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More bad news for Dodgers' bullpen: Brock Stewart goes on the IL

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 6, 2025: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brock Stewart (41) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals in the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium on August 6, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Brock Stewart goes on the IL with a shoulder injury. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The Dodgers announced that starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin underwent season-ending elbow surgery on Tuesday — and that wasn’t even the most troubling injury update of the day.

Instead, in what manager Dave Roberts described as the latest “big blow” to the club’s reeling bullpen, right-hander Brock Stewart was placed on the injured list with what Roberts said was shoulder inflammation.

The Dodgers are hopeful that they caught Stewart’s injury early. Both Roberts and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman expressed confidence he would be back for the stretch run of the season.

Still, Stewart was acquired at the trade deadline less than two weeks ago in order to bolster a struggling relief corps already missing Michael Kopech, Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates and Brusdar Graterol. Now, just four outings into his return to the organization, Stewart represents yet another question mark for a team that has been short on answers amid a recent 12-19 skid.

“Obviously, he’s a big part of what we’re trying to do,” Roberts said. “So to not have him available hurts.”

According to Roberts, Stewart had been dealing with shoulder soreness over the last four days, coinciding with his most recent outing last Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Read more:Dodgers welcome deadline additions, hopeful arrival ‘raises the floor for our ballclub’

Stewart is scheduled to be more thoroughly examined Wednesday, but Friedman noted that initial manual testing on his shoulder was encouraging.

"Sounds like we caught it at the very front end,” Friedman said. “So from our standpoint, we felt like, let's be smart here, take him off line. We're optimistic that he'll be back.”

Hard-throwing right-hander Edgardo Henriquez was called up in Stewart’s place.

Stewart, who began his career as a starting pitcher with the Dodgers from 2016-2019 before reinventing himself as a hard-throwing reliever with the Minnesota Twins over the last three years, represented the Dodgers’ only bullpen upgrade at the deadline.

At the time, the lack of further action felt like a risk for a club that ranks 21st in the majors in reliever ERA this season (4.23).

But in Stewart, who was acquired at a relatively low cost, with only outfielder James Outman going back to Minnesota in return, the Dodgers’ hoped they’d not only found a right-handed replacement for Evan Phillips, who is out for the season because of a Tommy John surgery, but someone capable of shoring up one of the biggest weak spots on the roster.

"I think so much of this is about knowing the person you're acquiring,” Friedman said. “And the history we had with Brock, obviously, was really helpful with that.”

Read more:Dodgers place starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin on the injured list

However, Stewart took a loss in his second game with the team, giving up a tie-breaking run in the ninth against the St. Louis Cardinals last week. He was tagged for another run his next time out. And though he bounced back with a scoreless inning against the Blue Jays over the weekend, his shoulder flared up, marking the third time since the start of last year that shoulder troubles have forced him onto the injured list (he twice went on the 60-day IL last year because of shoulder injuries).

“From our standpoint, we felt like the upside, and hopefully we still have the chance to realize that, far outweighed the risk,” Friedman said when asked how much concern the team had over Stewart’s injury history before acquiring him. “But yeah, definitely came with some risk. That's where betting on the person helps. It doesn't guarantee an outcome, but it at least increases your chances. We're optimistic we'll still get there."

Indeed, the Dodgers are expecting Stewart, Kopech (who is eligible to return from the 60-day IL in about two weeks), Yates (who will throw a live batting practice Wednesday), Scott (who will throw a live BP on Thursday) and Graterol (who is still expected back from offseason shoulder surgery in September) will all be back before the end of the season.

But having so many guys battling injuries, Roberts conceded, is “an added layer of uncertainty.”

Stewart’s arrival was supposed to help quell concerns. Now, his injury has only added to their troubles.

Gonsolin out for year

In the other big injury news Tuesday, Friedman said that Gonsolin underwent an internal brace and flexor tendon surgery that will sideline him for at least the next eight to 10 months.

Out since early June because of elbow discomfort, Gonsolin was already a long shot to return this season. And given the relative health of the current rotation (as well as Roki Sasaki’s impending return from a shoulder injury), he was unlikely to factor heavily into their postseason plans.

