having hit two home runs with a 1.083 OPS through 12 plate appearances. He owns a career .899 OPS (142 OPS+) through 16 seasons.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 29: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts to his solo home run while rounding the bases in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Dodgers reinstate Freeman from IL

New York Yankees closer Devin Williams is searching for answers amid a rocky start with his new t...

New York Yankees closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11736">Devin Williams</a> is searching for answers amid a rocky start with his new team. "I haven't felt like 100% myself up to this point, but I would say I'm getting closer," Williams said after being pulled in the ninth inning of Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Detroit Tigers, per <a href="https://sny.tv/articles/yankees-devin-williams-still-figuring-stuff-out-early-season-struggles">SNY</a>.The righty's ERA ballooned to 12.00 after allowing three earned runs against Detroit. He was relieved by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9004" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9004">Mark Leiter Jr.</a>, who recorded the final out of the game to nail down the win for the Yankees. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Williams surrendered a walk-off single in extra innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates in his previous appearance on April 6."I'm confident this is going to be a distant memory as we continue to move forward," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said."(Williams is) not far off. Just a little better strike-throwing. Once he starts doing that and dictating counts, then you're going to see it because his stuff is not far off. This is his fourth outing. He'll be fine, he'll get through this. Just early part of the season."The Yankees acquired Williams during the offseason from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9727" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9727">Nestor Cortes</a>. He pitched to a sparkling 1.25 ERA and 0.97 WHIP over 22 appearances in 2024. Williams is a two-time All-Star with 69 career saves.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 09: Devin Williams #38 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the bottom of the ninth inning at Comerica Park on April 09, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Williams: 'Haven't felt like 100% myself' with Yankees so far

The San Diego Padres placed outfielder Jackson Merrill on the 10-day injured list with a hamstrin...

The San Diego Padres placed outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14111" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14111">Jackson Merrill</a> on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain, the club announced Tuesday. Merrill, who was held out of Monday's game against the Athletics, is walking fine but not recovering as quickly as hoped, according to <a href="https://x.com/sdutKevinAcee/status/1909747419157610899">Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune</a>.The Padres locked up the 21-year-old for the long term last week on a nine-year, $135-million <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3256488" href="https://thescore.com/news/3256488">contract extension</a>. Escalators and a 10th-year option can bring the total value of the deal to $204 million. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Merrill has been worth every penny at the plate thus far in 2025, slashing .378/.415/.676 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 10 games. San Diego recalled outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10161" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10161">Oscar Gonzalez</a> from Triple-A in a corresponding move. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13983" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13983">Brandon Lockridge</a> played center field in Merrill's absence Monday night and remains a candidate for playing time.San Diego entered Tuesday with an MLB-best 9-2 record.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres bats during the seventh inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Petco Park on April 02, 2025 in San Diego, California.

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Padres place Merrill on IL with hamstring strain

The Toronto Blue Jays have made progress in contract extension talks with star first baseman Vlad...

The Toronto Blue Jays have made progress in contract extension talks with star first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a>, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/04/06/sports/mets-fans-vlad-guerrero-jr-affection-may-be-for-naught-and-thats-for-the-best/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.If finalized, the deal is expected to pay Guerrero around $500 million over 14 years.Discussions are seemingly ongoing despite Guerrero's self-imposed deadline at the beginning of spring training. The Blue Jays <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3251507" href="https://thescore.com/news/3251507">reportedly</a> made him a new offer at the end of March.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Guerrero is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3239777" href="https://thescore.com/news/3239777">reportedly</a> seeking a contract worth $500 million in present-day value before deferrals.The 26-year-old is slashing .256/.333/.333 through 10 games this season. The four-time All-Star hit 30 home runs with a .940 OPS (167 OPS+) last year.Guerrero and the Blue Jays will open a four-game series Monday against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 02: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats in the first inning during a game against the Washington Nationals at Rogers Centre on April 02, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Report: Jays making progress in Guerrero extension talks

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki came away from his start against the Philadelphia Phillie...

