Hector Neris to Join Astros on MLB Deal
Hector Neris has agreed to a Major League contract with the Houston Astros, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 reports. Neris became available when the Los Angeles Angels released him on Thursday. He has posted a horrific 7.80 ERA with 20 strikeouts, eight walks, and seven holds over a combined 15 innings between the Angels and Braves this season. The well-traveled 36-year-old is now ready for his third stint in Houston, where he pitched from 2022-23 and again in 2024. Neris has served as a solid high-leverage option for a large portion of his career, but those days may be over.Source: Ari Alexander - KPRC 2
Veteran right-handed reliever Spencer Arrighetti Will Throw One More Bullpen Before Facing Live Batters
Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) will throw one more bullpen session before advancing to face live batters. This upcoming session will be his third such bullpen since injuring his hand in April during the team's batting practice. Assuming there are no setbacks here, Arrighetti will look to throw to live batters before entering a rehab assignment. This is all positive progress for someone who was looking to build on last season's success. The right-hander is (1-1) on the season with a 5.59 ERA, but his rookie season saw him record an ERA more than one full run lower (4.53), with an impressive 27.1% strikeout rate. He looks poised to be back in Houston's lineup at some point in August and is worth stashing in 12-team leagues.Source: Matt Kawahara
Houston Astros right-hander Yimi Garcia Placed on 15-Day injured List
Yimi Garcia (ankle) on the 15-day injured list with a sprained left ankle. The team recalled right-hander Robinson Pina from Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. This continues an injury-plagued year for Garcia, who just returned from a long stay on the IL this week.. He missed the final week of May and all of June because of a shoulder impingement. Garcia returned on Wednesday to allow two earned runs over one inning in an 11-9 win over the New York Yankees. The 34-year-old righty has logged 21 frames this season and pitched to a 3.86 ERA with 25 strikeouts, 12 walks, six holds, and three saves.Source: Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays have placed reliever Clarke Schmidt Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Clarke Schmidt (elbow) has likely suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow and is expected to require Tommy John surgery, manager Aaron Boone announced. Unfortunately for Schmidt and the Yankees, this isn't a surprising outcome after he exited his start against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday with forearm tightness. Schmidt is now poised to undergo his second Tommy John procedure since 2017, the year the Yankees drafted him 16th overall. Now 29, Schmidt has developed into a quality starter for the Yankees. He'll finish this season 4-4 with a 3.32 ERA and 73:30 K:BB over 78 2/3 innings. Assuming he does undergo TJ surgery, Schmidt probably won't return to a major league mound until late next season or in 2027.Source: Bryan Hoch - MLB.com
Yankees right-hander Paul Goldschmidt, Giancarlo Stanton Out of Lineup Saturday
Paul
Goldschmidt
and
designated
hitter
Giancarlo
Stanton
are
not
in
the
team's
lineup
against
the
New
York
Mets
on
Saturday.
The
right-handed
duo
will
take
aread more...
New
York
Yankees
first
baseman
Mason Thompson Returns from 60-Day Injured List
Mason Thompson (elbow) was activated from the 60-day injured list on Saturday. In a corresponding move, the Nationals optioned right-handed pitcher Zach Brzykcy to Triple-A Rochester and shifted right-handed pitcher Derek Law to the 60-day injured list. Thompson has been sidelined since undergoing Tommy John surgery during the 2024 campaign. He participated in a rehab assignment, logging eight innings across time in the Florida Complex League, as well as with Double-A and Triple-A. In 2023, Thompson logged 54 innings out of the bullpen and posted a 5.50 ERA with a 1.56 WHIP. However, in 2022, Thompson was quite effective, posting a 2.92 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Thompson to have a low-average role in the bullpen as he begins to increase his workload.Source: Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals right-handed pitcher Nolan Arenado Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Nolan Arenado (shoulder) was scratched from Saturday's lineup due to a right shoulder impingement when they continue a series against the Chicago Cubs. Arenado was held out of action earlier in the week due to a finger injury and now appears to have another injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to Sunday's contest as he could he held out of action for a few games. After a productive stretch in June, Arenado has taken a step back over his last eight games, holding a low .179/.207/.250 slash line with just two doubles and two RBI. Before this skid, he held a much higher .344/.382/.547 line over his last 10. This afternoon, the Cardinals will have Thomas Saggese cover the hot corner and bat in the five-hole.Source: Jeff Jones
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Andres Gimenez Sidelined on Saturday
Andres Gimenez (ankle) is not in the starting nine on Saturday when the Blue Jays continue a series against the Los Angeles Angels. Gimenez suffered an ankle injury during the contest against the Yankees on Wednesday. While he was able to return to the starting nine on Friday, Gimenez was eventually lifted from that game. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as he could be in danger of sitting out on Sunday as well. Over his last 11 contests, Gimenez has been one of the most productive hitters in the sport, posting a .342/.390/.447 slash line with one double, one home run, and nine RBI. Through 61 total games this season, Gimenez has held a .218/.300/.322 line. This afternoon, Davis Schneider will cover the keystone and bat in the nine-hole.Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Starting on Saturday
