Kristie Ackert, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - Los Angeles Angels' Mike Trout celebrates after his solo home run against the Houston Astros during the first inning of a baseball game, Sept. 28, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Wally Skalij, File)

Mike Trout remains in the mix for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, but questions linger

December 9, 2025

Mike Trout, the cornerstone of Team USA’s 2023 World Baseball Classic run, is still under consideration as the roster for the 2026 tournament takes shape. Manager Mark DeRosa said Tuesday that Trout is “in the mix” for one of the final spots, assuming he’s healthy and comfortable with his role. The two-time American League MVP remains in a complicated place for Team USA, which is scheduled to play its first game of the tournament March 6 against Brazil in Houston. A bruised left knee sent him to the injured list in May. It’s the same knee that required meniscus surgery in 2024.

FILE - Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal throws during the first inning in Game 5 of baseball's American League Division Series against the Seattle Mariners, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

A.J. Hinch has mastered the art of sidestepping questions about Tarik Skubal

December 9, 2025

A.J. Hinch has mastered the art of smiling and sidestepping the one question he keeps hearing at the MLB winter meetings. The Detroit Tigers manager has no interest in discussing the possibility of losing his ace, Tarik Skubal, this winter. Instead, Hinch wants to talk about Skubal’s chance to chase another Cy Young Award. Skubal is entering his final season under team control, and the Tigers have not dismissed the possibility of a trade. The left-hander’s agent, Scott Boras, said he is open to listening to extension offers from Detroit, but also painted a bleak picture of the club without its ace.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz delivers to the Seattle Mariners during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Baz stops losing streak as Rays rout Mariners 10-2 for 4th straight win

September 1, 2025

Shane Baz pitched six shutout innings to end his eight-game losing streak and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Seattle Mariners 10-2 for their fourth consecutive victory. Nick Fortes hit an early three-run homer and scored three times. Tristan Gray also went deep and Yandy Díaz had a two-run double for the Rays, who moved within 4 1/2 games of the Mariners for the last American League playoff spot. Seattle holds a two-game lead over Texas for the third and final wild card. Junior Caminero went 3 for 4 with two RBI singles. Jake Mangum also had three of Tampa Bay’s 13 hits at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mariners starter Luis Castillo allowed five runs and six hits in four innings.

FILE - This is a 2025 photo of catcher Harry Ford of the Seattle Mariners baseball team. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

Top catching prospect Harry Ford promoted to major leagues by Mariners

September 1, 2025

The Seattle Mariners have promoted top catching prospect Harry Ford to the major leagues as active rosters expanded. The 22-year-old was called up after hitting .283 with 16 homers and 74 RBIs in 97 games for Triple-A Tacoma. Ford, ranked the No. 40 prospect overall by MLB Pipeline, was the No. 12 overall pick in the 2021 amateur draft. Born in Atlanta to British parents, Ford helped Britain qualify for the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Seattle selected the contracts of Ford and right-hander Luke Jackson from Tacoma.

New York Yankees' José Caballero, right, celebrates his home run off Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Mason Montgomery with Aaron Judge during the ninth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Yankees become 1st MLB team to hit 9 home runs in a game twice in one season

August 20, 2025

The New York Yankees put on quite a power show during a 13-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, becoming the first team in major league history to hit nine home runs in a game twice in one season. After the first pitch was delayed nearly two hours by rain, Giancarlo Stanton, Cody Bellinger and José Caballero each homered twice at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Aaron Judge launched his 40th of the season, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ben Rice also went deep, and the Yankees equaled a franchise record with nine home runs. New York also hit nine in its second game of the year, a 20-9 victory over Milwaukee on March 29 at Yankee Stadium.

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge watches his solo home run off Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Yankees tie club record with 9 home runs in 13-3 win over Rays

August 20, 2025

Giancarlo Stanton and Cody Bellinger both hit two home runs, Aaron Judge launched his 40th of the season and the New York Yankees matched a franchise record with nine longballs in a 13-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Judge, Bellinger and Stanton went back-to-back-to-back in the first inning to give the Yankees a 3-0 lead four batters into the game — after the first pitch was delayed nearly two hours by rain. José Caballero connected twice for his first career multihomer game. Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ben Rice also went deep for the Yankees, who won their fourth straight. New York took full advantage of the cozy dimensions in a road game at its spring training home, where the Rays are playing while Tropicana Field undergoes repairs.

New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton picks up a ball hit by Houston Astros' Jesús Sánchez (4) during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Yankees get Stanton back as Judge tests throwing arm that could hinder him all season, Boone says

August 19, 2025

Giancarlo Stanton will return to the New York Yankees’ lineup in right field after missing three games with what the team described as general soreness. Manager Aaron Boone told radio station WFAN that Stanton will return Tuesday night. He also provided an update on Aaron Judge. Boone said there is no timetable on a return to the outfield for Judge, who has been limited to designated hitter since being activated from the injured list on Aug. 5.

Tampa Bay Rays manger Kevin Cash congratulates Tampa Brandon Lowe after Lowe's home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Athletics Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

Rays place Brandon Lowe on 10-day injured list and acquire Stuart Fairchild

July 22, 2025

The Tampa Bay Rays have placed second baseman Brandon Lowe on the 10-day injured list and acquired outfielder Stuart Fairchild from the Braves for cash considerations. Lowe has been dealing with tendinitis in his left ankle. He exited Saturday’s game and was initially diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. The injury was later clarified as tendinitis. His IL placement on Tuesday was retroactive to July 20, indicating he could return before the July 31 trade deadline. Lowe has been mentioned in trade rumors with several contenders needing help at second base, including the Giants and Astros.

Kristie Ackert.