Go ahead and add one more milestone to Clayton Kershaw's Hall of Fame plaque.  The Los Angeles Do...

<p>Go ahead and add one more milestone to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/945" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/945">Clayton Kershaw</a>'s Hall of Fame plaque.</p><p>The Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander became the 20th pitcher in MLB history to record 3,000 career strikeouts Wednesday in a 5-4 win over the Chicago White Sox. He notched No. 3,000 by getting White Sox third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13799">Vinny Capra</a> looking to end the sixth inning on his 100th and final pitch of the night at Dodger Stadium.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Strikeout No. 3,000! <br> <br>Clayton Kershaw becomes the 20th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to record 3,000 career strikeouts. <a href="https://t.co/mD7tM1POJC">pic.twitter.com/mD7tM1POJC</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1940618636420698133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It was overwhelming to feel that," Kershaw said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/clayton-kershaw-joins-3000-strikeout-club">MLB.com's Sonja Chen</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I don't have a lot of great words other than that it was just really special."</p><p>Kershaw is just the fourth left-hander to enter this exclusive club, following Hall of Famers Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton, and CC Sabathia.</p><p>The 37-year-old is one of five hurlers to record 3,000-plus strikeouts with one team, joining John Smoltz (Braves), Carlton (Phillies), Bob Gibson (Cardinals), and Walter Johnson (Washington Senators). Of that group, only Kershaw, Gibson, and Johnson recorded every single one of their career strikeouts in the same uniform.</p><p>Kershaw's most common victim during his 18-year career was longtime San Francisco Giants slugger Brandon Belt, who struck out 30 times against the left-hander. Paul Goldschmidt, Carlos González, and Hunter Pence have all been K'd at least 20 times by the future Cooperstown inductee.</p><p>It wasn't clear if Kershaw would even be able to make it to this moment. He endured a miserable 2024 campaign, making just seven starts after returning from shoulder surgery and before suffering a season-ending toe injury in August. After the Dodgers won the World Series, he underwent toe and knee surgeries that pushed his 2025 debut into mid-May.</p><p>"I made it take too long," Kershaw said. "Honestly, didn't pitch that great tonight, and the slider was so bad. But this was such a special night all the way around. It really was. Couldn't have asked for anything more, really. It was so fun to get to be out there."</p><p>Kershaw came into Wednesday's start, his ninth of the season, needing just three Ks to reach the magic mark. The young White Sox made him work for it, scoring four runs on nine hits and forcing Dave Roberts to make a difficult decision after five innings. Although his pitch count was climbing, Roberts stuck with his veteran, who pushed through the sixth and caught Capra looking at an 85-mph slider for the milestone.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Clayton's journey to 3,000. <a href="https://t.co/lAq7ebLBfF">pic.twitter.com/lAq7ebLBfF</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1940621598756856190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Originally drafted seventh overall by L.A. in 2006, the Dallas native debuted in the majors two years later. His first strikeout victim was the very first batter he faced, the Cardinals' Skip Schumaker, on May 25, 2008.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Strikeout</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Opponent</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>5/25/08</td>
<td>Skip Schumaker</td>
<td>Cardinals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>500</td>
<td>3/31/11</td>
<td>Buster Posey</td>
<td>Giants</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1000</td>
<td>4/17/13</td>
<td>Yonder Alonso</td>
<td>Padres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1500</td>
<td>5/10/15</td>
<td>Drew Stubbs</td>
<td>Rockies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2000</td>
<td>6/2/17</td>
<td>Jonathan Villar</td>
<td>Brewers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2500</td>
<td>9/3/20</td>
<td>Nick Ahmed</td>
<td>D-Backs</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Kershaw's remarkable career has seen him win three NL Cy Young awards and the 2014 NL MVP, notch a no-hitter, secure five ERA titles, and claim three strikeout crowns. He struck out 301 batters in 2015. His 1.01 WHIP (entering play Wednesday) ranks fifth all time.</p><p>Kershaw may go down as the last pitcher to ever reach the 3,000-strikeout milestone, given how starting pitching has changed over the course of his career. The next-closest active pitcher to 3,000, Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale, is 36 years old and needs another 472 Ks to get there.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 02: Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers salutes the crowd after delivering the 3000th strikeout of his career in the sixth inning during the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Kershaw is now the 20th member of the 3,000-strikeout club, and is only the fourth left-handed pitcher to have struck out 3,000 or more batters in their career.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31701531/related

Kershaw becomes 20th pitcher to reach 3,000 Ks: 'Special night'

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy suffered a left knee injury during the sixth inning o...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4250" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4250">Max Muncy</a> suffered a left knee injury during the sixth inning of Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox.</p><p>The Dodgers said Muncy was removed due to left knee pain. Muncy will undergo an MRI on Thursday, and manager Dave Roberts said the team is optimistic it'll reveal no more than a sprain, according to <a href="https://x.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1940643694480445616">ESPN's Alden González.</a></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3140" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3140">Michael A. Taylor</a> took out Muncy's left knee while sliding head first on an attempted steal of third base. Taylor was also shaken up on the play, and left the game with what the White Sox termed a left trap contusion.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wishing Max Muncy the very best 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/WxxgUIzWrD">pic.twitter.com/WxxgUIzWrD</a></p>— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken2) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarnHasSpoken2/status/1940616826821792059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Muncy required assistance from the Dodgers trainer to leave the field. The play happened just before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/945" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/945">Clayton Kershaw</a> recorded the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3304632" href="https://thescore.com/news/3304632">3,000th strikeout</a> of his career.</p><p>The 34-year-old veteran entered Wednesday slashing .252/.377/.461 with 13 home runs and 55 RBIs.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2444" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2444">Kiké Hernández</a> entered the game at third base in Muncy's place.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 02: Max Muncy #13 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts as he is helped off the field by the trainer after being injured during the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium on July 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Dodgers' Muncy exits with knee injury after collision at 3rd base

Major League Baseball announced the starters for the 2025 All-Star Game on Wednesday after the co...

