#major_league_baseball

Why Netflix and MLB are rolling out a back-to-basics Home Run Derby Major League Baseball is reintroducing a simplified version of its iconic Home Run Derby, stripping away the clock and bonus rounds to return to a more straightforward format. The event, which will take place on Monday night, will feature a set number of swings—20 in the first round, 15 in the subsequent rounds—with no time limits or additional scoring mechanisms. This shift aims to slow the pace of the competition, make it easier for fans to follow, and allow more time to appreciate the dramatic home runs that have long defined the event. The change marks the most significant overhaul of the Home Run Derby since its transition to a clock-based format in 2015. MLB executive vice president of baseball operations Morgan Sword explained that the adjustments were driven by feedback from fans, players, and former participants, including legends like Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, and Prince Fielder. Two recurring criticisms emerged from these discussions: the derby had become too fast-paced yet also too lengthy, making it difficult for viewers to keep track of the action. Under the new rules, players will compete in a structured manner, with the first-round tiebreaker determined by the longest home run. In the semifinals and finals, a three-swing swing-off will resolve ties. While there is no formal bonus round, a player who hits a home run on their final swing can continue until they fail to clear the fence, theoretically allowing for a comeback. This approach is intended to balance excitement with fairness, ensuring that exhaustion does not disproportionately affect early-round performers. The decision to simplify the format coincides with MLB’s partnership with Netflix, which has taken over the broadcast rights for the event.#ryan_howard #albert_pujols #major_league_baseball #morgan_sword #prince_fielder

Zack Wheeler Declines All-Star Game Invite: 'Not Gonna Be Disrespected' Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler refused an invitation to the National League All-Star Game after being approached as a replacement player, citing feelings of disrespect over his exclusion from the initial roster. The 36-year-old pitcher, who had already made his decision, criticized Major League Baseball’s rule that bars pitchers from starting on the final Sunday of the first half of the season from participating in the All-Star Game. Wheeler expressed frustration over being left off the original list, which he described as a “fifth choice” and a sign of being “disrespected.” Wheeler, who underwent thoracic outlet surgery last season and missed the start of this campaign, returned to form after being activated on April 25. He has since posted a 9-1 record with a 2.28 ERA and 98 strikeouts across 14 starts, including a standout performance on July 7 against the Cincinnati Reds. In a 4-1 Phillies victory, he tied his career high with 14 strikeouts, a display he described as one of his best of the season. Wheeler linked his decision to decline the All-Star bid to the frustration of being excluded from the initial selection process. “I felt like that was kind of a reminder for whoever needs to be reminded,” Wheeler said, adding that the rule—“just because I pitch on a certain day, I get punished for it”—felt unfair. He emphasized the importance of All-Star recognition for pitchers, noting that the honor carries weight beyond the season, influencing legacy and post-retirement perceptions. “Guys do take a lot of pride in having the All-Star next to your name,” he said. “During your career and after your career. And people who build them stuff after your career might look at that, too.#philadelphia_phillies #major_league_baseball #citizens_bank_park #zack_wheeler #national_league_all_star_game

Zack Wheeler Rejects All-Star Game Invite After Snubs: 'Not Gonna Be the Fifth Option' Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler said he declined an invitation to join the National League All-Star roster, expressing frustration over being overlooked multiple times. The veteran right-hander, who has been a dominant force for the Phillies this season, stated he felt "disrespected" by the selection process and chose not to participate in the event. Wheeler, who did not make the initial NL All-Star roster and was also omitted from a list of replacement additions, described his decision as a rejection of what he called a "fifth option" role. Wheeler, 36, emphasized that his issue was not with the All-Star Game itself but with the way Major League Baseball (MLB) handled the selection process. "Maybe I didn't earn it from the get-go, but maybe just second choice," he said. "Once I feel like they kind of messed that up, I'm out." His comments came after he was invited by MLB on Friday to replace an injured player but refused, stating he would not accept a backup role. The 9-1, 2.28 ERA pitcher, who has made 14 starts for the Phillies this season, highlighted his strong performance as a reason for his All-Star candidacy. Despite missing the first month of the season recovering from thoracic outlet surgery, Wheeler has returned to form, posting a 0.91 WHIP, a 4.3 WAR, and striking out 98 batters over 87 innings. His recent outing against the Cincinnati Reds, where he tied a career-high with 14 strikeouts, underscored his dominance. Wheeler’s frustration with the selection process was amplified by his exclusion from the initial roster and the replacement list. "They disrespected me, so I'm just not going to participate in that thing," he said, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.#philadelphia_phillies #major_league_baseball #national_league #zack_wheeler #citizen_s_bank_park

