Category: MLB

Despite bullpen woes and a costly fielding error, a ninth-inning home run from Ben Rice helped the Yankees avoid a late collapse and outlast the Blue Jays, 5-4, on Tuesday night at Rogers Centre.

Here are the takeaways...

-- While it took the Yankees four innings to score against Max Scherzer in their June 30 meeting, they only needed four batters to tack on runs in Tuesday's rematch. After a leadoff single from Trent Grisham and a double from Cody Bellinger, the veteran right-hander grooved a full-count, one-out fastball to Jazz Chisholm Jr. that he clobbered into the right-center field seats for a three-run homer. It was the 18th blast of the season for Chisholm, who also happened to break the ice with a dinger off Scherzer three weeks ago.

-- Cam Schlittler took the mound for his second-career start -- it was delayed a few days due to reported arm soreness -- and the Blue Jays put him to work almost immediately. While the rookie's first inning included a pair of strikeouts, he allowed a walk and two singles that brought a run home and cut the Yankees' lead to 3-1. Schlittler then escaped a bases-loaded jam in the second that pushed his pitch total to a whopping 49.

-- Scherzer settled in after the first-inning homer, retiring six straight at one point and 13 of 15 with two outs in the fifth. But he just couldn't get the best of Bellinger, who crushed a solo shot to right-center to bump the Yankees' lead to 4-1. Scherzer completed the frame, finishing at a season-high 90 pitches. There was no way to predict a homer and pair of doubles from Bellinger against Scherzer -- he entered with a career .118 average across 16 at-bats.

-- Schlittler regained control of his pitch count after the second inning, needing only 21 pitches to complete the third and fourth frames. But he fell into trouble in the fifth, allowing three singles that resulted in another Blue Jays run. The rally could've been far worse if not for a slick 6-4-3 double play turned by Anthony Volpe and Chisholm up the middle. It was simply a grind for Schlittler, who gave up two runs on seven hits and three walks with three punchouts (90 pitches).

-- Tim Hill took over for Schlittler in the sixth, and the left-hander's rhythm was quickly disrupted by poor support behind him. A throwing error from Volpe on a routine grounder allowed leadoff man Miles Straw to reach base, and from there, a one-out RBI double from pinch-hitter Davis Schneider cut the Blue Jays' deficit back to two. The Yankees then turned to Jonathan Loáisiga to clean up the mess, but he gave up a first-pitch RBI single to George Springer that knotted the score at 4-4. Volpe now has 13 errors this season, tied for the most at any position in MLB.

-- Loáisiga surprisingly came back out for the seventh, and the attempt to steal outs with him backfired. He was pulled after one pitch, which Bo Bichette ripped down the left-field line for a double. By necessity, Luke Weaver was tasked with completing the frame, and he did just that by inducing a flyout and two lineouts. One of the outs wasn't pain-free, however -- TV cameras caught Aaron Judge flexing his right hand and grimacing after catching a ball and throwing it back in.

-- The ninth inning began with the game still tied at 4-4, but it only took five pitches for the Yankees to regain the lead. With one out, Ben Rice played the role of hero, smacking a first-pitch fastball from Jeff Hoffman into the right-center bullpen for a solo homer. Devin Williams handled the bottom half of the frame, and while he flirted with trouble by allowing a leadoff single and a deep flyout, he then struck out a pair to register his 15th save of the season.

Game MVP: Ben Rice

While it was Bellinger who had the best night at the plate, finishing 3-for-4 and boosting his season average to .285, the game wouldn't have been won without Rice's huge solo shot in the ninth. He didn't waste any time in swinging against Hoffman with a chance to do damage.

Highlights

JAZZ CHISHOLM JR. LAUNCHES A LONG HOME RUN OFF MAX SCHERZER! pic.twitter.com/4Wm2bYfkpy

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) July 22, 2025

A BELLI BOMB TO RIGHT pic.twitter.com/QdCRnZhStc

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) July 23, 2025

BEN RICE HOMERS TO GIVE THE YANKEES THE LEAD IN THE 9TH! pic.twitter.com/UQ5xHhYEC0

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) July 23, 2025

What's next

The Yankees (56-45) will play the rubber game of their series north of the border on Wednesday night, with first pitch scheduled for 7:07 p.m.