<p>Major League Baseball announced the starters for the 2025 All-Star Game on Wednesday after the conclusion of Phase 2 of fan voting.</p><p>The starters were elected through fan votes, with the leader among the finalists at each position earning the starting nod. Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3304648" href="https://thescore.com/news/3304648">received</a> automatic starting spots as the top overall vote-getters in their respective leagues during Phase 1.</p><p>All-Star reserves and pitchers for both leagues will be revealed on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>This year's Midsummer Classic will take place on July 15 at Atlanta's Truist Park.</p><h3>American League </h3><p><strong>C: Cal Raleigh, Mariners</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>84</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>1.024</td>
<td>5.6</td>
<td>⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Alejandro Kirk will likely make the AL team as a backup, but he stood zero chance against Raleigh, who's already hit more home runs (33) than any other catcher <em>ever </em>has before the break. "Big Dumper" is the first Mariners backstop to be named an All-Star starter, and the team's first starter at any position since 2015.</p><p><strong>1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>84</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>.828</td>
<td>2.2</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Guerrero easily defeated Paul Goldschmidt to earn his fifth career All-Star nod, and his fourth start in the last five seasons. With his selection, Guerrero Jr. and his dad, Hall of Famer and nine-time All-Star Vladimir Sr., are now the only father-son duo to both earn at least five All-Star selections, according to <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1940562392406282489">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>.</p><p><strong>2B: Gleyber Torres, Tigers</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>71</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>.823</td>
<td>2.3</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Torres will make his third career All-Star appearance, and first since 2019, thanks to a renaissance campaign with the AL-best Tigers. He'll be the first Tigers second baseman to start the game since Plácido Polanco in 2007.</p><p><strong>3B: José Ramírez, Guardians</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>80</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>38</td>
<td>.860</td>
<td>3.2</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>J-Ram continues to stand as the best AL third baseman, and he'll make his fourth career All-Star start. Ramírez, who held off Red Sox star Alex Bregman for this honor, is now a seven-time All-Star.</p><p><strong>SS: Jacob Wilson, Athletics</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>81</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>40</td>
<td>.853</td>
<td>2.9</td>
<td>⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>In a massive upset, Wilson - the A's contact machine - beat out Bobby Witt Jr. for the starting nod at shortstop. The 23-year-old is just the second rookie shortstop to be selected as a starter, joining the Orioles' Ron Hansen (1960), and the first A's shortstop to start the game since Bert Campaneris in 1974.</p><p><strong>OF: Aaron Judge, Yankees; Riley Greene, Tigers; Javier Báez, Tigers</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Judge</td>
<td>85</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>1.188</td>
<td>6.5</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greene</td>
<td>83</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>63</td>
<td>.887</td>
<td>3.0</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Báez</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>39</td>
<td>.783</td>
<td>1.8</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Judge, who received an automatic starting spot for a second straight year, is a starter for the fourth time in five seasons after authoring a ridiculous first half for the Yankees.</p><p>He'll be joined in the AL outfield by two members of the Tigers' potent offense. Greene, a first-time starter, will be making his second consecutive All-Star appearance after crushing a team-best 19 homers. Báez, meanwhile, earned his first All-Star nod since 2019 in the midst of a comeback season. He was previously voted a starter at second base and shortstop, and now joins Pete Rose, Harmon Killebrew, and Albert Pujols as the only players to start All-Star Games at three or more positions.</p><p><strong>DH: Ryan O'Hearn, Orioles</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>72</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>.854</td>
<td>2.1</td>
<td>⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The AL's DH spot opened up after Rafael Devers was traded, and O'Hearn took advantage to beat out Ben Rice and earn his first-ever All-Star berth. It completes a remarkable rise for the 31-year-old O'Hearn, who's blossomed in Baltimore after being acquired from the Royals for cash in 2023.</p><h3>National League </h3><p><strong>C: Will Smith, Dodgers</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>67</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>.949</td>
<td>3.0</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Smith, who fended off the Cubs' Carson Kelly for this honor, leads the NL in both average and OBP while catching for the Dodgers nearly every day. This is his third straight All-Star selection, but the first time he'll start.</p><p><strong>1B: Freddie Freeman, Dodgers</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>73</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>.882</td>
<td>2.1</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Freeman beat out the Mets' Pete Alonso to earn his fifth All-Star starting nod. He'll start the game for the Dodgers in his former home stadium, where he spent 12 years starring in a Braves uniform.</p><p><strong>2B: Ketel Marte, D-Backs</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>59</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>.983</td>
<td>2.9</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Marte was the runaway winner over Tommy Edman, and will start his second consecutive Midsummer Classic for the NL at the keystone. He was also previously voted a starter in 2019.</p><p><strong>3B: Manny Machado, Padres</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>84</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>47</td>
<td>.831</td>
<td>2.5</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Machado is now a seven-time All-Star after holding off Max Muncy for the nod at third base. He was previously a starter for the NL in 2022, and the AL in 2016 and 2018.</p><p><strong>SS: Francisco Lindor, Mets</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>83</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>.775</td>
<td>3.0</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Incredibly, this will be Lindor's first All-Star appearance in a Mets uniform, as well as his first time starting a Midsummer Classic. He beat out Mookie Betts in a narrow vote.</p><p><strong>OF: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs; Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves; Kyle Tucker, Cubs</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Crow-Armstrong</td>
<td>84</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>62</td>
<td>.837</td>
<td>4.0</td>
<td>⭐️</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Acuña</td>
<td>35</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>1.076</td>
<td>2.0</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tucker</td>
<td>84</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>52</td>
<td>.926</td>
<td>4.0</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Acuña will represent the hometown team in the NL's starting lineup. Despite debuting in late May because of a knee injury, the Braves star has stacked MVP-like numbers to earn the starting nod over others who've played the full season.</p><p>Also in the NL outfield are a pair of Cubs standouts in Crow-Armstrong and Tucker. Crow-Armstrong, now a first-time All-Star in his second full season, is flying toward a 30-30 campaign and plays Gold Glove defense in center field. Tucker, now a four-time All-Star and first-time starter, has been a perfect fit at Wrigley Field and is also pushing for 30-30.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pretty cool: The (likely) starting CF's in the all-star game were traded for each other back in July, 2021.</p>— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JesseRogersESPN/status/1940555639639757270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>DH: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
<th>AS Games</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>84</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>55</td>
<td>1.024</td>
<td>4.2</td>
<td>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Fans rewarded Ohtani with his fifth straight All-Star starting nod after watching him lead the NL in homers, slugging, OPS, and runs while also resuming his pitching career. He and David Ortiz are the only two players to earn five career starting nods at DH.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 21: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on June 21, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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MLB announces 2025 All-Star Game starters

The Texas Rangers optioned former All-Star third baseman Josh Jung to Triple-A Round Rock, they a...

