Javier Assad Still Working Toward Live Batting Practice
Javier Assad (oblique) has continued to remain in the bullpen sessions phase of his throwing program as he steadily works toward live batting practice — the next step in his rehabilitation. The 27-year-old is still battling back from a nagging oblique injury that's plagued him since spring training. Assad appeared to be nearing a return in April, but a setback has robbed him of even more time. Currently, Chicago believes he'll still be able to contribute in 2025 and has tentatively scheduled him for a return in mid-August. Depending on how the remainder of his rehab goes, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Cubs be stingy with his workload when he rejoins the major league roster.Source: Chicago Cubs
According to the team, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Travis Jankowski Designated for Assignment
Travis Jankowski for assignment. Second baseman Luisangel Acuna was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move. The 34-year-old joined the team a few weeks ago, but earned just one at-bat -- a sacrifice hit -- and was already the veteran's third stop this season (White Sox, Rays). Overall, in 2025, Jankowski is batting .244 (11-for-45) with two doubles, two steals, eight runs scored, and two RBI in 26 appearances. He'll be on the lookout for more work if he goes unclaimed.Source: Mike Puma
The New York Post's Mike Puma reports that the New York Mets have designated outfielder Orioles Flip Bryan Baker to Tampa Bay
Bryan Baker to the Tampa Bay Rays. The complete trade details have not been disclosed yet. Baker has been solid for Baltimore in 2025, pitching to the tune of a 3.52 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 49:9 K:BB ratio over 42 appearances (38 1/3 innings). He projects to provide the Rays with another middle-relief arm out of the bullpen, and could be used in high-leverage situations if necessary, as he'd earned ten holds with the Orioles. The Florida native can be avoided for fantasy purposes.Source: Robert Murray
Per MLB Insider Robert Murray, the Baltimore Orioles are trading right-handed reliever Mets Recalling Luisangel Acuna
Luisangel Acuna to the big-league squad. Acuna was demoted a few weeks back as he wasn't garnering frequent at-bats for New York, but he'll be up with the team on Thursday at least for their scheduled doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles. The 23-year-old has had trouble consistently impacting the game with his bat, but has been a critical piece for the Amazins' in late-game base-running and defensive situations due to his athleticism. In 12 appearances for Triple-A Syracuse in 2025, he's slashing a solid .289/.346/.378. It's unclear how long he'll stay in the majors, but he doesn't project to make a difference in fantasy lineups as of now.Source: Jon Heyman
MLB Network's Jon Heyman reports that the New York Mets are recalling second baseman Kyle Bradish Continues His Recovery
Kyle Bradish (elbow) continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery and could be ready for a rehab assignment soon. According to interim manager Tony Mansolino. Bradish has thrown a pair of live batting practices in Florida and will have one more before potentially beginning a rehab assignment. Bradish made eight starts last season for the Orioles, going 2-0 with a 2.75 ERA, 2.61 FIP, and 12.1 K/9. He looked to be developing into a possible front-line starter for Baltimore before needing Tommy John. He could ramp up and return in August or September, which would give fantasy owners a good chance to evaluate his fantasy potential for next season. He's definitely someone to keep an eye on to see if he can return to form after the surgery and extensive recovery.Source: Jake Rill
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Alex Cobb Is Still Dealing with Symptoms
Alex Cobb (hips) is working his way back from hip inflammation and has received injections on both sides, but he is still a long way from making his Tigers' debut. According to manager A.J. Hinch, "He's still symptomatic... I feel for him because it's not a lack of effort or a lack of toughness or lack of anything, other than his body's failing him right now." Cobb has not been able to pitch all season for the Tigers after signing with the team as a free agent this past offseason. The 37-year-old veteran will likely need an extensive rehab once he's able to start ramping up, so time is running out on his opportunity to pitch this season for Detroit. The team will continue to work with him to get him back in the mix, but he seems very unlikely to make any fantasy impact this season.Source: Evan Woodbery
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jon Gray Starts Rehab Assignment on Wednesday
Jon Gray (wrist) took a huge step in his road to recovery on Wednesday night, pitching two innings for the Round Rock Express. He gave up a home run to Sam Hilliard but didn't allow any other hits while picking up one strikeout and throwing 32 pitches, 20 of which were strikes. Gray has been sidelined all season after fracturing his wrist on a comebacker in Spring Training, but he is now ramping up and should be ready to join the Rangers' rotation after the All-Star break at the end of July or early in August. If you are in deep leagues or need rotation depth, Gray is an option to monitor as he continues his recovery.Source: Scott Lucas
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Keegan Akin Gets Injection in Shoulder
