MLB

David Ortiz suffered a setback in his recovery from gunshot wounds -- and required a third surgery to fix complications earlier this week ... the Red Sox announced Thursday.

Big Papi was shot in the back in the Dominican Republic last month ... but after two surgeries shortly after, his wife and the Red Sox said he was recovering well.

But, the Sox just announced Ortiz suffered complications from the injuries recently ... and needed a third procedure to fix the issues this week.

Good news for Big Papi, the team says he is now "recovering well and is in good spirits."

As we previously reported, Ortiz was shot in the back at point-blank range while he was sitting outside of a nightclub on June 9 ... with the bullet striking his liver and his small and large intestines. 

Ortiz underwent emergency surgery immediately after in the D.R. -- and doctors said they were forced to remove his gall bladder at the time.

Ortiz was flown to Boston just hours later to have a second surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital.

David's wife, Tiffany Ortiz, has previously said David was able to sit up and take steps ... and added, "he remains in good condition and continues to recover under the care of Drs. David King and Larry Ronan."

Andrew McCutchen's wife threw him an All-Star party Tuesday since an injury wiped away his chances at a real ASG invite ... and the MLB stud's reaction to the gesture will make ya cry.

The Philadelphia Phillies outfielder tore his ACL back on June 3 ... immediately killing any chances the 32-year-old former MVP had of making Tuesday night's All-Star Game in Cleveland.

But, McCutchen's wife wasn't going to let that stop him from feeling special ... 'cause she threw him an AMAZING All-Star party of his own instead!!!

The bash had it all ... there was a custom "Cutch" sign, baseball-themed snacks, balloons, pizza and even a cake with a mini-McCutchen topper on it!!

The best part of the party ... McCutchen's reaction afterward -- 'cause the dude clearly wanted to shed a few tears after his wife went all-out for him.

"She took the time out of her life to do something like this for me. And, it means a lot. It means so much because you work so hard, you know?"

"And, to have an injury like this to where it gets wiped away -- all your work, everything you prepared for -- the year's just wiped away. And, for her to do this for me, it means the world to me. Honestly."

Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout is honoring Tyler Skaggs during the All-Star Game on Tuesday ... sporting the late pitcher's #45 jersey when he takes the field.

Skaggs tragically died last week in his team hotel room in Texas. Details surrounding his death are still unclear ... but the news shook many teams, players and managers throughout the MLB.

Trout -- who usually wears #27 -- and injured Angels infielder Tommy La Stella will don Skaggs' digits on their backs during Tuesday night's ASG as a tribute to their teammate.

Trout shared his condolences last week ... saying "Words cannot express the deep sadness we feel right now."

"Remembering him as a great teammate, friend, and person who will forever remain in our hearts... we love you, 45."

Is this the greatest piece of World Series memorabilia EVER?!?!

The gloves worn by Chicago Cubs stars' Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo when they combined to get to the final out of Game 7 of the 2016 World Series are hitting the auction block ... and they can be all yours, if you've got the cash.

The play is iconic ... Bryant fielded a soft ground ball at third base, hurled it to Rizzo at first --  and just like that, the Cubs beat the Indians to win their first title since 1908!!!!

Now, Goldin Auctions has obtained the gloves Rizzo and Byrant used ... which are now both SIGNED AND INSCRIBED by the Cubs superstars.

Online bidding begins today ... and closes August 1st (there's also a live auction on the 1st at National Sports Collectors Convention in Chi-Town).

TMZ Sports has learned the 2 pieces (which are being sold together as a package) are expected to fetch $750,000 by the time the auction closes!!!

As for why Rizzo and Bryant let the gloves go ... we're told the two were contractually obligated to give up the pieces after the series ended.

Sucks for them ... but could be great news for you!!!

Here's the best pitch Michael Kopech's ever made ... the Chicago White Sox prized prospect proposed to "Riverdale" star Vanessa Morgan -- AND SHE SAID YES!!!