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (foot) is back in the starting nine on Saturday when the Blue Jays continue a series against the Los Angeles Angels. Guerrero was held out of action on Friday after suffering a minor foot injury on Thursday. However, the 26-year-old was able to avoid a serious injury and is making a quick return to the starting nine. Over his last 10 games, Guerrero has been in a bit of a skid at the plate, posting a modest .237/.341/.421 slash line with one double, two home runs, and five RBI. Through 86 total games this season, Guerrero has held a .274/.378/.439 slash line with 17 doubles and 12 round-trippers. He sits in the 96th percentile in xwOBA and 100th percentile in xBA, which suggests he should be in store for a massive second half. He is a strong play in DFS this afternoon, facing Los Angeles Angels right-hander Jack Kochanowicz.Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Tim Tawa Optioned to Triple-A Reno
Tim Tawa to Triple-A Reno. In a corresponding move, the Diamondbacks have activated outfielder Corbin Carroll (wrist) from the 10-day injured list. Tawa has enjoyed an extended stint in the majors this season. During his first taste of the majors, the rookie infielder has held a modest .200/.262/.355 slash line with six doubles and six home runs. Tawa has generated a low .300 xwOBA, .224 xBA, .394 xSLG, and an 88.8 mph average exit velocity, which are all below the average marks of qualified hitters. Earlier this season, Tawa was hitting for high power at Triple-A, launching three home runs and adding two doubles. Fantasy managers should expect Tawa to return to Arizona later in the second half as an injury replacement.Source: Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks have optioned infielder Jordan Walker Making Swing Adjustments on Rehab Assignment
Jordan Walker (appendix) is working on a swing adjustment with the staff at Double-A Springfield, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Dispatch. Walker last played in the big leagues on June 22 before dealing with appendicitis, and he previously missed time in June with a wrist injury as well. He's struggled mightily in 191 plate appearances for the Cardinals, slashing .210/.267/.295 with a 33% strikeout rate. The former top prospect has struck out at a similarly untenable 38.5% rate in 26 minor league plate appearances, so he clearly needs more time to work out the kinks in his new swing. Per Goold, Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak says he hopes Walker can make his return within two weeks.Source: Derrick Goold - St. Louis Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Corbin Carroll Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Corbin Carroll (wrist) from the 10-day injured list prior to their contest on Saturday against the Kansas City Royals. In a corresponding move, the Diamondbacks optioned infielder Tim Tawa to Triple-A Reno. Carroll has been sidelined with a fracture in his left wrist since June 24. However, Carroll was able to avoid a significant injury. He made just one rehab appearance in the Arizona Complex League on July 3 before being cleared to return to MLB action. Before his injury, Carroll was enjoying a productive season at the plate, posting a .255/.341/.573 slash line with 20 home runs and 10 stolen bases. Under the hood, he has generated a stellar .390 xwOBA with a .565 xSLG. Carroll should continue to be viewed as a must-start option in all leagues going forward.Source: Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks have activated outfielder Kendall Graveman Throws Live BP
Kendall Graveman (hip) threw live batting practice on Friday, according to MLB.com. Graveman was placed on the 15-day injured list on June 9 with a right hip impingement. It's been a difficult last couple of years for the veteran righty from an injury perspective. Graveman missed the entirety of 2024 after undergoing shoulder surgery, and also had a separate IL stint in March due to back tightness. In the 8 1/3 innings he's thrown for the Diamondbacks this season, Graveman has allowed eight earned runs and five walks while striking out just three. Arizona's bullpen needs high-leverage arms, but Graveman will have to prove he can stay healthy and regain prior form before he's an option in fantasy.Source: MLB.com
Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
According to USA Today's Tyler Dragon, the Cincinnati Bengals and rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart have had recent contract discussions. Unfortunately, nothing came from the talks, with Dragon adding that "a resolution doesn't appear to be in sight." Both sides remainGabriel Arias Fielding Grounders
Gabriel Arias fielded ground balls pre-game on Friday, according to MLB.com. Arias was placed on the 10-day injured list on July 1 (retroactive to June 30) with a moderate sprain in his left ankle. Given that he's already back on the field in a limited capacity, it appears as though he's avoided a more long-term ailment. In 281 plate appearances before getting hurt, Arias was hitting .231 with six home runs, 31 RBI and 28 runs scored. An elevated 31.3% strikeout rate limits his upside at the plate. The Guardians have relied on Brayan Rocchio and Daniel Schneeman at shortstop in Arias' absence.Source: MLB.com
Cleveland Guardians shortstop Tyler Glasnow Set to Return During Upcoming Road Trip?
