MLB 2025 | Chapman with rare four-strikeout save; Arozarena and Moncada with multi-hit games; Gurriel Jr. to have surgery; Cortés to the IL retroactive to September 4; Vargas might be back tomorrow
- BaseballdeCuba
- Sep 8
- 4 min read
Cuban Players News for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources.
Aroldis Chapman achieves an uncommon four-strikeout inning during a save.
Aroldis Chapman recorded four strikeouts in a scoreless and hitless inning to secure the save in Sunday's 7-4 victory over the Diamondbacks. Chapman entered the game after the Red Sox scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning to lead 7-4. He began the inning by striking out Blaze Alexander. Although he struck out Ildemaro Vargas on a swinging third strike, Vargas reached base due to a wild pitch. However, Chapman then proceeded to strike out Tyler Locklear and Jordan Lawlar to finish the game. He has now pitched 14 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings over his last 17 appearances, with a 21:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 12 saves during this period. He now has 29 saves this season, just one shy of reaching 30 for the first time since 2021. He has also maintained an impressive 0.98 ERA, 0.64 WHIP, and 81:14 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 55 innings this season.
Randy Arozarena had multiple hits in Sunday's game.
During the Mariners' dominant 18-2 victory against Atlanta, Randy Arozarena delivered a strong performance with multiple hits. Arozarena achieved 2-for-4 at the plate, scoring two runs, driving in three RBIs, and earning a walk. These three RBIs brought his total to 69 for the year, as he pursues his first 30-for-30 season, currently holding 26 home runs and 27 stolen bases.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is scheduled for surgery.
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is set to have surgery to fix a torn ACL in his right knee. Manager Torey Lovullo announced that the surgery for the veteran is imminent. The 31-year-old sustained the injury on September 1 while tracking a fly ball and attempting to avoid a teammate. Due to this serious injury, he will be sidelined for the remainder of 2025, and it's believed he may also miss at least the first two months of the 2026 season. Jake McCarthy is expected to play every day in his absence.
Yordan Álvarez did not get any hits on Sunday.
During the Astros' 4-2 defeat against the Rangers on Sunday, Yordan Álvarez did not manage to get a hit. The Cuban player ended the game 0-for-3 with a walk. This marked Yordan' second game without a hit in September, a month where he has achieved a .500/.552/.800 slash line, including two doubles, two home runs, and six RBIs.
Adrián Morejón delivered a scoreless inning in the game against Colorado.
Adrián Morejón contributed to the Padres' 8-1 victory against Colorado on Sunday by pitching two scoreless innings in relief of starter Dylan Cease. He threw 22 pitches, with 11 being strikes, and gave up two hits and a walk. This outing reduced his ERA to 1.79 for the year, while he holds an 11-4 record for the season, along with three saves in 65 1/3 innings over 66 games.
Yoán Moncada had two hits on Sunday.
Yoán Moncada achieved a flawless 2-for-2 performance in the Angels' 4-3 win against the A's, also scoring a run. In the fourth inning, Moncada executed a great defensive play by fielding a grounder near third base and making a throw on the move to first base. Despite a challenging year marked by injuries, the Cuban player has regained his form, hitting .350/.458/.550 over his last seven games, even though he has only one RBI. However, his overall offensive stats in 2025 have been underwhelming, with a .242/.339/.465 line, 11 home runs, and 31 RBIs over 71 games and 240 plate appearances.
José Iglesias sits for third consecutive game against RHP.
José Iglesias was not included in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rockies. Iglesias was benched as Jake Cronenworth moved from shortstop to make his first start at that position since the 2022 season. With Xander Bogaerts sidelined indefinitely, the Padres might focus on offense rather than defense by reducing Iglesias's role and relying more on Cronenworth and Luis Arráez in the middle infield. This strategy could create a regular spot in the lineup for the in-form Gavin Sheets. Iglesias had already missed the Padres' last two games against right-handed pitchers, with San Diego opting for Mason McCoy over Cronenworth at shortstop in those games.
Néstor Cortés was added to the 15-Day Injured List on Saturday.
The San Diego Padres have announced that left-hander Néstor Cortés has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to biceps tendonitis, effective retroactively from September 4. In response, the team has called up right-hander Ron Marinaccio from Triple-A El Paso. This marks Cortés' second stint on the IL this season, having previously missed four months with a flexor strain while with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Padres acquired Cortés at the July 31 trade deadline while he was still on the IL. Since making his debut with the Padres on August 6, he has posted a 5.47 ERA over six starts and 26 1/3 innings. In his latest outing on Wednesday, Cortés lasted only 2 1/3 innings, allowing the Baltimore Orioles to score six earned runs on seven hits, including four home runs. Across his time with Milwaukee and San Diego, the 30-year-old has a 2-4 record with a 6.29 ERA, a 1.63 WHIP, and a 29:20 K:BB ratio over 34 1/3 innings. Depending on the injury's severity, Cortés may not have sufficient time to return this season.
Edgar Quero was benched Sunday.
Edgar Quero was not included in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers. Quero took a break after starting as either catcher or designated hitter in the previous four games.
On Sunday, Andy Pagés was sat down.
Andy Pagés was not included in the lineup for Sunday's match against the Orioles. Pagés has recorded 2 hits in 16 at-bats, striking out eight times in the last four games, and he took a seat on the bench Sunday after starting 76 games in a row.
Miguel Vargas might be back on Tuesday.
Manager Will Venable mentioned on Saturday that he "wouldn't be surprised" if Miguel Vargas is activated from the 10-day injured list during the upcoming three-game series against the Rays starting Tuesday. Vargas has been sidelined since August 29 due to a sprained left hand, which he suffered in a collision with a baserunner while at first base. Venable stated that Vargas' rehabilitation is progressing well, and the 25-year-old might return to the active roster as early as Tuesday.
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