Still, it represents yet another setback for the former All-Star right-hander, who missed the end of 2023 and all of last season with a Tommy John surgery.

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

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Pete Alonso makes history, lifts two of Mets’ six homers in skid-snapping 13-5 win over Braves

The Mets snapped their losing streak with a 13-5 win over the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night at Citi Field.

Here are some takeaways...

- The Mets' offense absolutely exploded to end the losing skid at seven games. They chased Braves starter Spencer Strider after just four innings and then forced them to turn to a position player on the mound in the bottom of the seventh inning -- scoring 13 runs on 16 hits and six homers.

- The biggest blast of the night came in the bottom of the third when Pete Alonso crushed a first-pitch fastball from Strider over the right-center fence for a two-run shot, giving him 253 for his career and officially passing Darryl Strawberry's franchise record.  

It didn't take the big man very long to extend that record, as he lifted a solo shot for No. 254 in the sixth -- Alonso has now gone deep three times over the last three games, and he's tied for the team lead with 28 long balls on the year. 

- Alonso wasn't the only Met to enjoy a multi-homer night, Francisco Alvarez did as well. He had an opposite-field two-run shot in the second and then a solo shot to deep right in the sixth, the latter of which Brett Baty followed with an oppo blast of his own.  

Alvarez also had a run-scoring double, giving him three hits and four RBI on the night. 

- The other homer was a much-needed big hit delivered by Brandon Nimmo. The Braves rallied to even things up in the fourth, but in the bottom half of the inning, Francisco Lindor beat out a bunt single and Juan Soto drew a walk, before the slugger lifted a three-run shot to put the Mets in front for good.

Nimmo had two hits -- both he (0-for-20) and Lindor (0-for-21) snapped dreadful stretches.

- Clay Holmes struggled with his command as he worked through another up-and-down outing. He escaped a second and third nobody out jam in the first, allowing just one run to score, and then worked around two second-inning hits thanks to a 4-6-3 double play. 

Holmes issued a leadoff walk in the third, and this time was helped out by some bad fundies on the bases. Things caved in on him in the fourth, though, as Atlanta broke through for four runs to tie things up and chase him from the ballgame. 

Holmes finished with a final line of five runs on six hits and five walks while striking out four in 4.2 innings, bringing his ERA up to 3.71 for the year.

- Behind him, Gregory Soto stranded a pair in a scoreless inning of work, then with the game out of hand Justin Hagenman did a tremendous job of eating the final four innings, allowing just one baserunner.  

- Cedric Mullins put together a big night at the ballpark with a single, double, and two runs scored. After a bit of a slow start following the trade from the Orioles, he now has five hits and three RBI over his last three games.

- New York scored all 13 of their runs with two outs on the night. 

Game MVP: Pete Alonso

There were plenty of MVPs in this one, but it's hard not to pick the record-breaker. 

Highlights

What's next

David Peterson (7-5, 2.98 ERA) takes the ball against old friend Carlos Carrasco (2-2, 6.18 ERA) as the Mets and Braves continue their series at Citi Field at 7:10 p.m.

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Eric Tulsky Puts Hurricanes' Playoff Losses Into Perspective

Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Everything has to be put into perspective, especially when it comes to the Carolina Hurricanes. 

Through the majority of the 2010s, the Hurricanes were a losing franchise as the playoffs were just a pipe dream. Carolina missed the postseason from 2010 to 2018. 

However, after the head coaching hire of Rod Brind'Amour in 2018, everything changed for the Hurricanes. 

Since Brind'Amour took over, the Hurricanes have made the playoffs every season and are now perennial Stanley Cup contenders. 

However, the expectations have risen from what they once were, and after multiple playoff losses, the pressure is very much prevalent. 

Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky still feels, despite it all, that his team remains in a good position.

