MIKE FITZPATRICK Baseball Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta walks to the dugout after the top of the fifth inning in Game 2 of baseball's National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Oct. 14, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

Mets acquire ace pitcher Freddy Peralta from Brewers in trade

January 21, 2026

The active New York Mets have acquired ace pitcher Freddy Peralta and right-hander Tobias Myers from Milwaukee in a trade that sent two top prospects to the Brewers: pitcher Brandon Sproat and minor league infielder/outfielder Jett Williams. Peralta gives the Mets a frontline starter after their rotation faltered in the second half of a disappointing 2025 season. Peralta went 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA last year, when he led the National League in wins and finished fifth in Cy Young Award voting. He also earned his second All-Star selection. The 29-year-old right-hander is set to make $8 million this year and can become a free agent following the World Series.

FILE - New York Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns responds to questions during a news conference about MLB trade deadline deals, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith, File)

Bo Bichette and New York Mets have agreed to a $126 million, 3-year contract, AP source says

January 16, 2026

Bo Bichette and the New York Mets have agreed to a $126 million, three-year contract. That’s according to two people familiar with the negotiations who spoke Friday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal was subject to a successful physical. The infielder Bichette can opt out after the first and second season. He would receive $47 million for one year and $89 million for two years, one of the people said. The deal does not contain any deferred money and Bichette gets a full no-trade provision.

David Stearns says he’s not blind to frustration of Mets fans but is certain overhaul is best

January 13, 2026

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has heard all the harsh criticism this offseason. But after saying goodbye to slugger Pete Alonso, star closer Edwin Díaz and two other Mets stalwarts before Christmas, a steadfast Stearns remains confident in his vision for 2026 and beyond. Stearns, who grew up a Mets fan in New York City, spoke Tuesday at a Citi Field luncheon with the team’s beat reporters. After letting some of the club’s most popular players leave this winter, a scorned Stearns says he’s even been hearing it from friends and family, at times.

FILE - New York Yankees' Luke Weaver pitches during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

Luke Weaver agrees to $22 million, 2-year deal with the New York Mets, AP source says

December 17, 2025

A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that Luke Weaver has agreed to a $22 million, two-year contract with the New York Mets, joining Clay Holmes and Devin Williams as former Yankees on a rebuilt pitching staff. A 32-year-old right-hander, Weaver supplanted a struggling Holmes at the Yankees closer in September 2024, was replaced by Williams at the start of 2025, then took over from a faltering Williams late last April only to strain his left hamstring on June 1.

FILE - Seattle Mariners' Jorge Polanco runs on his two-RBI double against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer, File)

New York Mets and infielder Jorge Polanco finalize $40 million, 2-year contract

December 16, 2025

Veteran infielder Jorge Polanco and the New York Mets have finalized their $40 million, two-year contract. The sides agreed to terms last week, pending a physical. Polanco has mostly played shortstop and second base during his 12 major league seasons with Minnesota and Seattle — but he’ll be used differently by the Mets. The switch-hitter gives them a potential replacement for All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso, who signed with Baltimore as a free agent. The 32-year-old Polanco batted .265 with 26 home runs, 78 RBIs, 30 doubles and an .821 OPS in 138 games for Seattle last season, his second with the Mariners following a decade with the Twins.

FILE - New York Mets' Pete Alonso reacts during a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash, File)

Mets front office taking heat with fan favorites Alonso, Díaz and Nimmo headed out of town

December 11, 2025

Brandon Nimmo went first. Then it was Edwin Díaz and Pete Alonso on back-to-back days at baseball’s winter meetings. Three fan favorites headed out the door in 2 1/2 weeks — a powerful gut punch to angry New York Mets fans wondering what on earth the front office is thinking. As the club embarks on a major makeover, suffice to say owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns are not the most popular couple in Queens right now. Stearns says there is work to do, but there are many good players available and he’s confident the Mets will like their team when opening day arrives.

FILE - New York Yankees pitcher Devin Williams delivers against the Toronto Blue Jays during the seventh inning of Game 3 of baseball's American League Division Series, Oct. 7, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)

Mets and reliever Devin Williams finalize $51 million, 3-year contract

December 3, 2025

Devin Williams and the Mets have finalized a $51 million, three-year contract that locks in a critical late-inning reliever as New York rebuilds its bullpen this offseason. The right-hander will receive $5 million per year deferred for 10 years starting in 2036, so the contract won’t be fully paid until 2045. Williams spent last season across town with the New York Yankees, going 4-6 with a career-worst 4.79 ERA and 18 saves in 22 chances. He lost the closer’s job, regained it and then lost it again before finishing the year with four scoreless outings during the American League playoffs. With the Mets, the 31-year-old Williams could replace free agent closer Edwin Díaz in a revamped bullpen or complement him as a top setup man if Díaz re-signs.

