Category: MLB

Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Rays play a three-game series at Citi Field starting on Friday at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.

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5 things to watch

Starting rotation shakeup coming?

Kodai Senga left Thursday's game with a hamstring injury that will land him on the IL, and the calculus will change with him missing time. But the Mets will still have seven starters for five spots when Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea are back.

With Montas making one or two more rehab starts before returning and Manaeaset to make his third rehab start on Sunday, things could get very crowded very soon.

And with New York not planning to utilize a regular six-man rotation in the immediate future, it's fair to wonder how they'll make everything fit.

It's logical to believe that Tylor Megill will slide to the bullpen or get sent to Triple-A Syracuse when room is needed in the rotation. He has minor league options remaining, meaning the Mets can send him down without running the risk of losing him.

Beyond Megill (who starts on Saturday), the next candidate to possibly lose his rotation spot -- as unfair as it is -- would almost certainly be Griffin Canning, who carries a 3.22 ERA into his start on Sunday.

Playing time on the infield

The Mets are currently juggling four players for two infield spots, with Jeff McNeil, Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and Luisangel Acuña jockeying between second base and third base.

In the case of McNeil, who has been on fire, he'll start pretty much every day -- and the Mets have the option to use him in center field, where he started on Wednesday.

That leaves Baty, Mauricio, and Acuña as the main players battling for at-bats.

The Mets have the option of using any of them at DH, but most of the time, that has been given to Jared Young and Starling Marte.

Is Francisco Alvarez finding it at the plate?

Before being placed on the paternity list for the birth of his daughter, Alvarez was showing signs of breaking out.

He was hitting 320/.346/.480 in 26 plate appearances over his last six games, including one homer and one double.

Things haven't come easily at the plate for Alvarez after returning from a broken hamate bone, and that has included him chasing lots of pitches well out of the zone.

But Alvarez has looked better lately. And if he can build on that -- especially if he can tap into some more power -- he could help take the Mets' lineup to another level.

Rays are in the thick of the playoff race

The Rays were a bit of an afterthought before the season, but they're once again right in the thick of things in the playoff race.

Tampa is in third place in the AL East and trails the first-place Yankees by 6.0 games, but they're currently holding the third Wild Card spot -- and are only 2.0 games behind the Blue Jays for the top Wild Card spot.

Junior Caminero (.776 OPS) and Brandon Lowe (.742 OPS) have helped the Rays go, and former Mets prospect Jake Mangum has been strong in his first taste of the majors. Mangum is hitting .304 with a .339 OBP and 10 stolen bases in 33 games.

The Rays also have a very good closer in Pete Fairbanks, who has a 2.30 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 27.1 innings -- and has yet to allow a home run this season.

Drew Rasmussen is healthy and dealing

Tampa's rotation is anchored by Rasmussen, who has undergone three serious elbow surgeries and is now back and dominating.

In 13 starts over 69.0 innings this season, Rasmussen has a 2.22 ERA and 0.89 WHIP and has allowed just 48 hits.

And Rasmussen has been especially sharp lately.

He made four consecutive scoreless starts spanning May 17 to June 3, before giving up two runs over 6.0 innings in his most recent start on June 8 against the Marlins.

Rasmussen gets the ball on Saturday.

Predictions

Who will the MVP of the series be?

Brandon Nimmo

Nimmo has been heating up, including a two-homer game on Wednesday against the Nationals, and add another longball on Thursday.

Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?

Clay Holmes

Holmes has allowed just seven runs over his last four starts.

Which Rays player will be a thorn in the Mets' side?

Jake Mangum

He has the right combination of contact-ability and speed.

With Chris Kreider traded to the Anaheim Ducks, what does that mean for the rest of the veteran players on the New York Rangers?

There’s been a lot of talk about communication between management and the players within the Rangers organization over the past year. 

Kreider was a pillar of the franchise and a leader in the locker room, so his missing presence will certainly be felt next season. 

Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury reportedly handled this situation very delicately, both working with Kreider to find a destination of his desire and having communication with the other veteran players. 

“Told that Drury kept Mika and other veterans apprised of the intent to move Kreider from the start of the offseason,” Larry Brooks of The New York Post wrote via X. 

Drury has already dismantled a large part of his veteran core, moving off of Jacob Trouba, Ryan Lindgren, Jimmy Vesey, and now Chris Kreider. 

Brooks also reported that Drury is determined to make substantial personnel changes because the chemistry in the room was not conducive to a constructive work environment.

Everything was going right for the Mets on Thursday afternoon.

