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MLB News & Moments You Should Know: 6/3/2025

Blackburn does the early work before bats rescue Mets in 10th.

Stay updated on everything baseball with our morning MLB News & Moments articles. We’ve got you covered to keep you in the know.

All eyes will be on St. Louis today as top Kansas City Royals prospect Jac Caglianone makes his MLB debut against the Cardinals. Caglianone has tremendous power, something the Royals’ lackadaisical offense could certainly use. He has hit 15 homers in 50 games this season between Double-A and Triple-A, with six coming in the two weeks he spent at the higher level. Not only does he have terrific power, but he simply hits the ball hard. The left-handed hitter had an opposite-field single with an exit velocity of 120.9 mph. Sure, he might strike out a bit much at first, but when he makes contact, it should be pretty fun to watch.

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Today’s Headlines

 

Mets Overcome Ohtani’s 23rd, Win In 10

After being shut down for five innings in a sensational return to action by New York Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn, Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers almost ruined the comeback tale. But thanks to Francisco Alvarez and Francisco Lindor driving in runs in the 10th inning, the Mets pulled out a 4-3 win. Blackburn, who has dealt with a variety of health issues during his career and was making his first start since August, surrendered just three hits while walking one and striking out three in the opener of a four-game set that is a rematch of last year’s NL Championship Series. He was staked to a 2-0 lead on Lindor’s game-opening homer and Brandon Nimmo’s ground-rule double in the fifth. But with Blackburn out of the game, Ohtani took advantage. He launched his 23rd homer of the season deep over the Dodgers’ bullpen in right field, in the seventh to make it 2-1 and tying Seattle’s Cal Raleigh for the MLB lead. Then, in the bottom of the ninth, Ohtani came within feet of a three-run walk-off homer, settling for a sacrifice fly to left field to tie the game. In the 10th, Alvarez doubled home automatic runner Luisangel Acuña, then Lindor followed with an RBI single.

Brewers Make It 8 Straight

Even with a bandaged right hand, Christian Yelich isn’t slowing down. The Milwaukee Brewers‘ designated hitter crushed a go-ahead homer as the Brewers won their eighth in a row, beating the Cincinnati Reds 3-2. Yelich, who left Sunday’s game after being hit on the right hand with a pitch, extended his hitting streak to nine games with his third-inning blast, his 13th of the season. That completed the Brewers’ rally from a quick 2-0 first-inning deficit. Joey Ortiz drew a bases-loaded walk and Brice Turang hit a sacrifice fly to tie it in the second inning.

Historic First Carries Angels At Fenway

When history is made at Fenway Park, you need to take note. The Los Angeles Angels did something no other visiting team has done, hitting three home runs in the first inningall over the Green Monsteren route to a 7-6 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Zach Neto got things started with a first-pitch leadoff homer, then Mike Trout did the most damage with a three-run shot before Jo Adell tacked on a solo shot and a 6-0 lead. Trout’s blast, his 10th of the season, went 454 feet and continued his hot hitting since returning from the injured list.

Carpenter Goes Deep Three Times

One reason why the Detroit Tigers have the best record in MLB this season is a healthy Kerry Carpenter. He had a career night, bashing three home runs as the Tigers routed the Chicago White Sox 13-1 for their MLB-best 40th victory. Carpenter hit a two-run shot in the first inning, another two-run homer in the fourth, and a solo shot in the sixth. Carpenter came to the plate in the eighth inning looking to make history, but flew out to center. He already has 13 homers this season, approaching his career best of 20 in 2023. The win also included a remarkable catch, with catcher Dillon Dingler and third baseman Zach McKinstry teaming up to snag a foul ball.

 

Best Moments From Yesterday

 

Royal Treatment

No, Jac Caglianone will not be visiting the Omaha Zoo. He got the call.

Go call your dad, Jac!

Kansas City Royals (@royals.com) 2025-06-02T15:45:33.656Z

Feeling Helpful?

The fielding saga of Boston Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers has been well-chronicled. So it was more than a little surprising when Devers took grounders pregame (not at first base).

Devers with a glove – the first time we’ve seen him with a glove pregame since the end of April.

Alex Speier (@alexspeier.bsky.social) 2025-06-02T20:17:56.701Z

Future Star

It was Tommy Edman bobblehead night for the Dodgers, so son Eli got to throw out the first pitch, using his dad’s glove.

 

Injuries and Other Moves

 

New York Yankees closer Luke Weaver is headed for the 15-day injured list after sustaining a hamstring injury while warming up during Sunday’s game.

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz will leave the team to be with his family after Wednesday’s game. His sister Genelis died Saturday following a lengthy battle with health issues. The bereavement list means a player can be away from the team for three to seven days.

The person who threatened to kill Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and mentioned his children in online messages is an overseas sports bettor, Houston police said.

 Tigers outfielder Parker Meadows (right upper arm nerve discomfort) was activated from the 60-day IL.

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser (broken left thumb) was activated from the 60-day IL.

A day after being added to the MLB roster, right-handed starter Carlos Carrasco was placed on outright waivers by the New York Yankees.

Utilityman Ronny Simon, designated for assignment by the Miami Marlins after a three-error game last week, was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Angels placed third baseman Yoán Moncada and right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson on the injured list. Moncada has right knee inflammation, while Stephensonjust returning from Tommy John surgeryhas right biceps inflammation.

Former Atlanta manager Freddi Gonzalez is returning to the team as the new third base coach. Gonzalez replaces Matt Tuiasosopo, who was reassigned to a minor league infielder coordinator position.

The Seattle Mariners will retire Hall of Famer Randy Johnson’s No. 51 sometime next season. It will be the second time the Mariners have retired No. 51 after honoring Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki. The Diamondbacks have already retired Johnson’s No. 51.

 

Articles You Should Read

 

Caglianone doesn’t need to be a savior, just good enough Kevin O’Brien, Royals Reporter

After demotion, defense remains biggest question for Rays’ Simpson — J.J. Cooper, Baseball America

Breslow had good offseason, but mistakes left Red Sox roster a mess — Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic

Burnes’ injury doesn’t let Orioles off hock for free-agency flop Kyle Goon, Baltimore Banner

Readers pick All-Quarter Century Team: Who made it? — Tyler Kepner, The Athletic

 

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Steve Drumwright

Steve Drumwright is a lifelong baseball fan who retired as a player before he had the chance to be cut from the freshman team in high school. He recovered to become a sportswriter and have a successful journalism career at newspapers in Wisconsin and California. Follow him on Bluesky @drummerwrites.bsky.social.

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