Shohei Ohtani Shifts Up To No. 2 Spot In Monday’s Lineup

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani will bat second Monday against the Astros and left-hander Framber Valdez, marking the first time since 2018 that he will start a game batting in the No. 2 hole. Ohtani snapped out of a recent funk Sunday, cranking his fifth homer of the year. While he may see […]

Tyler Chatwood Set To Return On Tuesday

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Tyler Chatwood (back) will return from the 10-day injured list and start against the Tigers on Tuesday. Chatwood had two excellent starts and one rough outing before being sidelined. He will have a favorable matchup against the Tigers, but shouldn’t be deployed outside of DFS right away.

Jonah Heim Gets Callup, Not In Lineup Monday

Oakland Athletics catcher Jonah Heim earned his first Major League callup Monday, with Austin Allen being demoted in his place. Heim, Oakland’s No. 11 prospect per MLB Pipeline, grades out excellently behind the plate, but manager Bob Melvin also made it clear that the switch hitter would see the vast majority of starts against right-handed […]

Kevin Kiermaier Departs Monday’s Contest Early

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier was forced to exit from Monday’s contest against the Blue Jays due to discomfort in his right foot after he was hit by a pitch. Kiermaier looked to have taken the pitch flush on his lower leg, so it’s not entirely surprising that Tampa Bay is being cautious. Manuel […]

Robinson Chirinos Activated Off IL, Starts At DH Monday

Texas Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos rejoined the active roster Monday, getting immediately inserted into the starting nine at the DH slot against A’s left-hander Jesus Luzardo. Chirinos has been out of the mix since Aug. 10 due to a sprained right ankle, allowing Jose Trevino and Jeff Mathis to hold down catching duties. Both figure […]

Robert Stephenson Gets Reinstated From IL Monday

Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Robert Stephenson rejoined the club’s active roster prior to Monday’s contest against Milwaukee. Stephenson had been sidelined since July 28 due to a mid-back strain, having appeared just once all season. The Cincinnati relief corps can use all the reinforcements that it can get, having amassed a 5.59 ERA through its […]

Joey Gallo Out Of Monday’s Lineup

Texas Rangers outfielder/designated hitter Joey Gallo is not among the club’s starting nine for Monday’s contest against Oakland and left-handed Jesus Luzardo. The move appears to be just a regular day off for Gallo, even though he has mashed southpaws this season to the tune of a .907 OPS with five home runs in 37 […]

Justin Verlander Tosses 20 Pitches In Rehab Effort

Houston Astros right-handed pitcher Justin Verlander threw 20 pitches Sunday and came out of the session feeling good, per manager Dusty Baker. Verlander is currently attempting to work his way back from a right forearm strain that has kept him out since Opening Day. There is still no guarantee that Verlander makes it back to […]

Leody Taveras Called Up Monday, Set To Hit Leadoff

Texas Rangers outfielder Leody Taveras was summoned from the alternate training site ahead of Monday’s game against Oakland and left-hander Jesus Luzardo. Taveras, a 21-year-old switch-hitter, is ranked as the Rangers’ No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline. His best tool grades out as his glove, but he also has above-average ratings on his running ability. […]

Corey Dickerson Back In Lineup Monday, Bats Cleanup

Miami Marlins outfielder Corey Dickerson returned to the starting nine for Monday’s contest against Washington and right-hander Austin Voth after having departed early Sunday due to a shoulder ailment. Dickerson socked his third home run of the year Sunday, having gone deep in back-to-back games, while maintaining an eight-game hitting streak. With a full slate […]

Jose Quintana To Operate Out Of Bullpen Starting Tuesday

Chicago Cubs left-handed pitcher Jose Quintana will be shifting to the bullpen for the time being as soon as Tuesday behind starter Tyler Chatwood against Detroit. Quintana has not yet appeared in 2020 due to a thumb injury, while Chatwood will be making his return off of the injured list. With the Cubs having a […]

Astros-Angels Thursday Contest Shifted To Tuesday

The Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels have had their game scheduled for Thursday moved up to Tuesday due to concerns surrounding Tropical Storm Laura, which is headed for Texas. Instead of a full nine-inning game Thursday, the two teams will now play two seven-inning doubleheader contests Tuesday. Jose Suarez and Cristian Javier are set […]

Kenyan Drake In Walking Boot On Monday

Arizona Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake (leg) was held out of practice on Monday and was seen in a walking boot. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury made it sound like it was just precautionary. Drake also added in a Tweet, "Was in a walking boot around this time last summer too. Just trying to stay consistent […]

Danny Duffy Likely To Miss Next Start

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy (forearm) is currently dealing with forearm tightness and is likely to miss his next start, which had been scheduled for Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Early indications make it sound as if Jakob Junis (back) could be activated off the Injured List to start the game, or […]

