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Tag: MLB – English

  • MLB suspends former Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias until the All-Star Game break

    MLB suspends former Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias until the All-Star Game break

    Former Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher Julio Urias, who last pitched in a Major League Baseball game more than 18 months ago, has been officially sanctioned by MLB for violating its domestic violence policy.

    Urias was suspended until the 2025 All-Star break. He will be able to return on July 17. A free agent since the end of the 2023 season, Urias will be able to sign with any team from then on.

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    The Sinaloa-born left-hander becomes the first player to be suspended twice under MLB’s domestic violence and sexual assault policy, and could sign with any team from July 17.

    MLB completes investigation into Julio Urias

    “The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball has completed its investigation into the allegations that free agent pitcher Julio Urias violated Major League Baseball’s Joint Policy on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement announcing the sanction

    After a thorough review of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Urias violated our policy and that discipline is warranted

    Rob Manfred, Comisionado de la MLB.

    Urias was placed on administrative leave in September 2023 while MLB investigated an incident involving Urias and his wife outside BMO Stadium following a LAFC match

    Urias was arrested on September 3 and eventually pleaded not guilty to the assault charges. In April 2024, he was given three years probation, ordered to complete 30 days of community service and a 52-week domestic violence therapy course.

    This is the second time MLB has suspended Urias following a domestic violence incident. He was also suspended for 20 games following an incident in 2019.

    Teams play a variable number of games before the All-Star break. However, Urias’ suspension will be the fourth longest since MLB adopted its domestic violence policy in 2015. Trevor Bauer was suspended for 324 games in 2022. This sanction was reduced to 194 games following an appeal. Sam Dyson was suspended for a full season in 2021. And Jose Torres was suspended for 100 games in 2018.

    None of the three have returned to MLB since their suspensions, although Bauer has publicly pushed for an opportunity while pitching in Japan and Mexico over the past two seasons.

    Urias was the rising star the Dodgers wanted

    At just 28 years old, Urias was a rising star among National League pitchers, ready to take advantage of the free agent market after the 2023 season, when his career was cut short by the second domestic violence incident.

    Urias recorded the final out of the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series victory and then was the only 20-game winner in baseball in 2021, going 20-3 with a 2.96 ERA. Urias finished third in the National League Cy Young Award in 2022, going 17-7 with a 2.16 ERA, leading the National League.

    The arrival of free agency seemed to destabilize Urias in 2023. He had a record of just 11-8 with a 4.60 ERA in 21 starts before being administratively suspended.

    It was speculated that Urias could appear in the Mexican League or in winter ball before returning to MLB, but he never did. MLB’s suspension could indicate that Urias plans to return.

    As part of his suspension, Urias also agreed to be evaluated by a policy board jointly overseen by MLB and the players’ union, and to comply with any recommended treatment plan.



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  • Alert in Yankees! Gerrit Cole would have to undergo Tommy John surgery and would miss the entire season

    Alert in Yankees! Gerrit Cole would have to undergo Tommy John surgery and would miss the entire season

    New York Yankees star pitcher Gerrit Cole has been dealing with pain in his throwing elbow for much of the offseason. After initial evaluations, the right-hander was sent for an MRI.

    While awaiting the results of the MRI, general manager Brian Cashman admitted he was bracing for the worst. The worst in this situation would be Tommy John surgery on Cole’s ulnar collateral ligament.

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    Yankees want to confirm the diagnosis

    On Sunday night, former MLB general manager Jim Bowden reported that the worst-case scenario could become a reality for the Bronx Bombers and their ace on the mound.

    “According to the source, Gerrit Cole has been advised to undergo TJ surgery… but they are now awaiting a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis,” Bowden wrote in a post on “X” on Sunday night.

    Obviously, the second opinion could change things for Cole and the Yankees, but the situation seems to have gone from bad to worse. It is not common for these second opinions to change the diagnosis or recommendations.

    If Cole undergoes Tommy John surgery, it will rule him out for the entire 2025 season and possibly until 2026.

    The Yankees, who no longer have Luis Gil, would have to quickly look for a replacement for Cole. An injury like this would push top prospect Will Warren into the rotation to start the year, ready or not.

    Some trade options the Yankees could look to include Erick Fedde, Dylan Cease and Sandy Alcantara. They could also look to reunite with Sonny Gray or Michael King.

    Either way, the Manhattan Mules should move quickly to replace Cole because it looks like he won’t be pitching in 2025.



