As the 2025 Major League Baseball season approaches its final stretch, several significant events have unfolded, impacting teams, players, and the sport's broadcasting landscape.

**Cardinals' Willson Contreras Returns from Suspension**

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras has rejoined the team after serving a four-game suspension. The suspension stemmed from an incident on August 25, during which Contreras was ejected for arguing with umpire Derek Thomas and making physical contact. The penalty was reduced upon appeal. In his absence, the Cardinals maintained a 2-2 record. Contreras, 33, is having a strong season, batting .254 with 20 home runs and 78 RBIs in 130 games.

**Davey Johnson, Two-Time World Series Champion, Passes Away**

Baseball mourns the loss of Davey Johnson, who passed away at 82 after a prolonged illness. Johnson managed the 1986 New York Mets to a World Series victory and had a distinguished playing career with the Baltimore Orioles, winning two World Series titles. He also managed several teams, including the Mets, Reds, Orioles, Dodgers, and Nationals, earning Manager of the Year honors in 1997 and 2012. Known for his innovative approach and leadership, Johnson's legacy remains influential in the sport.

**Taylor Trammell Avoids Further Discipline Over Bat Incident**

Houston Astros outfielder Taylor Trammell will not face additional sanctions after using a bat with an illegal two-color paint scheme. The bat was confiscated during a game against the New York Yankees, but since it did not provide a competitive advantage, Trammell was merely instructed not to use it again. Trammell, currently batting .200 in his first season with the Astros, expressed amusement over the incident.

**Kyle Tucker Placed on Injured List with Calf Strain**

The Chicago Cubs have placed All-Star right fielder Kyle Tucker on the 10-day injured list due to a strained left calf, retroactive to September 6. Tucker, acquired from the Houston Astros, is hitting .270 with 22 home runs and a team-leading .854 OPS. Manager Craig Counsell noted a recent setback in Tucker's recovery, leading to the decision to provide more time for healing. Catcher Moisés Ballesteros has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa to fill the roster spot.

**ESPN to End MLB Broadcasting Agreement After 2025 Season**

ESPN has informed MLB of its decision to terminate their national television agreement at the conclusion of the 2025 season. The deal, averaging $550 million per season, was set to run for three more years. This move reflects ESPN's strategic shift and opens opportunities for MLB to explore new broadcasting partnerships, including with streaming services, as the league seeks to expand its digital presence.

**MLB Acquires Stake in Jomboy Media to Enhance Digital Engagement**

In a strategic move to bolster its digital footprint, MLB has acquired a stake in Jomboy Media. The partnership will integrate Jomboy Media's popular content, such as "Talkin' Baseball" and "The Warehouse Games," into MLB's digital platforms. This collaboration aims to enhance fan engagement and develop new advertising opportunities around major MLB events. Founded in 2017, Jomboy Media has seen significant growth, reporting record revenue and over 93 million social media engagements in the past year.

**Automated Ball-Strike System Undergoing Testing in MLB**

MLB is testing the Automated Ball-Strike System , also known as "robot umpires," during Spring Training in 2025. The system aims to automate the interpretation of pitches within the strike zone. Players have the option to challenge ball or strike calls, with each team allowed two challenges per game. This initiative reflects MLB's ongoing efforts to incorporate technology into the game to improve accuracy and fairness.

**Rich Hill Makes MLB History at 45**

Veteran pitcher Rich Hill has returned to Major League Baseball with the Kansas City Royals at the age of 45, becoming the oldest active player in the league. Hill's return also ties the record for pitching on 14 different MLB teams, showcasing his enduring presence and adaptability in the sport.

**Ryan Bliss Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery**

Seattle Mariners infielder Ryan Bliss has undergone season-ending surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee. The injury, sustained earlier in the season, will sideline Bliss for the remainder of the year. Bliss had previously been placed on the 60-day injured list due to a biceps tear and had been expected to miss four to five months.

**Danny Jansen Traded to Milwaukee Brewers**

Catcher Danny Jansen has been traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for minor league prospect Jadher Areinamo. Jansen, who made 73 appearances for Tampa Bay during the 2025 season, brings additional depth to the Brewers' catching position as they approach the postseason.

**2025 MLB Season Continues with Notable Games**

As of September 12, 2025, the MLB season is in full swing, with teams vying for playoff positions. Notable games include the Detroit Tigers visiting the New York Yankees, the New York Mets facing the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Los Angeles Angels playing against the Seattle Mariners. Fans can follow these matchups and more through MLB's official website and broadcast partners.

## MLB Schedule
– Tigers @ Yankees on Thursday, Sep 11, 2025 at 04:05 PM PDT. Final score: DET 3 – NYY 9
– Mets @ Phillies on Thursday, Sep 11, 2025 at 04:15 PM PDT. Final score: NYM 4 – PHI 6
– Royals @ Guardians on Thursday, Sep 11, 2025 at 04:15 PM PDT. Final score: KC 2 – CLE 3
– Angels @ Mariners on Thursday, Sep 11, 2025 at 06:40 PM PDT. Final score: LAA 6 – SEA 7
– Rockies @ Padres on Thursday, Sep 11, 2025 at 06:40 PM PDT. Final score: COL 0 – SD 2
– Rays @ Cubs on Friday, Sep 12, 2025 at 11:20 AM PDT
– Pirates @ Nationals on Friday, Sep 12, 2025 at 03:45 PM PDT
– Royals @ Phillies on Friday, Sep 12, 2025 at 03:45 PM PDT
– Orioles @ Blue Jays on Friday, Sep 12, 2025 at 04:07 PM PDT
– Rangers @ Mets on Friday, Sep 12, 2025 at 04:10 PM PDT
– Yankees @ Red Sox on Friday, Sep 12, 2025 at 04:10 PM PDT
– White Sox @ Guardians on Friday, Sep 12, 2025 at 04:10 PM PDT
– Tigers @ Marlins on Friday, Sep 12, 2025 at 04:10 PM PDT
– Astros @ Braves on Friday, Sep 12, 2025 at 04:15 PM PDT
– Cardinals @ Brewers on Friday, Sep 12, 2025 at 05:10 PM PDT
– Diamondbacks @ Twins on Friday, Sep 12, 2025 at 05:10 PM PDT
– Rockies @ Padres on Friday, Sep 12, 2025 at 06:40 PM PDT
– Reds @ Athletics on Friday, Sep 12, 2025 at 07:05 PM PDT
– Angels @ Mariners on Friday, Sep 12, 2025 at 07:10 PM PDT
– Dodgers @ Giants on Friday, Sep 12, 2025 at 07:15 PM PDT