Looking for their sixth straight win and back-to-back sweeps, they were able to open an early advantage over the Nationals on Jeff McNeil’s first inning homer, and Kodai Senga was in complete control from there.

The right-hander cruised his way through the struggling Washington lineup -- allowing just two baserunners on a first inning James Wood single and a walk while striking out six over 5.2 scoreless innings of work.

Things quickly took a turn for the worse, though, as he was forced to leave the game with two outs in the top of the sixth due to an injury. 

Senga crumbled to the grass and immediately grabbed towards his hamstring after ranging over to first and jumping to haul in a high throw from Pete Alonso to secure an out on a CJ Abrams grounder in the hole. 

After a brief discussion he was able to make his way off the field under his own power and without a limp -- but postgame Carlos Mendoza revealed that he’s headed for an MRI and will require a trip to the IL. 

Kodai Senga is coming out of the game with the trainer after appearing to injure himself completing a putout at first pic.twitter.com/b1NPkEJAqM

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 12, 2025

Alonso was visibly shaken after his errant feed ultimately cost the Mets their ace, but shortly after Senga made sure his translator let him know he felt something in his hamstring on the step before he jumped. 

Still, the big man said following the 4-3 victory that he felt awful for how things went down. 

“I’m just trying to make a play for my pitcher,” he said. “The ball took me in the hole, he is a pretty quick runner. I was trying to get rid of it as quickly and as accurately as I could -- the throw was good because it was over the base, but obviously it was too high.

"It sucks being a part of that, Senga is one of our guys here -- things happen on the baseball field, I just wish it didn’t turn out like that."

This continues a rough stretch for Alonso, who has taken steps forward defensively over the past few years, but leads all first basemen with three throwing errors so far this season.

While this one wasn’t an error in the books, it does ultimately cost the Mets their ace for the time being. 

The Mets beat the Nationals, 4-3, on Thursday at Citi Field to complete a three-game sweep.

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Here are the takeaways...

- Jeff McNeilstayed blazing hot, and the result was an early Mets lead.

With two outs and two on in the first inning, McNeil sent a Michael Soroka offering over the wall in right field to give New York a 3-0 lead.

McNeil's shot went down the line and dropped in the first few rows of seats, driving inFrancisco Lindor and Juan Soto, who had both walked

- Kodai Senga entered his start with a 1.59 ERA, which was the best mark in the National League. And he left the game with the best ERA in baseball, after throwing 5.2 scoreless innings to shrink it to 1.47. Senga allowed just one hit, walked one, and struck out five.

Unfortunately, Senga's exit was due to injury.

On a play at first base with one out in the sixth inning, Pete Alonso led Senga to the bag with a toss after fielding a grounder by CJ Abrams. But Alonso's throw was high, leading Senga to jump for it before coming down on the bag with his right foot.

Senga immediately grabbed the back of his right leg, near his hamstring area, after landing on the bag.

After staying down for a bit, Senga walked off the field under his own power without much of a limp.

- In a 4-0 game in the ninth inning, Ryne Stanek struggled, allowing three consecutive hits without recording an out. That cut the Mets' lead to 4-1, and led toEdwin Diaz being summoned for the save.

Diaz bent but didn't break, issuing a walk and single before getting a pop out and two ground outs to secure the victory.

- Brandon Nimmo's home run barrage continued. A night after hitting two homers, Nimmo smacked a solo shot off the foul pole in right field in the fifth inning, which extended New York's lead to 4-0.

- Sotostayed hot, drilling an opposite field double in the seventh inning. He has seven extra-base hits this month (four homers and three doubles), and his OPS is up to .858.

- Jose Castillo and Huascar Brazoban combined to toss 2.1 scoreless innings in relief of Senga.

Game MVP: Jeff McNeil

McNeil has been fantastic all season, and his offensive impact continued to be felt on Thursday afternoon.

Highlights

JEFF McNEIL STAYS HOT!

A THREE-RUN BLAST IN THE FIRST! pic.twitter.com/4pFCeRIjX0

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 12, 2025

Kodai Senga had a laugh after nearly air-mailing an eephus pitch 😂 pic.twitter.com/CoAtmVfX7s

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 12, 2025

BRANDON NIMMO'S THIRD HOME RUN IN TWO DAYS! pic.twitter.com/QFp81IWNUz

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 12, 2025

Kodai Senga is coming out of the game with the trainer after appearing to injure himself completing a putout at first pic.twitter.com/b1NPkEJAqM

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 12, 2025

YOU BETTER CALL TYRONE!

