Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be a member of the Toronto Blue Jays for the rest of his career after ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> will be a member of the Toronto Blue Jays for the rest of his career after signing a 14-year, $500-million contract Monday, and he hopes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a> is with him for the long haul.</p><p>"He's my brother. Everybody knows we have seven years together. We've had ups and downs together, but his thing, I can't control that," Guerrero said Monday.</p><p>"I can't control the destiny of nobody. I hope he stays here, from the bottom of my heart, but I can't control that."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Guerrero and Bichette have been teammates in the big leagues since 2019, also spending a number of years together in the minor leagues.</p><p>The two stars have been the faces of the franchise since arriving in the majors, but Bichette is set for free agency at season's end and recently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3261226" href="https://thescore.com/news/3261226">said</a> "nothing's on the table right now" as far as a contract extension.</p><p>Bichette, who said he'd like to spend his entire career in Toronto, has been one of baseball's 10 best offensive shortstops since debuting. He led the American League in hits in both 2021 and 2022 before a dreadful 2024 campaign where he battled injuries and watched his numbers plummet.</p><p>He's fared much better this season, with his 22 hits ranking second in the majors behind the Chicago Cubs' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8173" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a>, though none of those hits have been a home run.</p><p>The Blue Jays haven't won a postseason game with Guerrero and Bichette leading the team.</p><p> </p>

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 28: Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates with teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 after scoring against the Baltimore Orioles during the fourth inning at Rogers Centre on March 28, 2025 in Toronto, Canada.

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Vlad Jr. hopes Bichette re-signs: 'I can't control' his destiny

Aaron Judge is officially captain of two teams.  The New York Yankees captain will serve in the s...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> is officially captain of two teams.</p><p>The New York Yankees captain will serve in the same role for the United States at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Judge announced Monday during an MLB Network interview with Team USA manager Mark DeRosa.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I wanted to be there... I was looking forward to this opportunity again."<br><br>Aaron Judge announces he will be playing for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/dPAUza9yyC">pic.twitter.com/dPAUza9yyC</a></p>— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork/status/1911798350707409307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Judge did not participate in the 2023 WBC because he was heavily involved in the free-agent process but admitted it was tough for him to watch from home as Team USA finished second to Japan.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Everyone talked about the atmosphere, the experience, it's nothing like they've ever seen," Judge said of signing up to play in his first WBC, according to <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1911863968194232653">SNY</a>.</p><p>"Especially some guys that have never been in a playoff atmosphere, they're like, 'this is the best baseball I've ever played.'"</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1674">Mike Trout</a> captained the Americans in 2023. DeRosa said he called Trout to inform him Judge would be named captain this time around, and the Los Angeles Angels outfielder agreed with the decision.</p><p>Judge has been captain of the Yankees since December 2022. The 32-year-old has spent his entire career with the organization, winning two AL MVPs in the process.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 27: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees reacts after hitting a an RBI double in the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium on March 27, 2025 in New York City.

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Team USA names Judge captain for WBC

Advisor Helmut Marko says there's growing concern within Red Bull that four-time champion Max Ver...

<p>Advisor Helmut Marko says there's growing concern within Red Bull that four-time champion Max Verstappen will leave the team at the end of the season, according to <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/44667776/red-bull-fear-max-verstappen-exit-amid-f1-issues-helmut-marko">ESPN's Laurence Edmondson</a>.</p><p>"The concern is great," Marko told Sky Germany after Verstappen finished sixth at Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix, according to ESPN.</p><p>"As I said, improvements have to come in the near future so that he has a car with which he can win again. We have to create a basis with a car so that he can fight for the world championship."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Verstappen has shown frustration with his vehicle through the first four races of 2025 and said he believes Red Bull has taken a step back since last season.</p><p>Despite complications with his car, Verstappen sits third in the driver standings, just eight points behind McLaren's Lando Norris for the top position.</p><p>Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, but Marko <a href="https://www.dive-bomb.com/article/helmut-marko-reveals-performance-clause-in-verstappen-s-red-bull-contract">revealed</a> earlier this year that the 27-year-old's deal includes performance clauses that could allow him to leave before then.</p><p>Verstappen has previously been linked to potential moves to Mercedes and Aston Martin.</p><p> </p>

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 16: Raymond Vermeulen, Manager of Max Verstappen, Dr Helmut Marko, Team Consultant of Oracle Red Bull Racing and Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 16, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia.

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Marko concerned Verstappen will leave Red Bull at end of season

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Charlie Morton thinks the allure of becoming a free agent is overs...