23-year-old Kopech -- who's rehabbin' after a Tommy John surgery last year -- was vacationing with his GF near the Grand Canyon on Wednesday ... when he got on a knee and proposed.

Morgan said yes, calling the stud pitcher afterward, "My Forever."

Kopech and Morgan have been dating for over a year now -- and the two have all the makings of a huge A-list couple.

Kopech, who was previously in a high profile relationship with reality star Brielle Biermann, is the White Sox's top prospect ... and is expected to be a future ace when his right arm heals up.

As for Morgan, she appeared on a couple episodes of Degrassi: The Next Generation back in 2013 ... and she's been blowing up as "Toni" on "Riverdale" the past couple years.

Kopech said of her after the proposal, "I'll never have enough words to tell you how much I love you, but I promise to always you show you."

Just one day after the death of their teammate, Tyler Skaggs, the L.A. Angels decided to take the field against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday ... and they WON!

The Angels dedicated the game to Skaggs -- and had decided that playing the game is what the 27-year-old would have wanted them to do.

It was an emotional game ... with the Halos emerging victorious in a 9-4 game.

Afterward, Mike Trout fought back tears as he talked about how much Skaggs meant to the team.

"We were close," Trout said ... "I see these guys more than my family."

Right fielder Kole Calhoun hit a home run in the 8th inning to help seal the victory -- and pointed to the sky in an obvious reference to Skaggs.

"We know we’ve got an angel watching over us now," Calhoun told reporters after the game.

"When I got to the plate, it felt right to pay some respect to him, and like I said, we know we’ve got somebody watching over us up there."

L.A. Angels starting pitcher Jose Suarez also honored Skaggs with “RIP 45” on his cap -- along with Tyler's initials "TSK" written above the bill.

Multiple people who were hanging out with Tyler Skaggs on the day before he died tell TMZ Sports there were no obvious signs anything was wrong -- "He seemed completely normal."

One source tells us, "I was with him on Sunday. He seemed like himself."

Another source added, "There was no indication anything was wrong" ... saying the 27-year-old's death was "shocking," especially since Tyler had pitched just 2 days before he died.

Skaggs and the rest of the L.A. Angels flew from Anaheim to Dallas on Sunday ... and Skaggs was in such a good mood, he suggested the team take a funny Cowboy-themed team photo at the airport. He posted the photo Sunday evening saying, "Howdy ya'll."

The very next day, Skaggs was found unconscious in his hotel room -- and was pronounced dead at the scene when paramedics arrived.

Officials say there were no obvious signs of suicide or foul play -- and the medical examiner is currently investigating. An autopsy and toxicology tests have been performed but the results have not been made public. It could take between 4 and 6 weeks for the toxicology results to come back.

The Los Angeles Angels players and manager had a team discussion and agreed to play the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night because they felt it's what Tyler Skaggs would have wanted.

Angels manager Brad Ausmus along with General Manager Billy Eppler, owner Arte Moreno and president John Carpino addressed the media Tuesday in a very emotional press conference to reflect on the 27-year-old pitcher who died Monday afternoon.

Ausmus and Eppler fought back tears as they explained what Skaggs meant to the team -- a beloved teammate, friend and family man.

Team officials said they still have no idea about what led to Skaggs' sudden death -- they're waiting on information from the medical examiner.

The Angels -- along with the Rangers and MLB -- agreed to postpone Monday's scheduled game in the wake of Tyler's death. But, Ausmus said the team met on Tuesday and decided to get back to action.

Ausmus and Eppler explained that playing baseball can help the players take their minds off of the sadness and give them a "refuge" from the tragedy.

Ausmus noted he doesn't think sitting in a hotel room would do the players any good.

Several Angels players attended the press conference -- including Mike Trout and Albert Pujols. They all sat quietly in the corner as Ausmus, Eppler and Moreno talked about Skaggs.

As we previously reported, Skaggs was found unconscious in his Texas hotel room where the team was staying around 2:20 PM on Monday ... and he was pronounced dead a short time later.

There's been a lot of speculation about how Skaggs died -- but so far, officials have not released a cause of death.