Mets agree to contract with free agent reliever Devin Williams, AP source says

December 1, 2025

Free agent reliever Devin Williams has agreed to a contract with the New York Mets, a person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical and had not been announced. Multiple media reports indicated the sides agreed on a three-year contract. Williams spent last season across town with the New York Yankees, going 4-6 with a career-worst 4.79 ERA and 18 saves in 22 chances. He lost the closer’s job, regained it and then lost it again before finishing the year with four scoreless outings during the American League playoffs. The 31-year-old right-hander is a two-time All-Star who twice won the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki reacts after the Dodgers defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of baseball's National League Division Series, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Trey Yesavage and Roki Sasaki have barely played in MLB. They’ve been stars in the postseason anyway

October 23, 2025

Trey Yesavage and Roki Sasaki are barely babes in the woods when it comes to Major League Baseball experience. Which only makes their postseason success more impressive. Both in the minors last month, Yesavage and Sasaki are suddenly two of the most important pitchers in the World Series as the Toronto Blue Jays take on the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers beginning Friday night. Neither rookie has turned 24 yet or appeared in more than 17 big league games. Yesavage, however, has two wins as the No. 2 starter in Toronto’s playoff rotation. And after missing 4 1/2 months with a shoulder injury, Sasaki shifted to the bullpen and began closing for the Dodgers.

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. celebrates after the Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees in Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Guerrero and Blue Jays set up nicely for ALCS after putting away Yankees in Game 4

October 9, 2025

Forget the preseason prognostications. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the worst-to-first Toronto Blue Jays believe they’re as good as anybody. Hard to argue after the way they dispatched Aaron Judge and the powerful New York Yankees in their AL Division Series. And now, manager John Schneider’s pesky Blue Jays are set up pretty nicely for the next playoff round. Headed to its first American League Championship Series in nine years, AL East champion Toronto will host Detroit or Seattle in Game 1 on Sunday. Those teams are set to decide their Division Series on Friday in Game 5 at Seattle.

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge connects for a three-run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning of Game 3 of baseball's American League Division Series, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Judge rallies Yankees past Blue Jays 9-6 to save season and avert ALDS sweep

October 8, 2025

Aaron Judge hit a tying homer and drove in four runs during a clutch performance for the ages, and the New York Yankees staved off elimination by rallying from five runs down to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 9-6 in Game 3 of their AL Division Series. Jazz Chisholm Jr. launched a go-ahead homer in the fifth inning and the Yankees took advantage of two Toronto errors to avoid a three-game sweep. They scored eight unanswered runs and pulled to 2-1 in the best-of-five playoff, with Game 4 on Wednesday night in the Bronx.

New York Yankees Jazz Chisholm Jr. slides safely into home plate ahead of the tag from Boston Red Sox catcher Carlos Narváez (75) during the eighth inning of Game 2 of an American League wild-card baseball playoff series, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Jazz Chisholm Jr. a gamer for Yankees in season-saving playoff win over Red Sox

October 1, 2025

Left out of the starting lineup for the New York Yankees’ playoff opener, Jazz Chisholm Jr. was understandably unhappy. Any accomplished player would be. Chisholm just has a different way of letting off steam. He says he played “MLB: The Show” and routed his opponent — and that’s how he blows off steam. Back at second base Wednesday night, Chisholm played a huge part in saving the Yankees’ season as they beat the rival Boston Red Sox 4-3 in Game 2 of their AL Wild Card Series. And this one was no video game.

New York Yankees Jazz Chisholm Jr. dives into home plate to score on a hit by Austin Wells against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning of Game 2 of an American League wild-card baseball playoff series, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Yankees edge rival Red Sox 4-3 to send AL Wild Card Series to decisive Game 3

October 1, 2025

Jazz Chisholm Jr. zipped all the way home from first base on Austin Wells’ tiebreaking single in the eighth inning, and the New York Yankees extended their season with a 4-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox in Game 2 of their AL Wild Card Series. Unhappy he was left out of the starting lineup in the opener, Chisholm also made a couple of critical defensive plays at second base that helped the Yankees send the best-of-three playoff to a decisive Game 3 on Thursday night in the Bronx. In the latest chapter of baseball’s most storied rivalry, the winner advances to face AL East champion Toronto in a best-of-five Division Series beginning Saturday.