Tyler Glasnow could return during the team's upcoming road trip next week, according to Dodgers Tailgate. Glasnow has been on the injured list since late April due to inflammation in his pitching shoulder. The veteran right-hander made his third rehab start on Thursday with Triple-A Oklahoma City, reaching 78 pitches over 4 1/3 innings. In the 18 innings he pitched this season with the Dodgers before getting hurt, Glasnow struggled to a 4.50 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with an elevated 14.3% walk rate. Los Angeles will play a three-game set in Milwaukee against the Brewers starting on Monday and then travel to San Francisco to play the Giants next weekend.Source: Dodgers Tailgate
It's "feasible" that Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tommy Edman Taking Over as Dodgers Third Baseman
Tommy Edman will be the team's everyday third baseman starting on Monday, according to Dodgers Tailgate. Edman is replacing the injured Max Muncy, who is set to miss at least six weeks with a left knee bone bruise. The versatile Edman has seen the majority of his playing time this season at second base and in center field, and he last appeared in a game at third base in 2022. In 269 plate appearances this season, Edman has posted a .242/.297/.426 slash line with 10 home runs, 3 stolen bases, 38 RBI, and 38 runs scored. His fantasy value comes as an accumulator in an excellent Dodgers lineup. Consistent playing time and additional positional eligibility both help his overall outlook.Source: Dodgers Tailgate
Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Giannis
Antetokounmpo
may
not
happen
until
"August,
September."
"My
sense
is
just
from
conversations
around
the
league,"
said
Shelbourne.
"I
don't
think
anything
willread more...
According
to
ESPN's
Ramona
Shelbourne,
a
potential
trade
involving
Milwaukee
Bucks
forward
Luke Keaschall to Take Live Batting Practice Soon
Luke Keaschall (forearm) is hitting off a pitching machine and close to taking live batting practice. Keaschall will eventually need to go on a rehab assignment before returning from a right-forearm fracture that has sidelined him for over two months. The 22-year-old entered the season as a consensus top 100 prospect and looked the part during his first seven games in the majors, as he went 7-for-19 with three doubles and five walks in 26 plate appearances. He has been out since a hit by pitch forced him to the IL on April 25.Source: Matthew Leach - MLB.com
Minnesota Twins rookie infielder Seth Brown Signs Minor-League Deal with Diamondbacks
Seth Brown has signed a minor-league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Brown spent a short time on the free-agent market after the Athletics released him on June 26. The 32-year-old opened the season batting .185/.303/.262 with one home run in 76 plate appearances and dealt with a minor elbow injury before the A's moved on from him. He was much better over the previous four seasons, during which he swatted double-digit home runs in each campaign and belted 20 or more on two occasions. Brown is a lifetime .226/.292/.419 hitter with 74 homers, 233 RBI, and 24 steals across 1,804 plate appearances. The Diamondbacks are the second organization for the former 19th-round pick. He'll begin his D-backs tenure with their Triple-A affiliate in Reno.Source: Reno Aces
Outfielder Roki Sasaki's Velocity has "Ticked Up"
Roki Sasaki (shoulder) has experienced an increase in velocity while throwing from flat ground, according to Dodgers Tailgate. However, Sasaki is not ready to resume throwing from a mound. The star prospect from Japan landed on the 10-day injured list May 13 with a shoulder impingement. The Dodgers later transferred him to the 60-day IL because of a lack of progress in his rehab. They shut down Sasaki from throwing three weeks ago, but team brass noted at the time that he was pain-free. Sasaki struggled to a 4.72 ERA with 24:22 K:BB over 34 1/3 innings in his first eight major league starts. It remains unclear when he'll be ready to return and attempt to improve on those numbers.Source: Dodgers Tailgate
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Andres Gimenez Undergoes MRI on Ankle
Andres Gimenez will undergo an MRI on his ankle after reaggravating an injury that originally occurred on Wednesday. He reaggravated it running the bases in Friday's 4-3 extra-innings win over the Angels. For now he's considered day-to-day, but depending the results of the MRI, a trip to the injured list is possible. The 26-year-old already missed a month earlier this season due to a quad injury, so hopefully this new injury won't keep him out long. The left-handed hitter is having a rough year, slashing .218/.300/.322, but had been hitting well recently, going 10-for-21 (.476) over his last six games, including a home run, nine RBI, four runs scored, and a stolen base.Source: Arden Zwelling
Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Rays to Reevaluate Ha-Seong Kim on Saturday