Andrei Svechnikov Details Heartbreaking Playoff Loss And Gives Opinions About Hurricanes' Offseason Moves Andrei Svechnikov Details Heartbreaking Playoff Loss And Gives Opinions About Hurricanes' Offseason Moves The Carolina Hurricanes failed to face their demons in the 2025 NHL Playoffs as they lost to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final. 

"We have raised the bar year after year after year, and it is a really good thing to be in a place where being one of the final four teams can be viewed as a disappointment," said Tulsky. "Obviously, I'd rather get past that, but I'd much rather be here than in a place where it's viewed as exciting if we make the playoffs and go out in round one."

Now, with the additions of Nikolaj Ehlers and K’Andre Miller, expectations have risen to even higher heights.

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Darryl Strawberry congratulates Pete Alonso on passing his Mets HR record

Pete Alonso stands alone in the record books. 

The slugger crushed his 253rd career home run in the bottom of the third on Tuesday night, officially passing Darryl Strawberry for the Mets franchise record. 

Alonso tied Strawberry’s mark this weekend in Milwaukee, and he didn’t waste any time jumping in front of him back in the home ballpark. 

Strawberry took a minute to congratulate the big man in a video shared on the team’s social media pages. 

“I just want to say congratulations on breaking the home run record,” he said. “You have worked hard, you have stood up in the pressure of New York City, and you have played well -- it is well deserved, you are a homegrown player.

“Again, congratulations and continue to have great success.”

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Astros All-Star closer Josh Hader placed on 15-day injured list with shoulder strain

HOUSTON (AP) Houston Astros All-Star closer Josh Hader was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a strained left shoulder.

The move, retroactive to Monday, comes after the left-hander reported shoulder discomfort before Monday's game against the Boston Red Sox.

“It's (a) punch in the gut,” manager Joe Espada said. “But ... he's seeing doctors right now. We're getting more tests done and hopefully this is not going to be a long-term thing.”

Espada added that they don't yet know the severity of the injury and should know more after additional testing.

Espada said he would not name a closer to fill in while Hader is out, but would use his relievers based on matchups.

“I feel good about all those guys,” Espada said.

Hader, who is in his second season in Houston, is 6-2 with a 2.05 ERA and is tied for third in the majors with 28 saves in 48 appearances this season.

To take his spot on the roster, the AL West-leading Astros reinstated right-hander Shawn Dubin from the 15-day injured list. They also designated right-hander Hector Neris for assignment and recalled left-hander Colton Gordon from Triple-A Sugar Land.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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Frustration gets the best of Suarez as Phillies see winning streak come to end

Frustration gets the best of Suarez as Phillies see winning streak come to end originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

CINCINNATI — It wasn’t just one pitch that threw off the night for Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez, though it certainly did seem to play a big part.

After striking out Matt McLain to start the third inning, Suarez allowed consecutive singles before getting TJ Friedl to bounce into a fielder’s choice. After going 0-2 on Spencer Steer, Suarez appeared to freeze him with a sinker. The pitch appeared to be in the strike zone, so much so that Suarez made his way to within about 10 feet of catcher Rafael Marchan and home plate umpire Will Traynor.

Three pitches later, Steer hit a two-run double to plate the Reds’ first runs in what would become a 6-1 loss for the Phillies at Great American Ballpark.

That lack of a strike call may have started a bad night for Suarez, who again jawed with Traynor in the sixth, but it wasn’t the only thing that was wrong with the left-hander on this night.

In fact, things haven’t been going well for quite some time for Suarez. In his last six starts, which have composed of 35 1/3 innings, Suarez has given up 46 hits and 24 earned runs for a 6.11 ERA during that span.

“I think I could have gotten out of those innings with way less damage than we did,” Suarez said. “I think I just mentally blocked at that point and I just stopped trying to execute those pitches. I think I was just throwing the ball.”

His manager didn’t like the reaction from his pitcher too much, either.

“You got to shut that down. If it did (affect Suarez), you can’t let that happen,” Rob Thomson said. “You got to stay focused, stay composed and keep pitching. Those things are going to happen. The iPad on the bench, it just barely ticked that, but who knows how those boxes are. I don’t know if they’re accurate or not. But, that’s something you can’t control and you’ve just got to keep pitching.