LHP Max Fried (11-3, 2.43) is slated to take the mound, opposite RHP Chris Bassitt (10-4, 3.89 ERA).

The Mets were down early, but a three-run fifth inning -- powered by Francisco Alvarez's two-run homer -- was the difference in their 3-2 win over the Angels at Citi Field on Tuesday night.

Alvarez hit 11 homers in Triple-A when he was demoted, but he went deep for his fourth homer of the season, his first since June and his first at home this year.

The Mets (58-44) have won three straight games and remain 0.5 games behind the Phillies, who won earlier in the evening.

Here are the takeaways...

- The Mets' defense helped out Frankie Montas early in this one. Mike Trout hit a one-out single with Nolan Schanuel on second. Juan Soto fielded the ball and threw a one-hopper to Alvarez, who tagged Schanuel to keep the Angels off the board.

Soto has six outfield assists after having nine all of last season.

Montas benefited from some great defense behind him as he scattered baserunners throughout his outing, only allowing one run on a Jorge Soler bomb in the second inning. However, things started to unravel for the right-hander in the fifth. Montas allowed two doubles with a walk sandwiched between, as the Angels took a 2-0 lead. But Montas would escape a bases-loaded jam and get through five innings.

Montas pitched into the sixth but could not complete the inning after allowing a two-out single to Logan O'Hoppe.

Rico Garcia picked up the final out of the sixth and ended Montas' night. The veteran right-hander tossed 91 pitches (58 strikes) across 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out six.

- The Mets' offense was kept in check by veteran Kyle Hendricks through four innings. The only hit came on a Mark Vientos bloop single that centerfielder Jo Adell let drop in front of him. But that all changed in the fifth. With two outs, Brett Baty hit a double and Alvarez plated him with a monstrous two-run shot that got the Citi Field crowd on their feet. It's just Alvarez's fourth longball this season and the first at home.

Ronny Mauricio singled and stole second before Brandon Nimmo singled him home to give the Mets a 3-2 lead.

- New York could not take advantage of shoddy Angels infield defense, as Alvarez and Mauricio reached on two errors to lead off the seventh. Nimmo and Lindor struck out before Soto was walked intentionally to load the bases. Alonso struck out to end the threat.

The top four of the Mets lineup (Nimmo, Lindor, Soto, Alonso) went a combined 1-for-13 with three walks and four strikeouts. Soto did pick up his 13th stolen base this season, setting a new career-high.

- The Mets were without Huascar Brazoban and Edwin Diaz after they worked two games in a row, but the bullpen pieced it together. Garcia allowed a hit in one inning of work before Reed Garrett picked up four outs without allowing a baserunner. Ryne Stanek came on to close it out and allowed a leadoff single.

Stanek bounced back, striking out Luis Rengifo and getting Zach Neto to fly out. Schanuel hit a single to set up Trout with two outs. The former MVP popped out to Alonso to end the game.

Game MVP: Francisco Alvarez

The Mets were being dominated by the Angels before Alvarez's two-run blast in the fifth.

Highlights

Juan Soto guns down Nolan Schanuel at the plate 💪 pic.twitter.com/D15oE22nl8

— SNY (@SNYtv) July 22, 2025

HE'S BACK.

FRANCISCO ALVAREZ TIES THE GAME WITH A TWO-RUN HOMER! pic.twitter.com/PXJpcljahW

— SNY (@SNYtv) July 23, 2025

Brandon Nimmo brings home Ronny Mauricio with the go-ahead run! pic.twitter.com/p5gyDFWZZe

— SNY (@SNYtv) July 23, 2025

Brett Baty makes the sliding catch to end the inning! pic.twitter.com/hq1tzDroQH

— SNY (@SNYtv) July 23, 2025

Ryne Stanek gets Mike Trout to pop out to end the game!

METS WIN! pic.twitter.com/4c3X3vGRpq

— SNY (@SNYtv) July 23, 2025

What's next

The Mets wrap up their three-game set with the Angels on Wednesday afternoon. First pitch is set for 1:10 p.m.

Sean Manaea (0-1, 2.45 ERA) will make his second start of the season while the Angels have yet to announce their starter.

The Dodgers still want, and need, to acquire a reliever in the next nine days.

But, at some point after July 31 trade deadline, they are hopeful of adding Tanner Scott back into the bullpen mix too.