<p>Baltimore Orioles right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1117" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1117">Charlie Morton</a> thinks the allure of becoming a free agent is overstated.</p><p>"To me, it's not ideal," according to <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2025/04/13/mlb-free-agents-lance-lynn-vladimir-guerrero/83060198007/">USA Today's Bob Nightengale</a>. "I get why guys feel the need to drive the market, a responsibility and obligation to try to get as much they can for other guys," Morton said.</p><p>"Really, I get the whole thing. I just wish there were more guys sticking around their ballclubs, especially if they feel good about the teams they're with. I know plenty of guys that do devote themselves to the team, and they would take less money to stay."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Morton signed a one-year deal with the Orioles during the offseason to join the sixth team of his career. The 41-year-old has reached free agency four times and says each one has been just as stressful as the others.</p><p>"When I get into a room with a room full of guys, I want to devote myself to that group, that organization. And over time, when you're always on different teams, it takes its toll," Morton said.</p><p>Morton's comments come after numerous players recently signed contract extensions to avoid testing free agency. The $500-million commitment from the Toronto Blue Jays to first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> was the most lucrative of the deals handed out.</p><p>Meanwhile, first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8674">Pete Alonso</a> struggled to find a solid market for his services in the offseason, eventually returning to the New York Mets on a two-year, $54-million deal that he can opt out of following the 2025 campaign.</p><p>"I mean, it's exciting because of the possibilities, right?" Morton said of the free-agent process. "Maybe you get a chance to put on a uniform of the team you always wanted to wear, or a chance for a fresh start, but I've always wanted to be a guy that wanted to be in the same place."</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 28: Charlie Morton #50 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on March 28, 2025 in Toronto, Canada.

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Orioles' Morton: Free-agent process 'not ideal'

The Minnesota Twins placed right-hander Pablo López on the 15-day injured list with a right hamst...

<p>The Minnesota Twins placed right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9757" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9757">Pablo López</a> on the 15-day injured list with a right hamstring strain, the team announced Friday. </p><p>López exited his April 8 start against the Kansas City Royals after throwing 4 2/3 scoreless innings, and imaging revealed a mild hamstring strain.</p><p>"I take it as good news, the severity of it," López said Wednesday, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/twins/news/pablo-lopez-headed-to-injured-list-with-hamstring-injury">MLB.com's Matthew Leach</a>. "I take it as bad news because it's probably going to land me on the 15-day IL. I had to be persuaded and think logically about it. ... This early in the season, it would be a pretty big risk to go out there and try to pitch in five or six days."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 29-year-old ace was off to a terrific start, authoring a 1.62 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in three outings.</p><p>Minnesota recalled right-hander David Festa from Triple-A to take López's spot on the active roster.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - APRIL 08: Pablo López #49 of the Minnesota Twins throws in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on April 08, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri.

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Twins place López on IL with hamstring strain

The Seattle Mariners' starting lineup took a hit when the team announced Thursday that second bas...

<p>The Seattle Mariners' starting lineup took a hit when the team announced Thursday that second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14118" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14118">Ryan Bliss</a> is expected to miss four-to-five months after he undergoes biceps surgery.</p><p>Bliss was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday after he tore his left biceps during a loss to the Houston Astros on Tuesday.</p><p>The 25-year-old posted a .200/.282/.314 slash line with one home run, three RBIs, and two steals in 11 games this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10153" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10153">Miles Mastrobuoni</a> started at second base for the Mariners on Wednesday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3558" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3558">Jorge Polanco</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5688" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5688">Dylan Moore</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10112" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10112">Leo Rivas</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1716" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1716">Donovan Solano</a> also have experience at second base.</p><p>Mariners outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5395" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5395">Victor Robles</a> was recently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3261872" href="https://thescore.com/news/3261872">ruled out</a> at least 12 weeks after injuring his shoulder making an acrobatic catch.</p>

SEATTLE, WA - APRIL 07: Ryan Bliss #1 of the Seattle Mariners rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the game between the Houston Astros and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Monday, April 7, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Mariners' Bliss expected to miss 4-5 months after biceps surgery

Mike Trout is one of the greatest players baseball has ever seen, so he knows a superstar when he...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1674">Mike Trout</a> is one of the greatest players baseball has ever seen, so he knows a superstar when he sees one, and he sees one in Tampa Bay Rays youngster <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16275" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16275">Junior Caminero</a>.</p><p>"He's an unbelievable player. He's going to be a superstar," the Los Angeles Angels outfielder told <a href="https://x.com/TBRaysCentral/status/1910374207751406055">Rays reporter Ryan Bass</a>.</p><p>Trout's former teammate Albert Pujols managed Caminero and Leones del Escogido to the LIDOM championship in the Dominican Republic this past February. Caminero clobbered a game-winning homer during an electrifying moment that went viral on social media.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yLjmIqfrcSA?si=s30nmwEVEEsM7MMb" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Pujols called Caminero one of the best hitters he's ever seen, and Trout seems to agree.</p><p>"You can see it," the three-time MVP said. "I talked to Albert about the homer he hit in the championship game. ... It's fun to have young guys come up, make an impact, and have such big hype and then go out there and put up good numbers ... and have an impact on MLB.</p><p>Caminero, who hit his first homer of the season against the Angels during their series opener Tuesday, is off to a slow start but is still showcasing the elite bat speed that put him on people's radars.</p><p>The 21-year-old is in the 100th percentile in bat speed through the first 11 games of the campaign.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - MARCH 19: Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) reacts from the dugout during an MLB Spring Training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 19, 2025 at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Florida.