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  • Los Angeles Dodgers manager admit shocking Shohei Ohtani secret: “We have no clue what we're doing”

    Los Angeles Dodgers manager admit shocking Shohei Ohtani secret: “We have no clue what we're doing”

    The Los Angeles Dodgers, despite boasting the unparalleled talent of Shohei Ohtani, are facing a perplexing dilemma: they have no concrete plan for how to manage their two-way superstar. While manager Dave Roberts insists a strategy exists, the reality appears to be a series of educated guesses and on-the-fly adjustments.

    Ohtani, a generational talent capable of both elite hitting and pitching, presents a unique challenge. With his return to pitching slated for 2025, the Dodgers are grappling with how to balance his workload.

    “I just don’t know if it’s going to be before a start day to prepare, after a start day. … I just don’t know any of that stuff right now,” Roberts admitted, revealing the team’s lack of clarity.

    While Ohtani’s at-bats and stolen base attempts may decrease to manage his workload, Roberts assures fans that the quality of those at-bats will remain exceptional.

    How much rest does Ohtani need?

    However, the team’s admission of uncertainty regarding Ohtani’s rest schedule has raised concerns among fans. They plan to assess his needs as the season progresses, hoping his dedication to rehab will minimize setbacks.

    Despite the Dodgers’ apparent lack of a clear blueprint, Ohtani himself is making a statement with his performance. Facing his former team, the Los Angeles Angels, he delivered a powerful home run, showcasing his continued dominance.

    “Regardless of the results, I think the biggest takeaway was being able to go through my three at-bats without any issues. Physically, I felt really good,” Ohtani said, emphasizing his successful return.

    It’s a matter of trial and error

    Ohtani also revealed that he has fine-tuned his swing, adapting it to better suit his physical condition and ensure consistent results. This adjustment, combined with his strong physical performance, suggests that Ohtani is not just returning to form but potentially improving.

    In essence, the Dodgers possess a once-in-a-lifetime talent, but they are still figuring out how to maximize his potential. While they publicly maintain an air of control, the reality is a constant process of evaluation and adaptation. Ohtani, meanwhile, is focused on refining his game and proving that his comeback will be nothing short of spectacular.



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  • Pete Alonso explains what made him “tired” of Juan Soto before he joined the Mets

    Pete Alonso explains what made him “tired” of Juan Soto before he joined the Mets

    Juan Soto continues to establish himself as one of the most dominant hitters in Major League Baseball. Since his debut in 2018, the 26-year-old has been a nightmare for pitchers, and his relentless consistency at the plate helped him secure the richest contract in MLB history this offseason.

    After an impressive campaign with the New York Yankees, Soto made a shocking move by joining their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets. He signed a massive 15-year, $765 million contract, making it the biggest signing of the offseason. While Mets fans are thrilled about the acquisition, his new teammate Pete Alonso is just as excited about the arrival of the Dominican slugger.

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    Pete Alonso on why Juan Soto is a game-changer

    In an interview with Foul Territory, Alonso shared his thoughts on Soto’s impact and how playing against him for six seasons made him appreciate his talent even more.

    “Adding Juan is huge because playing against him for the past six years, the dude’s a baller-we all know that. He’s a game-changing type player, and you’re tired of seeing him have that game-winning hit or making that big play in the field,” Alonso said.

    Alonso’s admiration for Soto goes beyond simple praise for a new teammate. The Dominican superstar has been a four-time All-Star, a World Series champion, and one of the most consistent offensive threats in the league. His presence in the Mets‘ lineup, alongside Alonso and Francisco Lindor, could elevate the team to serious contention in the National League.

    Juan Soto is among the top favorites for NL MVP in 2025

    Soto’s impact is already being recognized beyond the Mets clubhouse. As of February 28, FanDuel lists him as the second favorite to win the NL MVP award, trailing only Shohei Ohtani.

    Last season, Soto posted a .288 batting average with 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and a .989 OPS. Now, with an even stronger supporting cast, he could surpass those numbers and solidify his place as one of baseball’s all-time greats.

    With Soto joining Alonso and Lindor in the Mets‘ lineup, New York fans have every reason to believe that 2025 could be a special year for their team.



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  • Dodgers are giving this new lesson to their superstar Shohei Ohtani

    Dodgers are giving this new lesson to their superstar Shohei Ohtani

    Shohei Ohtani has undeniably established himself as the best player in Major League Baseball, a true freak in the modern game. His ability to perform at the toppest level as both an elite hitter and a top-tier pitcher draws comparisons only to the legendary Babe Ruth, a feat thought to be impossible in contemporary baseball. He’s redefined what it means to be a two-way player, showcasing a level of dominance rarely witnessed. Yet, despite his extraordinary achievements, there was still a piece missing from his remarkable resume.

