Yimi Garcia, Paxton Schultz Progress to Bullpen Sessions
Yimi Garcia (ankle) and Paxton Schultz (finger) threw bullpen sessions in Toronto on Friday, according to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith. Garcia returned from a shoulder injury that cost him over a month in early July but only made one appearance before spraining his ankle and going back on the 15-day injured list. The veteran right-hander has pitched to a 3.86 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 25 strikeouts and three saves in 21 innings. Schultz is currently on the 15-day IL with a finger issue and last pitched on June 28. The 27-year-old has thrown 23 2/23 innings for Toronto this season with a 4.56 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and 27 strikeouts. Since both Garcia and Schultz are back to throwing, it seems likely that neither will remain out much past the All-Star break.Source: Sportsnet - Ben Nicholson-Smith
Toronto Blue Jays relievers Josh Sborz to Begin Triple-A Rehab Assignment
Josh Sborz (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment on Saturday with Triple-A Round Rock, Jeff Wilson of DLLS Sports reports. Sborz has yet to pitch this year after undergoing shoulder surgery last November. Shoulder problems dogged the 31-year-old throughout the 2024 season and limited him to 16 1/3 innings of 3.86 ERA ball. In 2023, his most recent full season, Sborz struggled to a 5.50 ERA despite quality strikeout and walk numbers (66:17 K:BB) over 52 1/3 frames. He should rejoin the Rangers' bullpen when he's ready to return.Source: Jeff Wilson - Star Telegram
Texas Rangers right-hander Ryan Burr Lands on 60-Day Injured List
Ryan Burr (shoulder) on the 60-day injured list with a strained rotator cuff. The team selected the contract of righty Tommy Nance in a corresponding move. This season may be lost for Burr, who won't be eligible to return until mid-September. That's assuming Burr doesn't suffer any setbacks in the meantime. The 31-year-old missed the first three months of the season with shoulder troubles and just returned July 6 to throw two scoreless innings over a pair of appearances.Source: Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays announced Friday that they placed right-hander Jalen Beeks Goes on 15-Day Injured List
Jalen Beeks (back) on the 15-day injured list on Friday, retroactive to July 8, with inflammation in his lower back. The team activated right-hander Kendall Graveman (hip) from the 15-day IL to take Beeks' roster spot. If he's healthy by the end of the month, Beeks could wind up in another uniform by the July 31 trade deadline. The soon-to-be free agent is a logical trade chip for an Arizona team that's three games below .500 and could elect to sell. Beeks has recorded a 4.39 ERA with 39 strikeouts, 15 walks, and 11 holds in 41 innings. He may garner attention from contenders in serious need of bullpen help.Source: Jack Sommers - SI.com
The Arizona Diamondbacks placed left-hander Austin Riley Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Austin Riley (abdomen) on the 10-day injured list with a strained right abdomen. The club recalled infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. from Triple-A Gwinnett to take Riley's roster spot. Riley suffered the injury during the Braves' 6-5 win over the Cardinals on Friday, forcing him to exit in the fourth inning after going 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run. Riley missed 52 games last year, largely because of a fractured hand, but had stayed healthy this season up to now. He has started in all 93 of Atlanta's games and hit .274/.324/.441 with 14 homers, 48 RBI, and 51 runs scored over 408 trips to the plate. Luke Williams, who subbed in for Riley on Friday, is the only other Brave who has seen time at the hot corner this year.Source: David O'Brien - The Athletic
The Atlanta Braves have placed third baseman Brendan Rodgers, Shawn Dubin Progressing in Rehab
Brendan Rodgers (oblique) and right-hander Shawn Dubin (forearm) are now rehabbing from their injuries at the team's facility in Florida. Rodgers has been out since June 15 with a strained left oblique. He opened the season as the Astros' starting second baseman, but they began cutting his playing time after he slumped to a .191/.266/.278 line with two home runs and 11 RBI in 128 plate appearances. Rodgers could return sometime this month, though the recently promoted Brice Matthews has taken over at the keystone. Dubin, who hasn't pitched since June 20 on account of a forearm strain, has begun throwing off flat ground. There's no timetable for his return, but the Astros will be glad to welcome the 29-year-old back to their bullpen. He pitched to a 1.33 ERA with 18 strikeouts, seven walks, six holds, and a 1.13 WHIP in 20 1/3 innings before going on the IL.Source: Brian McTaggart - MLB.com