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Trout praises Rays' Caminero: 'Going to be a superstar'

The United States will have a familiar face in the dugout during the 2026 World Baseball Classic....

<p>The United States will have a familiar face in the dugout during the 2026 World Baseball Classic.</p><p>Former big-leaguer Mark DeRosa will return to manage the team, USA Baseball announced Thursday.</p><p>DeRosa managed Team USA at the 2023 event, with his squad finishing runner-up to Japan after posting a 3-1 record in pool play.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 50-year-old played 16 seasons in the majors with various teams and presently fills a studio analyst role with MLB Network.</p><p>USA Baseball also announced Michael Hill will be the team's general manager. Hill is MLB's senior vice president of on-field operations and was formerly the Miami Marlins' president of baseball operations.</p><p>DeRosa's <a href="https://x.com/USABaseball/status/1910710659987222811">staff</a> will include familiar names, such as former big-league managers Skip Schumaker, David Ross and Fredi Gonzalez, as well as retired players Andy Pettitte, Brian McCann, and Michael Young.</p><p>Pool play for the World Baseball Classic begins March 5, 2026.</p><p> </p>

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 21: Manager Mark DeRosa #4 of Team USA looks on during the playing of the national anthems prior to the 2023 World Baseball Classic Championship game between Team USA and Team Japan at loanDepot Park on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida.

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DeRosa returning to manage USA at World Baseball Classic

There's an old adage in baseball: You can't win a pennant or clinch a playoff spot in April, but ...

