Latest news with #Nightengale
Newsweek
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Cubs 'Accelerating' Plans to Find New Starting Pitcher After Latest Injury
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Chicago Cubs already knew adding at least one starting pitcher was a necessity in the next few weeks. Now, that process is being amplified. MLB insider Bob Nightengale confirmed the Cubs are expediting the process to try to bolster the rotation after the latest injury to Jameson Taillon. HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 29: Jameson Taillon #50 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the third inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on June 29, 2025 in Houston, Texas. HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 29: Jameson Taillon #50 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the third inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on June 29, 2025 in Houston, Texas."The Cubs' urgency to find another starter accelerated when they placed veteran Jameson Taillon on the injured list with a calf strain, sidelining him for at least a month," wrote Nightengale. "They continue to pursue Pirates starter Mitch Keller, but his price-tag is soaring with Keller yielding a 2.40 ERA in his last five starts, including seven shutout innings against the St. Louis Cardinals." As Nightengale also mentioned, the Pirates were 26-25 as of Sunday since Don Kelly took over as interim manager. That makes a trade for Keller even less likely for the Cubs. Chicago, of course, has other options. It has been linked to Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara for the past several months. Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks has been thrown out there as a possibility as well. One name the Cubs could consider looking into is Kansas City Royals starter Seth Lugo, who reportedly has a strong chance of being dealt over the next few weeks. "Teams are starting to closely scout Kansas City Royals starter Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.65 ERA), believing that if they are out of the race, he'll definitely be placed on the trade block," wrote Nightengale. "Lugo, in the middle of a three-year, $45 million contract, has an opt-out after this season that he'd likely exercise instead of returning for $15 million in 2026." Shota Imanaga's return helps the Cubs in the short term as manager Craig Counsell can buy time for his front office to make a move. However, something needs to be finalized if Chicago wants to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the winner of the National League East. More MLB: Red Sox Legend David Ortiz Believes Team Should Be 'Aggressive' at Deadline
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cubs ‘Quietly Preparing' for Major Wrigley Field Announcement
Cubs 'Quietly Preparing' for Major Wrigley Field Announcement originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Incredibly, Wrigley Field has only hosted the MLB All-Star Game three times in the Midsummer Classic's nearly 100 years. Advertisement If all goes to plan, you can soon make that four times. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that the Cubs are "quietly preparing" to be awarded the 2027 All-Star Game. Nightengale said the upcoming announcement comes after Wrigley Field officially committed to upgraded security measures. The Chicago City Council approved a $32.1 million plan earlier this month, which will add "anti-terrorism rated security bollards" and widen local sidewalks by four feet. Wrigley Field in 2025Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images Wrigley Field has not hosted an All-Star Game since 1990, when Julio Franco and the American League notched a 2-0 victory over the NL. Wrigley Field also hosted the All-Star Game in 1947 and 1962. It's surprising that the league hasn't returned to the North Side in well over three decades, though expansion and the relatively recent ballpark boom are likely significant reasons. Fenway Park opened in 1912 and has only hosted the event three times: 1946, 1961 and 1999. Advertisement This year's All-Star Game takes place at Truist Park in Atlanta. Philadelphia hosts the 2026 All-Star Game as part of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Don't expect Wrigley Field to become a regular All-Star venue, though, especially not with certain teams needing to rejoin the rotation. The New York Yankees have yet to host an All-Star Game at the current Yankee Stadium, and the Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays are likely to earn hosting duties once their stadium situations are resolved. Related: Yankees Trade Pitch Partners Aaron Judge With $141 Million Infielder Related: Cubs GM Sends Clear Message on Sandy Alcantara Trade Rumors This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Braves Predicted to Make Major Brian Snitker Decision Amid Latest Freefall
Braves Predicted to Make Major Brian Snitker Decision Amid Latest Freefall originally appeared on Athlon Sports. If Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker wants to finish out a disappointing season, it certainly sounds like he'll make it to Game 162. Advertisement As for 2026? Braves fans should expect to still see Snitker around Truist Park, albeit not in uniform. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported on Sunday that Snitker's 'job appears to be safe for the remainder of the season' despite the Braves' 27-37 record. Atlanta has lost seven straight and entered Monday a shocking 14 games behind the New York Mets in the NL East. 'Snitker's contract expires after this year when he's expected to retire as manager and then move into a special assistant role,' Nightengale wrote. Atlanta Braves manager Brian SnitkerRobert Edwards-Imagn Images The Braves are 9 1/2 games out of the NL's third Wild Card spot, only two games better than the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates. Advertisement Nightengale did not name a potential successor for Snitker, who turns 70 in October. Bench coach Walt Weiss and third base coach Fredi González each have managerial experience, with González going 434-413 with the Braves from 2011-16. Elsewhere, Nightengale suggested former Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker is the favorite to replace Texas Rangers skipper Bruce Bochy if the four-time World Series champion retires. Other potential managerial candidates include Chicago Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty and ex-Baltimore Orioles skipper Brandon Hyde; Flaherty was recently linked to the Orioles' job. Related: Cubs Coach Could Make Big Career Move Amid $600 Million Kyle Tucker News Related: Braves Projected to Trade $111 Million All-Star After Chris Sale News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dodgers 'Scouring Market' For Left-Handed Bench Bat