Ha-Seong Kim (calf) left his season debut on Friday with cramping in his right calf. The Rays downplayed the severity of the issue after their 4-3 loss to the Minnesota Twins, but they'll reevaluate Kim on Saturday, Pat Donnelly of MLB.com reports. "Let's just see tomorrow," said Kim, who had missed the entire season with shoulder and hamstring problems. The hope is that the 29-year-old will avoid another trip to the injured list. The Rays haven't released their lineup for Saturday yet, so stay tuned for updates on Kim's status.Source: Pat Donnelly - MLB.com
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Alek Manoah Nearing Rehab Assignment
Alek Manoah (elbow) is expected to throw one more bullpen session before going on a rehab assignment. Manoah underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2024 and has been working back from the procedure since then. He has stated on multiple occasions that he's aiming for an August comeback, which appears realistic. The 27-year-old made just five starts in 2024 and hasn't pitched a full season since 2022. With that in mind, fantasy managers should temper their expectations as he returns after a long layoff from major elbow surgery.Source: Mitch Bannon - The Athletic
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Casey Schmitt to Take Batting Practice
Casey Schmitt (hand) was able to swing the bat pain-free on Friday. The 26-year-old is now ready to take batting practice as he works back from a left-hand injury that has shelved him for over a week. Schmitt is eligible to come off the 10-day injured list on Monday, though it's unclear if that will happen. Across 112 plate appearances this year, Schmitt has slashed .276/.360/.439 with four homers, 15 RBI, and 13 runs scored while mostly dividing his time between the corner infield positions.Source: Susan Slusser - The San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Giants infielder Bailey Ober Continues to Throw While Sidelined
Bailey Ober (hip) continues to throw in order to maintain arm strength as he works his way back from a left-hip impingement that put him on the shelf on June 29. He dealt with the issue for most of the season, which could help explain some of the ineffectiveness that pushed him to a 5.28 ERA, 1.41 ERA, and a 12.8 percent K-BB% -- all career worsts. The 29-year-old is expected to ramp up his activity next week and could make a return to the rotation in late July. With fellow pitchers Pablo Lopez and Zebby Matthews on the shelf as well, the Twins will welcome his return, although fantasy managers might want to take a more cautious approach and see him have some success before throwing the righty back into their lineups.Source: Dan Hayes
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Lane Thomas Dealing with Minor Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
Lane
Thomas
(foot)
left
Friday's
2-1
loss
to
the
Detroit
Tigers
with
mild
plantar
fasciitis
symptoms
in
his
right
foot.
He
exited
in
the
sixth
inning
after
going
0-for-2.
The
Guardians
replaced
Thomasread more...
Cleveland
Guardians
outfielder
Blake Treinen to Face Live Hitters Saturday
Blake Treinen (forearm) will throw one inning against live hitters on Saturday. If he gets through that without any problems, Treinen will embark on a rehab assignment. The 37-year-old right-hander hasn't pitched since April 13 because of a sprained forearm. The Dodgers were using Treinen in a high-leverage role before he suffered the injury. He threw eight innings of three-run ball with 10:3 K:BB, three holds, and two saves over his first eight appearances.Source: Sonja Chen - MLB.com
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Zebby Matthews Set to Throw a Third Bullpen Session
Zebby
Matthews
(shoulder)
is
scheduled
to
throw
a
third
bullpen
session
on
Sunday
as
he
works
his
way
back
from
a
shoulder
strain
that
has
kept
him
out
since
June
5.
Afterread more...
Minnesota
Twins
starting
pitcher
Yu Darvish Unlikely to be Activated this Weekend
Yu Darvish (elbow) is not expected to be activated this weekend. The Padres do not have a starter named for Sunday's matchup with the Rangers, but manager Mike Shildt stated that Darvish likely would not be the one to fill the void. The veteran hurler has been dealing with elbow inflammation, however, he's been working his way back, now having thrown three simulated games with his last one going four innings and 64 pitches. Although Shildt expressed that Darvish would not be Sunday's option, he also did not make it clear what the next step would be for the Japanese righty, however, it's looking like he could be activated sometime in the coming weeks, perhaps even without completing an official minor-league rehab assignment. Whatever the case, fantasy managers in need of pitching help could stash Darvish where available, as he can still be a viable back-end rotation piece in 12-team leagues and deeper.Source: AJ Cassavell
San Diego Padres starting pitcher