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19077" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19077">Roki Sasaki</a> came away from his start against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday feeling positive."I felt I had something," Sasaki said postgame through an interpreter, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6257928/2025/04/05/dodgers-win-phillies-roki-sasaki-bounce-back-start/">Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic</a>.Sasaki allowed just one earned run over four innings pitched in the Dodgers' 3-1 win at Citizens Bank Park.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Last time around, I felt like I wanted to throw strikes, but I couldn’t," he added. "I really worked on my mechanics since that game and really felt like I was able to do that today."Sasaki struggled in his previous outing against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium on March 29, walking four batters while failing to make it through the second inning. The 23-year-old was visibly emotional after being removed from that game and admitted to feeling nervous ahead of Saturday's start."I did go through the week feeling a little anxious," Sasaki said. "I was searching for something that I could feel confident about."Sasaki joined the defending-champion Dodgers this offseason as an amateur international free agent to much fanfare, immediately becoming one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory.He owns a 4.15 ERA and a 2.08 WHIP through three MLB starts.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 05: Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 05, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Sasaki encouraged after latest start: 'Felt I had something'

New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. believes his teammate Aaron Judge is already an...

New York Yankees second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> believes his teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> is already an all-time great."Guys keep getting on for him, and he just keeps on performing and showing us why he's the MVP of the league and one of the best players to ever play this game," Chisholm said of Judge after the Yankees' 9-7 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday night, per <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1907989375574524014">SNY</a>."We all just try to be like him. We all tell him every day, 'Hey, we want to be you when we grow up.' But at the same time, we're out here playing a team game, and we've got our big brother leading us, and he helps a lot."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Judge kick-started the Yankees' offense in the bottom of the first inning with his MLB-leading fifth home run of the season, a three-run blast off Diamondbacks starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4059" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4059">Merrill Kelly</a>. The home run was the 500th extra-base hit of Judge's career in his 999th game, making him the third-fastest Yankee to reach the mark behind Joe DiMaggio and Lou Gehrig.The reigning AL MVP later added a double and a single to up his slash line to a ridiculous .417/.481/1.167 through six contests. Judge also stole his first base of the season in the fourth inning."I told (Chisholm) I was going to catch him in stolen bases this year, so I think we're both trying to beat each other," Judge <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1907991583640736042">joked</a> postgame. "It's going to be a good year. We're going to go out there and continue to push each other. I think everyone in this clubhouse is striving to be great."Judge hit a league-leading 58 home runs in 2024 while establishing new career highs in OPS (1.159), OPS+ (223), and RBIs (144). The 32-year-old entered Thursday having already accrued 52 career fWAR.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 03: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees celebrates his fourth inning two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks with teammate Aaron Judge #99 at Yankee Stadium on April 03, 2025 in New York City.

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Yankees' Chisholm: Judge 'one of the best players to ever play this game'

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed star first baseman Freddie Freeman on the 10-day injured list with...

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed star first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1412" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1412">Freddie Freeman</a> on the 10-day injured list with an ankle injury, the club announced Thursday. The move is retroactive to March 31, according to <a href="https://x.com/FabianArdaya/status/1907951738541297713">Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic</a>.Freeman injured his ankle earlier this week when he slipped in the<a href="https://thescore.com/news/3255344"> shower</a>. He sprained the same ankle late last year and needed surgery in the offseason.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 35-year-old hit a two-run home run and a double in his last appearance on March 29 against the Detroit Tigers.Los Angeles has kept up its winning ways even without the reigning World Series MVP in its lineup, becoming the first defending champions in MLB history to begin the season with an 8-0 record.Freeman owns a 1.083 OPS through 12 plate appearances in 2025.L.A. recalled catcher Hunter Feduccia from Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding roster move.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 29: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers fields the ball during a 7-3 win over the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Dodgers place Freeman on IL with ankle injury after shower slip

Starting pitcher Sean Manaea isn't rejoining the New York Mets' rotation any time soon after expe...

Starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4239" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4239">Sean Manaea</a> isn't rejoining the New York Mets' rotation any time soon after experiencing a setback in his rehab from an oblique injury he suffered during spring training."He experienced some discomfort a couple of days ago while he was starting to ramp up," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Tuesday, per <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1907161155195342953">SNY</a>."We took an MRI again and it showed inflammation, so he got a PRP injection yesterday. He's not throwing for two weeks now."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Mendoza acknowledged that the setback likely means Manaea won't return until mid to late May. Previous <a href="https://thescore.com/news/3225687">reports</a> said the Mets didn't consider the injury serious and expected him back in April.Mets starting pitchers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5006" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5006">Frankie Montas</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8406" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8406">Paul Blackburn</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17559" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17559">Christian Scott</a> also remain sidelined.Manaea returned to New York on a three-year, $75-million contract during the offseason. The lefty recorded a 3.47 ERA (114 ERA+) across a career-high 181 2/3 innings pitched in 2024.The 33-year-old owns a 4.00 ERA and 1.20 WHIP through nine MLB campaigns.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 20: Starting pitcher Sean Manaea #59 of the New York Mets reacts as he leaves the game during the 3rd inning of Game Six of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Mets' Manaea won't throw for 2 weeks after suffering setback

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is the latest player to produce impressive results with...