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza looks to the field before a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Stearns takes blame for Mets collapse and says Mendoza will return as manager

September 29, 2025

Carlos Mendoza will return as manager of the New York Mets next season, after his high-priced team faded badly in the second half this year and missed the playoffs. At a news conference Monday to discuss the collapse, President of Baseball Operations David Stearns took responsibility and said Mendoza is definitely coming back. Anything else would have been a surprise, considering Mendoza was a huge hit last year in his debut and remains under contract through 2026 with a club option for 2027. Stearns says he still thinks Mendoza is “a very good manager” with “all the same traits and assets” he believed in when the skipper was hired.

New York Yankees' Anthony Volpe, left, and Aaron Judge celebrates with teammates after a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

AL East race between Yankees and Blue Jays comes down to final weekend of season

September 26, 2025

The race for first place in the AL East is even with three games to go. That means the division title will be determined this weekend by how the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees handle a pair of also-rans. After both teams won at home Thursday night, the Yankees and Blue Jays remain tied for the top spot — and the best record in the American League — at 91-68. New York hosts last-place Baltimore for three games beginning Friday night, while Toronto welcomes fourth-place Tampa Bay north of the border. The Yankees and Blue Jays are both headed to the playoffs regardless of their results over the next three days, but the division winner gets a first-round bye.

Umpire Dan Bellino holds the glove of Chicago White Sox pitcher Tyler Gilbert before he pitches during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Umpires take away Tyler Gilbert’s glove after White Sox reliever gets checked for sticky stuff

September 25, 2025

Tyler Gilbert’s glove was taken away by umpires who found it too sticky when the Chicago White Sox reliever entered Thursday night’s game against the New York Yankees. With the White Sox leading 3-1 in the fifth inning, Gilbert was summoned from the bullpen to replace starter Davis Martin at Yankee Stadium. Second base umpire Phil Cuzzi performed a routine inspection for illegal substances before Gilbert reached the pitcher’s mound. Crew chief Dan Bellino, working at third, also took a look and decided something wasn’t right. Gilbert’s glove was confiscated, but the left-hander was permitted to pitch with a different one.

Austin Wells loses track of the outs in 9th inning and costs the Yankees a late opportunity

July 30, 2025

Perhaps nobody was happier the Yankees won Wednesday night than catcher Austin Wells, after his embarrassing mental lapse on the bases cost New York an opportunity in the ninth inning. Anthony Volpe hit a tying homer off Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks with one out in the ninth, then Wells singled and advanced to second base when Trent Grisham tried to bunt for a hit. Grisham was thrown out at first for the second out and credited with a sacrifice. Wells, however, thought the inning was over and wandered off the bag. He got tagged in a rundown for the third out, sending a back-and-forth game to extra innings as fans in the Yankee Stadium crowd of 45,355 groaned.

New York Yankees second base DJ LeMahieu (26) grounds out Athletics' Max Muncy (10) during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 28, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Yankees cut 2-time batting champ DJ LeMahieu with nearly $22 million left on contract

July 10, 2025

DJ LeMahieu has been cut by the New York Yankees with almost $22 million remaining on his contract, one day after the two-time batting champion got demoted to the bench. LeMahieu, who turns 37 on Sunday, was designated for assignment and fellow infielder Jorbit Vivas was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The Yankees then released LeMahieu on Thursday. A three-time All-Star, LeMahieu was batting .266 with two homers, 12 RBIs and a .674 OPS. He made his season debut May 13 after recovering from a left calf strain.

Cam Schlittler brings heat and hope to Yankees in winning MLB debut

July 9, 2025

One game into his major league career, Cam Schlittler is the hardest-throwing member of the New York Yankees’ rotation. Schlittler used his 100 mph fastball to shut down Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners during an eye-opening debut Wednesday night, pitching the Yankees to a 9-6 victory before a throng of friends and family members in the crowd. One of the team’s top-rated prospects, the 6-foot-6 Schlittler struck out seven over 5 1/3 innings to earn the win. He threw New York’s seven fastest pitches this season and his average fastball velocity of 97.9 mph was the highest for a Yankees pitcher this year. But it was his poise and improved secondary pitches that really impressed manager Aaron Boone.