In what could be the latest bullet the Dodgers have dodged on the injury front recently, Scott was put on the injured list Tuesday with what was initially described as “elbow inflammation” — preserving hope that his season might not be over after exiting Monday’s game with a “stinging sensation” in his forearm.

As of Tuesday afternoon, manager Dave Roberts and general manager Brandon Gomes said the club was awaiting its medical staff to fully review the results of an MRI exam that Scott had earlier in the day.

But both noted that Scott, who turned 31 on Tuesday, reported improvement in his elbow compared to how he felt Monday, when he walked off the mound flexing his throwing arm after spiking a slider in the dirt during the ninth inning of the Dodgers’ series-opening win over the Minnesota Twins.

Read more:Tanner Scott injury overshadows big nights from Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith in Dodgers win

“Tanner came in feeling pretty good,” Gomes said, “so we'll wait to see the full report and go from there."

“I’m still hopeful that we’ll get Tanner back at some point,” Roberts added.

Scott has underwhelmed in the first season of his four-year, $72-million contract with the team, posting a 4.14 ERA in 47 outings with only 19 saves in 26 opportunities.

However, losing him for the season would have been a significant blow to a Dodgers team that has already seen key reliever Evan Phillips undergo Tommy John surgery, and navigated around long-term injuries to Blake Treinen (who is nearing the completion of a rehab assignment), Michael Kopech (who is hopeful of returning from the 60-day IL when eligible in late August) and Brusdar Graterol (who is still expected back from an offseason shoulder surgery that has sidelined him all year).

“He’s not throwing the baseball as well as he’s gonna be throwing the baseball,” Roberts said, maintaining hope not only that Scott will return but also flash improved form down the stretch this year. “But just to have somebody that’s there, that takes the baseball, has been huge.”

Of course, Scott’s troubles (along with similar scuffles from fellow offseason signing Kirby Yates) have highlighted the need for the Dodgers to target another high-leverage reliever at this year’s deadline and bolster a bullpen that ranks 24th in ERA and a far-and-away first in innings pitched.

Before Scott’s injury Monday, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said “any time a needle-moving player is available, we’re gonna get involved,” when asked how aggressive the team will be in addressing its bullpen need.

To that end, there should be no shortage of attractive options, with as many as nine top relievers expected to be available to some degree — from Minnesota Twins flamethrower Jhoan Durán, to multi-time All-Stars such as Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians and David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates, to established veteran closers such as the Tampa Bay Rays’ Pete Fairbanks and Baltimore Orioles’ Félix Bautista, and maybe even young Athletics star Mason Miller.

Outside of St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Ryan Helsley, however, almost all of this year’s biggest relief targets are under team control beyond this season.

Read more:The simple adjustment the Dodgers hope will get closer Tanner Scott back on track

That means acquisition costs will be high, at least in the eyes of a Dodgers’ front office that has long been wary of overspending on relievers at the deadline.

"The prices are always crazy come the deadline,” Gomes said. “That's why we did everything we could this offseason to not have to be in the position to buy.”

The Dodgers do have internal depth they like.

This week, the team called up Edgardo Henriquez, a hard-throwing right-hander who missed the start of the year with a broken foot, and Alexis Diaz, the former All-Star closer for the Cincinnati Reds.

Friedman also suggested that, with Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki working toward returns from injury, there could be surplus starting pitchers who eventually get moved into the bullpen later this year.

“We feel like we’re gonna get to a place where we’re not gonna have enough starting pitcher spots for our starting pitching,” Friedman said. “So there could be some spillover of that into the bullpen.”

However, adding another high-leverage arm to the back end of the group remains a priority.

Had Scott been lost for the year, that burden only would’ve grown.

“Once we get Dr. [Neal] ElAttrache’s take on it, we’ll obviously have more clarity,” said Roberts, who plans to go closer-by-committee in Scott’s absence. “But right now, him talking to the training staff, we feel good about it.”

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Paul Blackburn continued his rehab assignment on Tuesday in Triple-A. 

The Mets' right-hander found himself in immediate trouble as he allowed a leadoff triple to MJ Melendez in the top of the first -- he scored the first run of the game just a few pitches later on a groundout.

Blackburn was extremely effective from there -- setting down the next five hitters before allowing a leadoff single to Diego Castillo in the third.