    During the second game of the World Series against the Yankees, Shohei Ohtani’s attempt to steal second base resulted in a significant injury, requiring surgery to repair the labrum in his left shoulder. This incident served as a stark reminder of the physical risks involved in baseball, particularly for a player like Ohtani who pushes his body to the limits. Understanding the potential for further injury, the Dodgers, keen to protect their prized asset, have taken a highly cautious approach.

    Dodgers teach Shohei! They won’t let him to get another injury so they are teaching him this

    For a player of Shohei Ohtani’s caliber, a baseball legend in his own right, dedicating time to practice sliding techniques might seem unusual. It’s not a common sight to see established stars revisiting the fundamentals of the game. However, this focused training speaks volumes about Ohtani’s unwavering commitment to his craft. He’s not just going through the motions; he’s actively seeking to improve, even in areas that might seem trivial to others.

    This dedication to mastering every aspect of the game is a hallmark of the Japanese approach to baseball, a culture that values meticulous preparation and continuous improvement. Ohtani’s willingness to learn, even at the highest level, demonstrates a profound respect for the game and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He’s not just refining a skill; he’s embodying the spirit of dedication that defines his remarkable career.

    The Los Angeles Dodgers have assembled a formidable roster, signaling their unwavering intent to secure a second consecutive World Series title. Their strategic acquisitions have created an undeniable buzz around the team. The addition of Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki, coupled with the signing of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, has solidified their pitching rotation with international talent. 1 Furthermore, the Dodgers have fostered a welcoming environment for these players, surrounding them with familiar faces and friends, creating a sense of camaraderie. To further bolster their lineup, they’ve made significant moves in free agency, securing the talents of Blake Snell and George Kirby.

    Players like Freddie Freeman are integral to the Dodgers’ success. His consistent performance and leadership contribute significantly to the team’s overall strength.They dominate the division before and I am sure they will now. No one can stop the Dodgers from the National League.



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  • Juan Soto blasts first home run as a Met: Proves $765M deal was worth every penny

    Juan Soto blasts first home run as a Met: Proves $765M deal was worth every penny

    Juan Soto wasted no time proving why the New York Mets handed him the richest contract in sports history. In his very first at-bat with the team, Soto crushed a towering 426-foot home run, electrifying the Spring Training crowd and sending a clear message-he’s worth every penny of that staggering $765 million deal.

    The 26-year-old superstar, who made headlines in December after signing his eye-watering 15-year contract, stepped up to the plate in the first inning of his Mets debut, batting second in the lineup.

    After Francisco Lindor popped out to start the inning, all eyes were on Soto. And he delivered in spectacular fashion. Facing Houston Astros pitcher Colton Gordon, Soto patiently took two balls and then swung and missed at a third pitch.

    But when Gordon left a fastball hanging over the plate, Soto pounced-launching a moonshot over the left-center field wall to give the Mets an early 1-0 lead. The crowd erupted, watching their new franchise star announce his arrival in the most dramatic way possible.

    Soto seems to have found his permanent home

    Soto was the most sought-after free agent this offseason. While the Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox, and Blue Jays all pursued him aggressively, the Mets ultimately won the sweepstakes, securing the generational talent with a massive payday that dwarfs even Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million deal with the Dodgers.

    Unlike Ohtani, who has most of his salary deferred, Soto will enjoy massive annual payouts throughout his contract. After stints with the Nationals, Padres, and Yankees, Soto appears to have finally found his long-term home in Queens.

    And if his first at-bat is any indication, Mets fans are in for something special. With more at-bats to come against Houston, the question now is-how many more fireworks will Soto deliver before Opening Day?



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  • What a Gift! Juan Soto gives Mets teammate Brett Baty a truck for giving up No. 22

    What a Gift! Juan Soto gives Mets teammate Brett Baty a truck for giving up No. 22

    Juan Soto gave his Mets teammate Brett Baty a great $92,000 gift for giving up the number 22

    Juan Soto had it written into his record $765 million contract that he would wear the number 22 for the Mets. But Brett Baty, who had worn the number before Soto, is not going away empty-handed.

    Juan Soto did not forget to thank Brett Baty

    Soto gifted the Mets infielder a black Chevy Tahoe, as seen in a video posted on the Mets’ official Instagram page Thursday. Soto said the Tahoe cost $92,000.