The Medical Examiner has said there were no obvious signs of suicide or foul play. An autopsy was conducted Tuesday morning but no word on the results. Toxicology results could take 4 to 6 weeks to come back.

Skaggs had just pitched 2 days before his death -- logging 5 strikeouts in 4.5 innings against the Oakland A's.

Skaggs had been having a standout 2019 season ... posting 7 wins and 78 strikeouts in 79.2 innings pitched.

An autopsy is scheduled to be performed Tuesday on L.A. Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner tells TMZ Sports.

As part of the examination process, we're told the M.E. is also conducting toxicology tests to find out what (if anything) was in Skaggs' system when he died.

Officials say they found 27-year-old Skaggs unconscious in his hotel room in Texas around 2:18 PM on Monday -- just hours before L.A. was set to take on the Rangers.

Emergency responders were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cops say no foul play was suspected and police sources tell us there were no obvious signs of suicide.

We're told toxicology results are expected back in about 4-6 weeks ... and the autopsy is scheduled to begin sometime Tuesday.

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs was found dead in Texas on Monday morning, the team has announced.

The 27-year-old had just pitched against the Oakland As on Saturday. The team is currently in Texas to play the Rangers.

Details surrounding his death are unclear. Major League Baseball has cancelled Monday night's game as a result.

The Angels issued a statement saying, "It is with great sorrow that we report Tyler Skaggs passed away earlier today in Texas."

"Tyler has, and always will be, an important part of the Angels Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Carli and his entire family during this devastating time."

Phillies superstar Bryce Harper has shared his condolences ... saying, "By far the nastiest prep arm I ever faced. My thoughts and prayers go out to Tyler's family! Gone too soon!"

Cleveland Indians ace Trevor Bauer added ... "We came up together. We won together. We laughed and celebrated together. Today, we all lose and mourn together."

"Your memory, your love for life, everything that made you, you, will live forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew you. Rest In Peace brother. We love you."

Angels superstar Mike Trout spoke out about his teammate, saying "Words cannot express the deep sadness we feel right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carli and their families."

"Remembering him as a great teammate, friend, and person who will forever remain in our hearts... we love you, 45."

Skaggs posted a picture with his teammates on Sunday after touching down in Texas for the Angels' series against the Rangers.

Skaggs was drafted by the Angels in the 1st round of the 2009 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut in 2012 for the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he played until 2013. He later returned to the Angels where he's played ever since (he missed the 2015 season due to surgery).

Here's one of the coolest stories of the weekend ... the 13-year-old umpire who was caught in a violent youth baseball brawl last month got VIP treatment at the Rockies game Sunday!!

Josh Cordova was the one officiating a game involving 7-year-old kids on June 15 in Lakewood, Colorado ... when parents began hounding him over rules and other parents' actions.

Eventually, a massive fight broke out because of the arguments ... with Cordova calling the whole incident, "scary."

When MLB ump Chris Guccione got word of Cordova's unfortunate involvement in the brawl ... he decided he had to help lift the kid's spirits -- so he invited Josh and his fam to the Rockies game!!

Cordova got the whole VIP experience ... he hung out in the Coors Field locker room and even took part in pre-game lineup talks on the diamond.

In fact, Guccione even gave Cordova his MLB jersey and chest protector ... which Josh says he's going to use right away for his next game!!

"I thought it was a perfect opportunity to reach out to Josh, and not only to him, but his family, and to say to him, 'I'm proud of you, and I'm rooting for you, and what you did is the right thing,'" Guccione told reporters before the game.

"I'm super happy for him, and I wanted to encourage him to keep going forward."

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's son is a newly-minted New York Yankees fan -- all because the team took the time to make him a jersey while playing across the pond.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex crashed the Yankees-Red Sox game Saturday in London, where the two rivals are facing off this weekend for an historic two-game series ... the first to ever be played in Europe. Who better to invite than the Royal couple, right???