“Because of his last few outings, I think he wants to do well and maybe he’s just off a little bit. But he’s got to shut that down.”

Before the game, Thomson was answering a question about the possible availability of starter Aaron Nola. Thomson said they’d have to wait on how Nola pitched and felt after starting Tuesday in Lehigh Valley, then said the organization would “have to see where Ranger is at after tonight’s game.”

Suarez insisted that he’s fine.

“I felt good,” he said. “I felt better than last time out. Overall, I felt better and look what happened. I missed a couple, that’s the game. I wouldn’t say it’s fatigue. I feel good, actually. I know I’ve had a couple of rough starts and I realize wondering if it could be fatigue, but it’s not. I just think about it as having to look back at those pitches that were missed, that I missed, and getting better at that point.”

And Nola appears ready, if not just about ready, to rejoin the team after being out since May 14. Tuesday against Buffalo, Nola pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed four hits, two earned runs. He didn’t walk anyone and struck out 11.

“He says he’s fine and he was really good the first two innings,” Thomson said of Suarez. “And then his command was off. The rest of his outing, really, he was getting ahead the first two innings. The third through the sixth, he was a lot of behind in the count, then he’s got to come in with too many pitches in the middle of the plate and he paid for it.”

The loss snapped a four-game win streak by the Phillies, with all the wins coming at the beginning of this 10-game road trip. The only thing that slowed down Cincinnati was a 28-minute rain delay following the sixth.

After getting through the first seven batters of the game without a hitch, Suarez allowed 12 of the next 21 batters to get on base via hits or walk. There was a home run, a bunch of singles, a couple of doubles, a hit batter, a pair of walks. Pretty much any way there was to get on base, the Reds did it off Suarez, who fell to 8-6 and had his ERA climb to 3.28, the first time it’s been that high since his fourth start of the season.

“Other than fatigue, I don’t think so, because he hasn’t complained of anything,” Thomson said of what could be behind Suarez’s struggles. “That’s the only thing I can really attribute it to. We’ll see.

“Nola had a good game tonight so we’ll see how he’s feeling tomorrow. Punched out the side in the first, third and fifth. Really threw well, 84 pitches so we’ll see how he is tomorrow. We’ll go to a sixth man, or bump him (Suarez), or something.”

There’s been a lot of news surrounding the Phillies’ pitching staff of late. It was revealed last week that Zack Wheeler was having shoulder soreness, though he and the team insist he’s fine. They picked up closing sensation Jhoan Duran at the trade deadline. Veteran David Robertson made his debut with the team on Monday. Reliever Jose Alvarado will come back from his suspension in about a week and Nola seems to have completed his rehab. And now they will have to figure out what is going on with Suarez.

After winning eight of their last 10 and playing such good baseball, a dud was bound to happen at some point. That’s somewhat expected in a 162-game season. But the supposed red flag on Suarez put a damper on what was already a damp night all around. A Bryce Harper home run in the ninth, his 18th of the year, saved the Phillies from being shut out.

“I think it’s mostly about getting on track on my starts and trying to replicate whatever we did during the first half of the season,” Suarez said. “As far as the mentality, it’s more about throwing those bad starts away and trying to start fresh and be better. I feel good.”

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Fenerbahce see off Feyenoord to book Champions League playoff with Benfica

  • Jhon Durán helps Mourinho’s side to 5-2 aggregate win

  • Rangers advance to face Club Brugge in playoffs

José Mourinho is one round away from taking Fenerbahce back into the Champions League for the first time in 17 years.

The storied head coach’s team surged into the Champions League qualifying playoffs by overturning a two-goal deficit in a 5-2 qualifying round win against Robin van Persie’s Feyenoord.

Continue reading...
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Report: Ryan Johansen Flyers Saga Ends with Philadelphia Victory

(Photo: David Kirouac, Imagn Images)

According to multiple reports, the months-long legal battle between forward Ryan Johansen and the Philadelphia Flyers is now over.