Houston Astros second baseman Starling Marte Expected to Return After All-Star Break
Starling Marte (knee) underwent an MRI on his right knee that yielded "very good" results, manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters. The Mets expect Marte to return after the All-Star break, which suggests he'll miss the minimum amount of time after going on the 10-day injured list July 7 with a knee bruise. Marte has gotten the lion's share of work at DH for the Mets and batted .270/.353/.387 with four home runs, 20 RBI, 22 runs, and five stolen bases in 188 plate appearances.Source: Laura Albanese - Newsday
New York Mets designated hitter/outfielder Bowden Francis to Throw Bullpen on Saturday
Bowden Francis (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session on Saturday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reports. Francis is working back from a right-shoulder impingement that has sidelined him since June 15. Between the injury and his performance, this has been a rough season for Francis. The 29-year-old has made 14 starts for the Blue Jays and gone 2-8 with a 6.05 ERA, a 1.53 WHIP, and 54:27 K:BB over 64 innings. Francis is without a clear timetable for a return, and barring injuries, it seems unlikely Toronto will reinsert him into its rotation when he comes back.Source: Ben Nicholson-Smith - Sportsnet
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Manuel Rodriguez Suffers Setback in Rehab
Manuel Rodriguez (forearm) has suffered a setback in his rehab from a forearm strain. Rodriguez had to leave his appearance with Triple-A Durham on Friday against the third batter he faced after he experienced diminished velocity. The 28-year-old's fastball normally clocks in around 97 mph, but it was down to 91.6 mph on Friday. That's an alarming development for a pitcher who has already been out for a month. Rodriguez logged an excellent 2.08 ERA with 25 strikeouts, six walks, and 11 holds over 30 1/3 innings before going on the 15-day injured list on June 10. UPDATE: Manager Kevin Cash said that Rodriguez has returned to Tampa and will meet with a doctor on Monday.Source: Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays right-handed reliever Andres Gimenez Week-to-Week with Ankle Injury
Andres Gimenez (ankle) is undergoing treatment on his ailing left ankle and remains "week-to-week," according to manager John Schneider. Gimenez has been on the 10-day injured list since July 5 with a sprain. The glove-first 26-year-old hit .218/.300/.322 with five homers, 23 RBI, 26 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases in 238 plate appearances before suffering the injury. The surging Jays have turned to a combination of Ernie Clement and Leo Jimenez at the keystone in Gimenez's absence.Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Alek Manoah Set to Begin Rehab Assignment on Monday
Alek Manoah (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment on Monday with Toronto's Florida Complex League affiliate. The 27-year-old is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and is expected to throw just a couple of innings in his first start. Look for the 6-foot-6 hurler to make five to six rehab starts before potentially rejoining the Blue Jays later in August. Manoah had a rough 2023 but was pitching well in 2024 before the injury, posting a 3.70 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 17.5 percent K-BB% (9.62 K/9). The team will need him to post similar or better results when he returns, as Toronto sits atop the American League East.Source: Arden Zwelling
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Nolan Arenado Exits Friday's Contest With Sprained Finger
Nolan Arenado (finger) exited Friday's 6-5 loss to Atlanta with a sprained right index finger. The eight-time All-Star missed a few games recently due to soreness in that same finger, so hopefully this does not become something that lands him on the injured list. Arenado is slashing .246/.305/.388 on the year, and although his strikeout rate is at a career low (9.8 percent), his barrel rate, hard-hit rate, and average exit velocity are also hovering near career lows, so it might not get much better for the remainder of the season. Perhaps an IL stint or even just the All-Star break will get his finger right, though.Source: Derrick Goold
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Jake Burger Expects to Play on Saturday