    Baty went out to the parking lot where Soto was with the car dressed in his full home uniform.

    “No, you didn’t,” Baty told Soto. “My boy!”

    The two shared a hug before Soto handed the keys to Baty.

    There was a giant red bow on the hood and the message, “Thanks for the number 22,” was written on the rear windshield.

    “This is crazy, man,” Baty said.

    “I wanted to give you something nice,” Soto replied.

    Soto has worn the No. 22 throughout his career and explained during his introductory press conference at Citi Field in December why he wanted to keep it.

    “Twenty-two is the first number I had when I got to the big leagues,” Soto said at the time, while wearing a gold chain with the number 22. “It was important to me. When the Nationals gave me that number, I was very happy, very excited. That was the first number I wore and I’m more than happy to keep embracing that number.”



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  • Pirates still confident former No. 1 overall pick Henry Davis can do it all: 'There's no panic'

    Pirates still confident former No. 1 overall pick Henry Davis can do it all: 'There's no panic'

    This Sunday, a former No. 1 overall pick inspired audible excitement from a Pirates coach, and no, it wasn’t Paul Skenes.

    During a live batting practice session at Pirate City, the 2021 No. 1 overall pick Henry Davis perfectly timed a first-pitch sinker from left-hander Tim Mayza. But instead of launching an imposing hit, Davis sent it to the opposite field for what could have been a double to right-center field in the scrimmage scenario. “Oh, yeah!” shouted the coach.

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    Henry Davis inspires a lot of confidence in the Pirates

    The 25-year-old acknowledged that after a forgettable 2024 season, he had to turn things around in the batter’s box. One of his goals while training in Tennessee for most of his offseason was to get to a place where he could focus on taking the ball to the middle of the field.

    Last season, manager Derek Shelton said that Davis became a little too rotational with his swing and, consequently, his pitch chart became quite pull-prone. Davis, who is usually a guy who looks for fastballs successfully, posted an average of just .056 against 157 four-seam fastballs in the MLB in 2024, according to Baseball Savant.

    Now, Davis has a simple but efficient setup at the plate. His hands are quieter when he loads than last year and he is not as crouched. Essentially, Davis said he has gone back to basics.

    “A lot of the things that have led me to be the hitter that I am over the years,” Davis told the Post-Gazette on Saturday, “I walked away from them last year and never really got to my feet the last two times in the majors.”

    “But, encouraged by the direction I’m going. And obviously, [I’m going to] work every day and try to put myself in the best possible position.”

    Last spring, discussions about Davis focused on his defensive development. After breaking into the majors as a right fielder in 2023, Davis played exclusively as a catcher or designated hitter last year.

    The evolution of Henry Davis

    Now, something that has been a constant throughout Davis’ baseball career has been called into question: can he hit? Certainly, Davis has plenty of evidence from his time in the minors that could boost his confidence.

    But Davis is currently focused on generating confidence from his current work on the hitting side rather than what happened in the past.

    “I definitely [did] a couple of things early last year that got in my way and put me in a tough spot to cover all parts of the zone and be a tough out, which is something I take a lot of pride in,” Davis said. “So going back to that, I actually felt really good about my work at Triple-A last year. In the few short seasons [in MLB], it was hard to translate.”

    However, what did translate in 2024 was Davis’ defense. According to several advanced metrics, Davis showed that he can at least be an adequate MLB catcher, though he still has room for improvement.

    While Davis’ volume of batting reps outweighed his work as a catcher at times during the past offseason, he was still diligent in trying to become a better defensive catcher. One area he looked to improve was receiving breaking balls in the zone and being as aggressive as possible, within reason, to catch them early.

    “I had decent success in the other zones,” Davis said. “That was the one area that I really felt like I could gain some margins.”

    As general manager Ben Cherington expressed on Friday, Davis’ development has not been straightforward. Rather, the catcher who has hit .290 with a solid .944 OPS in the minors has been challenged, either by injuries or by his performances in MLB games.

    “We believe he’s going to be better for having gone through it,” Cherington said. “The same reasons why we would bet on him coming out of the draft – the skill, the work ethic, the willingness to take on a challenge, the toughness – all those things are still there.

    A different scenario for Davis

    Now, Davis finds himself in a different scenario than last season when it comes to being part of the Pirates’ Opening Day roster. Not only does he need to prove that his modified swing and approach can help him reach his full potential at the plate, but he also has to fend off Endy Rodriguez and Jason Delay, as Cherington said Joey Bart will be one of the Pirates’ two catchers.

