RADIO
Spencer Schwellenbach Aiming to Return in September
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) has been successfully throwing bullpen sessions at the team's Spring Training complex and will continue to do so next week. His velocity has yet to reach the level it did last year, when he averaged 97.1 mph on his fastball, but neither he nor the team is concerned about that. In fact, Schwellenbach believes that once he begins pitching in games, his velocity will return to where it was last season when he was healthy. As it stands, he will fly back to Florida to continue his recovery, with the hope of beginning a rehab assignment in late August. Given that timeline, there is a window for him to return to the Braves in time for the final two to three weeks of the season. It is also worth mentioning that it has yet to be determined whether he will return as a starter or in a relief role. Despite his limited projected availability and the possibility of a role change, his fantasy relevance is still notable, since his upside is high enough to warrant a stash in most fantasy leagues, especially since his return could coincide with the fantasy baseball playoffs.
Source: Mark Bowman
Source: Mark Bowman
Tyler Glasnow Will Start a Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow (back) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday with Class-A Ontario. It was announced that he is expected to throw approximately two innings, as this will be the first of multiple rehab appearances while he works his way back from the lower back spasms that have sidelined him since the beginning of March. He began his recovery by slowly ramping up his throwing program in mid-June. Since then, his progress has accelerated, and he is now ready to embark on the final stage of his recovery. He will likely need at least three rehab starts before being ready to rejoin the Dodgers' rotation. Before his injury, the 32-year-old posted a 2.72 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP while recording 49 strikeouts across 39.2 innings. He figures to slot back into the rotation once fully healthy and is worth stashing in all fantasy leagues in anticipation of near-elite production down the stretch.
Source: Katie Woo
Source: Katie Woo
Red Sox's Chances of Landing Otto Lopez are "Dead"
The chances of a deal that would send Miami Marlins middle infielder Otto Lopez to the Boston Red Sox before Monday's Aug. 3 trade deadline are "dead," and it appears highly unlikely that the Marlins trade him at all now, a league source told Sean McAdam of MassLive.com. In the Red Sox's case, they are unwilling to send a package to Miami that would include elite shortstop prospect Franklin Arias. The Marlins are asking for a lot for Lopez, who has three years of control after this season and is currently among the National League leaders in hits, doubles, and batting average. They may now turn their focus to trying to trade fellow middle infielder Xavier Edwards, who the Red Sox are also reportedly interested in. Boston has also been linked to Washington Nationals All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams and Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto. The 27-year-old Lopez doesn't have a ton of power, but he's been excellent everywhere else in 2026 for the Fish, slashing .322/.356/.481 with an .838 OPS while leading the league in doubles (27) and hits (138) in 107 games across 463 plate appearances.
Source: MassLive.com - Sean McAdam
Source: MassLive.com - Sean McAdam
Brewers Acquire Catcher Bo Naylor From the Guardians
The Milwaukee Brewers acquired catcher Bo Naylor and pitcher Codi Heuer from the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday in exchange for pitcher Craig Yoho and outfielder Blake Perkins, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Naylor, 26, was demoted to the minors by Cleveland after 28 games in the first half of the season, in which he hit just .143/.200/.238 with a .438 OPS, two home runs, seven RBI, and four runs scored in 90 plate appearances. In 45 games on the farm at Triple-A Columbus, Naylor has hit .225/.344/.438 with a .781 OPS, seven home runs, 24 RBI, 25 runs scored, and four steals in 189 plate appearances. The Brewers are set with William Contreras and Gary Sanchez as their catchers at the major-league level right now, so Naylor is expected to report to Triple-A Nashville to continue working on his offensive approach in the minors after the trade.
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Nick Lodolo Feels Good After Throwing 50 Pitches on Friday
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) threw 50 pitches over three simulated innings of live batting practice against hitters on Friday, according to MLB.com. Lodolo felt good about using a new grip to throw his breaking pitches, and he could be cleared to go on a minor-league rehab assignment next. The 28-year-old southpaw has been on the 15-day injured list with a left index finger blister since July 12, but he's nearing a return to the Reds' starting rotation for the remainder of the second half of the season. Before going on the IL yet again, Lodolo had gone 3-2 for the Reds this year with a 4.60 ERA (5.09 FIP) and 1.47 WHIP with 50 strikeouts and 27 walks in 62 2/3 innings across his 12 starts. The former seventh overall pick in 2019 out of Texas Christian University has never been able to stay healthy long enough to realize his potential in the big leagues, and he's posted a career-low 17.9% strikeout rate and career-high 9.7% walk rate in 2026. Lodolo could be a decent matchup-based streamer in fantasy leagues when he returns to Cincy's starting rotation, and he's currently rostered in only 63% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tarik Skubal Trade Talks Expected to Heat Up This Weekend
Trade talks surrounding Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal are expected to heat up this weekend, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Skubal is easily the biggest name on this year's trade market, and the Tigers might also have the second-best starting pitcher available in right-hander Casey Mize, who was scratched from his start on Friday with the deadline approaching. ESPN's Jeff Passan said earlier this week that Skubal will be traded, so now it's just a matter of when and how big a haul the Tigers can get for him. The tricky part of the whole situation is that Skubal is set for free agency after the 2026 campaign, so it will be interesting to see if a contending team that is serious about acquiring Skubal will also double down and sign him to a long-term contract extension. The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to be viewed as the favorites for Skubal, with the Milwaukee Brewers potentially jumping into the mix as well. In 16 starts this year, the 29-year-old two-time Cy Young winner has gone 7-5 with a 2.79 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 116 strikeouts, and 14 walks in 96 2/3 innings pitched. Skubal bounced back quickly after having surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow in the first half of the season.