Justice Department Launches Civil Rights Probe Into MLB Over Pride Hats Controversy The U.S. Justice Department has initiated a civil rights investigation into Major League Baseball (MLB) following a dispute over players’ use of Pride-themed hats during a game. The controversy centers on three San Francisco Giants pitchers who wrote Bible verses on their caps during the team’s Pride Night event on June 12. The league criticized the players for violating its uniform rules, prompting the Justice Department to refer the matter to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to assess whether the disciplinary action constitutes religious discrimination. The incident occurred during a game against the Chicago Cubs, where pitchers Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker, and Ryan Walker inscribed Bible verses on their rainbow-colored Pride-themed hats. Pitcher Sam Hentges opted not to wear the themed cap at all. MLB issued a statement on June 13, asserting that writing on hats “violates our rules” and warned the players against future violations. The league emphasized that its rules apply uniformly, regardless of the message on the caps, and cited similar warnings for Mother’s Day messages and family names. Assistant U.S. Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon wrote a letter to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred on June 14, stating that the Justice Department had referred the case to the EEOC. Dhillon argued that the Civil Rights Act prohibits MLB from unreasonably burdening players’ religious rights, particularly when the league promotes Pride messages. “Federal law is clear: employers must modify uniform requirements to reasonably accommodate employees’ religious practices,” Dhillon wrote.#justice_department #major_league_baseball #san_francisco_giants #equal_employment_opportunity_commission #landen_roupp

World Series champion John Smoltz warns baseball 'will suffer' if ABS system is applied to all pitches World Series champion John Smoltz, a Hall of Famer and eight-time All-Star, has expressed concerns about the future of Major League Baseball’s automated challenge system, known as the ABS system. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Smoltz, who played 21 seasons in the majors—including 20 with the Atlanta Braves—stated that while he supports the current two-challenge format, he fears the system could harm the game if expanded to all pitches. Smoltz, 59, praised the ABS system as a “big success” for MLB but emphasized his hope that it remains limited to the existing framework. “I like it. It has definitely changed the game and we’re going to have to have some kind of correct system. Meaning, I like it with two challenges only,” he said. He argued that the system’s current structure allows for strategic gameplay without overcomplicating the sport. “I’m begging and pleading that it never goes to a full-time system. Baseball will suffer and not be the same and it’ll be impossible to hit,” Smoltz added. The ABS system, which allows teams two challenges per game to verify whether a pitch was thrown outside the strike zone, has already altered how pitchers and hitters approach at-bats. Smoltz highlighted two key changes: a decline in swing rates and an increase in walk rates. According to Fangraphs, hitters swung at 47.5% of pitches last season but swung at 46.9% this season, while walk rates rose from 8.4% to 9.2%. Smoltz attributed these shifts to pitchers struggling to command the ball and hitters becoming more aware of pitch location. “The swing rate has gone down, the walk rates gone through the roof.#atlanta_braves #boston_red_sox #major_league_baseball #st_louis_cardinals #john_smoltz

Pirates Manager and Pitcher Suspended After Incident Involving Reds Rookie The Pittsburgh Pirates will open Tuesday’s series against the Arizona Diamondbacks without their manager, Don Kelly, who was suspended by Major League Baseball (MLB) for one game following an altercation during a game against the Cincinnati Reds. The suspension was linked to an incident involving Pirates pitcher Chris Devenski, who was also penalized for throwing at Reds rookie Sal Stewart. Devenski’s suspension was initially set at three games but was reduced to two games after he agreed to a settlement. Both suspensions will take effect starting Tuesday. The incident occurred during the seventh inning of the Pirates’ 17-7 victory over the Reds on Saturday. With the Pirates leading 15-6, Devenski delivered a fastball inside to Stewart, nearly striking the rookie. Stewart appeared upset by the pitch, prompting the umpires to intervene. The crew chief, Alan Porter, cited the timing of Stewart’s movement as a key factor in the decision to eject Devenski. Porter explained that Stewart had stepped out of the batter’s box before the pitch, which led to the umpires concluding that Devenski intentionally targeted him. Devenski denied intentionally throwing at Stewart, stating he was attempting to pitch inside and that Stewart “took it the wrong way.” The Reds’ rookie, who has been performing well this season, went 0-for-13 against the Pirates during the series. The incident highlights the tensions that can arise in high-stakes baseball matchups, particularly when players from rival teams clash. The Pirates and Reds, who are in the same division, are scheduled to play again on June 26, providing an opportunity for the teams to face off again.#major_league_baseball #pittsburgh_pirates #sal_stewart #don_kelly #chris_devenski