Cincinnati Reds shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14246" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14246">Elly De La Cruz</a> is the latest player to produce impressive results with a torpedo bat.The dynamic star went 4-for-5 with two home runs and seven RBIs in the Reds' 14-3 rout of the Texas Rangers on Monday night.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/elly-de-la-cruz-s-stellar-game-at-the-plate?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure>(Video source: <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/elly-de-la-cruz-s-stellar-game-at-the-plate?q=Elly%20De%20La%20Cruz&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">MLB.com</a>)<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It feels good," De La Cruz said of hitting with a torpedo bat, according to <a href="https://x.com/char_cliff/status/1906879710988009950">Charlie Clifford of NBC 5 Cincinnati</a>. "It feels really good."The new style of bat, named for the torpedo-esque shape, is thickest near the label rather than the barrel. The bats first came to the baseball world's attention during the New York Yankees' home run barrage against the Milwaukee Brewers over the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3253934" href="https://thescore.com/news/3253934">weekend</a>.MLB declared the torpedo bats legal despite skepticism and concern. Some players have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3255055" href="https://thescore.com/news/3255055">criticized</a> them, while others, such as Yankees infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr</a>., have defended them.Switching to the torpedo bat seemed to spark De La Cruz, who entered Monday's game with just an extra-base hit on the season."It’s more the player than the bat," Reds manager Terry Francona said of his young star's performance, per <a href="https://x.com/char_cliff/status/1906878965719130333">Clifford</a>. He added: "I told him the most impressive thing was the line drive to left field - you better make some pretty good pitches if he is on balance like that."De La Cruz, 23, entered the season as a potential MVP candidate in the National League after hitting 25 home runs and stealing an MLB-leading 67 bases in 2024. Cincinnati continues its series against Texas on Tuesday.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - MARCH 31: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds flips his bat on a two-run home run in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Great American Ball Park on March 31, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Reds' De La Cruz has 2-HR, 7-RBI game with torpedo bat

Major League Baseball suspended Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar for 80 games on Monday...

Major League Baseball suspended Atlanta Braves outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2876" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2876">Jurickson Profar</a> for 80 games on Monday for violating its performance-enhancing drug policy.Profar tested positive for HCG, a source told <a href="https://x.com/Joelsherman1/status/1906827857591955529">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a>. One of HCG's effects includes boosting testosterone production.The switch-hitting 32-year-old joined the Braves on a three-year, $42-million contract this past offseason after a breakout 2024 campaign with the San Diego Padres.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Today is the most difficult day of my baseball career," Profar said in a statement, according to <a href="https://x.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1906831659728797936">ESPN's Alden González</a>. "I am devastated to announce that I have been suspended for 80 games by Major League Baseball and the Commissioner's office, for testing positive for a banned substance this offseason. This is especially painful for me because anyone who knows me and has seen me play knows I am deeply passionate about the game. There is nothing I love more than competing with my teammates and being a fan favorite."I want to apologize to the entire Braves organization, my teammates, and the fans. It is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it. I have been tested my entire career, including eight times last season alone, and have never tested positive. I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB's decision."I am devastated that I won't be on the field with my teammates for the next 80 games. I look forward to competing again at the highest level this season upon my return."Profar will be ineligible to play in the postseason under MLB's current roster rules and eligibility requirements.The 12-year-veteran hit a career-high 24 home runs last season while posting his highest slugging percentage (.459) in a season with at least 100 at-bats. His average exit velocity of 91.1 mph was in the 80th percentile and substantially higher than the 86.5 mph he put up in 2023.He recorded three hits in 15 at-bats during the Braves' first four games of 2025.Atlanta added outfield depth earlier Monday by acquiring <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12532">Stuart Fairchild</a> from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for cash considerations.Profar owns a career .245/.331/.394 slash line with 111 home runs.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Jurickson Profar #7 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on March 30, 2025 in San Diego, California.

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Braves' Profar suspended 80 games for PED violation

Seattle Mariners ace Logan Gilbert hopes to eventually sign a contract extension that will keep h...