Jake Burger (quadriceps) said he plans to play on Saturday after being removed late in the Rangers' 7-3 victory over the Astros on Friday with left-quad discomfort. The 29-year-old has been productive at the plate recently, going 9-for-27 (.333) with a double, a home run, six RBI, and six runs scored in his last seven games. For the season, the right-handed slugger is slashing .229/.260/.402 with 11 home runs and an 81 wRC+. It has been a disappointing season after hitting at least 29 home runs in each of the previous two campaigns with no less than a 107 wRC+, however, his contact, barrel, and hard-hit rates are all higher than they were last season, so perhaps this recent stretch is a sign he's turning things around.Source: Evan Grant
Texas Rangers first baseman Joe Boyle Ineffective in Four Innings on Friday
Joe Boyle came on in bulk relief of Drew Rasmussen in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Red Sox, allowing two earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out only one batter, but did not factor into the decision. Boyle came on in the third inning in relief of Rasmussen, which was expected after manager Kevin Cash stated that the team would execute this way for a few turns through the rotation in an attempt to limit Rasmussen's innings. Boyle had made two other appearances this season before Friday's, and had not allowed a run in either while striking out seven in both contests. The 25-year-old righty now owns a 1.29 ERA (4.03 xFIP) with a 0.71 WHIP, and a 15:5 K:BB through 14 IP. His next chance to pitch won't come until sometime after the All-Star break.Source: ESPN
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Jeremy Pena Ramping Up, Has Begun Baseball Activities
Jeremy Pena (rib) has begun to ramp up his work in the weight room while also participating in light baseball-related activities. The 27-year-old has been out with a small rib fracture, not having played in a game since June 27. At this point, it looks like a post-All-Star break return is a given, and hopefully, the 6-foot-1 slugger can get back to the way he was hitting before he went down with the injury. Since May 24, a period of 31 games, the right-handed hitter was batting .368 with 15 extra-base hits and nine steals. For the season, he's slashing .322/.378/.489 with 11 home runs and 15 steals, good for a .377 wOBA and 144 wRC+.Source: Brian McTaggart
Houston Astros shortstop Erik Karlsson Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Source: Chris Johnston
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is reportedly open to a trade. Speaking on his podcast, Chris Johnston of TSN and The Athletic said Karlsson was willing to be moved despite having a no-move clause. However, Johnston added that there are only a few teams Karlsson is willing to move to. Karlsson's time with the Penguins has been a disappointment, and a move elsewhere might benefit both him and the team. In 2024-25, Karlsson finished with 53 points (11 goals, 42 assists) in 82 games, a far cry from his 101-point effort during his final year with the San Jose Sharks in 2022-23. The Swedish veteran, who turned 35 in May, has two years remaining on his contract, which carries a $11.5 million cap hit. San Jose covers $1.5 million of it.Yordan Alvarez Still Not Swinging a Bat
Yordan Alvarez (hand) is still not swinging a bat. The 28-year-old recently underwent imaging of his hand, which showed that the small fracture had healed. Now, any pain he's experiencing is due to inflammation, not the fracture. The 3x All-Star also has received injections in his hand, but he hasn't been able to progress to swinging a bat. A return after the All-Star break was looking like the best-case scenario, however, it seems a late July return is becoming the most optimistic view at this point.Source: Brian McTaggart
Houston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Zach Hyman Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
Source: TSN
Edmonton Oilers left wing Zach Hyman (wrist) hopes to be available for the 2025-26 season opener. "I haven't set a date or anything like that," Hyman said this week at his charity golf tournament. "Once you set a date, you get disappointed if you don't play on the date. I hope to play on opening night." Hyman dislocated his wrist on May 27 during the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Stars and underwent surgery. In 2024-25, Hyman took a step back, managing 44 points (27 goals, 17 assists) in 73 regular-season appearances. He wasn't quite at his best during the playoffs either, scoring 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 15 contests. The 33-year-old will look to bounce back next season.Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
Source: NHL.com