Keegan Akin (shoulder) will likely go on a rehab assignment after the All-Star break, but the 30-year-old lefty has been shut down for the next five to seven days after receiving an injection in his shoulder. Akin has been on the 15-day injured list since July 2 after going 3-0 in his 39 games for the O's with a 3.32 ERA and 4.30 FIP. The lefty has made a few starts this season as an opener and has been a fairly versatile piece out of the bullpen for Baltimore over the past few seasons. He still has one more year of team control, becoming a free agent after the 2026 season. He could be a name to watch at the trade deadline if the Orioles sell off parts, but he'll need to prove he's healthy and over this shoulder issue first.Source: Roch Kubatko
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Zach Eflin Will Pitch in a Rehab Game on Sunday
Zach Eflin (back) is lined up to pitch a rehab game on Sunday, according to Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino. He last pitched on June 28 against the Rays, but he was forced to leave that start early due to lower back discomfort. Before landing on the injured list for the second time this season, Eflin went 6-5 in 12 starts with a 5.95 ERA, 5.71 FIP, and 1.44 WHIP. He was hit hard with a 2.32 HR/9 and an average exit velocity of 89.5 miles per hour against him, but the Orioles are still hopeful he will be able to contribute down the stretch. Eflin is also a name that has been swirling as a trade candidate for a second straight season since the O's could choose to move him at the Trade Deadline a year after acquiring him from the Rays.Source: Jacob Calvin Meyer
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Adley Rutschman Hits Off a Tee on Wednesday
Adley Rutschman (oblique) is working his way back from the injured list and is starting to hit off a tee. He's not swinging at full strength yet and will likely need at least a short rehab assignment after being sidelined since June 19 with a left oblique strain. Rutschman was hitting only .227 with eight homers and a .308 wOBA before landing on the injured list, but his fantasy managers will hope this time on the injured list can serve as a reset for the star catcher for a big finish to the year. If things continue to progress without a setback, Rutschman could return by the end of the month, but that will depend on how he feels and how his rehab goes once that begins.Source: Jacob Calvin Meyer
Baltimore Orioles catcher MacKenzie Gore Picks Up Fourth Win
MacKenzie Gore tossed a gem in an 8-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. Gore allowed one run on five hits over six innings of work while striking out seven and walking one to earn his fourth win of the season. The 26-year-old southpaw heads into the All-Star break with a 4-8 record, 3.02 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 138 strikeouts across 110 1/3 innings of work. He has been even more dominant of late, posting a 2.79 ERA over his past seven starts. Gore has the looks of a true ace in fantasy, although a weak Washington team limits his upside a bit.Source: MLB.com
Washington Nationals left-hander Hunter Greene Continuing Rehab, Uncertain Timetable for Return
Hunter Greene (groin) is headed to the team's spring training facility in Arizona to continue his rehab. "There's no roadmap for the next step in the pitcher's progression," said Francona. The 25-year-old has not pitched since early June and has been on the injured list twice with a groin issue. The Reds are being cautious with him, given that he has not yet begun a pitching progression, which makes an August return seem the most likely. Before landing on the injured list, Greene posted a 2.72 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 73 strikeouts across 59 2/3 innings. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Greene for now.Source: Charles Goldsmith
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that right-hander Slade Cecconi Picks Up Fourth Win on Wednesday
Slade Cecconi notched a quality start and earned the win in a 4-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday. Cecconi allowed two runs on five hits over seven innings while striking out nine and walking two to complete the Guardians' three-game sweep over Houston. The 26-year-old right-hander heads into the All-Star break with a 4-4 record, 3.44 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 56 strikeouts over 55 innings of work. He has a 2.72 ERA over his past seven starts and has the looks of the next quality fantasy pitcher to be turned out by the Cleveland pitching factory.Source: MLB.com
Cleveland Guardians right-hander Michael King Transferred to 60-day Injured List
Michael King (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day injured list earlier in the week. However, does not change his timeline for return. King continues to make progress and is scheduled to have a bullpen session on Thursday after having thrown off flat ground a few times already. Once King passes this hurdle, he will likely go on a rehab assignment. The 30-year-old has been sidelined since May with a pinched thoracic nerve in his right shoulder. He owned a 2.59 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 64 strikeouts over 55 2/3 innings before landing on the injured list. King may not return until some time in August, but fantasy managers should continue to stash him in all formats.Source: Jeff Sanders
San Diego Padres right-hander Lucas Giolito Earns Sixth Win on Wednesday
Lucas Giolito notched a quality start in a 10-2 win over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday. Giolito tossed six shutout innings while allowing four hits and striking out six to pick up his sixth win of the season. The veteran right-hander heads into the All-Star break with a 6-1 record, 3.36 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 64 strikeouts over 72 1/3 innings of work after not appearing in a game in 2024 following Tommy John surgery. He will be a name to monitor in fantasy after the All-Star break, as a contender could show interest in adding him for a pennant push.Source: MLB.com
Boston Red Sox right-hander