After breezing past that, he put together another stretch of five consecutive retired before issuing a leadoff walk in the fifth -- a stolen base pushed that runner into scoring position, but a punchout sandwiched between two fly outs helped Blackburn dance out of danger. 

He returned to the mound for the sixth but was pulled after allowing a single.

Justin Hagenman entered in relief and worked around a double to close Blackburn’s final line with just the one run allowed on three hits and a walk while striking out five across as many innings of work. 

He was able to stretch out to 72 pitches after throwing just 53 during his first rehab appearance last week. 

It'll be interesting to see how the Mets use Blackburn when he is finally able to return from his shoulder injury with both Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea back healthy and in the rotation.

The 31-year-old has pitched to a 7.71 ERA and 1.98 WHIP across six outings (four starts) this season.

Paul Blackburn was strong tonight in his rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse:

5+ IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K (72 pitches) pic.twitter.com/1ELdbxqtT9

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) July 23, 2025

Prior to the middle game of the Yankees' three-game set against the Blue Jays on Tuesday, manager Aaron Boone delivered injury updates on a few players...

The Yankees' bullpen has experienced a number of injuries this season, including to one of their high-leverage arms.

Fernando Cruz was placed on the IL back in late June due to an oblique strain and the Yankees skipper gave an update on his status. Speaking with the media, including the Daily News' Gary Phillips, Boone revealed that Cruz had started his throwing program over the weekend as expected.

Boone also said that the oblique hasn't fully healed, so it's a slower program. It was once thought that Cruz could return to the Yankees in August, but the right-hander's timeline is unclear at this point.

Across 32 appearances, Cruz has been one of the Yankees' best relievers. He's pitched to a 3.00 ERA, recorded two saves and struck out 54 batters in 33.0 innings.

As for Yerry De Los Santos, Boone said the right-hander needs "a couple" more rehab games but should be "in play here very soon."

De Los Santos was placed on the IL in mid-June with elbow discomfort and just completed his first rehab appearance this week. Back on July 19, De Los Santos tossed one inning, allowing two runs on three hits (one home run) while striking out two batters.

In 14 appearances in the majors this year, the 27-year-old has pitched to a 1.80 ERA and struck out 13 batters across 20.0 innings.

Ryan Yarbrough not throwing from mound yet

Boone said the reliever-turned-starter has not begun mound work yet, but he is throwing.

Yarbrough was placed on the IL with an oblique strain back in June, which came at a bad time for the Yankees who have had a number of injuries to the rotation this season. That includes Luis Gil starting the season on the IL -- and has yet to hit a major league mound yet -- Gerrit Cole missing the season after elbow surgery and Clarke Schmidt starting on the IL and suffering his own elbow injury that took him out for the rest of the year.

Before the IL, Yarbrough pitched in 16 games (eight starts), where he pitched to a 3.90 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP.

As the Yankees wait for Gil to return, Yarbrough could give the rotation a boost. Or, if the Yankees make a trade deadline deal for a starter, he can give the bullpen a long man for the rest of the season and postseason.

20 seasons.

13 teams.

386 games.

248 starts.

And Rich Hill isn't finished yet.

All of those numbers are going to increase by one Tuesday night when the 45-year-old pitcher takes the mound for the Kansas City Royals when they play the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro confirmed Monday that Hill would be called up from triple-A Omaha, where he has gone 4-4 with a 5.36 ERA over nine starts and has struck out 10, nine and eight batters in individual games this season.

Read more:Hernández: 'Still a threat.' Why Shohei Ohtani needs to remain a two-player for Dodgers

“He's done well,” Quatraro told reporters of Hill, who pitched for the Boston Red Sox last year before signing a minor league deal with the Royals during the offseason. “He’s had a couple of ups and downs, performance-wise. But when he's been locating, he’s been really good."

At 45 years and 133 days, Hill will be the oldest pitcher to start an MLB game since the Colorado Rockies' Jamie Moyer (49 years, 191 days) on May 27, 2012.

Hill also will tie Edwin Jackson's record of having played for 14 MLB teams and will do so against the team for which he made his major league debut — and in the very same park — on June 16, 2005.

Between his time with the Cubs and his ensuing start with the Royals, Hill also played for the Baltimore Orioles, Red Sox (in four separate stints), Cleveland Indians, Angels, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres.