<p>There's an old adage in baseball: You can't win a pennant or clinch a playoff spot in April, but you sure can lose them. Through the first week-plus of the 2025 season, several teams are in danger of finding this out firsthand.</p><p>Here, we look at how worried five teams should be amid their early-season struggles. We rate the level of concern, with five grimace emojis being the highest level.</p><h3>Atlanta Braves</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778829/cropped_GettyImages-2207527048.jpg?ts=1743771472" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778829/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207527048.jpg?ts=1743771472 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778829/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207527048.jpg?ts=1743771472 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778829/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207527048.jpg?ts=1743771472 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778829/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207527048.jpg?ts=1743771472 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778829/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207527048.jpg?ts=1743771472 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Record: </strong>2-9<br><strong>Level of concern: 😬😬😬😬😬</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Braves are already being forced to make baseball history in order to turn their dismal campaign around, as no team has ever made the playoffs after going 0-7 out of the gate.</p><p>Sure, their season-opening road trip through San Diego and Los Angeles didn't do them any favors, but it's also no excuse for how poorly the Braves have played. Only two of those seven losses were by one-run margins, and they've already lost a potential tiebreaker to the Padres. Their starters, save for Spencer Schwellenbach, have struggled. Reynaldo López hit the IL with a potentially serious shoulder injury after one start, and the bullpen hasn't performed anywhere close to expectations as a unit.</p><p>Even when including Tuesday's seven-run outburst against the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta's offense has generally been non-existent. The Braves have hit just eight home runs through their first 11 games,<strong> </strong>and their 82 wRC+ sits 23rd in the league. Third baseman and former Silver Slugger winner Austin Riley is sporting an 81 wRC+ with a<strong> </strong>35.4% strikeout rate.</p><p>Other factors have also put Atlanta behind the 8-ball early. Jurickson Profar, the team's marquee offseason acquisition, received an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs after four contests; if Atlanta somehow bucks the odds and makes the playoffs, he'll be ineligible to participate. Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. are still out, and while Strider's making rehab starts, it's still unclear when either star will be back in Atlanta, or what version of the stars the team will get.</p><p>The Braves finally got win No. 1 in their home opener last week, but they'll need more than that to right this ship. That slow start made this week's series against the Phillies one of the most important early April showdowns that we've seen in awhile, as they try to simply keep pace while digging out of this rut. The Braves are an incredibly talented team - arguably the most talented out of this group - but they're in some serious trouble.</p><h3>Minnesota Twins</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778831/cropped_GettyImages-2208034936.jpg?ts=1743771776" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778831/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208034936.jpg?ts=1743771776 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778831/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208034936.jpg?ts=1743771776 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778831/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208034936.jpg?ts=1743771776 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778831/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208034936.jpg?ts=1743771776 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778831/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208034936.jpg?ts=1743771776 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brace Hemmelgarn / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Record:</strong> 4-8<br><strong>Level of concern: 😬😬😬</strong></p><p>The Twins' stunning collapse last September seems to have carried over into 2025. If not for the schedule-makers gifting them an early series against the lowly White Sox, things could be even worse than they already are.</p><p>Minnesota is one of the worst offensive teams in the AL thus far (0.2 fWAR), while its 74<strong> </strong>wRC+ is tied for 25th in baseball. Three of the Twins' eight homers belong to Harrison Bader. Star shortstop Carlos Correa is 7-for-43 with a 44 wRC+, while Byron Buxton owns a .502 OPS and has struck out 16 times in 41 at-bats.<strong> </strong>Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee opened the season on the IL, and the Twins' lackluster offense clearly misses them.</p><p>Things aren't much better on the mound, where the Twins' 4.11 ERA ranks 17th out of 30 teams. Starters Chris Paddack and Bailey Ober both have ERAs above 10. Pablo López, Minnesota's one reliable starter through three turns, injured his hamstring during Tuesday's start and is heading to the IL. Defense has also been an issue for the Twins, with sloppy glovework becoming the norm in their games.</p><p>So yeah, things are bleak in Minneapolis. But this is where the important caveat comes in: the Twins play in the AL Central. As we saw last year, anything can happen in this division. </p><h3>Seattle Mariners</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779737/cropped_GettyImages-2207818326.jpg?ts=1744219958" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779737/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207818326.jpg?ts=1744219958 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779737/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207818326.jpg?ts=1744219958 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779737/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207818326.jpg?ts=1744219958 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779737/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207818326.jpg?ts=1744219958 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779737/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207818326.jpg?ts=1744219958 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Stephen Brashear / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Record:</strong> 5-8<br><strong>Level of concern:</strong> 😬😬😬😬</p><p>The Mariners missed the postseason by one game in each of the last two seasons and did little to address an offense that finished 21st in runs scored and 29th in batting average last season. That lack of activity looks like a mistake, as the lineup continues to struggle to score runs through the first 13 games of this campaign.</p><p>Seattle's 44 runs rank 21st in the league, while the club's .200 batting average sits 29th. Julio Rodríguez, Randy Arozarena, Cal Raleigh, and four other starters are each hitting below .200, and only one player, Jorge Polanco, has at least 10 RBIs.</p><p>To make matters worse, starting center fielder Victor Robles is out at least 12 weeks after injuring his shoulder, Ryan Bliss is sidelined with a torn biceps, and their starting pitching - which was supposed to be a strength - hasn't looked sharp. Seattle's starters have combined for a 4.55 ERA, which ranks 20th.</p><p>Bryce Miller, in particular, is off to a rough start. Opposing hitters are batting .302 against the 26-year-old, who is striking out hitters less often and walking more than his averages from last season.</p><h3>Cincinnati Reds</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779008/cropped_GettyImages-2208590749.jpg?ts=1743855743" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779008/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208590749.jpg?ts=1743855743 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779008/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208590749.jpg?ts=1743855743 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779008/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208590749.jpg?ts=1743855743 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779008/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208590749.jpg?ts=1743855743 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779008/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208590749.jpg?ts=1743855743 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Patrick McDermott / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Record:</strong> 5-8<br><strong>Level of concern: 😬😬</strong></p><p>It's been a frustrating start to Terry Francona's tenure in Cincinnati. A mystery illness swept their clubhouse, causing the manager and a number of players to be sent to the team hotel during a recent trip to Milwaukee. </p><p>The team sits below .500 and tied for last in the NL Central thanks largely to a non-existent offense.</p><p>Cincinnati's already lost three consecutive 1-0 contests - which hadn't happened since 1960 - and was mired in a 35-inning scoreless drought until last week, a stretch that's tied for the fourth-longest in franchise history.</p><p>As a team, the Reds are hitting<strong> </strong>.206 while getting on base at a .267 clip.</p><p>The offense has either shown up in bunches or almost not at all. Cincinnati's scored 14, 11, and 6 runs in a game, but three or fewer runs in nine of 13 contests. </p><p>The Reds finished 16th in runs, 19th in homers, and 21st in OPS last season, so another slow offensive start is a bit troublesome for a team that did little to improve the lineup over the winter. The club really needs the core of Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand to really take the next step this season.</p><h3>Baltimore Orioles</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779007/cropped_GettyImages-2208332755.jpg?ts=1743855563" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779007/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208332755.jpg?ts=1743855563 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779007/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208332755.jpg?ts=1743855563 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779007/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208332755.jpg?ts=1743855563 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779007/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208332755.jpg?ts=1743855563 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779007/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208332755.jpg?ts=1743855563 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kevin Sousa / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Record:</strong> 5-8<br><strong>Level of concern: 😬😬</strong></p><p>The Baltimore Orioles were criticized for not doing enough this offseason after failing to replace Corbin Burnes with another top-tier starting pitcher. Thirteen games into their season, the Orioles sit below .500 because of a pitching staff that ranks 26th with a 4.78 ERA.</p><p>Charlie Morton and Dean Kremer have been particularly bad, combining for 26 earned runs in 27 2/3 innings, but the starting staff isn't responsible for all of the damage. Baltimore's normally potent bullpen has had a few blips on the radar, with Cionel Pérez (16.20 ERA) struggling, while returning closer Félix Bautista is still finding his legs (three walks and two earned runs in three appearances) since coming back from Tommy John surgery.</p><p>To make things worse, right-hander Zach Eflin went on the IL with a lat strain after a solid start to the campaign.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pitcher</th>
<th>IP</th>
<th>ERA</th>
<th>WHIP</th>
<th>K</th>
<th>Opp. AVG</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Zach Eflin</td>
<td>18.0</td>
<td>3.00</td>
<td>0.83</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>.215</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dean Kremer</td>
<td>14.1</td>
<td>8.16</td>
<td>1.67</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>.333</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charlie Morton</td>
<td>13.1</td>
<td>8.78</td>
<td>1.88</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>.309</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cade Povich</td>
<td>10.1</td>
<td>3.48</td>
<td>1.84</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>.378</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tomoyuki Sugano</td>
<td>9.1</td>
<td>2.89</td>
<td>1.29</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>.243</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Orioles have one of MLB's deepest lineups - minus the injured Colton Cowser, who is sidelined six-to-eight weeks with a fractured thumb - so the level of concern is moderate. Baltimore won't succeed, however, unless the pitching staff, which could see the injured Grayson Rodriguez return in May, starts to improve.</p>

