MLB Weekly Digest: MVP Candidate Hits 4 Homers in One Game, Waiver Wire Pickups

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This week in MLB featured an MVP candidate hitting four home runs in one game, a top team losing an impact arm, and the waiver wires being extremely active.

Kyle Schwarber hits four home runs –

4 HR TONIGHT.
49 HR IN 2025.

KYLE SCHWARBER IS UNREAL ???? pic.twitter.com/CbBnWBqCVS

— MLB (@MLB) August 29, 2025

Philadelphia Phillies slugging designated hitter Kyle Schwarber continued to make his case for the National League MVP award as he hit four home runs in their contest vs the Braves Thursday.

Schwarber became the 21st player in league history to homer four times in one game, and the third this season (Nick Kurtz and Eugenio Suarez). He also set a Phillies franchise record of nine RBI in the Phillies’ 19-4 win.

Schwarber, 32, is a free agent at the season’s end, and is having the best season of his career, now sitting at a career high 49 home runs going into September.

Slashing .247/.368/.580 with an OPS of .948 and an OPS+ of 153, Schwarber is having his best campaign since 2021, when he finished with an OPS+ of 149.

Brewers lose their closer –

Tough blow for Milwaukee: Closer Trevor Megill is on the injured list with a flexor strain in his right arm. While the Brewers’ bullpen depth is bountiful, flexor strains — even low-grade — can take time to heal, putting into question Megill’s availability for the postseason.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 27, 2025

The Milwaukee Brewers will be without closer Tylor Megill for the foreseeable future as he was placed on the IL on Wednesday with a flexor strain in his pitching arm.

Flexor strains tend to be very unpredictable and have commonly led to Tommy John surgery, so Megill’s long-term availability will now be in jeopardy.

The Brewers traded longtime closer Devin Williams this past offseason, handing the keys over to Megill, who has had a stellar season as the team’s closer, making the NL All-Star team.

Megill, 31, has broken out this year, posting an ERA of 2.54 in 49 games and 46 IP with 58 K, 30 SV, and a WHIP of 1.152.

Abner Uribe is expected to handle the bulk of the save opportunities with Megill on the shelf.

Waiver wire activities –

At the end of August, teams place veteran players on waivers to save some money and offer them an opportunity to win somewhere else. These players may be claimed by playoff teams who are looking to fine-tune their roster one last time.

Players who are not on a team’s active roster by September 1 would be ineligible for postseason play.

The claiming teams have to pay the remaining salary.

These players were on the move this week.

The Cleveland Guardians released 1B Carlos Santana, signed with the Chicago Cubs

Cubs, 1B Carlos Santana reportedly agree to deal, per MLB Network Insider @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/uWfqBeCdME

— MLB (@MLB) August 31, 2025

The Boston Red Sox released RHP Walker Buehler, signed with the Philadelphia Phillies

Right-hander Walker Buehler and the Phladelphia Phillies are finalizing a deal, sources tell ESPN. Buehler was released by the Red Sox and wIill be eligible to play in the postseason for the Phillies.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 31, 2025

The Chicago White Sox placed RHP Aaron Civale on waivers, claimed by the Chicago Cubs

Cubs claimed Aaron Civale off waivers from the Chicago White Sox, per the team.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) August 31, 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates placed SS/UTIL Isiah Kiner-Falefa on waivers, claimed by the Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays claimed utilityman Isiah Kiner-Falefa off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, sources tell ESPN. Kiner-Falefa spent 2024 with the Blue Jays before being traded to the Pirates on July 30.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 31, 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates placed LHP Tim Mayza on waivers, claimed by the Philadelphia Phillies

The Pittsburgh Pirates placed LHP Andrew Heaney on waivers, was not claimed and was released

The Seattle Mariners released INF Dylan Moore, signed with the Texas Rangers

Rosters will be expanded on September 1st to 28, so teams will use these signings as depth as they push for the postseason.

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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