WHAT A CATCH BY TYRONE TAYLOR! pic.twitter.com/5BeHEmYtmo

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 12, 2025

Juan Soto goes the other way for a double 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xxJrbe7CeB

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 12, 2025

THE METS HANG ON TO SWEEP THE NATIONALS! 😅 pic.twitter.com/fffomIrSDT

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 12, 2025

What's next

The Mets open a three-game series against the Rays on Friday at Citi Field at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.

Clay Holmes gets the start for New York, opposed by Taj Bradley for Tampa Bay.

Mets ace Kodai Senga crumpled to the ground after taking an errant throw from Pete Alonso and securing an out at first base in the sixth inning of Thursday's game against the Nationals at Citi Field.

After staying down for a bit, Senga walked off the field under his own power without much of a limp.

... this story is developing ...

With Frankie Montas making one or two more rehab starts before returning and Sean Manaea set to make his third rehab start on Sunday, things could get very crowded very soon in the Mets' starting rotation.

And the team has been getting calls about Paul Blackburn, reports Joel Sherman of The New York Post.

Blackburn, who has been in the bullpen after making one start following his return from the IL earlier this month, has been the odd-man out so far.

He was terrific against the Dodgers in Los Angeles during what was his only start this season, tossing 5.0 shutout innings while allowing just three hits.

In his next appearance, which came in relief in Colorado, Blackburn allowed three runs on seven hits in 4.0 innings against the Rockies.

Blackburn does not have any minor league options remaining, meaning the Mets would run the risk of losing him if they try to send him to the minors.

The 31-year-old right-hander is earning a shade over $4 million this season, and is set for free agency after the year.

Kodai Senga left Thursday's game with a hamstring injury that will land him on the IL, and the calculus will change with him missing time. But the Mets will still have seven starters for five spots when Montas and Manaeaare back.

With Montas making one or two more rehab starts before returning and Manaea set to make his third rehab start on Sunday, things could get very crowded very soon.

And with New York not planning to utilize a regular six-man rotation in the immediate future, it's fair to wonder how they'll make everything fit.

It's logical to believe that Tylor Megill will slide to the bullpen or get sent to Triple-A Syracuse when room is needed in the rotation. He has minor league options remaining, meaning the Mets can send him down without running the risk of losing him.

Beyond Megill (who starts on Saturday), the next candidate to possibly lose his rotation spot -- as unfair as it is -- would almost certainly be Griffin Canning, who carries a 3.22 ERA into his start on Sunday.

The New York Rangers have officially dealt Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks. 

The Rangers are trading Kreider and a 2025 fourth-round pick in exchange for Carey Terrance and a 2025 third-round pick. 

This marks the end of a 13-year tenure with the Rangers where Kreider established himself as one of the most impact players to ever put on the Blueshirt jersey. 

Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury acknowledged Kreider for all he’s accomplished with this legendary original-six franchise. 

"We want to thank Chris Kreider for all of his contributions to the Rangers organization over his stellar career," Drury said. "Chris has been an integral part of some of the most iconic moments in Rangers history, including setting multiple franchise records and helping the team advance to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final. 

“His leadership on the ice and tireless efforts in the community - which he was recognized for as the inaugural recipient of the Rod Gilbert "Mr. Ranger" Award - only add to his distinguished Rangers legacy. Chris will always be a Ranger and we wish him and his family all the best.”

Kreider has the third most goals in Rangers history with 326 goals in 883 total games with the franchise. 

The 34-year-old forward was also the longest-tenured current Ranger player before being traded. 

“This is home for me, This is the organization that gave me the opportunity to live out my dreams,” Kreider said during his exit interview. I’ve developed so many incredible relationships, and grown up, and spent so much time in this area…”

Now, Kreider starts the next chapter of his career in California.

Mets ace leaves start, headed to injured list originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Mets have been hitting on every cylinder this season, building on their lead in the N.L. East. But their latest win Thursday afternoon came at a cost.

Starting pitcher Kodai Senga left the game in the sixth inning with his Mets up 4-0 on the Nationals, and will be put on the 10-day Injured List with a right hamstring injury.

Senga was sprinting to first base to cover after Washington’s CJ Abrams hit a ground ball to first baseman Pete Alonso. Alonso’s throw was high and Senga jumped to catch it. As he landed, he immediately grabbed the back of his right leg as he fell.

Kodai Senga left the game with an apparent hamstring injury after landing awkwardly trying to make a play at 1st base pic.twitter.com/2gOjCobdjF

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 12, 2025

He did walk off the field on his own.

Alonso was crestfallen after learning of the extent of Senga’s injury.

“I still feel awful,” he said. “I tried to make the best throw I could, and it just sucks. I wish it wouldn’t have turned out like that.”