While his stint in Anaheim was a mere blip at just two games during the 2014 season, Hill made much more of an impact during his four seasons with the Dodgers, from 2016 to 2019.

Read more:Column: Dodgers’ Rich Hill ready to start putting controversial World Series exit behind him

During that span, Hill went 30-16 with 427 strikeouts and an ERA of 3.16 in the regular season. He appeared in 12 postseason games (including three during two World Series runs), going 1-2 with 62 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.70.

"I feel great," Hill said, going into his final season with the Dodgers and his 15th overall. “I don’t really know where there is a point of enough is enough. I feel like I can keep going for a while.”

More than six years later, Hill is still keeping it going.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

On the latest episode of The Mets Pod presented by Tri-State Cadillac, Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo look back at the week that was coming off of the All-Star break.

Leading off, Connor and Joe talk about the Mets' offense playing small ball, Francisco Alvarez's return to the big-league club, and Brett Baty's contributions to the lineup. Then, the guys discuss the trade deadline and how president of baseball operations David Stearns plans to approach things for the Mets.

Connor and Joe also share their reaction to David Wright's number retirement and go Down on the Farm to discuss potential position player call-ups. They wrap the show with their scoreboard predictions and some Mailbag questions answered about Seth Lugo and potential prospects in centerfield.

Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Sanchez stays brilliant and Phillies win another strange game vs. Red Sox  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Cristopher Sanchez stayed at the top of his game and continued to perform like one of the best pitchers in baseball Tuesday night.

Sanchez starred in a 4-1 Phillies win over the Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park. He threw the third complete game of his career and allowed just four hits and one run. Sanchez’s 12 strikeouts tied his career high and he walked no one.

The 58-43 Phillies will go for a three-game series sweep on Wednesday evening. Jesus Luzardo (8-5, 4.29 ERA) is set to face Lucas Giolito (6-2, 3.59 ERA). 

Sanchez is now 9-2 with a 2.40 ERA this season. He’s been brilliant the last two months. The 29-year-old lefty hasn’t allowed more than two runs in a start since May 24. He’s conceded a single run in each of his last six starts.

The Phillies grabbed a first-inning lead with singles by Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos. Catcher’s interference then got thrown into a strange spotlight again one night after a very unusual 10th-inning walk-off.

The Phils were aggressive on the base paths vs. Red Sox starter Richard Fitts in the first and Harper took that to the extreme, sprinting home on an 0-1 pitch to Brandon Marsh. Home plate umpire Edwin Jimenez ruled interference on Boston catcher Carlos Narvaez for stepping into the batter’s box. Following extended discussion among the umpires, the call stood. A bemused Marsh confirmed he should stay at first base. 

Max Kepler lifted a solo shot 407 feet to right-center field to lead off the bottom of the second inning. Kyle Schwarber put the Phils up 4-0 with two outs by belting a 3-1 slider into the bullpen. 

Sanchez retired the first nine Red Sox in order on five groundouts and four strikeouts. He had great command and his work looked routine. 

Boston’s first baserunner was Rob Refsnyder, who trotted around the diamond to open the fourth inning. Refsnyder’s homer was the first against Sanchez since June 3. 

Sanchez was soon back on track. He struck out the side in the sixth inning and every at-bat finished with a whiff at his changeup. For the night, Boston hitters swung at 22 Sanchez changeups and only made contact eight times. 

The Phillies couldn’t manage any runs after the second inning. That was perfectly fine with Sanchez on the hill.

Sanchez fell behind Refsnyder 3-0 with a runner on second base and two outs in the eighth inning. He was unbothered, eventually striking Refsnyder out on a changeup. Sanchez pounded his glove and shouted in celebration as he walked off the mound.

The home fans roared when they saw Sanchez coming out for the ninth inning. Sanchez said he had “goosebumps.”

He wrapped up the night with an electric 1-2-3 inning, striking out Romy Gonzalez on his 106th pitch.

“He’s a determined guy,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “He wants to get it done, he wants to finish it. He doesn’t want to come out. He doesn’t like coming out in the middle of an inning. … If he’s in trouble, he wants to get himself out of trouble. He’s really grown up the last couple of years.”