<p>The Texas Rangers optioned former All-Star third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12381" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12381">Josh Jung</a> to Triple-A Round Rock, they announced Wednesday.</p><p>Infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12550" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12550">Jake Burger</a> was activated from the injured list in a corresponding move.</p><p>Jung had been the Rangers' primary third baseman for most of this season despite his continued offensive struggles. However, a woeful June that saw him post a .429 OPS with one home run in 101 plate appearances ultimately pushed the team to send him down.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>For the season, he's hitting a career-low .237/.283/.366 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs over 75 games, while accruing minus-2 defensive runs saved with the glove.</p><p>"I think it's fair to say he's been going through some struggles here these past three, four weeks," manager Bruce Bochy told reporters, per <a href="https://x.com/JaredSandler/status/1940520075968352512">Rangers broadcaster Jared Sandler</a>. "And we just think the best thing right now for Josh, for this club, is ... that we let him get at-bats (at) Round Rock (and) get his game back, get his confidence back. We need him."</p><p>The 27-year-old burst onto the scene in 2023, when he finished fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting and was an All-Star while helping Texas win the World Series. However, he was limited to 46 games in 2024 due to injuries.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12659" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12659">Ezequiel Duran</a> is starting at third for Texas on Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles. Duran and utility player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13856" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13856">Josh Smith</a> could both see increased time at the hot corner while Jung is in the minors. Other players on the Rangers' active roster with experience at the position include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12704" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12704">Justin Foscue</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8837" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8837">Sam Haggerty</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14645" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14645">Michael Helman</a>.</p><p>Texas enters play Wednesday sitting fourth in the AL West.</p>

BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 24: Josh Jung #6 of the Texas Rangers warms up before a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 24, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Rangers option former All-Star Jung to minors

Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. underwent a procedure to address a turf toe injury in...

<p>Memphis Grizzlies big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62285" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62285">Jaren Jackson Jr.</a> underwent a procedure to address a turf toe injury in his right foot, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>The 25-year-old will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks. That timeline places Jackson's reassessment toward the end of September, just before the start of training camp. The Grizzlies are yet to announce their 2025-26 preseason schedule.</p><p>Jackson suffered the injury "while participating in a live basketball run offsite," the Grizzlies said Tuesday. Further evaluation by doctors showed that he needed surgery to correct the issue.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>News of the setback came one day after Jackson <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3306302" href="https://thescore.com/news/3306302">reportedly</a> agreed to a five-year, $240-million extension with the Grizzlies. He will be under contract with the club through 2029-30, though the final season hinges on a player option.</p><p>The former Defensive Player of the Year has been afflicted by major injuries in multiple offseasons throughout his seven-year career.</p><p>Prior to the 2024-25 campaign, Jackson strained his hamstring during the Grizzlies' first training camp practice, which caused him to miss the team's first two games of the regular season three weeks later. He was sidelined for the first 14 games of the 2022-23 season while recovering from June surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot.</p><p>After suffering a meniscus tear in August 2020 in the bubble, the Michigan State product didn't make his 2020-21 season debut until April 2021.</p><p>Jackson, 25, averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game as Memphis' starting center in 2024-25. The New Jersey native was named to his third career All-Defensive team after the season.</p>

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 19: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the game of an Emirates NBA Cup game against the Denver Nuggets at FedExForum on November 19, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.

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Grizzlies' Jackson injured after signing $240M extension

Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has been shut down after suffering a setback in his rehab f...

<p>Houston Astros slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9552" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9552">Yordan Alvarez</a> has been shut down after suffering a setback in his rehab from a fractured right hand, general manager Dana Brown said Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1940177052306743509">Chandler Rome of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>Alvarez reported hand soreness after taking some dry swings on Monday in Florida, Brown said. He'll now visit a hand specialist to determine the next steps in his recovery.</p><p>The complication comes as Alvarez appeared to be nearing a return to Houston's lineup. Brown told reporters Monday that the team was hoping for him to return from the IL as soon as this weekend in Los Angeles, according to <a href="https://x.com/brianmctaggart/status/1940077323375476856">Brian McTaggart of MLB.com</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It also comes a few days after the team lost another key member of their lineup, shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12665" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12665">Jeremy Peña</a>, to a fractured rib.</p><p>Alvarez was initially placed on the IL in early May with what the team initially called right hand inflammation. It wasn't until nearly a month later that he was sent for imaging that revealed the fracture.</p><p>The 28-year-old was hitting .210/.306/.340 with three homers and 18 RBIs at the time of his injury.</p><p>Despite missing their star designated hitter for much of the season, the Astros have surged atop the AL West and enter play Tuesday with 50 wins and a six-game lead over the second-place Mariners.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 2: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros prepares to bat during a game against the Houston Astros at Rate Field on May 2, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Astros' Alvarez shut down after setback in rehab of fractured hand

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer managed to avoid a major injury after taking an acci...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2931" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2931">George Springer</a> managed to avoid a major injury after taking an accidental knee to the neck from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> during his team's 5-4 win over the New York Yankees.</p><p>Springer's throat slammed into Chisholm's knee while he slid into third base in the bottom of Monday's sixth inning, causing his neck to jerk backward violently. Springer appeared to be coughing and was slow to get up while trainers tended to him before going straight into the clubhouse and leaving the game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">George Springer leaves the game after sliding into Jazz Chisholm’s knee. <a href="https://t.co/Jhy5QQ2YXx">pic.twitter.com/Jhy5QQ2YXx</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1939859369299947795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Manager John Schneider said postgame that Springer "is fine" and "should be good" to play in Tuesday's Canada Day matinee, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShiDavidi/status/1939870590971912336">Sportsnet's Shi Davidi</a>. Schneider added that the 35-year-old was removed from the game as a precaution because he was having trouble breathing.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8766" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8766">Andrés Giménez</a> entered the game in Springer's spot in the lineup to start the top of the seventh while playing second base. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5788" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5788">Nathan Lukes</a>, who made a plate appearance as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the sixth, took over for Springer in right field, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14134" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14134">Davis Schneider</a> moved from second to left.</p><p>Springer is enjoying a renaissance season for the Blue Jays, hitting .263/.360/.459 with 11 homers and 40 RBIs over 78 games in 2025.</p>

TORONTO, ON - MAY 20: Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (4) is seen after the top of the sixth inning of an MLB game between the San Diego Padres and the Toronto Blue Jays on May 20, 2025, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON.

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Blue Jays' Springer avoids major injury after taking knee to neck

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is stepping from hockey due to ongoing health is...