Winger Jeff Skinner signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the San Jose Sharks on Friday. The veteran forward will join his fourth NHL team. Skinner played last season with the Edmonton Oilers, earning 29 points (16 goals, 13 assists) in 72 games. His time in Edmonton included his first-ever playoff games, although Skinner spent most of the postseason as a healthy scratch. Skinner is just one point short of reaching 700 career points and has 373 goals, which shows he can be a significant threat offensively. However, recent years have been tough for Skinner, and fantasy managers should not set high expectations for him.Willie MacIver Goes Deep Twice on Friday
Willie MacIver went 3-for-5 with two home runs and four RBI during their contest against Triple-A El Paso on Friday evening. Since the start of the month, MacIver has tallied at least one hit in all but one contest. He has posted a strong .320/.357/.680 slash line with three long balls and nine RBI across six games. Earlier in the season, MacIver made his MLB debut. Through 17 games with the Athletics, the 28-year-old posted a .245/.288/.449 line. He was eventually sent back to Triple-A Las Vegas once Shea Langeliers returned from the injured list. Overall, the backstop has been very productive with Triple-A and should be in the mix to return to the majors in the coming weeks. In 41 total games, he has held a .377/.451/.570 line with a 1.021 OPS.Source: MiLB.com
Athletics catching prospect Blake Mitchell Hits First High-A Home Run
Blake Mitchell went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a home run during their contest against High-A Fort Wayne on Friday evening. This was Mitchell's first career home run at the High-A level. The No. 33-ranked prospect in baseball was sidelined throughout most of the first half with a wrist injury. He participated in an 11-game rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League before returning to High-A. Through his first three games at High-A this season, Mitchell has gone 3-for-12 with two doubles, a home run, and two RBI. Last season, the catcher spent the majority of his time with Low-A before earning a brief five-game taste of High-A. Given the time he missed this season, fantasy managers should expect Mitchell to spend a majority of the second half with High-A.Source: MiLB.com
Kansas City Royals catching prospect Jett Williams Snaps Skid with Two-Home Run Game
Jett Williams broke out of his slump in a big way on Friday evening. During their contest against Double-A Altoona, the top-ranked prospect in Queens went 3-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI. Before this game, Williams held a .171/.327/.244 line over his last 12 games. During this 12-game skid, Williams did not hit a home run and posted just two multi-hit outings. After missing time with injuries last season, Williams has been very productive during the 2025 season. Through 76 games with Double-A Binghamton, the former 14th overall pick has held a .283/.393/.493 line with 23 doubles, eight home runs, and 25 stolen bases. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression, as he should be in the mix to join Triple-A in the second half.Source: MiLB.com
New York Mets infield prospect Spencer Jones Extends Power Surge at Triple-A
Spencer Jones went 3-for-5 with a home run during their contest against Triple-A Buffalo. This performance extended his current hitting streak to six games. During this stretch, Jones has gone deep three times, added a double, and swiped five bags. Since earning the call to the top level of the minor leagues, Jones has been one of his most productive hitters in the minors. Through 12 contests, Jones has posted a .408/.475/.837 line with three doubles, six home runs, six stolen bases, and a 17:8 K:BB. Earlier in the season, Jones showed high power upside with Double-A Somerset, hitting 16 home runs across 49 contests. Given his incredible start to his Triple-A tenure, Jones could be in the mix to join the Yankees shortly after the All-Star break.Source: MiLB.com
New York Yankees outfield prospect Samuel Basallo Hits Home Run No. 18
Samuel Basallo went 1-for-4 with a home run during their contest against Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday evening. This was his 18th home run of the season. The top-ranked catching prospect in the sport has looked very comfortable during his first extended look at Triple-A. Through 60 games at Triple-A this season, the 20-year-old has posted a remarkable .265/.385/.585 slash line with 10 doubles, 18 home runs, and a 53:38 K:BB. This is an excellent sign for the budding star as he posted a modest .222/.267/.370 through his first 22 games with Triple-A Norfolk during the 2024 campaign. Fantasy managers should continue to closely monitor Basallo as he is on the verge of making his MLB debut. He should be viewed as a top stash candidate heading into the All-Star break.Source: MiLB.com