"I feel awful…I tried to make the best throw I could, and it just sucks. I wish it wouldn't have turned out like that."

Pete Alonso on Kodai Senga's injury: pic.twitter.com/KWlnnimw1u

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 12, 2025

Senga’s loss is a significant one for the Mets’ pitching rotation. He has been among the best pitchers in the game this season. Improving to 7-3 with an MLB-best 1.47 ERA after today’s scoreless outing. He missed nearly all of the 2024 season due to shoulder and calf injuries, making just one start all year.

The Mets’ 4-3 win over the Nationals today improved their record to 45-24, best in baseball. They lead the division by 5.5 games over the Phillies.

New York Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury was able to accomplish his main goal in the trade, sending Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks. 

The Rangers are trading Kreider and a 2025 fourth-round pick in exchange for Carey Terrance and a 2025 third-round pick. 

Rangers Reportedly Trading Chris Kreider To Ducks In Exchange For Young Prospect According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Rangers will trade Chris Kreider and a mid-round pick to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward prospect Carey Terrance and a mid-round pick. 

As part of the deal, the Ducks will take on Kreider’s entire salary. He still currently has two years remaining on his contract at $6.5 million AAV. 

Drury has now been able to move off of Barclay Goodrow, Jacob Trouba, and Kreider without retaining any of their salaries. 

Maybe the Rangers didn’t get all that much in return for a player who’s been a pillar of the franchise for years, but they did not have to retain any of his salary, which was the most important aspect of this deal for the Blueshirts. 

Now, Drury has set up the Rangers to have more money to work with going into this upcoming offseason and the summer of 2026 when there will be some big-time free agents available. 

With more financial flexibility, expect the Rangers to be major players in both the trade market and free agent market going forward, especially with Drury’s desire to make major changes to the roster. 

Red Sox prospect expert explains why Roman Anthony ‘should play every day' originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora’s approach with top prospects Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer has left some scratching their heads.

Cora has preferred to bench Anthony and Mayer — both left-handed hitters — against left-handed pitching. Only seven of Mayer’s 44 big-league at-bats have come against lefties, and Anthony has only one AB against a left-hander in his first three career games. Cora pinch-hit lefty masher Rob Refsnyder for Anthony against a southpaw in the 11th inning of Monday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Rays — Anthony’s MLB debut.

Asked on Tuesday about sitting the duo against lefties, Cora mentioned the sizable gap in pitching talent between Triple-A and MLB. He also noted Refsnyder and Romy Gonzalez’s success against left-handed pitching.

Are those valid reasons for sitting Anthony and Mayer against southpaws? Ian Cundall of SoxProspects.com shared his opinion during a recent conversation with NBC Sports Boston.

“I think with Marcelo Mayer, it makes sense,” Cundall said. “If you see him in person, he does have some issues against left-handed pitching. You see it notably in the strikeout-to-walk ratio, he just doesn’t walk against lefties. I don’t think he sees the ball as well against them, and he just doesn’t have as much power against them. So sitting Mayer against lefties, I understand.

“With Anthony, I don’t necessarily agree with that. He looks extremely comfortable against lefties. He reads the ball well, he doesn’t chase, there’s no real difference in his output with approach metrics and batted ball data. So, with someone like him, I would prefer not to platoon an elite elite prospect.”

Anthony’s actually has fared better against left-handers throughout his minor-league career. The 21-year-old slugger posted a .955 OPS against lefties this season at Triple-A Worcester and a .879 OPS against righties.

Anthony and Mayer’s splits aside, it’s a crucial developmental year for both prized prospects. It would make sense to give them reps against left-handers so they can get the full big-league experience, rather than growing accustomed to platooning during their rookie campaigns.

“You look at the last couple of years, the big left-handed position player prospects who’ve come up, guys like Corbin Carroll and Jackson Merrill, they’ve all faced lefties in their rookie year,” Cundall added. “Has it been up and down? Yeah, but that’s the only way to get better is to see them consistently.

“I think with someone like Anthony, who’s that elite number one prospect in all of baseball, he should be playing every day, in my opinion. Whereas Mayer, who is in that tier below and has had some struggles with lefties, I’m fine platooning him.”

It will be interesting to see whether Cora sticks to his approach if New York Yankees left-hander Ryan Yarbrough takes the mound in their upcoming series at Fenway Park. Mayer wasn’t in the starting lineup when Yarbrough pitched against the Red Sox in the Bronx on Saturday.

With Thursday off, Boston will begin its three-game series against New York on Friday with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.