Seattle Mariners ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12376" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12376">Logan Gilbert</a> hopes to eventually sign a contract extension that will keep him around long term."They know where I stand," Gilbert said of the Mariners' front office, according to <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/with-cal-raleigh-signed-could-mariners-extend-logan-gilbert-next/?utm_medium=Social&amp;utm_campaign=owned_echobox_tw_m&amp;utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1743265611">Adam Jude of The Seattle Times</a>. "Seattle has become like home for me, and I’d love to be able to finish my career here."Gilbert, 27, took the ball on Opening Day for the Mariners this year after making his first All-Star team in 2024. He's arbitration-eligible through the 2027 season, after which he is slated for free agency. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The righty said seeing his close friend and battery mate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10827">Cal Raleigh</a> receive a six-year, $105-million <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3250412" href="https://thescore.com/news/3250412">extension</a> Tuesday "definitely" factors into him wanting to be a career Mariner."We’ve built something here … and you feel like you have a stake in it," Gilbert said. "You want to see it through."He added that Mariners management had not spoken with his representatives about a potential extension in a while.Gilbert started his 2025 campaign with a dominant performance Thursday against the Athletics, allowing one earned run on two hits over seven frames while punching out eight batters.The rising star finished sixth in AL Cy Young voting last season after leading MLB with 208 2/3 innings pitched and a 0.89 WHIP. He owns a 3.58 ERA (107 ERA+) through 122 career starts.

SEATTLE, WA - MARCH 27: Logan Gilbert #36 of the Seattle Mariners pitches during the game between the Athletics and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Thursday, March 27, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Gilbert: 'I'd love to be able to finish my career' with Mariners

The Tampa Bay Rays placed outfielder Josh Lowe on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique st...

The Tampa Bay Rays placed outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12300" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12300">Josh Lowe</a> on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain, the team announced Saturday.Outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11890" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11890">Jake Mangum</a> was recalled from Triple-A Durham in a corresponding roster move.An MRI taken Saturday revealed Lowe suffered a Grade 2 strain, which he said is "a little worse than (his oblique injury suffered) last year," according to <a href="https://x.com/Ry_Bass/status/1906020185900806232">Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Florida &amp; Sun</a>. While the team didn't provide a firm timeline for his return, manager Kevin Cash expects Lowe will be down for a significant period.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We're talking multiple weeks," Cash said about a timetable, per <a href="https://x.com/Ry_Bass/status/1906024912726237554">Bass</a>. "The good thing about Josh is that he's so athletic and would trust that probably a little bit of his youth and the way he takes care of his body will hopefully speed that up. We're so early right now, but my thoughts are it's going to be some time."Lowe suffered the injury during his fifth-inning at-bat against Colorado Rockies pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4762" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4762">Kyle Freeland</a> in Friday's game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. He singled to center but pulled up gingerly while running out of the batter's box. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14003" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14003">José Caballero</a> pinch ran for Lowe and replaced him in right field."It's too frustrating," Lowe said Friday, according to <a href="https://x.com/Ry_Bass/status/1905783621698334964">Bass</a>. "I've done that so many times this spring where I swung at that pitch and felt fine, and then for some reason for it to happen today, I don't really have words for it. Pretty beat up. I mean, sucks."Oblique injuries plagued Lowe throughout 2024. He strained his right side in spring training last year, and also dealt with hip inflammation before he landed on the IL later in the campaign with more oblique problems.The 27-year-old hit .241/.303/.391 with 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases in 106 games with the Rays last season.Mangum, 29, will make his MLB debut when he gets into a game. The switch-hitting outfielder slashed .317/.357/.442 with six homers, 56 RBIs, and 20 steals across 104 contests at Triple-A in 2024. He also made an impression this spring, going 12-for-28 with a 1.217 OPS and two homers in 15 Grapefruit League outings.

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 28: Josh Lowe #15 of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a single in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies during the MLB home opener at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Rays place Josh Lowe on IL with Grade 2 oblique strain

Houston Astros fans gave franchise icon Jose Altuve a standing ovation as he took left field for ...