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Assessing level of concern for 5 MLB teams off to slow starts

The Chicago Cubs placed left-hander Justin Steele on the 15-day injured list with left elbow tend...

<p>The Chicago Cubs placed left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10586" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10586">Justin Steele</a> on the 15-day injured list with left elbow tendonitis, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>The move comes after Chicago's ace pitched seven scoreless innings against the Texas Rangers on Monday. Steele struck out a season-high eight hitters in the 7-0 win.</p><p>Steele leads the majors with four starts and 22 2/3 innings pitched this season. He also ranks first in wins, batters faced, and hits allowed. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The first-place Cubs recalled right-hander Ethan Roberts from Triple-A to fill Steele's spot on the active roster.</p><p>Roberts hasn't allowed a run in three minor-league games this season and has 30 big-league appearances under his belt.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 7: Justin Steele #35 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Wrigley Field on April 7, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Cubs place Steele on IL with elbow tendonitis 

The pools and schedule for the 2026 World Baseball Classic were finalized Wednesday.  Pool A game...

<p>The pools and schedule for the 2026 World Baseball Classic were finalized Wednesday.</p><p>Pool A games will take place at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico from March 6-11. They include No. 8-ranked Panama and No. 9-ranked Puerto Rico as the group's top teams.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pool A</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Puerto Rico</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cuba</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canada</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Panama</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Colombia</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Pool B contests will be played from March 6-11 at Daikin Park in Houston. The always formidable United States will be joined by Mexico, which finished ahead of the Americans in pool play at the 2023 event before narrowly losing to Japan in the semifinals.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pool B</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>United States</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mexico</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Italy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Great Britain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Pool C play goes from March 5-10 at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. The defending WBC champion Japanese will be joined by Chinese Taipei, which enters the event as the No. 2-ranked team by the WBSC.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pool C</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Japan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Australia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Korea</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Czechia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chinese Taipei</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Pool D games will take place in Miami from March 6-11 and feature heavyweights in the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, as well as a promising Netherlands squad.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pool D</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Venezuela</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dominican Republic</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Netherlands</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Israel</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nicaragua</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The World Baseball Classic concludes March 17 with the final in Miami.</p>

TUCSON, ARIZONA - MARCH 03: The World Baseball Classic logo is seen during the game three of the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers between Brazil and Germany at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium on March 03, 2025 in Tucson, Arizona.

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2026 World Baseball Classic pools finalized

Don't expect to see Cody Bellinger anywhere near a chicken wing for a long time.  The New York Ya...

<p>Don't expect to see <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4899" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4899">Cody Bellinger</a> anywhere near a chicken wing for a long time.</p><p>The New York Yankees outfielder missed Tuesday's game against the Detroit Tigers with food poisoning. He said bad chicken wings ordered from room service while staying in the Motor City caused the illness.</p><p>"I will not eat wings for five years," he said, according <a href="https://x.com/eboland11/status/1909975927758475367">Newsday's Erik Boland</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Manager Aaron Boone added that Bellinger was sick all night Monday.</p><p>The 29-year-old is penciled in as the starting center fielder for Wednesday's series finale against the Tigers before an off day Thursday.</p><p>Bellinger's first season with the Yankees has been rough so far, as he's been hampered by a back issue in addition to the food-poisoning bout. </p><p>In eight games, the offseason acquisition owns a .233/278/.333 slash line with one home run and six RBIs.</p><p> </p>

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 02: Cody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees looks on during batting practice before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Yankee Stadium on April 2, 2025 in New York, New York.