Injury updates 

Aaron Nola threw a pregame bullpen session, which Thomson said “went really well.” 

Nola (right rib stress fracture) last pitched for the Phillies on May 14. 

“Forty-two pitches. Threw all his pitches,” Thomson said. “Velocity was very good in the bullpen. So we’ll take him to New York and he’ll do another BP on Friday, an extended BP. It’ll be two-plus innings … and then he’ll definitely do a rehab start.”

In other injury news, the Phillies placed Joe Ross on the 15-day injury list with back spasms and recalled Alan Rangel from Triple A Lehigh Valley. 

Thomson called the IL stint “just a precaution” and said he’s “positive” Ross will return after 15 days. 

Wood signs rookie deal 

Phillies first-round draft pick Gage Wood inked his first MLB contract Wednesday. 

The 21-year-old righty out of Arkansas also soaked in Citizens Bank Park with his family.

“It’s awesome,” Wood told reporters pregame. “Got to come up here to Philly for the first time. Worked my whole life for this, so this is a blessing and I’m ready to get going.”

Sanchez stays brilliant and Phillies win another strange game vs. Red Sox  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Cristopher Sanchez stayed at the top of his game and continued to perform like one of the best pitchers in baseball Tuesday night.

Sanchez starred in a 4-1 Phillies win over the Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park. He threw the third complete game of his career and allowed just four hits and one run. Sanchez’s 12 strikeouts tied his career high. 

The 58-43 Phillies will go for a three-game series sweep on Wednesday evening. Jesus Luzardo (8-5, 4.29 ERA) is set to face Lucas Giolito (6-2, 3.59 ERA). 

Sanchez is now 9-2 with a 2.40 ERA this season. He’s been brilliant the last two months. The 29-year-old lefty hasn’t allowed more than two runs in a start since May 24. He’s conceded a single run in each of his last six starts.

The Phillies grabbed a first-inning lead with singles by Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos. Catcher’s interference then got thrown into a strange spotlight again one night after a very unusual 10th-inning walk-off.

The Phils were aggressive on the base paths vs. Red Sox starter Richard Fitts in the first and Harper took that to the extreme, sprinting home on an 0-1 pitch to Brandon Marsh. Home plate umpire Edwin Jimenez ruled interference on Boston backstop Carlos Narvaez for stepping into the batter’s box. Following extended discussion among the umpires, the call stood. A bemused Marsh confirmed he should stay at first base. 

Max Kepler lifted a solo shot 407 feet to right-center field to lead off the bottom of the second inning. Kyle Schwarber put the Phils up 4-0 with two outs by belting a 3-1 slider into the bullpen. 

Sanchez retired the first nine Red Sox in order on five groundouts and four strikeouts. He had great command and his work looked routine. 

Boston’s first baserunner was Rob Refsnyder, who trotted around the diamond to open the fourth inning. Refsnyder’s homer was the first against Sanchez since June 3. 

Sanchez was soon back on track. He struck out the side in the sixth inning and every at-bat finished with a whiff at his changeup. For the night, Boston hitters swung at 22 Sanchez changeups and only made contact eight times. 

The Phillies couldn’t manage any runs after the second inning. That was perfectly fine with Sanchez on the hill.

Sanchez fell behind Refsnyder 3-0 with a runner on second base and two outs in the eighth inning. He was unbothered, eventually striking Refsnyder out on a changeup. Sanchez pounded his glove and shouted in celebration as he walked off the mound.

The home fans roared when they saw Sanchez coming out for the ninth inning. He wrapped up the night with an electric 1-2-3 inning, striking out Romy Gonzalez on his 106th pitch.

Injury updates 

Aaron Nola threw a pregame bullpen session, which Phillies manager Rob Thomson said “went really well.” 

Nola (right rib stress fracture) last pitched for the Phillies on May 14. 

“Forty-two pitches. Threw all his pitches,” Thomson said. “Velocity was very good in the bullpen. So we’ll take him to New York and he’ll do another BP on Friday, an extended BP. It’ll be two-plus innings … and then he’ll definitely do a rehab start.”

In other injury news, the Phillies placed Joe Ross on the 15-day injury list with back spasms and recalled Alan Rangel from Triple A Lehigh Valley. 

Wood signs rookie deal 

Phillies first-round draft pick Gage Wood inked his first MLB contract Wednesday. 