<p>Vegas Golden Knights defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1098" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1098">Alex Pietrangelo</a> is stepping from hockey due to ongoing health issues, the team announced Monday.</p><p>While not officially retiring, the 35-year-old acknowledged that it's unlikely he'll be able to resume his career. </p><p>"The past few years have been very challenging on my physical well-being, and I am in a difficult position with my overall playing health," Pietrangelo said in a <a href="https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/news/vegas-golden-knights-provide-update-on-status-of-defenseman-alex-pietrangelo">statement</a>. "After exploring options with doctors as well as my family, it's been advised to remove the intensity of hockey to see if my body can improve so that I can return to a normal quality of life. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This decision has been difficult to come to terms with after the last 17 years of competition and the camaraderie with my teammates and coaches. The likelihood is low that my body will recover to the standard required to play, but I know this is the right decision for me and my family."</p><p>General manager Kelly McCrimmon revealed that Pietrangelo needs bilateral femur reconstruction in both hips. The procedures would not guarantee him any future in hockey, though.</p><p>"Throughout the season, the steps that Alex needed to take to be able to play and practice began to grow and take a significant toll on his body. Our hope in February during the NHL's break for the 4 Nations Face-Off was to give Alex treatment and rest to help provide relief, but instead, what we found were diminished positive results and a process that is no longer sustainable moving forward," McCrimmon said. "... Today's decision is a difficult one for both Alex and the Golden Knights, but it is being made for the right reasons - so that Alex can be the family man we all know him to be."</p><p>The Golden Knights will place Pietrangelo on long-term injured reserve, according to <a href="https://x.com/DannyWebster21/status/1939845926530736312">Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal</a>. They'll be able to exceed the salary cap by his $8.8-million cap hit while he's on LTIR.</p><p>Vegas <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3306244" href="https://thescore.com/news/3306244">reportedly</a> added <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> on an eight-year, $96-million sign-and-trade deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier Monday. The Golden Knights have also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3306343" href="https://thescore.com/news/3306343">reportedly</a> discussed a trade with the Calgary Flames for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4723">Rasmus Andersson</a> - a potential replacement for Pietrangelo on the right side of Vegas' blue line.</p><p>The Golden Knights' defense currently consists of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3232" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3232">Shea Theodore</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4559" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4559">Noah Hanifin</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1866" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1866">Brayden McNabb</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7390" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7390">Zach Whitecloud</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4488" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4488">Ben Hutton</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10043" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10043">Kaedan Korczak</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4645" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4645">Jeremy Lauzon</a>, who was acquired from the Predators on Sunday in a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3305955" href="https://thescore.com/news/3305955">trade</a> that sent fellow blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6456" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6456">Nic Hague</a> to Nashville.</p><p>Pietrangelo appeared in 71 games for the Golden Knights this past season, collecting 33 points while averaging 22:34 per contest.</p><p>The native of King City, Ontario, joined Vegas on a seven-year, $61.6-million deal before the 2020-21 season. He helped lead the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup championship in 2023, four years after captaining the St. Louis Blues to a title.</p><p>Originally selected fourth overall by St. Louis in 2008, Pietrangelo has recorded 148 goals and 637 points over 1,087 regular-season games with the Blues and Golden Knights. He finished top five in Norris Trophy voting in 2012, 2014, and 2020.</p><p>Internationally, Pietrangelo helped Canada win the 2009 world juniors, 2014 Olympic gold medal, and 2016 World Cup.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 12: Alex Pietrangelo #7 of the Vegas Golden Knights in action during Game Four of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on May 12, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Pietrangelo stepping away from hockey due to health issues

Brad Marchand is staying in Sunrise.  The veteran winger signed a six-year extension with the Flo...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> is staying in Sunrise.</p><p>The veteran winger signed a six-year extension with the Florida Panthers, the team announced Tuesday.</p><p>The deal carries an average annual value of $5.25 million, according to <a href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1939823985069281488">Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic</a>. Marchand will earn a base salary of $1 million annually, with the rest being paid out in a signing bonus.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Marchand also gets a full no-movement clause for the first four seasons of the deal and a partial no-trade clause in 2029-30 and 2030-31, per LeBrun.</p><p>Marchand chose to stick with the defending champions after reportedly drawing interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins.</p><p>He's the third member of the Panthers to avoid unrestricted free agency and re-up with the club. Florida inked Conn Smythe Trophy winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> to an eight-year deal with a $8-million cap hit Friday and reportedly <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3306190" href="https://thescore.com/news/3306190">re-signed</a> defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3946" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3946">Aaron Ekblad</a> for $48.8 million over eight years earlier Monday.</p><p>With Marchand in the fold, Florida's payroll is currently over the salary cap by $350,000, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/florida-panthers">PuckPedia</a>. Teams are allowed to exceed the cap by 10% during the offseason.</p><p>Marchand was traded to Florida at this year's deadline after a decorated 16-year run in Boston. He proved to be a perfect fit for the Panthers, helping them win a second consecutive Stanley Cup by scoring 10 goals and 20 points over 23 playoff games.</p><p>The 37-year-old has tallied 424 goals, 980 points, and 1,115 penalty minutes over 1,100 regular-season contests. He's also one of the best playoff performers of his generation, tallying another 66 goals and 158 points over 180 postseason appearances while winning two Stanley Cups.</p>

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - JUNE 22: Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers holds the Stanley Cup during the Florida Panthers 2025 Stanley Cup Victory Parade and Rally on June 22, 2025 on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida.

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Panthers keep Marchand on 6-year extension reportedly worth $31.5M

The United States District Attorney's office is investigating gambling allegations against Detroi...

<p>The United States District Attorney's office is investigating gambling allegations against Detroit Pistons guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44947" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44947">Malik Beasley</a> relating to bets placed on NBA games and prop bets, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45608949/sources-pistons-malik-beasley-subject-federal-gambling-probe">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The allegations involving Beasley are from the 2023-24 season when he played for the Milwaukee Bucks, sources told Charania.</p><p>An NBA spokesperson told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1939364262255702372">Charania</a> that the league is "cooperating with the federal prosecutors' investigation."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"An investigation is not a charge," Steve Haney, Beasley's attorney, said in a statement to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1939352335714488756">Charania</a>. "Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the U.S. Constitution. As of now, he has not been charged with anything."</p><p>Beasley, a pending free agent, was reportedly in serious talks with the Pistons about re-signing on a three-year, $42-million deal. However, those discussions have been paused amid the investigation, <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1939352493076430953">Charania</a> adds.</p><p>The Atlanta native appeared in 79 games (77 starts) during the 2023-24 season, his lone year with Milwaukee. He averaged 11.3 points and 3.7 boards that year while shooting 44.3% from the field and 41.3% from behind the arc. Beasley had signed a one-year deal worth around $2.7 million with the Bucks ahead of that campaign.</p><p>The 28-year-old moved from Milwaukee to Detroit last summer on a one-year, $6-million contract. He helped the Pistons end a six-year playoff drought as the team's sixth man, averaging 16.3 points and 2.6 rebounds per game while shooting over 41% from three-point range across 82 regular-season games in 2024-25.</p><p>Beasley has played for six teams during his nine-year NBA career. The Denver Nuggets drafted Beasley 19th overall in 2016.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 23: Malik Beasley #5 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 23, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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District attorney investigating Pistons' Beasley on gambling allegations

New York Mets right-hander Griffin Canning had to be helped off the field after sustaining a rupt...