On Tuesday, it was initially reported by NHL insider Darren Dreger that an arbitrator had ruled in favor of the Flyers in the grievance filed by Johansen in Aug. 2024.

Previously, on Aug. 20, 2024, the Flyers had terminated Johansen's contract, which had one year remaining at a $4 million cap hit, citing a "material breach."

Johansen, 33, played in all 63 regular season games for the Colorado Avalanche last season, scoring 13 goals, 10 assists, and 23 points before being dealt to the Flyers in the Sean Walker trade ahead of the NHL trade deadline on March 6, 2024.

Johansen had played against the Chicago Blackhawks on March 4, just two days prior.

However, the 6-foot-3 forward presented with an injury upon arriving in Philadelphia, which prevented him from being assigned by the Flyers to the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms, as per league rules.

Johansen's injury was a surprise to the Flyers, and the player insisted he wasn't able to perform and fulfill his duties on the ice.

On Aug. 20, 2024, in response to the Flyers terminating Johansen's contract the same day, agent Kurt Overhardt issued a statement on his client's behalf, claiming that Johansen had suffered "a severe hockey injury that requires extensive surgery, which has been scheduled."

Whatever transpired since then clearly did not work in the veteran forward's favor, as evidenced by the latest reports.

One Flyers Prospect Nobody Is Talking About Ahead of 2025-26 SeasonOne Flyers Prospect Nobody Is Talking About Ahead of 2025-26 SeasonThe Philadelphia Flyers have quite a few roster spots ready to be filled by up-and-coming prospects next season, but there's one prospect who should be talked about much more.

With the saga apparently ending with a Flyers victory, don't expect any cap charges to be lodged against Philadelphia in the 2025-26 season or beyond.

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Mets’ Tylor Megill battles, strikes out four in first rehab start with Binghamton

Tylor Megill took a big step towards a potential late-season return on Tuesday.

The big Mets starting pitcher made his first rehab appearance down with Double-A Binghamton, though he wasn’t particularly sharp.

Megill retired the first two batters he faced, then struggled to put the inning away as the next two reached on a walk and single, but he punched out the cleanup hitter to escape without any damage.

He needed 23 pitches to battle his way through the opening frame. 

Binghamton’s offense handed Megill a 3-0 lead in the bottom half of the inning, and he picked up two more strikeouts in the second, but ended up being pulled after allowing a pair of singles. 

Luis Moreno entered and retired the next batter easily to close his line with no runs allowed on three hits and a walk while striking out four in just 1.2 innings of work.

Megill did mix in his full arsenal as he threw 41 pitches, 27 of which were strikes.

The right-hander has been sidelined since the middle of June due to a right elbow sprain. 

He was putting together another inconsistent campaign prior to the injury, pitching to a 3.95 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 89 strikeouts across 14 big league starts.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Mets utilize Megill when he is ready to return. 

Frankie Montas' spot in the rotation is open at the moment with him sliding to the bullpen, but all signs point to the team calling up top prospects Brandon Sproat or Nolan McLean to jump into the mix. 

Megill has just seven appearances in his career as a reliever. 

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Why The Minnesota Wild Signed Jack Johnson To A PTO

Oct 19, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Johansson (90) wrists a shot on goal as Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson (3) defends during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Wild announced on Monday the signing of defenseman Jack Johnson to a professional try out (PTO).

Johnson, 38, has played 19 seasons in the NHL and if he signs a contract with the Wild it will be his 20th season.

The 6-foot-1 defenseman brings loads of experience and has won the Stanley Cup before. He is a left-shot defender as well.

Minnesota traded left-shot defender Declan Chisholm to the Washington Capitals at the NHL Draft and let Jon Merrill leave for free agency.

Zeev Buium is expected to replace one of them and be an NHL regular this year. We also know that Jonas Brodin had off-season surgery and could miss the start of the season. 

In the AHL they have, Carson Lambos, Stevie Leskovar, Matt Kiersted, Ben Gleason and Jack Peart under contract as left-shot defenders.