    Regardless of how this spring plays out and whether he makes Shelton’s team out of camp, Davis remains a coveted product within the organization. The franchise still has great optimism that Davis can achieve it all less than four years from his draft date.

    “There’s no panic,” Shelton said. “We know he’s going to be a good player. We know he’s going to be a good hitter.”



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  • Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes celebrate Valentine's Day like Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in Ghost

    Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes celebrate Valentine's Day like Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in Ghost

    Paul Skenes and Olivia Dunne continue to captivate fans with their high-profile relationship and they once again caught all the eyes with their Valentine’s Day celebration, reminiscent of the famous Ghost movie, featuring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze.

    As Skenes prepares for a big season on the mound with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Dunne dazzles with her gymnastics performances, the couple managed to squeeze in a special celebration that stirred memories of the iconic pottery scene.

    Dunne took to Instagram to share glimpses of their unique date, where the duo attended a pottery class and the images immediately evoked comparisons to the famous scene from Ghost, where Moore and Swayze created pottery together in a moment of pure romance.

    The 22-year-old Dunne, who stars with the LSU Tigers, was dressed in a stunning red nightgown and posted a set of photos, tagging Skenes with three red hearts in a message simply reading, “@PAULSKENES.”

    Skenes also joined in on the festivities by sharing a heartfelt tribute to Dunne on his Instagram story. The Pirates‘ sensational pitcher posted a photo of Dunne proudly holding the 2024 NCAA Trophy.

    The 22-year-old, voted the National League Rookie of the Year, added the snap of his beau with the caption, “My Valentine.”

    Dunne x Skenes: America’s latest sports power couple?

    Skenes took the baseball world by storm with an impressive 1.96 earned run average and an 11-3 record and is being counted on as the ace for the Pirates‘ upcoming season, determined to build on his success and lead his team to postseason once again.

    The Pirates finished with a .459 record and 76 wins at the PNC Park but missed out on the playoffs in the National League Central, which proved to be highly competitive between the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, St Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds.

    Meanwhile, Dunne continues to shine with LSU gymnastics as an integral part of the team for an additional year, demonstrating her commitment and passion for the sport. Her influence extends beyond the gym as well, as she remains one of the most followed college athletes on social media, inspiring young gymnasts nationwide.



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  • Pat Mahomes Sr. and John Rocker nearly fight in New Orleans as boxing match rumors heat up

    Pat Mahomes Sr. and John Rocker nearly fight in New Orleans as boxing match rumors heat up

    Patrick Mahomes Sr., father of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, has been no stranger to controversy. In February 2024, just days before the Super Bowl, he was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI), marking his third such offense. This incident led to a guilty plea and a five-year probation sentence. Despite these challenges, Mahomes Sr. has remained a visible figure, often seen supporting his son during high-profile games.

    Recently, Mahomes Sr. was involved in a heated confrontation with formerMLB pitcher John Rocker in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The two were captured on video exchanging intense words, appearing ready to escalate the situation physically. However, the altercation was defused before it turned violent.

    Interestingly, this encounter may not have been a spontaneous dispute. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has hinted that both Mahomes Sr. and Rocker have signed contracts to face each other in an upcoming Rough N’ Rowdy boxing event. If true, this match promises to be a spectacle, given the personalities involved.

    In today’s media landscape, marketing strategies often leverage personal narratives and public personas to capture attention. The potential boxing match between Mahomes Sr. and Rocker exemplifies this trend, blurring the lines between genuine conflict and promotional events. Such spectacles are designed to engage audiences, especially when tied to major events like the Super Bowl.

    From verbal sparring to the boxing ring?

    The incident between Mahomes Sr. and Rocker has sparked significant public interest. While the confrontation appeared genuine, the revelation of a possible pre-arranged boxing match adds a layer of intrigue. Barstool Sports’ Rough N’ Rowdy events are known for featuring unconventional matchups, and this potential bout fits that mold perfectly. As details emerge, fans are left wondering whether the initial altercation was spontaneous or a calculated move to generate buzz for the upcoming fight.

    The Super Bowl is not only the pinnacle of sporting achievement, but also a platform for advertisements and major events. Patrick Mahomes’ father’s involvement in a high-profile confrontation, which has given rise to rumors of a boxing match, changes the usual Super Bowl narratives. It remains to be seen whether this event is a genuine dispute or a promotional strategy, but it has certainly captured the public’s attention.

    As the story unfolds, this type of advertisement changes the rules of the game of sports entertainment, where the lines between competition, personal conflict and marketing continue to blur.



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