MLB Rule Allowing Dodgers to Carry 14 Pitchers Sparks Debate Chicago — Major League Baseball’s rule permitting the Los Angeles Dodgers to maintain a 14-pitcher active roster due to Shohei Ohtani’s two-way player designation has drawn criticism from Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who called the policy “bizarre.” The rule, which allows teams to carry 13 pitchers from Opening Day through August 31 and 14 pitchers from September 1 onward, creates an exception for Ohtani, who does not count as a pitcher under the two-way player classification. The Dodgers, the reigning World Series champions, have leveraged this designation to field 14 pitchers on their active roster, a number exceeding the standard limit for most teams. Counsell, questioned about the 13-pitcher restriction before the Cubs’ 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, expressed confusion over the rule’s rationale. “It’s a rule to help offense, I think, more than anything,” he said, adding that the exception for the Dodgers “is probably the most bizarre rule. For one team.” The two-way player designation, established by MLB, requires athletes to meet specific criteria: at least 20 innings pitched in the majors and 20 starts as a position player or designated hitter with three plate appearances in each game. These thresholds must be achieved in the current season or any of the two preceding seasons. Ohtani, 31, is the sole active player meeting these conditions, as the rule was implemented for the 2020 season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts defended the designation, stating it benefits the team by allowing them to field a player capable of both pitching and hitting. “We’re more than willing for other teams to find a player who can do both,” Roberts said. “He’s an exception because he’s an exceptional player. It is what it is.#chicago_cubs #shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #major_league_baseball #craig_counsell

Aaron Judge at Center of Yankees' Stadium Sound Controversy Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees’ right fielder and team captain, has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over the noise levels at Yankee Stadium. His recent comments about the stadium’s “noise pollution” have sparked widespread discussion, highlighting the growing divide between fan preferences and the team’s approach to in-game sound effects. The controversy centers on the persistent sound effects that have been playing between pitches at Yankee Stadium since mid-2024. These noises, described by the New York Daily News’ Gary Phillips as “incessant,” have grown louder over time, drawing criticism from fans who argue they disrupt the game’s natural flow. Many feel the sounds drown out the action on the field and even bleed through television broadcasts, undermining the traditional, more subdued atmosphere of baseball games. However, the players’ perspective differs sharply. Judge and other Yankees, including Jazz Chisholm Jr., have expressed that the music is too quiet from their vantage point on the field. They believe the current volume fails to create the energetic, competitive environment found in other Major League Baseball stadiums. Judge emphasized that properly calibrated sound systems can enhance the home-field advantage, making the Yankees’ environment feel more intimidating to visiting teams. This tension dates back to 2024, when player complaints prompted the Yankees’ in-game media team to study how other ballparks manage sound during games. Despite these efforts, the adjustments have not satisfied either fans or players. The core issue, according to Judge, lies in the placement of the stadium’s speakers, which are designed to prioritize fan experience rather than player comfort.#new_york_yankees #aaron_judge #major_league_baseball #yankee_stadium #gary_phillips

Pitchers Boost Velocity in 2026, Raising Questions About Performance and Health The 2026 Major League Baseball season has seen a notable surge in fastball velocity, with the average four-seam fastball clocking in at 94.6 mph through early April. This marks a significant jump from the 91.9 mph average recorded in 2008, when pitch-tracking technology first became widely used. Similarly, sinkers have gained speed, averaging 93.9 mph this season compared to 90.7 mph in 2008. While velocity has long been a focal point for pitchers, the 2026 season highlights how improvements in speed are reshaping performance and health outcomes for several key players. Shota Imanaga, the Cubs’ left-handed starter, has emerged as a standout example of how velocity can rebound after injury setbacks. Imanaga missed nearly two months of the 2025 season with a left hamstring strain, which led to a drop in his fastball velocity. His four-seamer averaged 90.7 mph during his final 17 starts of the year, down from his rookie season average of 92.1 mph. This decline contributed to a down year, as his fastball became his least valuable pitch, with a run value of -10. However, Imanaga has since rebounded, carrying over his Spring Training velocity bump into the 2026 season. Through April 6, his four-seamer averaged 92.2 mph, a +1.4 mph increase from 2025. The improvement has translated to tangible results. Imanaga has thrown 12 pitches at least 93 mph this season, a stark contrast to just 13 such instances in 2025. In his April 3 start against the Guardians, his fastball sat at 92.6 mph in the fifth inning, matching his pre-injury velocity. Imanaga acknowledged the importance of velocity, stating, “For me, velo isn’t everything, but obviously, having velocity is an advantage.#major_league_baseball #cubs #marlins #shota_imanaga #janson_junk