Lambos, 22, was drafted in the first round of the 2021 draft and has been in the AHL the last two seasons. He recorded five goals and 19 points in 68 games for the Iowa Wild last year and was even called up to the Wild during the regular season.

He did not debut but is considered almost ready to be an NHLer. Wild General Manager Bill Guerin said they need some of their younger guys to step up and make impacts this season and Lambos is one of those guys.

No spot is guaranteed.

On the right-side, the Wild have Jared Spurgeon, Brock Faber, Zach Bogosian and David Jiricek. One of either Bogosian or Jiricek could play their off-sides to start the season but the Wild elected not to do that during the regular season when they had injuries.

Guerin has always talked about healthy competition and younger guys pushing for spots that older guys have. Johnson is 16 years older than Lambos and has played in 1,228 NHL games in his career.

The Wild also signed Kiersted who has played in 39 career NHL games over the last four seasons.

So, there will be some competition during training camp and there is nothing wrong with that. If Johnson is good and fits well with the Wild, then they can sign him to a contract. If not, there is no harm with the PTO.

Recent Minnesota Wild Stories

- Wild Sign Jack Johnson To A PTO.

- Revisiting 2024-25 Bold Predictions.

- Wild's Marco Rossi Having A Big Offseason, Up 14 Pounds.

- Former Wild Prospect Signs With AHL's Laval Rocket.

- Where Kirill Kaprizov Ranks Among NHL Wingers.

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The Sabres Did Well Against Powerhouse Jets Last Season; Can They Do It Again?

Tyson Kozak (left); Morgan Barron (right) -- (Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Images)

The Buffalo Sabres' 2025-26 schedule has been out for a while now, and THN.com's Sabres site has been dutifully analyzing each Sabres opponent next year in our "Know Your Enemy" series. We're nearing the end of the series, as we get set to start breaking down Buffalo's Pacific Division rivals on Wednesday.

But for now, we're wrapping things up in the Central Division by looking at the Winnipeg Jets, who were the best regular-season team in the NHL last year. The Jets have made some notable additions, including star center Jonathan Toews and wingers Tanner Pearson and Gustav Nyquist. But will that be enough to give Winnipeg the edge over the Sabres in their two games this season? Read this column to find out our answer to that question.

And once you've finished checking out that column, be sure to sign up as a member of the Sabres community on THN.com. Your opinion counts, and we want to hear it.

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Canadiens Young Star Should Hit New Level

There is no question that forward Juraj Slafkovsky is one of the Montreal Canadiens' core pieces moving forward. The 2022 first-overall pick has already emerged as a key forward in their lineup, and this certainly remained the case during the 2024-25 season.

Slafkovsky had another solid year for the Canadiens, as he scored 18 goals and set new career highs with 33 assists, 51 points, and 194 hits in 79 games. This was after the 6-foot-3 winger scored 20 goals and posted 50 points in 82 games with the Canadiens during the 2023-24 season.

Overall, Slafkovsky is continuing to demonstrate good upside with the Canadiens. With this, it would not be surprising in the slightest if we see Slafkovsky hit a brand new level next season for the Original Six club. 

Slafkovsky is still just 21 years old, so he undoubtedly still has time to improve his all-around game even further. Keep in mind, this past season was only his third NHL campaign, so he is still developing his game as he continues to adjust to the NHL level. 

With Slafkovsky being one of the Canadiens' most important young players, they are also only going to continue to give him plenty of opportunities to succeed. When looking at their roster, he should begin the season on their first line and power play. Thus, the potential for him to hit a new level offensively will be there in 2025-26. 

Nevertheless, it is going to be very interesting to see what kind of campaign Slafkovsky can put together for the Canadiens next season from here. 

Canadiens Defenseman Named As Top Breakout CandidateCanadiens Defenseman Named As Top Breakout CandidateThe Montreal Canadiens are one of the NHL's most exciting teams right now, as they are on the rise and have several promising young players on their roster. After making the playoffs in 2024-25 and following that up with a busy off-season, their goal will be to take another notable step in the right direction this upcoming campaign.