Baltimore Orioles catching prospect Thayron Liranzo Goes Deep, Extends Hitting Streak to Seven Games
Thayron Liranzo went 2-for-5 with a home run during their contest against Double-A Harrisburg on Friday evening. This performance extended his current hitting streak to an impressive seven games. During this stretch, the No. 88-ranked prospect in baseball on MLB.com has posted a .379/.438/.586 slash line with two home runs and a 5:3 K:BB. After spending the entire 2024 campaign at the High-A level, the backstop was given the green light ot open the 2025 season with Double-A. Through 57 games with Double-A, Liranzo has held a .236/.359/.418 slash line with 10 home runs. Last season at High-A, Liranzo held a similar .244/.378/.408 line. Fantasy managers should expect the 22-year-old to remain at Double-A during most of the second half.Source: MiLB.com
Detroit Tigers catching prospect Wyatt Langford Records Four-Hit Night
Wyatt Langford had a huge game in his team's 7-3 win over the Houston Astros on Friday night, going 4-for-5 with a home run, two RBI, and a stolen base. The 23-year-old is having a solid but unspectacular season in the middle of an underwhelming Rangers' offense so far in 2025. In 323 plate appearances, Langford has slashed .246/.325/.442 with 15 home runs, 38 RBI, 40 runs, and 14 stolen bases. His 26% strikeout rate is nearly 6% higher than the 20.6% rate he posted in 2024, but he's also upped his barrel rate (9.3% to 12.5%) and isolated slugging (.162 to .196). Langford quietly has a chance at a 25-homer/25-steal season and remains a balanced contributor across the board, even if he hasn't been the breakout star fantasy managers were hoping for earlier this year.Source: MLB.com
Texas Rangers outfielder Cal Raleigh Homers Twice, Drives in Five
Cal Raleigh continued his monster season in his team's 12-3 win on Friday night over the Detroit Tigers. Raleigh went two-for-five with a pair of home runs and five RBI. The switch-hitter has been by far the best catcher in baseball this season, slashing .264/.377/.645 with 38 home runs, 81 RBI, 65 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. Raleigh's 38 homers are the second-most of any player before the All-Star break, trailing only Barry Bonds (39 in 2001). The 28-year-old has been MLB's premier power bat in 2025, upping both his barrel rate (19.8%) and hard-hit rate (48.9%) to career-highs while dropping his strikeout rate to a career-low 25.2%.Source: MLB.com
Seattle Mariners catcher Emmanuel Clase Notches 20th Save
Emmanuel Clase earned his 20th save of the season on Friday, working a scoreless ninth inning in his team's 4-2 win over the Chicago White Sox. Clase got off to a rough start to the season with a 6.75 ERA at the end of April, but he's been much better of late. He's allowed just one earned run since June 17th (10 2/3 innings pitched). For the season, Clase has converted 20 out of 24 save chances while posting a 3.05 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 40 strikeouts in 41 1/3 innings. He's allowed too many base runners but remains elite at home run suppression (0.22 HR/9), which limits his blow-up potential. Clase may not get back to the dominant form he showed in 2024, but he's still a solid closer option for fantasy.Source: MLB.com
Cleveland Guardians reliever Raisel Iglesias Reaches Double-Digit Saves
Raisel Iglesias picked up his 10th save of the season on Friday night in his team's 6-5 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. The veteran right-hander worked a perfect ninth inning and recorded a strikeout. It's been an underwhelming season so far for Iglesias, as he's posted a 4.54 ERA, and 1.25 WHIP in 35 2/3 innings. The underlying numbers suggest better luck is on the horizon for him, as he still owns an excellent 22.4% K-BB rate and a 3.84 xERA. Home runs have been the issue for Iglesias, as he's allowed a career-worst 1.82 HR/9. He's a good bet to provide more value for fantasy managers in the second half of the season than he did in the first.Source: MLB.com
Atlanta Braves closer Jhoan Duran Earns 15th Save
Jhoan Duran notched his 15th save of the season on Friday night in his team's 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Duran worked a scoreless ninth inning, allowing a hit but striking out two without walking a batter. The 27-year-old righty has now converted each of his last four save chances. In 42 1/3 total innings (43 games) this season Duran is 15/17 converting save opportunities with a 1.49 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts. Duran's 26.3% strikeout rate entering the night was a career-low, but he's been as effective as ever so far this year and remains a high-level closer option in fantasy.Source: MLB.com
Minnesota Twins reliever