Guardians Move Tuesday Game Start Time to 1:10 p.m. ET Due to Cold Weather The Cleveland Guardians have made the decision to adjust the start time of their Tuesday game against the Kansas City Royals, moving it from its original 6:10 p.m. ET slot to 1:10 p.m. ET in response to severe cold weather conditions forecasted for the Cleveland area. This change comes as a cold front sweeps through the region, prompting the team to prioritize the safety and comfort of both players and fans. The decision was announced on April 6, 2026, with the Weather Channel predicting potential flurries or snow showers and temperatures dropping into the mid-20s. The Guardians’ move to shift the game’s start time by five hours is part of a broader effort to mitigate the risks associated with extreme cold. Outdoor sporting events can face significant challenges during such conditions, including reduced visibility, icy surfaces, and the potential for hypothermia or frostbite among attendees. By rescheduling the game to an earlier slot, the team aims to ensure that all participants and spectators can enjoy the event in safer conditions. The series between the Guardians and the Royals begins on Monday with the first game scheduled for its usual 6:10 p.m. ET start time. However, the second game of the series, originally set for Tuesday, will now take place at 1:10 p.m. ET. This adjustment allows for a buffer period to address the weather-related concerns while maintaining the integrity of the schedule. Fans who purchased tickets for the Tuesday game will have the option to exchange them for another eligible Guardians home game, ensuring that they are not left without a valid ticket for the rescheduled event.#weather_channel #major_league_baseball #cleveland #kansas_city_royals #cleveland_guardians

Mets’ Sean Manaea Emerges As Highest Paid Reliever With $25 Million Deal Amid Role Shift The New York Mets have embraced a modern pitching strategy, and Sean Manaea is now at the heart of that approach. His $25 million contract has positioned him as the highest-paid reliever in Major League Baseball, a testament to his late-career transformation and the league’s increasing focus on high-leverage bullpen arms. Manaea’s new role reflects both his personal development and the evolving demands of the game. Entering the 2026 season, Manaea is coming off one of his most effective stretches, a result of adjustments made during his time with the Mets. Originally signed as rotational depth, the left-handed pitcher found new success when deployed in shorter, more aggressive outings. The Mets capitalized on his flexibility, using him in hybrid roles that blurred the lines between starter and reliever. This adaptability has become a key factor in his value. In 2025, Manaea pitched over 140 innings while maintaining a sub-3.50 ERA. His strikeout rate exceeded 9.5 per nine innings, driven by improved command of his sweeper and elevated fastball. His ability to miss bats grew, while his walk rate remained steady. Opposing hitters struggled to square up his pitches, as evidenced by a WHIP around 1.20 and strong hard-hit suppression metrics. These numbers highlight his effectiveness in critical situations. His role has also shifted significantly. No longer confined to the rotation, Manaea was frequently used in high-leverage scenarios, including middle-inning appearances against the top of opposing lineups. This increased usage elevated his overall value, particularly for a Mets team that faced bullpen inconsistency throughout the season.#new_york_mets #san_diego_padres #major_league_baseball #san_francisco_giants #sean_manea