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Bellinger 'will not eat wings for 5 years' after missing game with illness

Outfielder Jarren Duran opened up about his mental health issues in an upcoming episode of the Ne...

<p>Outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12272" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12272">Jarren Duran</a> opened up about his mental health issues in an upcoming episode of the Netflix docuseries "The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox," revealing that he attempted suicide in 2022.</p><p>While discussing his struggles during the eight-part series, set to debut Tuesday, Duran admitted that fan behavior and the pressure of playing in Boston's market affected his mental health.</p><p>"I feel like people see us as zoo animals sometimes, in this big ole cage, throw popcorn at you, get a picture with you, get your attention, scream your name," Duran says in the docuseries, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6259717/2025/04/07/jarren-duran-mental-health-netflix-red-sox-documentary/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=mlbtw&amp;source=mlbtw">The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Sometimes some fans take it too seriously," the 28-year-old adds. "I feel like they cross the line when they talk about my mental health and make fun of me for that, calling me weak. It triggers me when you start talking about my mental health. Part of it is that loneliness, some people deal with it better than others."</p><p>In 2022, Duran was on the wrong end of an inside-the-park grand slam against the Toronto Blue Jays when he couldn't see a fly ball. He appeared to give up on the play after the ball traveled past him to the outfield wall.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ojr-_L3IHc4?si=dtwK3ekSQBNQjmc4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Two weeks later, Duran misplayed another fly ball, got into a shouting match with fans, and had to be restrained by former teammate Alex Verdugo.</p><p>Duran, who finished eighth in American League MVP voting in 2024 following a breakout campaign, plans to speak Tuesday after the documentary is made available to the public, per McCaffrey.</p><p>"Jarren's decision to share his story is an act of courage that reaches far beyond baseball," Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy said in a statement acquired by <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44571881/jarren-duran-reveals-suicide-attempt-amid-struggles-depression">ESPN</a>. "By opening up, he's showing others who may be struggling that they're not alone and that asking for help isn't just OK, it's essential."</p><p> </p>

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 17: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox walks to the dugout against the Toronto Blue Jays in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on June 17, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Duran discusses 2022 suicide attempt amid mental health struggles

The Toronto Blue Jays reportedly signed first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a life-changing 14...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3260554" href="https://thescore.com/news/3260554">reportedly</a><strong> </strong>signed first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> to a life-changing 14-year, $500-million contract Sunday, ensuring the slugger stays with the organization until he's 40.</p><p>With Guerrero now likely to play his entire career with the Blue Jays, let's look at where he ranks in some of the franchise's most important categories and see if he can end up on top of the leaderboards as his career progresses.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Games played" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-KjYGo" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/KjYGo/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="277" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Guerrero has played 829 games, ranking 23rd on the Blue Jays' all-time list. The 26-year-old has been one of the most durable players in baseball since 2020, appearing in 706 contests, which places him third behind Matt Olson and Marcus Semien. Guerrero needs to average only 45 games per season over the life of his deal to become the franchise's leader in games played. He could move within the top five in the next three years.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Home runs" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-F72SY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/F72SY/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="259" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Guerrero ranks eighth all-time in homers, but he has a hill to climb to pass Delgado. He'll need to average 30 homers over the next six seasons if he wishes to take over the top spot in his early 30s. Steamer projects Guerrero to hit 29 round-trippers in 2025, which means he could become the franchise home-run leader at age 33 if he can meet those projections year-to-year.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Hits" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Orqfx" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Orqfx/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="259" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Guerrero's reputation is as a power hitter, but let's not forget he possesses fantastic bat-to-ball skills. Not counting his rookie year or the 2020 season, he's never had less than 159 hits in a campaign. Guerrero recorded his highest total last season with 199. He needs 48 hits a season over 14 years to claim the No. 1 spot from Fernandez, but averaging 134 hits per year over the next five campaigns will also get the job done.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="RBIs" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-3xSTh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3xSTh/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="259" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Reaching the top of the Blue Jays' leaderboards in RBIs feels very doable for Guerrero, one of baseball's best run producers of this decade. Since the beginning of 2020, Guerrero's 442 RBIs rank seventh in MLB. He'd need to maintain his status as a 90-100 RBI player over the next six years to take over first while in his prime.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="fWAR" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-4zeHc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/4zeHc/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="259" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The top of the fWAR leaderboard could be Guerrero's toughest task because his defense will be a factor. The first baseman has never posted a positive FanGraphs defensive rating in his career, even during his Gold Glove season. As a result, his fWAR reached a high of 6.3 in 2021 but dipped to a low of 1.3 in 2023. Guerrero has 14 years to accrue more than 19 fWAR, which is doable as long as he remains a winnable player during the latter stages of his career.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Runs" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-XN7K9" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/XN7K9/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="259" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Guerrero isn't known for his run-scoring abilities, but he's still a top-20 player in the category since debuting in 2019. He should steadily climb the leaderboard if he continues to reach his projections of around 90 runs per season, potentially taking over the top spot in five years.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Doubles" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-q9XO0" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/q9XO0/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="259" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>This one feels in the bag for Guerrero. Since 2021, he ranks seventh in MLB with 141 doubles, with 44 of them coming last season when he finished fourth in baseball in the category. Guerrero needs 12 doubles per season until his age-40 campaign to pass Delgado. He's already hit three through 10 games in 2025.</p>

TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 12: Former Toronto Blue Jays Jose Bautista gives Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays a signed ball after taking part in a ceremony where his name is unveiled on the Level of Excellence before the Toronto Blue Jays play the Chicago Cubs in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on August 12, 2023 in Toronto, Canada.

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Guerrero's Blue Jays franchise rankings and where he could finish

The Boston Red Sox traded right-hander Quinn Priester to the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday for mino...

<p>The Boston Red Sox traded right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11846" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11846">Quinn Priester</a> to the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday for minor-league outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17443" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17443">Yophery Rodriguez</a>, a competitive balance round A draft pick, and a player to be named later.</p><p>The 24-year-old Priester pitched one game for Triple-A Worcester this season, striking out six in four innings while allowing two earned runs. </p><p>Priester made one big-league start for the Red Sox in 2024 after he was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates last July. Priester pitched 94 2/3 innings for the Pirates before heading to Boston, authoring a 6.46 ERA.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rodriguez, 19, posted a .250/.343/.383 slash line with 23 doubles and 60 RBIs in 110 games at Single-A last season. </p><p>Milwaukee's starting rotation has been ravaged by injuries, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12432" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12432">Aaron Ashby</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9543" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9543">Aaron Civale</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9727" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9727">Nestor Cortes</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15561" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15561">Robert Gasser</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12262" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12262">DL Hall</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13648" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13648">Tobias Myers</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8683" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8683">Brandon Woodruff</a> on the injured list.</p><p> </p>

BRADENTON, FLORIDA - MARCH 04: Quinn Priester #68 of the Boston Red Sox delivers a pitch during a spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park on March 4, 2025 in Bradenton, Florida.

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Red Sox trade Priester to Brewers

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Blake Snell on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflamma...

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers placed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5351" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5351">Blake Snell</a> on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation, the team announced Sunday.</p><p>The move is retroactive to April 3. Right-hander Matt Sauer will take Snell's place on the active roster.</p><p>Snell is expected to miss two starts after feeling soreness during a bullpen session Sunday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I just think if you're not going to finish your bullpen, that's pretty much a tell-all to then ... nip whatever is going on in his arm," manager Dave Roberts said, according to <a href="https://x.com/SonjaMChen/status/1908994096464605209">MLB.com's Sonja Chen</a>.</p><p>Snell has allowed two earned runs and walked eight in two starts during his first campaign with the Dodgers.</p><p>The two-time Cy Young winner signed a five-year, $182-million contract with the Dodgers in November.</p><p>Los Angeles is down several starters aside from Snell. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/945" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/945">Clayton Kershaw</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9723" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9723">Tony Gonsolin</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16566" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16566">Kyle Hurt</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18587" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18587">River Ryan</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17184" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17184">Emmet Sheehan</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15809" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15809">Gavin Stone</a> are all on the injured list.</p><p> </p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 02: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) looks on during the MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 2, 2025 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.

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Dodgers place Snell on IL with shoulder inflammation

The Milwaukee Brewers placed left-hander Nestor Cortes on the 15-day injured list with a left elb...

<p>The Milwaukee Brewers placed left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9727" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9727">Nestor Cortes</a> on the 15-day injured list with a left elbow flexor strain, the team announced Sunday.</p><p>Milwaukee recalled left-hander Grant Wolfram from Triple-A Nashville in a corresponding move.</p><p>Cortes has allowed five home runs and walked seven hitters in eight innings this season after coming over to the Brewers in an offseason trade with the New York Yankees. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3253243" href="https://thescore.com/news/3253243">roughed up</a> for eight runs against his former team March 29 in his first start of the season before recovering to throw six shutout innings Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds.</p><p>Cortes' elbow didn't feel right the day after his start against the Reds, but imaging did not show any structural damage.</p><p>"This is not a situation that we think is going to be a long-term issue," Brewers assistant general manager Matt Kleine said, according to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3259981" href="https://thescore.com/news/3259981">The Associated Press</a>. </p><p>"We're still in the process of gathering information - that'll take another few days - but as of right now, this is looking more like a short-term issue than a long-term issue."</p><p>The Brewers' starting staff has been ravaged by injuries early this season. Cortes, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13648" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13648">Tobias Myers</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9543" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9543">Aaron Civale</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12432" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12432">Aaron Ashby</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12262" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12262">DL Hall</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8683" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8683">Brandon Woodruff</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15561" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15561">Robert Gasser</a> are all on the injured list, while free-agent signing Jose Quintana is still ramping up.</p><p>Milwaukee enters Sunday with a 4-5 record after winning the NL Central last season with 93 victories. </p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 14: Starting pitcher Nestor Cortes #65 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws during the first inning of a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at American Family Fields of Phoenix on March 14, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Brewers place Cortes on IL with elbow flexor strain

St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Ryan Helsley thought he was going to begin the 2025 campaign in ...