<p>New York Mets right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9562" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9562">Griffin Canning</a> had to be helped off the field after sustaining a ruptured left Achilles tendon during Thursday's start against the Atlanta Braves.</p><p>The Mets announced Friday that Canning would be placed on the 60-day IL. They initially called it a left ankle injury before manager Carlos Mendoza revealed the more serious diagnosis following his team's 4-0 win.</p><p>The 29-year-old underwent surgery Friday to repair his Achilles, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/griffin-canning-mets-96731db81e96ebe37630a84149c5a110">John Perrotto of The Associated Press</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Canning hopped off the mound after throwing a pitch to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12359" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12359">Nick Allen</a> and collapsed in pain almost immediately. He didn't appear to be able to put much weight on his left leg as he slowly limped to the dugout alongside Mets trainers.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Griffin Canning is leaving the game with an apparent leg injury <a href="https://t.co/FAKwmx66un">pic.twitter.com/FAKwmx66un</a></p>— SNY (@SNYtv) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYtv/status/1938383951304757682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"(It) sucks. You hate to see it, especially the way he went down, right away," Mendoza <a href="https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1LyxBWNrrEYKN">said</a>. "... Feel sorry for the guy, especially how big he's been for us and the way he's been throwing the ball the whole year."</p><p>Canning had been enjoying the best season of his career before the injury. In 16 starts for the Mets, he owns a 3.77 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with 70 strikeouts.</p><p>The Mets' rotation has been hit hard by injuries all campaign. New York has four starters on the injured list, including ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15438" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15438">Kodai Senga</a> and left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4239" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4239">Sean Manaea</a>, while free-agent addition <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5006" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5006">Frankie Montas</a> just made his season debut after missing most of the first half with a lat injury.</p><p>Austin Warren took over on the mound for Canning and combined with three others to throw 6 1/3 shutout innings in relief of their teammate. New York moved back into first place in the NL East with the win.</p><p>The Mets also made a slew of roster moves Friday, which included recalling right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaabbl/players/13082" href="https://thescore.com/ncaabbl/players/13082">Blade Tidwell</a>, selecting the contract of left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9804" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9804">Colin Poche</a>, and reinstating third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9584" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9584">Mark Vientos</a>.</p><p>Warren and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13712" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13712">Jared Young</a> were also optioned to the minors, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9557" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9557">Richard Lovelady</a> elected free agency instead of accepting an outright assignment, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13855" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13855">José Azocar</a> was signed to a minor-league deal.</p><p> </p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 26: Griffin Canning #46 of the New York Mets puts his hands on his face after an injury in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on June 26, 2025 in New York City.

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Mets' Canning diagnosed with ruptured Achilles 

Major League Baseball unveiled its finalists for this year's All-Star Game starting spots after t...