Yankees Consider Moving Ryan McMahon to Shortstop Amid Anthony Volpe's Absence The New York Yankees are preparing to adjust their infield strategy ahead of the 2024 season, with a focus on giving Ryan McMahon a chance to play shortstop as Anthony Volpe remains sidelined. While McMahon has primarily been used as a third baseman, the team is open to expanding his role, signaling a shift in their approach to roster flexibility. This decision comes as Volpe, the team’s young shortstop, is expected to miss time due to injury, creating an opportunity for McMahon to step into the position. The Yankees’ willingness to adapt their lineup highlights the importance of having players who can contribute in multiple roles. McMahon’s ability to handle shortstop would provide the team with greater versatility, allowing them to manage their bench more effectively. This move could also ease pressure on Volpe, who has faced challenges in securing a consistent role at the hot corner. Manager Aaron Boone has expressed confidence in McMahon’s potential to play shortstop, stating that he would feel comfortable having the player take on the position in a regular season game. This endorsement suggests the Yankees are seriously considering the idea, rather than treating it as a temporary experiment. Boone’s comments indicate a strategic shift in how the team constructs its infield depth, prioritizing adaptability over rigid positional assignments. If the Yankees proceed with this plan, McMahon’s role will become a critical factor in shaping the team’s infield options. His ability to play shortstop would not only provide immediate flexibility but also enhance the team’s long-term depth.#new_york_yankees #major_league_baseball #anthony_volpe #ryan_mcmahon #aaron_boone

The Atlanta Braves have been officially notified that Jurickson Profar will miss the entire 2026 season due to his suspension by Major League Baseball. The 33-year-old player from Curacao was suspended on March 3 after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, marking his second positive result for a performance-enhancing drug within a little over a year. This follows a previous suspension in 2025, where he was banned for 80 games after testing positive for human chorionic gonadotropin. Profar's latest suspension was upheld after he appealed the decision, as confirmed by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The ruling means he will be ineligible to participate in the 2026 postseason and will forfeit his $15 million salary for the 2026 season. In 2025, he lost over $5.1 million in earnings due to missing nearly half the season as a result of his prior suspension. Profar, who signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Braves in January 2025, had only played 80 games for the team as of the latest update. The deal came after he had an All-Star season with the San Diego Padres in 2024. His suspension now effectively ends his tenure with the Braves for the 2026 campaign, leaving the team to navigate the loss of a key player amid ongoing disciplinary actions against him.#curacao #atlanta_braves #jurickson_profar #san_diego_padres #major_league_baseball

Jurickson Profar faces a 162-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs after his appeal was denied, marking the end of his 2026 season with the Atlanta Braves. The decision comes as Major League Baseball confirmed Profar tested positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites, resulting in the full-season ban for a second violation. The suspension makes him the sixth player to receive such a penalty since MLB implemented the policy in 2014, which mandates a 162-game suspension for repeat offenders. Profar, 33, will forfeit his $15 million salary for 2026 and will be ineligible for postseason play. The suspension follows a prior 80-game ban in March 2025 after he tested positive for chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone linked to testosterone production. At the time, Profar issued a statement acknowledging his responsibility and accepting MLB’s decision, though he denied intentional wrongdoing. His 2025 suspension came early in the season, and after returning in July, he posted a .245/.353/.434 batting line with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs while playing left field. The Braves signed Profar to a three-year, $42 million contract in January 2025 after he had a standout season with the San Diego Padres. As an All-Star in 2024, Profar was expected to play a key role in Atlanta’s lineup, potentially as the No. 2 hitter behind Ronald Acuña Jr. However, his absence for the entire 2026 season will reshape the team’s plans. Braves first-year manager Walt Weiss noted the DH position will be “fairly fluid” without Profar, citing the addition of left fielder Mike Yastrzemski, who signed a $23 million, two-year deal in the offseason. Yastrzemski, along with Acuña and Michael Harris, is expected to form the starting outfield.#atlanta_braves #jurickson_profar #major_league_baseball #walt_weiss #mike_yastrzemski

Phillies' Johan Rojas suspended 80 games for failed drug test The Philadelphia Phillies' Johan Rojas has been suspended for 80 games after failing a drug test. The suspension was announced on March 16, 2026, at 06:24 PM ET. Rojas, a reliever for the Phillies, tested positive for a prohibited substance, prompting the league to impose the penalty. The decision follows standard procedures for handling such violations, which typically involve a review of the testing process and confirmation of the results. The suspension will begin with the 2026 season, impacting Rojas' availability for the majority of the campaign. The Phillies have not yet commented on the specifics of the case or the potential implications for the team's roster. This marks the latest in a series of disciplinary actions taken by Major League Baseball to address performance-enhancing drug use.#2026_season #phillies #johan_rojas #major_league_baseball #drug_test