The 21-year-old righty out of Arkansas also soaked in Citizens Bank Park with his family.

“It’s awesome,” Wood told reporters pregame. “Got to come up here to Philly for the first time. Worked my whole life for this, so this is a blessing and I’m ready to get going.”

Rafael Devers' first-base debut leads to success at plate as Giants drub Braves originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Entering Tuesday on a six-game losing streak, the Giants desperately needed to switch something up.

Having your star slugger play a new position for the first time in his MLB career might not be the obvious move to help turn things around, but that’s exactly what San Francisco manager Bob Melvin did.

And the early returns couldn’t have been much better, as the Giants shellacked the Atlanta Braves 9-0 at Truist Park to end their July slide.

Landen Roupp’s five shutout innings certainly deserve credit, but at the forefront of the momentum-shifting win were Rafael Devers and Wilmer Flores, who traded places for a night to great success.

Devers never had played first base at any level in his career and hadn’t appeared in the field at all this season prior to Tuesday night. He hardly was tested with minimal defensive action in his debut, but his mere presence on the field could lead to a resurgence at the plate.

Primarily a third baseman during his Boston Red Sox tenure, Devers was asked postgame if he believes his offense is better when he’s playing in the field rather than serving as a designated hitter.

“Definitely. It keeps me active,” Devers told reporters, speaking through translator Erwin Higueros. “It keeps my head out of just thinking about the next at-bat. I’m the kind of player that likes to be active, likes to be on the field. I’d rather be on the field than be in the cage hitting all the time and just thinking about the next at-bat.”

It’s only one game, but the results backed up that intuition. Devers entered the night with just a .667 OPS in 29 games with the Giants — all at DH. On Tuesday, he went 2-for-5 with two runs and an RBI. Over his entire career, meanwhile, Devers’ OPS improves by about 18 points playing in the field compared to DHing.

Though his defensive fit this season was the center of much discourse in Boston, Devers’ eagerness to play first base in San Francisco has been clear.

In fact, Devers revealed Tuesday he ordered a first baseman’s glove right away after he arrived in San Francisco.

The three-time MLB All-Star also might not be the sole beneficiary of Melvin’s defensive swap.

In recent weeks, Flores has been tasked with playing first base more often, which has coincided with a drop in his offensive production. But in his first game as a DH since June 15, Flores hit his first home run since June 7, a three-run blast in the seventh inning that put the game to bed. He also added a sacrifice fly in the second despite being behind in the count 0-2.

“Flo, his numbers DHing have been really good, and he hits another home run tonight,” Melvin said postgame. “So it’s good to be able to get him off his feet.”

Flores, who turns 34 in two weeks, has dealt with injuries later in his career. In 2024, he struggled with a career-low .206 average in just 71 games as he dealt with a nagging knee injury. So, as the Giants enter the final third of the MLB season, it might not hurt to put their best clutch hitter in a more relaxed situation.

Melvin mentioned Devers will return to DH on Wednesday, while Flores will get the day off. Nevertheless, how the Giants manage two of their most important hitters in the field could be a big storyline to watch during the rest of the year.

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

As the Mets continue their three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels, the club announced a series of roster moves on Tuesday afternoon, highlighted by the return of outfielder Starling Marte.

The full list of roster moves:

-OF Starling Marte has been reinstated from the 10-Day Injured List

-INF Jared Young was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse

-RHP Rico Garcia has reported to the major league team and will be active for Tuesday’s game

-RHP Kevin Herget was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse

-RHP Justin Garza has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse

-RHP Chris Devenski has been designated for assignment

-LHP Brandon Waddell's optional assignment was reversed, and he was placed on the 15-Day Injured List (effective 7/19) with a right hip impingement

Marte was placed on the 10-day IL on July 8 due to a right knee bone bruise, a similar injury to one that he dealt with during spring training.

The 36-year-old has had a solid season for the Mets, slashing .270/.353/.387 with four homers, 20 RBI, and 22 runs scored though injuries have limited him to just 58 games.

Meanwhile, the Mets’ game of bullpen musical chairs continues with Garcia, who was claimed off waivers from the Yankees on Monday, being available to pitch on Tuesday, with Justin Garza also getting the call back up to the majors. Both Garcia and Garza have previously pitched with the Mets this season.