Auden Tate Considered Early Offensive MVP Of Camp

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Auden Tate continues to impress during training camp this season. ESPN's Ben Baby named Tate the "early frontrunner for offensive MVP" of camp. Tate drew praise from head coach Zac Taylor earlier in training camp in what has clearly been a productive offseason for the third-year wideout. Despite the glowing praise, […]

Diontae Johnson Dealing With Leg Injury

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson has not practiced since last Wednesday as he's dealing with a leg injury. The Steelers won't elaborate on the nature of Johnson's injury but it doesn't appear to be a major one. Johnson impressed in his rookie season, despite poor quarterback play and is expected by many to break […]

Lance Lynn Aiming To Steady The Sinking Texas Ship

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Lance Lynn looks to get his team out of an eight-game losing streak against the Oakland Athletics on Monday. The right-hander has been one of the best pitchers in the majors this season and has become a real ace for the Texas staff. He has already faced the A's once in […]

O.J. Howard Having A Great Camp

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard is having a great training camp so far. Head coach Bruce Arians said that all of the trade talk that has surrounded Howard after the team acquired Rob Gronkowski came from outside the building. Everyone is expecting Gronk to lead Tampa's group of tight ends, which also includes […]

Mike Williams Considered Week-To-Week

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (shoulder), who left practice with an arm injury over the weekend, was diagnosed with a shoulder sprain and is considered week-to-week, according to a source. The good news is that his collarbone is intact, but his status for the regular season opener is not yet determined. With the […]

Pedro Munhoz Drops To 18-5

Pedro Munhoz dropped his second bout in a row on Saturday, this time a split decision to Frankie Edgar. Munhoz actually landed more strikes than Edgar, earning 166 significant strikes while attempting no takedowns. He did a solid job mixing up the strikes with 98 to the head, 24 to the body and 44 to […]

Corbin Burnes Strikes Out Seven In No-Decision

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Corbin Burnes allowed three runs on five hits and two walks across 5 1/3 innings in Sunday's 5-4 loss to the Pirates. He struck out seven and did not factor in the decision. The right-hander has struck out 12 while allowing four runs in 10 1/3 innings pitched in his two […]

Saints Cut Nigel Bradham

The New Orleans Saints released veteran linebacker Nigel Bradham on Monday, according to a source. Bradham was joining the Saints this year after four seasons with the Eagles. He had 61 combined tackles, one interception, five passes defensed and one fumble recovery (for a touchdown) in 12 games for Philly last season. The 30-year-old was […]

Rajon Rondo Doubtful For Monday's Game

Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo (back) is listed as doubtful for Monday's Game 4 against the Portland Trail Blazers. He finally worked his way back from a broken thumb, but is dealing with back spasms now. Rondo was medically cleared for Saturday's game, but ended up sitting out. The Lakers continue to use a […]

Justin Smoak Heating Up At The Plate

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Justin Smoak went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, double, run scored and three RBI in Sunday's 5-4 loss to Pittsburgh. Smoak got the Brewers going with a run-scoring double in the fourth. He went on to give Milwaukee a 4-2 lead when he took Geoff Hartlieb deep for a two-run […]

Frankie Edgar Successful In Bantamweight Debut

Frankie Edgar did enough in two of the three judges' eyes to earn the split-decision victory in his bantamweight debut Saturday night. Edgar landed 135 significant strikes on his opponent Pedro Munhoz, as well as going 2-for-8 on his takedowns. Most of the strikes went to the head (103). With the strong performance, Edgar scored […]

Russell Westbrook Listed As Out For Monday

Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook (quad) is listed as out for Monday's Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Head coach Mike D'Antoni mentioned that Westbrook is improving, but he's not ready to take the court yet. James Harden will continue to see his usage skyrocket through the roof. Eric Gordon and Danuel House have […]

Cowboys Have Discussed Earl Thomas

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said that he's discussed free-agent safety Earl Thomas with vice president of player personnel Will McClay, but he didn't have anything further to report. McCarthy also said he's "very confident" in the team's current 80-man roster. Thomas was released by the Ravens on Sunday for conduct detrimental to the […]

Marcin Prachnio Drops Third UFC Bout In A Row

Marcin Prachnio was unable to finally log that first UFC victory Saturday night, losing to Mike Rodriguez by first-round knockout. After winning eight in a row before joining the UFC, Prachnio has lost all three of his UFC bouts. He only landed 14 significant strikes in the two minutes of action. Not only is it […]

Kyle Lowry Undergoing An MRI

Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (foot) is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday. The team thought it was a left ankle issue, but now believe it's the arch of his left foot. There should be more information available once the results come back. Hopefully everything will be negative and Lowry can suit up for […]

Mike Rodriguez Dominates In Co-Main Event Slot

After a winless 2019, Mike Rodriguez needed a victory almost as bad as fellow main-card fighter Shana Dobson. After a solid clinch by Rodriguez, he followed it up with knees and a big elbow which sent Marcin Prachnio to the mat. After a few heavy ground-and-pound strikes, the bout was ruled a first-round TKO finish […]