New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts after hitting a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Chisholm homers twice and Schlittler wins MLB debut as Yankees top Mariners 9-6

July 9, 2025

Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered twice and drove in four runs, and Cam Schlittler won his impressive major league debut as the New York Yankees beat the Seattle Mariners 9-6. Jasson Domínguez had three hits, including an RBI single, and Aaron Judge added a two-run double to help the Yankees overcome four Seattle homers. New York has won three straight following its second six-game losing streak since mid-June. One of the team’s top-rated prospects, Schlittler was called up from the minors to start in place of injured Clarke Schmidt. The 24-year-old right-hander froze big league home run leader Cal Raleigh with a 100 mph fastball for his first strikeout and was charged with three runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out seven.

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge leaves the field after not scoring in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Saturday, July 5, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Aaron Judge gets struck in the face by a toss from Yankees teammate Anthony Volpe

July 5, 2025

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge was struck in the face by a toss from teammate Anthony Volpe as they were coming off the field after the fifth inning of Saturday’s 12-6 loss to the New York Mets. Judge came to bat in the sixth with a small bandage that was still affixed near his right eye after the game. He had a mark right around the eye but said he was fine. The sloppy Yankees were handed their sixth consecutive defeat, matching a season worst.

New York Mets' Brandon Nimmo celebrates his grand slam with the scorers, Pete Alonso, Fransisco Lindor and Starling Marie, during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Saturday, July 5, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Alonso and Nimmo power Mets to 12-6 win over skidding Yankees in Subway Series

July 5, 2025

Pete Alonso homered twice and drove in five runs, Brandon Nimmo hit his second grand slam in four days and the New York Mets battered the reeling New York Yankees 12-6. Carlos Rodón was roughed up as the Yankees equaled a season high with their sixth consecutive defeat. They also dropped six straight June 13-18, marking the first time since 2000 they’ve endured two six-game losing streaks in one year. The Mets have won four in a row following a 3-14 slide, improving the best home record in the majors to 33-13. They’ll go for a three-game sweep in the second Subway Series of the season Sunday at Citi Field.

New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt (36) walks off the field during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Saturday, June 28, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt is expected to have season-ending Tommy John surgery

July 5, 2025

Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt likely needs a second Tommy John surgery that would sideline him for the remainder of this season and much of next year, a huge blow to New York’s injury-riddled rotation. Yankees manager Aaron Boone made the announcement Saturday before his team’s Subway Series game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Schmidt had an MRI on Friday and was placed on the 15-day injured list because of right forearm soreness, one day after his start in Toronto was cut short following three innings. The 29-year-old right-hander, who had Tommy John surgery in May 2017, is 4-4 with a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts this season for a scuffling Yankees club that had lost five consecutive games.

New York Mets' Francisco Lindor gestures to teammates after hitting an RBI single during the sixth inning in the second baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers of a doubleheader Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

All-Star starter Francisco Lindor enjoys big night after slumping Mets drop him from leadoff spot

July 3, 2025

On the same day he got elected to start an All-Star Game for the first time, Francisco Lindor was dropped from the leadoff spot with the New York Mets in a major tailspin. And the move paid off immediately. After making 191 consecutive starts at the top of the lineup, Lindor batted second as the designated hitter in the second game of a day-night doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers and their rookie sensation, right-hander Jacob Misiorowski. Brandon Nimmo returned to the leadoff slot and launched a grand slam off the hard-throwing Misiorowski in the second inning. Lindor followed with his 17th home run, then added an RBI single in the sixth and a run-scoring double in the eighth as the Mets won 7-3 to stop a four-game skid.

Milwaukee Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski pitches during the first inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the New York Mets Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Brewers phenom Jacob Misiorowski gets tagged for 1st time in loss to Mets

July 2, 2025

Jacob Misiorowski made everything look so easy in his first three major league starts. Now he knows it’s not. The hard-throwing rookie finally got knocked around Wednesday, serving up back-to-back homers as the Milwaukee Brewers lost 7-3 to the New York Mets in the second game of a day-night doubleheader at Citi Field. Barely touched by opposing batters since getting called up from the minors last month, Misiorowski allowed five runs, five hits and three walks over 3 2/3 innings in his fourth career outing. Brandon Nimmo connected for a grand slam in the second and Francisco Lindor followed with another longball to give the Mets a 5-0 lead.