<p>Major League Baseball unveiled its finalists for this year's All-Star Game starting spots after the conclusion of Phase 1 of voting Thursday afternoon.</p><p>To little shock, the two reigning league MVPs - New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge and Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani - led their respective leagues, earning both automatic starting spots in July's showcase. Judge received 4,012,983 votes to lead all players, while Ohtani garnered an NL-high 3,967,668 votes.</p><p>This marks the second straight year that Judge, now a seven-time All-Star after hitting 28 homers in his first 80 games, was MLB's leading vote-getter. Ohtani, meanwhile, earned his fifth career All-Star berth and his first automatic starting spot since being acclaimed as the AL's DH in 2023.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The top two vote-getters from Phase 1 at each position (top six in the NL outfield, and top four in the AL outfield) will now face off in Phase 2 of voting for the right to start at this year's Midsummer Classic on July 15 at Atlanta's Truist Park. All vote totals will be reset.</p><p>The Dodgers have an MLB-high seven finalists, with one at each infield position and two in the outfield. In the AL, the Detroit Tigers lead the way with three finalists.</p><p>Phase 2 of All-Star voting runs from Monday at noon ET until Wednesday at noon.</p><p>The All-Star starters will be announced on July 2 at 7 p.m. ET.</p><p><em>* indicates player is currently injured</em></p><h3>Catcher</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791706/cropped_GettyImages-2220653622.jpg?ts=1750772603" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791706/w220xh124_GettyImages-2220653622.jpg?ts=1750772603 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791706/w320xh180_GettyImages-2220653622.jpg?ts=1750772603 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791706/w640xh360_GettyImages-2220653622.jpg?ts=1750772603 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791706/w768xh432_GettyImages-2220653622.jpg?ts=1750772603 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791706/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2220653622.jpg?ts=1750772603 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Geoff Stellfox / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>AL</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Alejandro Kirk</td>
<td>Blue Jays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cal Raleigh</td>
<td>Mariners</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>NL</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Carson Kelly</td>
<td>Cubs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Will Smith</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>First Base</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784569/cropped_GettyImages-2213213853.jpg?ts=1746651786" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784569/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213213853.jpg?ts=1746651786 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784569/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213213853.jpg?ts=1746651786 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784569/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213213853.jpg?ts=1746651786 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784569/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213213853.jpg?ts=1746651786 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784569/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213213853.jpg?ts=1746651786 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jim McIsaac / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>AL</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Paul Goldschmidt</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</td>
<td>Blue Jays</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>NL</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Pete Alonso</td>
<td>Mets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Freddie Freeman</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Second Base</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783719/cropped_GettyImages-2207821818.jpg?ts=1746214385" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783719/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207821818.jpg?ts=1746214385 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783719/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207821818.jpg?ts=1746214385 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783719/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207821818.jpg?ts=1746214385 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783719/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207821818.jpg?ts=1746214385 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783719/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207821818.jpg?ts=1746214385 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Norm Hall / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>AL</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jackson Holliday</td>
<td>Orioles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gleyber Torres</td>
<td>Tigers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>NL</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Tommy Edman</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ketel Marte</td>
<td>D-Backs</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Third Base</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783583/cropped_GettyImages-2212344827.jpg?ts=1746143658" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783583/w220xh124_GettyImages-2212344827.jpg?ts=1746143658 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783583/w320xh180_GettyImages-2212344827.jpg?ts=1746143658 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783583/w640xh360_GettyImages-2212344827.jpg?ts=1746143658 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783583/w768xh432_GettyImages-2212344827.jpg?ts=1746143658 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783583/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2212344827.jpg?ts=1746143658 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>AL</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Alex Bregman*</td>
<td>Red Sox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>José Ramírez</td>
<td>Guardians</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>NL</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Manny Machado</td>
<td>Padres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Max Muncy</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Shortstop</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789325/cropped_GettyImages-2218122381.jpg?ts=1749307420" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789325/w220xh124_GettyImages-2218122381.jpg?ts=1749307420 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789325/w320xh180_GettyImages-2218122381.jpg?ts=1749307420 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789325/w640xh360_GettyImages-2218122381.jpg?ts=1749307420 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789325/w768xh432_GettyImages-2218122381.jpg?ts=1749307420 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789325/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2218122381.jpg?ts=1749307420 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>AL</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jacob Wilson</td>
<td>Athletics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bobby Witt Jr.</td>
<td>Royals</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>NL</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Mookie Betts</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Francisco Lindor</td>
<td>Mets</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Outfield</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783773/cropped_GettyImages-2212106994.jpg?ts=1746232819" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783773/w220xh124_GettyImages-2212106994.jpg?ts=1746232819 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783773/w320xh180_GettyImages-2212106994.jpg?ts=1746232819 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783773/w640xh360_GettyImages-2212106994.jpg?ts=1746232819 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783773/w768xh432_GettyImages-2212106994.jpg?ts=1746232819 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783773/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2212106994.jpg?ts=1746232819 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Nicole Vasquez / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>AL</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Javier Báez</td>
<td>Tigers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Riley Greene</td>
<td>Tigers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steven Kwan</td>
<td>Guardians</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Trout</td>
<td>Angels</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>NL</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ronald Acuña Jr.</td>
<td>Braves</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pete Crow-Armstrong</td>
<td>Cubs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Teoscar Hernández</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andy Pages</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Juan Soto</td>
<td>Mets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kyle Tucker</td>
<td>Cubs</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Designated hitter</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792079/cropped_GettyImages-2222114906.jpg?ts=1750976890" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792079/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222114906.jpg?ts=1750976890 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792079/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222114906.jpg?ts=1750976890 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792079/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222114906.jpg?ts=1750976890 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792079/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222114906.jpg?ts=1750976890 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792079/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222114906.jpg?ts=1750976890 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jason Mowry / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>AL</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ryan O'Hearn</td>
<td>Orioles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ben Rice</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 21: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees smiles in the first inning during a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on April 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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All-Star finalists: Judge, Ohtani starting; Dodgers have 7 finalists

The Buffalo Sabres traded forward JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for defenseman Micha...

<p>The Buffalo Sabres traded forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9219" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9219">JJ Peterka</a> to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10909" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10909">Michael Kesselring</a> and winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10715" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10715">Josh Doan</a>, the teams announced early Thursday morning.</p><p>Peterka, a pending restricted free agent, signed a five-year extension with Utah that carries an average annual value of $7.7 million.</p><p>Peterka, Buffalo's second-round pick (34th overall) in 2020, is coming off a solid season in Buffalo that saw him score 27 goals and 68 points in 77 games. The 23-year-old German tallied 150 points over his three-plus seasons with the Sabres.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kesselring, 25, just completed his second full NHL season. The South Carolina native was solid on the blue line for Utah, tallying seven goals, 22 assists, and 89 penalty minutes while playing in all 82 games. He finished 14th in Calder Trophy voting in 2023-24 when the franchise was still in Arizona.</p><p>Doan, the son of longtime Coyotes captain Shane Doan, scored seven goals and 19 points over 51 games with Utah last season.</p><p>The Toronto Maple Leafs were among the teams involved in the Peterka sweepstakes before he landed in Utah, according to <a href="https://x.com/mirtle/status/1938082348949475641">The Athletic's James Mirtle</a>.</p>

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 22: JJ Peterka #77 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Rangers during an NHL game on February 22, 2025 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Mammoth land Peterka from Sabres, sign him to 5-year extension

It just wouldn't be a Home Run Derby in Atlanta without Ronald Acuña Jr.  The Braves superstar an...

<p>It just wouldn't be a Home Run Derby in Atlanta without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8292" href="/mlb/players/8292">Ronald Acuña Jr</a>.</p><p>The Braves superstar announced Wednesday that he'll be swinging for the fences in this year's derby at his home field, Truist Park.</p><p>This will be Acuña's third time participating in the event. He first took part in 2019, when he hit 25 homers in Round 1 before being eliminated in the semifinals. Acuña made a second appearance in 2022, coming up one homer short of upsetting then-defending champion Pete Alonso.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Acuña will now try to become the first Braves slugger to win the Home Run Derby, as well as just the fourth contestant to do it at his home park. The last hometown player to win the event was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1688" href="/mlb/players/1688">Bryce Harper</a> at Nationals Park in 2018.</p><p>2025 is shaping up as a remarkable comeback season for Acuña. Since returning in late May from a torn ACL, the former MVP has hit .385/.496/.692 with nine homers, 16 RBIs, and four steals over 29 games.</p><p>Acuña is the first player to commit to participating in this year's derby. The event, which will take place July 14, will feature eight players squaring off in a head-to-head bracket for three rounds. The reigning champion is Los Angeles Dodgers slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4472" href="/mlb/players/4472">Teoscar Hernández</a>.</p>

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 18: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves hits a home run during the first inning against the New York Mets at Truist Park on June 18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Braves' Acuña is 1st to commit to HR Derby in Atlanta