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Rays, Yankees, Red Sox Showing Strong Interest in Luis Arraez
The Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox are the three teams showing the strongest interest in San Francisco Giants infielder Luis Arraez, sources told Francys Romero. Arraez was pulled from Friday's game early against the division-rival San Diego Padres due to cramps, but he should be alright and could even return for Game 3 of the series in San Diego on Saturday. The 29-year-old three-time batting champion will most likely be moved by Monday's trade deadline, and he's attracting much more interest on the trade market this summer than he did as a free agent last offseason. The main reason for that is his improvement at second base with the help of infield guru Ron Washington in San Francisco this year. Additionally, the Venezuelan infielder continues to hit, batting a league-best .328 (136-for-415) with four home runs, 43 RBI, 52 runs, and 10 steals in his 104 games with San Fran. The four-time All-Star will be a free agent after the 2026 season, so he'll essentially be a veteran rental for the rest of the year.
Source: Francys Romero
Source: Francys Romero
Zebby Matthews Shows his Upside With 10-Strikeout Performance on Friday
Minnesota Twins right-hander Zebby Matthews closed out the month of July in strong form in the team's 5-3 win over the hosting Seattle Mariners on Friday night, allowing three earned runs on four hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out 10 in five innings pitched for a no-decision. The 26-year-old is now 4-8 on the season with a 5.22 ERA (5.04 FIP) and 1.31 WHIP with 69 strikeouts and 26 walks in 81 innings pitched across 14 starts in his third year in the majors. Friday's outing was his first double-digit strikeout performance, and he heads into August with five earned runs allowed, five walks, and 11 strikeouts in 11 innings in his last two outings against the Mariners and Athletics after a 10-run blowup (eight earned runs) on July 19 at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs. The former eight-rounder in 2022 from Western Carolina University has potential, but he's sporting a career-low 20.2% strikeout rate and career-high 7.6% walk rate in 2026.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Kade Anderson Productive Again, Emerging as a Must-Stash
Seattle Mariners left-handed pitching prospect Kade Anderson allowed two hits and two walks while striking out four across 4 2/3 scoreless innings in Friday's start with Double-A Arkansas. He threw 72 pitches, firing 45 of them for strikes. Anderson has been terrific overall and owns a 1.27 ERA, 0.65 WHIP, and a whopping 119:12 K:BB across 82 1/3 innings pitched in Double-A. The 22-year-old has moved beyond Double-A and should be in line for a promotion to the majors, or at least a call-up to Triple-A Tacoma. Anderson might not make his MLB debut until 2027, but could make a case if he continues to put up outstanding numbers in the minors.
Source: MiLB Central
Source: MiLB Central
Kaelen Culpepper Still Worth Stashing After Being Reinstated from the IL
Minnesota Twins shortstop prospect Kaelen Culpepper has logged a hit in four of his last six games since being activated from the 7-day injured list. Culpepper was reinstated from the IL on July 24 after missing a few weeks with a hand injury. Although he has struggled recently to the tune of a .208 batting average since returning, the Twins' No. 2 overall prospect has produced overall in Triple-A. The 23-year-old is slashing .266/.366/.471 with 14 home runs, 44 RBI, 58 runs, and 16 stolen bases through 320 plate appearances. The Twins are expected to be buyers at the deadline, and like his teammate Walker Jenkins, Culpepper might not get the call to The Show until rosters expand in September. With the upside and power/speed combo, Culpepper is still worth stashing in most leagues.
Source: MILB.com
Source: MILB.com
Walker Jenkins Continues to Make a Case as a Priority Stash
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins has logged a hit in 10 of his last 11 games and is hitting .262 (11-for-42) with seven walks and three stolen bases during that stretch. Overall, Jenkins is slashing .268/.377/.432 with four home runs, 15 doubles, 35 runs, and 10 stolen bases across 223 plate appearances in Triple-A St. Paul. The Twins are dealing with injuries in the outfield as Byron Buxton (hip) was recently placed on the injured list with a right hip impingement. Minnesota is expected to be buyers at the MLB trade deadline, so that could impact Jenkins' call-up. The 21-year-old dealt with a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in his left shoulder earlier in the year, but it hasn't slowed him down. He's posted a .931 OPS and 10.1 BB% in 30 games since returning from the injured list. Jenkins is making a case for a priority stash, but the Twins might not promote the former first-round pick until MLB rosters expand in September.
Source: MILB.com
Source: MILB.com
Charlie Condon Could Be in Line for a Promotion, Emerging as Must-Stash
Colorado Rockies first base/outfield prospect Charlie Condon could be looking at a promotion sometime in the second half, according to Rockies farm director Chris Forbes. The Rockies' No. 3 prospect has been consistent all year and continues to push for a promotion to the big leagues. Condon is slashing .284/.400/.545 with 20 home runs, 65 RBI, 79 runs, and six stolen bases with Triple-A Albuquerque this season. The Rockies are rumored to trade Hunter Goodman as well as other players, which could open a roster spot for Condon. The 23-year-old has done everything he can to prove to be big-league ready and will likely make his MLB debut sometime this summer. Condon has a ton of upside, and fantasy managers should stash him in all leagues.
Source: The Denver Post
Source: The Denver Post
Franklin Arias Heating Up in Triple-A, Making a Case as a Potential Stash
Boston Red Sox shortstop prospect Franklin Arias went 3-for-5 with a double, four RBI, and a walk on Friday with Triple-A Worcester. Arias was recently promoted to Triple-A on July 23 and is slashing .240/.333/.520 with two home runs and six RBI in his first six games with the WooSox. The 20-year-old is considered Boston's top prospect and has racked up 21 total home runs this season. It's worth noting that Arias started at second base on Friday, marking his first start at the keystone in Triple-A. He logged 56 games as shortstop in Double-A Portland. