Jacob deGrom Throws Seven Scoreless Frames
Jacob deGrom was dominant on Wednesday to pick up his eighth win of the season, pitching seven shutout innings while striking out seven. He allowed one hit and two walks and took a no-hit bid into the eighth inning, but was pulled after Colton Cowser singled to start the frame. After a bit of a rocky start to the season, the veteran pitcher has locked in and held the opposition to two runs or less in 13 straight starts dating back to April 18. The 94 strikeouts in 95 ⅓ innings are less than usual for the ace, but he is making an intentional effort this season to dial back his velocity in an attempt to stay healthy. Considering he has a 2.08 ERA and 0.91 WHIP on the year, there’s no need to be throwing 102 miles per hour. He’ll look to repeat this performance in his next start, which is once again set to be against the Orioles.Source: MLB.com
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nick Kurtz Blasts Three-Run Home Run in Three-Hit Game
Nick Kurtz went 3-for-3 with a three-run home run, two singles, and a walk in Wednesday’s 3-0 win against the Tigers. Since June 15, the rookie has launched six home runs and has three multi-hit games in that span. It took a couple of weeks for him to get comfortable at the major league level, but the slugger is now slashing .255/.313/.523 with 11 home runs in 42 games. That’s more than a 40-homer pace over 162 games, and he should be universally rostered in fantasy at this point. His 32.7% strikeout rate could cause some extended slumps, but the 22-year-old’s elite power should continue to shine.Source: MLB.com
Athletics first baseman Jacob Lopez Tosses Seven Shutout Innings
Jacob Lopez threw seven scoreless innings against the Tigers on Wednesday to earn his second win of the season. He allowed three hits and one walk while striking out six. This is his fourth straight outing of allowing one earned run or less, with three being scoreless appearances. In that span, the 27-year-old has struck out 29 batters in 23 innings. The lefty has made seven starts this season and has certainly made the case to stay in the rotation for the foreseeable future. He’ll carry a 3.56 ERA and a 28.9% strikeout rate into his next start, currently lined up to be against the Rays.Source: MLB.com
Athletics starting pitcher Mitch Keller Drawing Interest From Cubs
Mitch Keller has drawn interest from the Chicago Cubs, reports Bruce Levine. However, getting a deal done could be challenging due to a seller's market, as one general manager states that 25 teams feel like they have a wild card chance. A trade of Keller to Chicago would boost his chance of getting wins, but Wrigley would be a park downgrade for the right-hander. The 29-year-old has been mediocre this season, posting a 4.02 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 73 strikeouts and 24 walks in 94 innings. He’s next scheduled to pitch Saturday against the Mets.Source: Bruce Levine
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Daulton Varsho Resumes Running
Daulton Varsho (hamstring) resumed running in the outfield on Wednesday after experiencing some hamstring tightness while running the bases on Monday. Varsho's MRI exam showed scar-tissue irritation but no structural damage, according to Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling. The 28-year-old center fielder is hoping to get back to running the bases soon. Before his setback on Monday, Varsho was getting close to going on a minor-league rehab assignment, so if he can resume running the bases soon, there's still a chance he can make it back to Toronto before the mid-July All-Star break. Varsho got a late start to 2025 while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. He's hitting just .207 (19-for-92) in 24 games, but the team's starting center field offers plenty of pop and has eight homers and 20 RBI.Source: Sportsnet.ca - Arden Zwelling
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Carson Spiers Expected to Start Rehab Assignment Soon
Carson Spiers (shoulder) is chomping at the bit and is expected to start a minor-league rehab assignment soon, according to FOX 19's Charlie Goldsmith. Spiers is working his way back from a right-shoulder impingement that has kept him sidelined since the middle of April, but the 27-year-old could be nearing a return. Because of how long he's been out, it's unlikely that Spiers will return to the Reds before the mid-July All-Star break, but he could be ready to go for the start of the second half on July 18. He will most likely require a minor-league rehab start before being activated from the injured list. The former Clemson product made 22 appearances (10 starts) for the Reds last year and was touched up for 20 home runs in 90 2/3 innings. He gave up nine earned runs in 13 1/3 innings over three outings (two starts) before his injury and remains off the fantasy radar in most leagues for now.Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Jake Fraley Dealing With Shoulder Injury
Jake Fraley (shoulder) is dealing with a shoulder injury, and he was held out of Wednesday's starting lineup against the visiting New York Yankees. Not only is Fraley dealing with a banged-up shoulder, but the Reds have faced left-handed starting pitchers each of the last two games. The Reds have Thursday off, but it remains to be seen if the 30-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder will be ready for Friday's series opener against the visiting San Diego Padres. Rece Hinds made the start in right field on Wednesday against the Yankees and could split playing time at the position with the left-handed-hitting Will Benson if Fraley ends up missing more time with his shoulder ailment. As a part-time player against righties, Fraley's fantasy upside is limited, and he's hitting just .224 with five homers, 17 RBI and four steals in 47 games in 2025.Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
FOX 19's Charlie Goldsmith reports that Cincinnati Reds outfielder Hunter Greene to Throw a Bullpen Next Week
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No Structural Damage for Zach Neto
Zach Neto's (shoulder) MRI exam didn't reveal any structural damage in his surgically-repaired right shoulder, and he's considered day-to-day, according to Bally Sports' Erica Weston. Neto aggravated his right shoulder when he jammed it during a stolen base attempt in Tuesday's extra-inning win over the visiting Boston Red Sox and was removed from the game. The 24-year-old didn't play in Wednesday's victory, but it's possible that he could be back as soon as Friday's series opener in Anaheim against the visiting Washington Nationals after a scheduled day off on Thursday. It's great news for the Halos and fantasy managers alike, as Neto is quickly becoming one of the best rising young shortstops in the game. The former first-rounder (13th overall) is currently hitting .278 (68-for-245) and is on pace for a 30-30 season.Source: Bally Sports West - Erica Weston
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Ronald Acuna Jr. to Take Part in Home Run Derby
Ronald Acuna Jr. announced on Wednesday that he will participate in this year's Home Run Derby on July 14 during All-Star festivities that will take place at Truist Park in Atlanta. Despite not making his 2025 debut until late May, almost one year after he tore the ACL in his left knee, the former MVP and four-time All-Star hasn't missed a beat and entered play on Wednesday slashing a ridiculous .385/.496/.692 with a 1.188 OPS, nine home runs, 16 RBI, 31 runs scored and four stolen bases in only 104 at-bats. The 27-year-old will be competing in the Derby for the third time in his career, most recently losing to Mets first baseman Pete Alonso in the first round at Dodger Stadium in 2022. Acuna will be hoping to become the first Braves player to ever win the Home Run Derby. Fantasy managers will be hoping his participation doesn't affect his swing in the second half.Source: MLB
Atlanta Braves outfielder Will Smith Out on Wednesday
Will Smith will grab some pine to start Wednesday's contest at Coors Field against the division-rival Colorado Rockies. Rookie Dalton Rushing will be the battery mate for right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto and will hit ninth against Rockies rookie right-hander Chase Dollander. Smith is just receiving a regular day off. The two-time All-Star is hitting a cool .330 (69-for-209) on the year with nine home runs, 42 RBI, 39 runs scored and two stolen bases. The former first-rounder continues to be a must-start catcher in fantasy when he's on the field in one of the best lineups in baseball. Rushing has held his own as the backup to Smith in his first taste of big-league pitching, batting .244 (11-for-45) with a homer, nine RBI and eight runs scored in 16 games. His DFS upside is limited in the nine-hole, but it's still Coors Field against a struggling rookie hurler.Source: MLB.com
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Bryce Harper Takes Batting Practice
Bryce Harper (hand) was able to take part in batting practice ahead of Wednesday's game against the Houston Astros. This is a good sign in Harper's recovery after he was able to go through his pre-game routine on Tuesday. The hope is that Harper keeps making progress and can return to the lineup by the end of the week. Harper has been sidelined since early June due to wrist inflammation. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for more updates as Harper appears to be on the verge of returning.Source: Corey Seidman
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Luis Robert Jr. Considered Day-to-Day
Luis Robert Jr. (hamstring) was forced to make an early exit from Wednesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Robert was taken out of the contest in the first inning due to left hamstring tightness. Luckily, Robert appears to have avoided serious injury and is currently considered day-to-day. The 27-year-old has been struggling with the bat, so maybe a few days off might be helpful. The expectation is that Michael A. Taylor and Austin Slater will see increased playing time while Robert is sidelined.Source: Scott Merkin
Chicago White Sox outfielder Brenton Doyle Heads to the Bench
Brenton Doyle is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This comes after Doyle went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts during Tuesday's loss. That being said, it looks like Doyle could use a day off to rest and recover. Doyle has struggled in the month of June with six hitless performances over his last 10 games. Sam Hilliard will take over in center field and bat ninth against right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto.Source: mlb.com
Colorado Rockies outfielder Clarke Schmidt to Have Start Pushed Back
Clarke Schmidt will have his next start pushed back to Saturday, according to manager Aaron Boone. The Yankees have decided to be cautious with Schmidt and give him an extra day of rest. This move will mean Will Warren takes the mound on Friday and Schmidt starts against the Athletics. Schmidt has looked sharp on the mound lately with three straight scoreless outings. The right-hander has only allowed three earned runs over his last five starts. Hopefully everything is fine with Schmidt because he's pitching extremely well right now.Source: Bryan Hoch
New York Yankees starting pitcher