Reilly Smith isn't leaving Las Vegas again.  The veteran winger is skipping free agency and re-si...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2504" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2504">Reilly Smith</a> isn't leaving Las Vegas again.</p><p>The veteran winger is skipping free agency and re-signing with the Vegas Golden Knights on a one-year, $2-million contract, according to <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1937975706526323044">The Athletic's Chris Johnston</a>.</p><p>Smith's new deal includes a no-trade clause, Johnston adds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 34-year-old returned to Vegas at this year's trade deadline, when he was acquired from the New York Rangers for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9216" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9216">Brendan Brisson</a> and a third-round draft pick. Smith contributed three goals and 11 points in 21 games down the stretch to help the Golden Knights win the Pacific Division, then added another four points in 11 playoff games.</p><p>Smith was a member of the original Golden Knights squad in 2017-18, and became a fan favorite in the desert during his first stint with the club. He played a key role in Vegas' 2023 Stanley Cup championship, but was traded to Pittsburgh shortly after the title.</p><p>The native of Mimico, Ontario, has tallied 226 goals and 553 points along with 234 penalty minutes over 14 NHL seasons with six teams.</p><p>Vegas, which was eliminated by Edmonton in the second round, is now projected to have $7.615 million worth of cap space, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/vegas-golden-knights">PuckPedia</a>. The team still has three unrestricted free agents to take care of in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2086" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2086">Brandon Saad</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2971" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2971">Tanner Pearson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7665" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7665">Victor Olofsson</a>, plus a trio of RFAs.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 12: Reilly Smith #19 of the Vegas Golden Knights in action during Game Four of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on May 12, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Report: Golden Knights re-sign Smith to 1-year, $2M deal

The New Orleans Pelicans are trading sharpshooter CJ McCollum to the Washington Wizards as part o...

<p>The New Orleans Pelicans are trading sharpshooter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2562" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2562">CJ McCollum</a> to the Washington Wizards as part of a four-player trade, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1937589524114104829">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>New Orleans is reportedly sending McCollum, big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2041" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2041">Kelly Olynyk</a>, and a future second-round pick to the Wizards in exchange for guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60514" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60514">Jordan Poole</a>, forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93869" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93869">Saddiq Bey</a>, and the 40th overall pick in Wednesday's draft.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The future second-round pick incoming to the Wizards is a 2027 second-round pick that previously belonged Chicago, I'm told. <a href="https://t.co/HvlkhcABKq">https://t.co/HvlkhcABKq</a></p>— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshuaBRobbins/status/1937594148950769687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The trade won't be made official until July 6 because Washington is $907,000 below the first apron, according to <a href="https://x.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1937597137526702575">ESPN's Bobby Marks</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>McCollum, 33, will earn a little over $30 million in 2025-26, the final season of his contract.</p><p>The former first-round pick brings some veteran shooting to the rebuilding Wizards. McCollum, who spent most of the last four campaigns in New Orleans, shot 37.3% from behind the arc in 56 games for the Pels last season while averaging a little over 21 points and four assists per game.</p><p>Olynyk averaged 8.7 points and 4.7 rebounds over 44 games last season split between the Pelicans and Toronto Raptors. The 34-year-old Canadian is also on an expiring contract that will pay him around $13.4 million next season.</p><p>Washington will be Olynyk's eighth stop in his 12-year career.</p><p>Poole spent the last two seasons in Washington after the Wizards acquired him from the Golden State Warriors as part of the return for Chris Paul. The 26-year-old averaged 18.8 points per game over 146 contests with the Wizards.</p><p>The Milwaukee native is owed $65.8 million over the next two seasons.</p><p>Bey, 26, didn't play a game for the Wizards after joining them on a three-year, $20-million deal last July. He spent the year rehabbing the torn ACL he sustained in March 2024 while with the Atlanta Hawks.</p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 23: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 23, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Report: Pels, Wizards swap McCollum, Poole in 4-player deal

Texas Rangers left-hander Cody Bradford will undergo season-ending elbow surgery Wednesday, presi...

<p>Texas Rangers left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13850" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13850">Cody Bradford</a> will undergo season-ending elbow surgery Wednesday, president of baseball operations Chris Young announced Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/kennlandry/status/1937581258990571798">Kennedi Landry of MLB.com</a>.</p><p>It's not yet clear whether Bradford will require the internal bracing procedure or full-blown Tommy John surgery, according to <a href="https://x.com/JeffWilsonTXR/status/1937581448573440310">Jeff Wilson of DLLS Sports</a>. That won't be determined until doctors can examine the extent of his ligament damage.</p><p>Depending on the type of elbow surgery he needs, Bradford could potentially miss the entire 2026 season as well. Typical recovery time following traditional Tommy John surgery, used to repair a fully torn ulnar collateral ligament, can range anywhere from 12-18 months.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bradford hasn't pitched for the Rangers this season after he experienced elbow soreness in spring training. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list with a left elbow sprain in early April.</p><p>The Rangers were hoping he'd be ready to start a rehab assignment in the near future until Bradford felt elbow pain while throwing a recent bullpen. Further exams found he'd experienced a setback and required surgery, according to <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2025/06/24/texas-rangers-pitcher-cody-bradford-suffers-significant-setback-requires-surgery/">Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News</a>.</p><p>"As often happens, he passed the early stages of the rehab, but closer to game action, torque and stress ramps up. When he got to that level, it didn't go well," Young said, per Grant.</p><p>The 27-year-old was supposed to be a key member of Texas' rotation in 2025 after enjoying an abbreviated breakout campaign last summer. Bradford put up a 3.54 ERA, 3.59 FIP, and 1.01 WHIP along with 70 strikeouts and just 13 walks in 2024 despite missing half the season because of a back issue.</p><p>Bradford, who helped the Rangers win a World Series as a rookie in 2023, is under team control through the 2029 season.</p><p>The Rangers' rotation has been hit hard by injuries this year. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4229" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4229">Jon Gray</a> hasn't pitched this season either after fracturing his wrist in spring training, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2345" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2345">Nathan Eovaldi</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8161" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8161">Tyler Mahle</a> both landed on the IL within the last month.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 11: Cody Bradford #61 of the Texas Rangers delivers a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on September 11, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Rangers' Bradford needs season-ending elbow surgery

