The 41st Man

Freddie Freeman is withdrawing from the WBC for personal reasons, per @ShiDavidi

News: The #Royals are hiring Marcus Thames as a hitting coach, according to sources. Thames is a former big leaguer who has also coached for several organizations, including NYY, MIA, LAA, and most recently, CWS. He joins the KC staff alongside Connor Dawson.

In his latest chapter, Sauer may look to follow the recent examples of Erick Fedde, Merrill Kelly and Chris Flexen. Go to the KBO, dominate, return to the majors a better pitcher. Still just 26 years old, Sauer's potential and ability could make him an intriguing option down the line. And Sauer got a taste of pitching overseas this past season, not allowing a run vs. the Hanshin Tigers in Japan during an exhibition contest back in March.

Sauer returned to the Yankees and split the rest of 2024 between AA and AAA, electing free agency after the season. LA inked Sauer to a minor league deal in mid-December and he spent 2025 shuttling between AAA and the majors. On April 29, he earned his first career win, tossing 5 strong frames out of the bullpen vs. Miami. In his next outing, he earned his first MLB save, a 4-inning effort also vs. Miami. Most of his 10 appearances were meant to soak up innings, including a controversial June 10 game when he threw 111 pitches in 4.2 IP of relief, allowing 13 hits and 9 ER. "I felt like I was pitching my ass off just trying to compete, and trying to get as many innings as I could for the bullpen," Sauer told SportsNet LA.

Today's #41stMan is former #Yankees farmhand and #Dodgers reliever Matt Sauer.

The Yankees are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jesús Montero. We send our sincerest condolences to his family & loved ones.

Nathaniel Lowe was DFA'd by the Nationals on August 14 In his second game with the Red Sox, Lowe hits a massive, game-tying home run It's rare for an established player like Lowe to hit the DFA wire late in the season – and he's off to a strong start

Latest @The41stMan After a tough 2024 and a whirlwind offseason, Kirby Snead is pitching on Staten Island. It’s not where he wants to be — but the lefty is knocking on the door of an MLB return @IBWAA “I really have nothing to lose at this point.” the41stman.substack.com/p/kirby-snead-…

Mets acquiring RHP Tyler Rogers from Giants, source @TheAthletic.

An iconic image of Jose Cardenal on the phone learning of the trade between games. My @The41stMan entry from a few months ago explored the veteran's interesting final season in the majors: the41stman.substack.com/p/the-quirky-e…

Seranthony Domínguez makes the walk from the Orioles clubhouse to the Blue Jays clubhouse after he was traded

After acquiring Seranthony Dominguez from the #Orioles, the #BlueJays have designated Chad Green for assignment. Green, 34, was in the midst of his third season with Toronto, posting a career-worst 4.85 ERA in 44 games. The right-hander enjoyed a strong 2024, pitching to a 3.21 ERA in 53 contests with the Blue Jays. Green spent his first seven MLB seasons with the #Yankees as a versatile reliever, often serving as an opener and, on many occasions, a trusted late-inning reliever. In 272 games with the Yankees, Green registered a 3.17 ERA.

We have made the following roster moves:

Being DFA'd hits every player differently — but it’s never good. For many, it means the end of the line with their current team and a stretch of the infamous DFA limbo: no answers, no guarantees, nowhere to throw or swing. Just waiting – with more questions than answers. Today, Linzy Singleton broke the news of her husband Jon's DFA. A microcosm of how this process impacts more than just the player.