<p>St. Louis Cardinals right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9598" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9598">Ryan Helsley</a> thought he was going to begin the 2025 campaign in a different uniform.</p><p>"I'll be the first to admit, I thought I was gone for sure," Helsley said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44533792/mlb-2025-st-louis-cardinals-rebuilding-transition-contending-nl-central">ESPN's Jesse Rogers</a>. </p><p>"I mean, if it's a reset, and this is my walk year, I thought I would be first to go. I was kind of surprised they brought me back."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Helsley's name was featured prominently in offseason trade rumors after the Cardinals publicly announced their intentions to go in a different direction during their final season under the guidance of front-office executive John Mozeliak. Mozeliak is being replaced by former Boston Red Sox executive Chaim Bloom following the 2025 campaign and the franchise is expected to give more playing time to younger players.</p><p>Helsley, third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2381" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2381">Nolan Arenado</a> - who used his no-trade clause to nix a deal to the Houston Astros - starters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3012" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3012">Sonny Gray</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3069" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3069">Miles Mikolas</a>, and catcher-turned-first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3571" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3571">Willson Contreras</a> appeared as if they would be on the move. Instead, the Cardinals entered the season with all of them on the roster and are attempting to remain competitive while building toward the future at the same time.</p><p>"We are walking two parallel paths," Mozeliak said. "We have a younger club that has some uncertainty in how they're going to play, but if it clicks, it could be pretty good. But on that other parallel track, we are looking to build for the future."</p><p>Helsley saved a league-leading 49 games for the Cardinals in 2024 and is entering the final year of his contract before free agency. He's pitched well in 2025, striking out six in three innings without allowing a run.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 25: Ryan Helsley #56 of the St. Louis Cardinals delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning at Target Field on August 25, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Cardinals defeated the Twins 3-2.

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Helsley surprised Cardinals brought him back: 'I thought I was gone'

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred has no problem with torpedo bats, calling the inno...

<p>Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred has no problem with torpedo bats, calling the innovation "absolutely good for baseball."</p><p>"I believe that issues like the torpedo bat and the debate around it demonstrate the fact that baseball still occupies a unique place in our culture because people get into a complete frenzy over something that's really nothing at the end of the day," Manfred told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/06/briefing/rob-manfred-interview-baseball.html">Michael S. Schmidt of The New York Times</a>. "The bats comply with the rules."</p><p>Manfred's comments come as the torpedo-bat discussion took baseball by storm after a nine home-run <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3253243" href="https://thescore.com/news/3253243">outburst</a> from the New York Yankees against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 29. A number of the Yankees players used a torpedo bat to hit homers during the contest, which immediately caught the attention of people who questioned the legality of the hitting tool.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Manfred was unfazed by the discussion and noted torpedo bats have been in use for years after it was developed by a former Yankees employee who now works for the Miami Marlins. </p><p>"Players have actually been moving the sweet spot around in bats for years," Manfred explained. "But it just demonstrates that something about the game is more important than is captured by television ratings or revenue or any of those things, when you have the discussions and debates about it."</p><p> </p>

BRONX, NY - APRIL 01: Paul Goldschmidt #48 of the New York Yankees at bat using a Torpedo bat during the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 1, 2025 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.

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Manfred: Torpedo bats 'absolutely good for baseball'

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone holds Aaron Judge in high regard and believes the slugger is...

<p>New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone holds Aaron Judge in high regard and believes the slugger is destined for Cooperstown once his career comes to an end.</p><p>"Yes," Boone replied when asked if Judge is a future Hall of Famer, according to <a href="https://x.com/YESNetwork/status/1908308187268198851">YES Network</a>.</p><p>"I think he's (one of) this generation's greatest players. And I think it's a no-brainer."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Boone's assessment came Friday after the 32-year-old hit his league-leading sixth home run of the season during his 1,000th career game, a 9-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.</p><p>Judge has been terrific to kick off 2025, but the outfielder's body of work has been outstanding since he debuted for the Bronx Bombers in 2016.</p><p>The Yankees captain is a two-time AL MVP, six-time All-Star, and former Rookie of the Year with 321 homers and a 1.015 career OPS on his resume.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 04: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the home opener at PNC Park on April 4, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Boone: Judge among this generation's greatest players, HOF no-brainer

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Bryan Mcwilliam

News Editor

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