MLB Weekly Digest: Former All-Star DFA'd, Cy Young Contender Out

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This week in MLB consisted of a former All-Star first baseman being DFA’d and signed by a new team, a Cy Young contender being placed on IL, a player throwing his bat at the pitcher, and a top prospect being called up.

Nathaniel Lowe DFA’d by the Nationals, signed by the Red Sox –

The Nationals designated 1B Nathaniel Lowe for assignment on Thursday.

The veteran slugger has slashed .216/.292/.373 with an OPS+ of 88 in what has been a down season for him compared to recent years. Lowe still possesses a lifetime OPS of .771 and an OPS+ of 116.

2025 was Lowe’s first season in DC, in which the Nationals hoped to take strides towards competing in the NL East, but instead fell out of playoff contention at 50-74.

Sunday night, the Red Sox signed Lowe to a contract for the remainder of the 2025 season. He still has one year of arbitration left; however, this signing addresses the gaping hole at first base that the Red Sox have this season.

First baseman Nathaniel Lowe and the Boston Red Sox are finalizing a deal, sources tell ESPN. Lowe was DFA’d by Washington earlier this week and will head to Boston and join one of the best lineups in the league.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 18, 2025

The Red Sox currently sit at 68-57 heading into Monday night’s game vs the Orioles, 5GB of the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East, and are tied with the Seattle Mariners for the first AL Wild Card spot.

1B Triston Casas ruptured his patellar tendon, and 1B/DH Rafael Devers was traded to the Giants in June, leaving a hole at first base for the Red Sox.

UTIL Romy Gonzalez has filled in nicely at first for the Sox, but the signing of the 2023 World Series champion Lowe solidifies a proven winner at an important offensive position heading into September.

Zack Wheeler was placed on IL with a blood clot –

The Phillies’ rotation took a massive hit Sunday when RHP Zack Wheeler was placed on the IL with a blood clot in his right shoulder.

Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler was placed on the 15-day injured list with a blood clot near his right shoulder. The timetable for his return is unclear.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 16, 2025

The All-Star starter underwent successful surgery on Monday to remove the blood clot, but his return to play is still unknown. The injury is in his throwing shoulder, which complicates the situation further.

Healing from blood clot injuries can require taking blood thinners, which poses a higher chance of bleeding, making a return to the field potentially dangerous. Due to this, Wheeler’s 2025 regular season is almost a lock to be complete.

The Phillies will miss Wheeler greatly, as the Cy Young contender was having another stellar season, pitching to a 2.71 ERA and 10-5 record with 195K in 149.2 IP.

The Phillies’ rotation is still strong, with LHP Christopher Sanchez and LHP Ranger Suarez having phenomenal seasons. Philadelphia’s rotation is rounded out by LHP Jesus Luzardo, RHP Taijuan Walker, and RHP Aaron Nola, just recently returning from the IL.

Wheeler’s health will be his main priority, but seeing him come back for the playoffs to pitch would be a great story for the game of baseball as the Phillies look to climb the mountain for the first time since 2010.

Victor Robles was ejected after throwing a bat towards the pitcher –

Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles was ejected Sunday after throwing his bat towards the pitcher during a rehab game in Triple-A with the Tacoma Rainiers.

Victor Robles threw his bat at the pitcher pic.twitter.com/5E4mCnOffF

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) August 18, 2025

Robles was hit by Athletics RHP Joey Estes, who has a history of hitting Robles. The veteran outfielder has been hit in 5 of his 15 rehab plate appearances, which led to the frustration.

Robles has been on the injured list for the majority of the season with a shoulder injury, but will likely have to wait longer for a return, as a suspension is the likely outcome of the situation.

The outfielder issued an apology on his Instagram following the game, saying, “I want to take a moment to sincerely apologize for my recent reaction on the field. I let my frustration get the best of me, and I understand how that may have affected not just the game, but the energy and respect we all work so hard to maintain.

Coming off a long rehab and being away from the game for most of the season has been physically and mentally challenging. Adding to that, the recent passing of my mother has been incredibly hard, and I’ve been doing my best to hold it together. That’s not an excuse, but some context, I feel you deserve to understand where I’m coming from.

Getting hit 5 times in 15 at-bats added to that pressure, and I reacted in a way I’m not proud of. This game means the world to me, and so do the people who play it. I respect every one of you – my teammates, the opposing players, and everyone in this league. I’m committed to being better, not just as a player, but as a teammate and competitor. I appreciate your understanding, and I’m grateful to be back on the field doing what I love. Thank you.”

Cubs call up top prospect –

The Chicago Cubs called up top OF prospect Owen Caissie Wednesday night to hopefully spark the offense.

News: The Cubs are calling up their top prospect, outfielder Owen Caissie, sources tell ESPN.
Caissie was a key piece coming back from the Padres in the Yu Darvish trade in 2020.
The native Canadian could make his debut in Chicago’s series finale in Toronto tomorrow.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) August 14, 2025

Caissie, 23, is the No. 45 prospect in MLB, and profiles as a middle-of-the-order OF bat.

In 93 games a Triple-A Iowa, Caissie has slashed .289/.389/.566 for an OPS of .955.

The rookie outfielder has struggled through his first major league games, recording only one hit in eight at-bats with 3 strikeouts.

His playing time is expected to be sporadic, with the Cubs still having outfielders Kyle Tucker, Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and DH Seiya Suzuki. All have been struggling, however, so the promotion of Caissie was in hopes of igniting the offense.

The Cubs sit at 70-54 after Monday’s 7-0 loss to the Brewers, putting them nine games behind their division rival. Chicago still has sole possession of the first NL Wild Card spot, one game ahead of the San Diego Padres.

About Post Author

Michael Bodzenta

Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, I fell in love with sports from a young age. Whether I was playing them throughout high school or in the yard with my friends, I knew I had found something I loved. Watching them was also a main part of my childhood, as I could name almost every player on all three Cleveland sports teams. Talking about sports is something I can do for hours, so as I got older, I quickly realized that I knew what I wanted to do. I started writing about sports and talking about sports in high school. It was fun and easy for me. My dream goal would be to become baseball analyst, covering breaking news and other stories in the sport. I've written numerous articles about sports including the Browns and the Guardians. I currently write for Kent Wired, where I expanded my knowledge to cover Health and Fitness. I have experience with Adobe Photoshop, Premier, and Audition. I work as the social media manager/representative for the Kent State Club Baseball team creating graphics mostly on Instagram and some on Twitter (X) . The goal of this is to get more engagement for the team, create awareness, and raise money. I also currently coach for a 17u travel baseball organization (Midwest Stars) out of Hudson, Ohio. Through this I have been able to continue my love for the game, give back to the community, and strengthen my leadership qualities. My passion for sports especially baseball remains unquestioned and I strive to continue to report on something I love.

mbodzent@kent.edu

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