Ronald Acuña Jr. has officially reached villain status in Flushing, and he loves it.  The Atlanta...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8292" href="/mlb/players/8292">Ronald Acuña Jr.</a> has officially reached villain status in Flushing, and he loves it.</p><p>The Atlanta Braves superstar continued his dominance over the New York Mets in Monday's 3-2 win by blasting a long third-inning homer off <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8406" href="/mlb/players/8406">Paul Blackburn</a>. Acuña drew plenty of boos from the Citi Field crowd as he thoroughly enjoyed his slow trot around the bases.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="es" dir="ltr">VOTE RONALD 🌟<a href="https://t.co/DZR0ZYbjhX">https://t.co/DZR0ZYbjhX</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BravesCountry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BravesCountry</a> <a href="https://t.co/9MpbFIeNvl">pic.twitter.com/9MpbFIeNvl</a></p>— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1937296198810890737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Acuña said postgame that he wanted Mets fans to know that the boos and jeers only served to fuel his fire.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Honestly, it feels good," Acuña said through an interpreter, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6447106/2025/06/24/braves-ronald-acuna-jr-mets-chris-sale-update/?source=emp_shared_article">David O'Brien of The Athletic</a>. "It feels like whenever I kind of hear those boos or anything ... it's hard to describe it, it's almost like I get more confidence, you know?"</p><p>Acuña is just the latest Braves star to become public enemy No. 1 in the franchise's rivalry with the Mets. Hall of Famer Chipper Jones had perhaps the most famous feud with the Flushing faithful, who'd taunt him with chants of his birth name, "Larry." Jones, who hit 49 career homers against the Mets, responded by naming one of his sons Shea, in honor of the Mets' former stadium.</p><p>The 27-year-old Acuña has picked up that mantle from Jones by torching Mets pitching throughout his career. He's a lifetime .305/.398/.528 hitter with 17 homers and 48 RBIs against New York and owns a .884 OPS with nine homers at Citi Field. Since debuting in 2018, Acuña has recorded more hits versus the Mets (104) than against any other opponent.</p><p>Monday's game continued what's turning into a brilliant comeback season for the 2023 NL MVP. Since completing rehab from a second torn ACL in late May, Acuña's hit .396/.500/.713 with nine homers, 14 extra-base hits, and 16 RBIs over 122 plate appearances.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 23: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after hitting a solo home run in the third inning during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Monday, June 23, 2025 in New York, New York.

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Acuña loves hearing boos from Mets fans: 'I get more confidence'

The Chicago White Sox agreed to a minor-league contract with former All-Star right-hander Noah Sy...

<p>The Chicago White Sox agreed to a minor-league contract with former All-Star right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4246" href="/mlb/players/4246">Noah Syndergaard</a>, <a href="https://x.com/ChuckGarfien/status/1937504081939169299">Chuck Garfien of Chicago Sports Network</a> reports.</p><p>Syndergaard has reported to the White Sox training complex in Glendale, Arizona, according to Garfien. It's not clear when the 32-year-old will appear in games at any level.</p><p>His contract contains an opt-out clause if he's not in the majors by Aug. 1, according to <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/1937617712550650095">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The deal marks the start of a comeback attempt for Syndergaard, who sat out last season after a difficult 2023 campaign.</p><p>Syndergaard put up a career-worst 6.50 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with a 5.7 K/9 rate, 10 hit batters, and 22 home runs allowed over 18 total starts split between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Guardians in '23. L.A. had signed him to a $13-million contract that offseason before trading him to Cleveland in July. After just six starts with the Guardians, Syndergaard landed on the injured list and was released in August.</p><p>One of the top young pitchers in baseball for a brief time, the 6-foot-6 hurler led the New York Mets to the 2015 NL pennant as a rookie and topped the majors in FIP in 2016. However, his career stalled amid injuries over the next few seasons, notably a torn elbow ligament in 2020.</p><p>Syndergaard owns a lifetime 59-47 record with a 3.71 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 928 strikeouts, and two shutouts across 941 1/3 big-league innings with five teams. He earned an All-Star nod with the Mets in 2016 and won pennants with New York in 2015 and the Philadelphia Phillies in 2021.</p>

CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 22: Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) delivers a pitch to the plate during the second inning of the Major League Baseball Interleague game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Guardians on August 22, 2023, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH.

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Report: White Sox sign former All-Star Syndergaard to minor-league deal

The Cincinnati Reds designated corner infielder Jeimer Candelario for assignment Monday after act...

<p>The Cincinnati Reds designated corner infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3570" href="/mlb/players/3570">Jeimer Candelario</a> for assignment Monday after activating him from the injured list.</p><p>Candelario is in the second season of a three-year, $45-million deal with the Reds. He's earning $15 million this season and is owed another $22.5 million in guaranteed money, including a $3-million buyout of his 2027 club option, over the remainder of his contract.</p><p>Cincinnati now has seven days to either trade, waive, or release Candelario.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>President of baseball operations Nick Krall called the move a "statement of intent" about the organization's desire to field a winner, according to <a href="https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/mlb/reds/2025/06/23/reds-jeimer-candelario-designated-for-assignment/84323215007/?taid=6859ac58efd4ac0001fbdb6e&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter">Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer</a>.</p><p>"It's a tough decision. He's a great guy," president of baseball operations Nick Krall said. "We've played well. It is something we looked at as we're trying to win games, and this gives us the best opportunity to win, to not bring him back."</p><p>The 31-year-old joined the Reds in free agency on the heels of a career-best 2023 season, but he never came close to reaching the expectations of his contract. Candelario hit .207/.265/.394 with 22 homers and 66 RBIs over just 134 games with the Reds over the last two campaigns. His 74 wRC+ since the start of 2024 tied for the 10th-worst among hitters with at least 550 plate appearances.</p><p>Candelario put up a .410 OPS in 22 contests to start this season before landing on the IL with a lumbar spine strain. The 10-year veteran's struggles continued during a recent minor-league rehab assignment, in which he posted a .652 OPS with just one homer in 66 plate appearances with Triple-A Louisville.</p><p>The Reds are thoroughly covered at both of his defensive positions, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12789" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12789">Spencer Steer</a> primarily manning first base and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14565" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14565">Christian Encarnacion-Strand</a> bouncing between first and third. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9688" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9688">Santiago Espinal</a> will also continue to see time at the hot corner.</p><p>Cutting Candelario also opens a 40-man roster spot for pitcher Chase Burns, the Reds' No. 1 prospect, who is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3302862" href="https://thescore.com/news/3302862">scheduled</a> to make his MLB debut Tuesday against the New York Yankees. Burns was added to Cincinnati's taxi squad Monday and will likely be officially selected to the roster ahead of Tuesday's game.</p><p>Cincinnati enters play Monday fourth in the NL Central with a 40-38 record.</p>

CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 28: Jeimer Candelario #3 of the Cincinnati Reds during batting practice before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park on April 28, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Reds DFA Candelario halfway through $45M contract

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Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb

News Editor

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