New York Mets' Brandon Nimmo (9) hits a grand slam during the second inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Nimmo and Lindor deliver after lineup change as scuffling Mets beat Brewers to split doubleheader

July 2, 2025

New leadoff batter Brandon Nimmo launched a grand slam off rookie phenom Jacob Misiorowski, and the New York Mets beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-3 to split their day-night doubleheader. Dropped from the top spot, slumping All-Star Francisco Lindor followed Nimmo’s second-inning slam with a home run and finished with three RBIs as the Mets snapped a four-game slide by winning for only the fourth time in 18 games. Joey Ortiz hit a tiebreaking grand slam in the sixth inning of the opener that sent Milwaukee to a 7-2 victory behind Freddy Peralta in the makeup of Tuesday night’s rainout.

Journey man: Mets pitcher Jonathan Pintaro takes improbable path to majors

June 25, 2025

Some players take unusual paths to the big leagues. And then there is the journey of Jonathan Pintaro. Undrafted from a Division II college in Georgia, he spent two seasons in the MLB Draft League for overlooked long shots. Then two years pitching for the Glacier Range Riders of the independent Pioneer League — where he compiled a 6.60 ERA. So when Pintaro walked into the New York Mets’ clubhouse Wednesday, about 2,400 miles from 2,291-seat Glacier Bank Park in Kalispell, Montana, needless to say it was an improbable arrival. Pintaro received a surprise promotion from the minors when the struggling Mets shuffled bullpen arms again before their 7-3 victory against Atlanta.

FILE - New York Mets' Ronny Mauricio flips his bat after hitting a two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Sept. 12, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

Mets call up prized infield prospect Ronny Mauricio after Mark Vientos injury

June 3, 2025

The New York Mets have called up prized infield prospect Ronny Mauricio from the minors. The promotion comes after third baseman Mark Vientos strained his right hamstring late in Monday night’s victory over the Dodgers in Los Angeles. Vientos went on the 10-day injured list Tuesday. Mauricio made his major league debut in September 2023 and batted .248 with two home runs, nine RBIs and seven stolen bases in 26 games that year. But months later, the switch-hitter tore a knee ligament playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic and he missed the 2024 season.

Ohtani faces hitters for 1st time since elbow surgery, throws 22 pitches of live BP at Citi Field

May 25, 2025

Shohei Ohtani took a significant step Sunday toward making his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The two-way superstar faced hitters for the first time since elbow surgery, throwing 22 pitches at Citi Field about 4 1/2 hours before launching a leadoff homer in a 3-1 loss to the New York Mets. With dozens of reporters watching from the stands, Ohtani threw to five batters in a simulated setting — including teammates Hyeseong Kim and Dalton Rushing. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and pitching coach Mark Prior watched closely from the field. Ohtani isn’t expected to pitch in a major league game until after the All-Star break.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani winces after being hit with his own foul ball during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Ohtani to face hitters Sunday for 1st time in pitching rehab with Dodgers

May 24, 2025

Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to face hitters this weekend for the first time in his recovery from right elbow surgery. The two-way superstar originally planned to throw live batting practice Saturday afternoon at Citi Field before the Los Angeles Dodgers play the New York Mets. But after the Dodgers needed 13 innings to win 7-5 on Friday night in a rain-delayed game that ended about 1 a.m., manager Dave Roberts told reporters Ohtani decided to push back the session to Sunday because of the long, late night. It’s the next step for Ohtani as he works toward returning to the mound. He had right elbow surgery on Sept. 19, 2023, and hasn’t pitched in a major league game since Aug. 23 that year for the Los Angeles Angels.

Judge homers late and Yankees beat Rangers 5-2 behind Warren and Rice

May 20, 2025

Aaron Judge hit a two-run homer, rookie Will Warren struck out a career-high 10 and the New York Yankees beat the Texas Rangers 5-2. Ben Rice also went deep for the Yankees in the opener of a three-game series between the past two American League champions. Anthony Volpe blooped an RBI double after Rice drove in the first two runs. New York has won nine of 12 to move a season-best nine games over .500. Texas manager Bruce Bochy was ejected by plate umpire Carlos Torres with Judge batting in the sixth inning, and the Rangers lost for the third time in four games following a six-game winning streak. Jonah Heim’s two-run homer off Ian Hamilton with two outs in the ninth prevented a shutout.

MIKE FITZPATRICK Baseball Writer.