These are the latest news tidbits from around MLB:
Neto Starts Off with a Bang
What shoulder injury? At this point, Zach Neto’s delayed start to the season with a shoulder injury is long past us. Even more important, there are no limitations on Neto, and if there were any doubts, he’s made that incredibly clear.
Neto is now up to four lead-off home runs so far this month. Through 35 games, the shortstop is hitting .283 with nine home runs, 20 RBI, 29 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. He has an eye-popping .268 ISO with a staggering 17.5% barrel rate. Between that and his 50.5% hard hit rate, Neto’s success shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Skubal is Doing Some Crazy Things
Seeing Tarik Skubal pick up another victory this weekend against the Cleveland Guardians shouldn’t have come as a surprise. Quite simply, the left-hander has become one of, if not the best, pitchers in the game.
The left-hander is 5-2 through 11 starts with a 2.49 ERA while striking out over batters per nine innings compared to just one walk per nine innings. Those numbers only got better on Sunday as Skubal had a unicorn. Not only did he have a complete game shutout, but Skubal did it under 100 pitches. He struck out 13 batters and limited Cleveland to just two hits while not walking a batter. The sky is the limit here.
Wilson Gets the Job Done
When it comes to the offensive hierarchy on the Athletics, Jacob Wilson is further down on the list of options. With respect to defense, there is no doubt about Wilson’s pedigree and skill set. However, he’s also getting things done at the plate.
To begin the season, Wilson has an insane 92.5% contact rate. He’s hitting .350, with a strong .312 xBA, and striking out just 5.1% of the time. Wilson is showing some power, .145 ISO, and does have a respectable six home runs to go along with 28 RBI, 28 runs scored, and four stolen bases. While he won’t be an overwhelming offensive threat, Wilson can more than hold his own.
A Spark in Texas?
It’s become very clear that the Texas Rangers are struggling to score runs. They made a change to the coaching staff, and brought in Bret Boone, Jake Burger appears to be revitalized after a trip to the minor leagues, and Corey Seager should be back shortly. At this point, it hasn’t proved to be enough, so Texas dipped into its prospect ranks.
Alejandro Osuna followed up a strong 2024 season with a good start in 2025 to earn the promotion. Between High-A and Double-A last year, Osuna hit .292 in 102 games. He was a power/speed threat with 18 home runs and 17 stolen bases while also picking up 61 RBI and scoring 77 runs. He continued that success this season, and after eight games at Triple-A, Osuna got the call to the big leagues.
In his second game on Monday, Osuna picked up his first two career hits. While he’s not going to be a lineup defining player, Osuna could be a solid piece who provides a legitimate spark.
Power on Display in Tampa Bay
After hitting 21 home runs in each of the past two seasons, Brandon Lowe is setting himself up to surpass that mark in 2025. Granted, he only played in 107 and 109 games in those seasons, so health is important, but 10 home runs to this point, things are shaping up nicely for Lowe.
There is a clear advantage to Tampa Bay’s temporary home, but Lowe is actually more efficient on the road (four home runs in 17 games compared to six in 32 games at home). With a .282 average in May, along with six home runs in 22 games, the second baseman is finding his groove.
The Rays are never going to overwhelm anyone, but once again, they are a solid team and Lowe is right in the middle of things.
Issues in Boston
At this point, the position that Rafael Devers plays is the least of any concern in Boston. Devers has been hitting the ball with ease so far in May, and that might be an understatement. Through 24 games, Devers is hitting .394 with nine home runs and 37 RBI, but he can’t do it alone.
The big hit now is Alex Bregman’s quad injury. It appears that it will be a long term issue and it leaves a gaping hole to fill. Boston did promote top prospect Marcelo Meyer, and it appears he will now be the starting third baseman. On Sunday, Meyer did pick up two hits and he’s hitting .250 through his first three games.
Kristian Campbell batting cleanup is less than ideal at this point, as things have gotten interesting and stressful in Boston with two big injuries.
