MLB News & Moments You Should Know – 9/25/23

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

 

Today’s Headlines

 

Joey Votto Gets a Standing Ovation in His Last Reds Home Game

While not yet official, Joey Votto might have played his last ever game in Cincinnati. The Reds playoff hopes are faltering, (2.5 GB from the third Wild Card) meaning that Reds fans might not see Votto again.

Number 19, Joey Votto ❤️ pic.twitter.com/aYAQx86dly

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 24, 2023

After the Reds held on for a 4-2 win, Votto gave a heartfelt interview in front of many fans and teammates. In his career, Votto has hit .295 with 356 HR in 2052 games with the Reds.

 

Royals Sweep Astros in Houston

The Astros were swept by the 54-102 Royals this weekend, meaning that they are just barely hanging onto the third AL Wild Card spot. The Royals won 7-5, 3-2, and 6-5, making these games a gut punch for a Houston squad that needs all they can get. Nelson Velázquez powered the Royals yesterday afternoon, hitting 2 HR and propelling the Royals to victory.

Déjà vu for Nelly! #Royals

TV: Bally Sports Kansas City
Stream: Bally Sports app pic.twitter.com/aRBBdsjzil

— Bally Sports Kansas City (@BallySportsKC) September 24, 2023

The Astros have no time to rest, as they head to Seattle for a crucial three-game series starting today.

 

Rangers Take 3 from Seattle

The other two teams in the playoff hunt in the AL West squared off over the weekend as well, and the Rangers continued the trend with a sweep of the Mariners. The sweep gives the Rangers a slight cushion at the top of the AL West heading into the final week: they lead the Astros by 2.5 games and their magic number is five.

Chef’s kiss. #StraightUpTX pic.twitter.com/r7MoUzeBBx

— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) September 24, 2023

The Mariners aren’t out of it quite yet and control their own destiny from here on out. They host the Astros during the week and the Rangers come up to Seattle for the last series of the year, so anything is still possible in the division.

 

Yankees are Eliminated from Postseason Contention

It was trending this way for a while, but the Yankees are now out of the playoff hunt with their 7-1 loss to the Diamondbacks. At 78-77, they can still finish above .500 to continue that streak, but it seems many changes may be happening in the Bronx to ensure that this roster can be playoff-caliber in 2024.

This is the first year since 2014 that the Yankees and Red Sox both missed the playoffs (and the last year the Orioles won the AL East), and it is the first year since 1993 that the Yankees, Red Sox, and Cardinals all missed the postseason.

If we want to get even more cherry-picked stats, this is the first time that a Yankees pitcher has thrown a perfect game and the team has not gone on to win the World Series (Don Larsen during the 1956 WS, David Wells in 1998, and 1999 David Cone). Interestingly, all Yankees pitchers to throw a perfect game have a name that starts with D.

 

Best Moment From Yesterday

 

There is Crying in Baseball

Orion Kerkering (what a name!) made his debut in relief for the Phillies last night, striking out 2 with a filthy arsenal. After he got his first strikeout, his dad had an emotional moment in the stands, showing what a moment this was for all involved.

When your son, Orion Kerkering, makes his MLB debut and gets two strikeouts … there IS crying in baseball. ? pic.twitter.com/7DFhixpcmb

— MLB (@MLB) September 25, 2023

 

Injuries & Transactions

 

Atlanta Braves pitcher Charlie Morton (finger) was placed on 15-day IL.

Los Angeles Angels first baseman C.J. Cron (back) was placed on 10-day IL.

Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (leg) left Sunday’s game.

Tampa Bay Rays infielder Yandy Díaz (leg) left Sunday’s game.

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (hand) left Sunday’s game.

 

Articles You Should Read

 

Spencer Strider and Justin Steele Are Mirror Image Twins — Leo Morgenstern

8 Storylines to Watch in Season’s Final Week — Will Leitch

 

Fantasy Baseball

 

Sit/Start Week 26: Reviewing All Starting Pitcher Matchups From 9/25 –10/1 — Lucas Zenobi