Houston Astros fans gave franchise icon <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2841" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2841">Jose Altuve</a> a standing ovation as he took left field for the first time as a major leaguer during Thursday's Opening Day game against the New York Mets.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Regardless of how this LF experiment goes, Jose Altuve is my GOAT <a href="https://t.co/t9Xqp4S2oy">https://t.co/t9Xqp4S2oy</a> <a href="https://t.co/yME3tEurej">pic.twitter.com/yME3tEurej</a>— Noah (@YordanForHOF44) <a href="https://twitter.com/YordanForHOF44/status/1905352680484073711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"I wasn’t expecting that," Altuve said of the ovation, according to <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1905408981368996312">Chandler Rome of The Athletic</a>. "That was amazing. I appreciate their support. That was probably one of the happiest moments I’ve had in my career."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Altuve began transitioning to the outfield this spring after spending the entirety of his 14-year career at second base.The process has not been without its growing pains. The 34-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3246313" href="https://thescore.com/news/3246313">said</a> he wasn't very happy with his performance last week after dropping playable balls in consecutive spring training games.Altuve went 1-4 at the plate Thursday in the Astros' 3-1 victory.The nine-time All-Star has won two World Series championships, an MVP award, and three batting titles during his tenure in Houston.

HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 27: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros reacts after making a catch for an out in the first inning during the game between the New York Mets and the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Thursday, March 27, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Altuve surprised by early ovation from Astros fans: 'Amazing'

The Seattle Mariners signed catcher Cal Raleigh to a six-year extension with a vesting player opt...

The Seattle Mariners signed catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10827">Cal Raleigh</a> to a six-year extension with a vesting player option for 2031, the club announced Wednesday.Raleigh's deal is worth $105 million, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1904598572496282007">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>."This place has always felt like home since I arrived here in Seattle," Raleigh said in a statement. "They took me in from day one with kindness and respect and it is one of the top places to play in professional sports. I wanted to stay here because of the connection with the people of the Pacific Northwest and the Seattle Mariners, but I know it doesn't always work out the way you want it to. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I feel blessed that the Mariners gave me this opportunity and I can't think of a better place in MLB to call home. We have a great nucleus of players here and aren't far off from bringing the World Series to Seattle."The 28-year-old hit 34 home runs and 100 RBIs for the Mariners last season while winning the Gold Glove at his position. The deal is set to begin immediately and it buys out three years of arbitration eligibility.Raleigh's 2031 player option will be worth $20 million if vested and the pact also includes a $2-million buyout, per <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1904614105605881970">Passan</a>."Big Dumper" gets a full no-trade clause as part of the extension, according to <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1904600717878579462">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>.Raleigh's 5.4 fWAR led all American League catchers in 2024 and tied him with Milwaukee Brewers All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9741" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9741">William Contreras</a> for the major-league lead at the position.The 13.9 fWAR by Raleigh since 2022 is tops among all catchers.Seattle's pitchers have thrived with Raleigh calling the shots behind the dish. Over the past two years its staff leads MLB in ERA (3.62), ranks second in FIP (3.81), and has the fifth-best fWAR (36.3).The switch-hitter owns a career .740 OPS (112 OPS+) with 93 home runs.

PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 7: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners runs to first base on a pop out in the third inning during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Peoria Stadium on March 7, 2025 in Peoria, Arizona.

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Mariners extend Raleigh on 6-year deal reportedly worth $105M

The Texas Rangers' Opening Day roster is taking shape.  Manager Chris Young announced Tuesday tha...

The Texas Rangers' Opening Day roster is taking shape.Manager Chris Young announced Tuesday that starting pitchers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13876" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13876">Jack Leiter</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15735" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15735">Kumar Rocker</a> made the team, according to <a href="https://x.com/kennlandry/status/1904574440458899894">Kennedi Landry of MLB.com</a>.Young also said outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14466" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14466">Evan Carter</a> did not make the big league club, per <a href="https://x.com/kennlandry/status/1904574102620561912">Landry</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Leiter had a respectable 3.48 ERA in six appearances this spring. The 24-year-old struggled in his first taste of MLB action in 2024, allowing 35 earned runs in 35 2/3 innings pitched.Rocker, the third overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, made three starts for the Rangers last season. Opposing hitters shelled him for 13 earned runs in nine innings this spring.Young said the pair will slot into the Rangers' starting rotation, according to <a href="https://x.com/Evan_P_Grant/status/1904574293079359903">Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News.</a>Carter entered last season as a popular Rookie of the Year candidate after an impressive 23-game stint and playoffs in 2023. A back injury ended up limiting him to just 45 games.The 22-year-old hit just .154/.214/.205 with three walks and no home runs in 15 spring training games.Texas opens its season Thursday against the Boston Red Sox.

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kumar Rocker #80 of the Texas Rangers pitches during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on Thursday, September 26, 2024 in Oakland, California.

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Rocker, Leiter make Rangers; Carter to start season in minor leagues

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Ben Wrixon

Associate Baseball News Editor

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