Dodgers 'Scouring Market' For Left-Handed Bench Bat originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Dodgers are in great shape, sitting atop the National League West with a 36 and 22 record. They are three games ahead of the San Diego Padres for first place in the West. But despite being in a good position, the Dodgers still have needs to address leading up to the MLB trade deadline. Advertisement According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers are in the market for more offensive help. "The Dodgers," Nightengale wrote, "are scouring the market for a left-handed hitting bat off the bench." The Dodgers' batting order is among the best in baseball. Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, Tommy Edman, Michael Conforto, Dalton Rushing, and Hyeseong Kim are all left-handed batters. While that group is great, the Dodgers are reportedly looking to add depth as a left-handed hitting bench bat. While there will be plenty of intriguing names available at the trade deadline, the Dodgers' target will be one lower on the totem pole. Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Michael Conforto (23), center fielder Hyeseong Kim (6), and right fielder Andy Pages (44) celebrate after the final out of the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Dodger Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Adding a bench-bat, and a left-handed hitting one specifically, would give the Dodgers more flexibility on their bench. Advertisement While not a major issue, the Dodgers still could use more depth from their left-handed hitters. The Dodgers don't need a star lefty hitter, as Ohtani and Freeman are more than enough. But the left-handed hitting depth is a concern. Conforto is batting just .173, while Muncy had been struggling before his 7 RBI onslaught against the New York Yankees. For their right-handed hitting depth, Enrique Hernandez, Miguel Rojas, and Andy Pages have all been solid contributors when necessary. Nightengale's report doesn't name any specific targets, but he does report that the Dodgers are looking around for a left-handed hitting batter. It's not the most pressing issue for the Dodgers, but it is one to monitor as the trade deadline approaches. Advertisement Related: Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge Make MLB History in Dodgers-Yankees Showdown Related: Dodgers Fans Upset Over Mookie Betts News Before Yankees Game This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Yankees Will Do 'Everything Possible' to Acquire Sandy Alcantara, Says Insider
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The New York Yankees are 15-10 through the first 25 games of the season, sitting in first place in the American League East. While outfielder Aaron Judge is making an early case for another American League MVP award and the Yankees offense remains among the league's best, the pitching is another story. The Yankees' team ERA of 4.07 ranks 17th in Major League Baseball. Their starting pitching ERA of 4.69 ranks 26th in MLB, only ahead of the Athletics, Miami Marlins, Colorado Rockies, and Baltimore Orioles. More news: Blockbuster Trade Ideas for Dodgers, Yankees, Cubs to Fix Biggest Weaknesses The Yankees lost their ace in Gerrit Cole for the season, and will be without reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil for the foreseeable future. While Max Fried and Carlos Rodon have been great, the rest of the rotation has been abysmal. TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 17: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees points to the bullpen during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on April 17, 2025... TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 17: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees points to the bullpen during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on April 17, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. MoreThe Yankees will almost certainly be in the market for starting pitching this deadline, and the best player expected to be moved is Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara. Though Alcantara is off to a slow start in 2025 coming off Tommy John surgery with a 6.56 ERA across five starts, he's just a few years removed from his 2022 Cy Young season in which he had a 2.28 ERA across 228.2 innings pitched. Alcantara is seemingly a lock to be traded before the deadline, and his favorable contract with two more years of team control and a club option in the third year makes him a hot commodity. More news: MLB Power Rankings — NL West Domination, Yankees Rise, Phillies Fall Recently, USA Today's MLB insider Bob Nightengale was on Dodgers Nation's Dodgers Dougout Live on YouTube and gave an update on the Alcantara sweepstakes. "I think they'll trade him, probably late July. The beauty about him is you got him for two more years after this at cheap money," Nightengale said to Dodgers Nation's Doug McKain. "So someone is gonna have to give up a ton. As much as the Padres gave up for Juan Soto, it may cost a team more than that. ... It's gonna be a steep, steep price." While the price will be steep, Nightengale expects the Yankees to be at the forefront of those talks. "I think you'll have the Yankees doing everything possible," Nightengale said to McKain. "The Marlins will probably have about 10 teams calling on him willing to give up half their farm system." The Chicago Cubs would be another team interested likely in Alcantara, but Nightengale doesn't believe they have the prospects to land him. He said the same about the Padres. The Yankees, however, have more than enough prospect capital to land Alcantara, which could be the exact piece they need to get back to the World Series this season in a wide open AL. More news: Dodgers' $182 Million All-Star Suffers Setback, Shut Down From Throwing For more MLB news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