The Red Sox gave MM and PH a team onesie, which was cute ... but it didn't really hold a candle to the Yankees' gift -- a custom baby jersey, with Archie's name on the back.

If you watch Meghan's reaction here, there's no comparison ... Yankees took the cake with that thoughtful gesture. The onesie's cool and all, but c'mon ... make a jersey, fellas.

Anyway, Archie wasn't with his mom and dad at the game -- at nearly two months old, the newborn's probably at home soaking up some ZZZs. Not to worry though -- his parents made sure he was well-represented at the MLB event.

Jeff Francoeur says he was JUST KIDDING when he said he wished he had punched Willson Contreras in the face ... telling TMZ Sports, "I actually said it more joking!"

If ya missed it ... the Cubs and Braves nearly got in an all-out brawl earlier this week after Contreras hit a massive home run and chirped about it after.

Francoeur -- a former Braves star who now broadcasts games -- said he actually got into a scuffle with the Cubs catcher back in 2016 ... and said on TV after the dustup he now wishes he had punched the guy in the face back then!!!

"Quite frankly, I wish I had just thrown a haymaker and been done with it," Francoeur said ... “If I knew that was my last year, I would have."

But, when we got Jeff out in NYC on Friday ... he backpedaled off those comments, telling us he was just playin' around!!!

"If you go listen to it, I actually said it more joking! I laughed while I said it. It was fun."

In fact, Francoeur had nothing but praise for Willson ... telling us, "He's a hell of a player."

As for fighting in baseball in general, Jeff tells us he doesn't think knuckle-chucking should ever be allowed in the sport ... saying fights should NEVER escalate from a casual dust-up.

The mastermind behind the David Ortiz shooting has been arrested in the Dominican Republic, officials say. 

Victor Hugo Gomez is the man who allegedly put the wheels in motion for a team of hitmen to roll up to a popular lounge with murderous intent on June 9.

Of course, Dominican officials have now said they don't believe Ortiz was the intended target that night -- insisting the shooter mistook the MLB legend for a friend who was sitting nearby. 

Ortiz was hit in the back -- but the bullet caused serious damage to several organs including his intestines and liver. After the initial life-saving surgery, Ortiz was flown to Boston where he's been receiving treatment ever since. 

As for Gomez, officials say he put out the hit on Ortiz's friend while Gomez was inside the United States. Officials say Gomez has a criminal record and possible ties to a drug cartel. 

So far, at least 10 people have been arrested in the investigation -- including the shooter Rolfi Ferreira Cruz, who has said on the record that Ortiz was not his target. 

How did Brian Dozier get pumped up for the Nationals game against the Marlins on Thursday??

TWERK! TWERK! TWERK! TWERK! TWERK!

The Washington second baseman was clearly feeling a little frisky in Miami before the final game of the Nats-Marlins series ... so he decided to back that thang up on a Nats staffer!!

Unclear why ... but the video is hilarious -- Dozier does a secret handshake and dance with Victor Robles, then turns his hat backward and decides to twerk it out!!

The best part? Washington's staffer plays along ... and slaps a big ole' handful of booty!!!

Seems the pregame twerkfest worked out for Dozier and the squad ... he went 2-for-4 and the Nats beat the Marlins, 8-5.

"Kike, my grandmother's bigger than you!"

Dodgers stud Kike Hernandez was hit with that and more by hecklers when he stepped into the batter's box Thursday night ... but he had the best response EVER to it ...

A MOONSHOT HOME RUN AND SOME BLOWN KISSES!!!

Here's the deal, the Dodgers had just taken a 9-8 lead in the 9th inning against the Rockies in Colorado when Hernandez was asked to pinch hit with two runners on.

Some fans immediately began to ride him ... with one saying, "Kike, you're small as sh*t! Boom."

Of course, Hernandez immediately proceeded to pump a Wade Davis fastball 400-plus feet to dead center of Coors Field ... and when he got back to home plate -- he made sure the hecklers knew about it.

Twitter user @Jomboy_ has the hilarious breakdown of it all ... for real, it's a must watch.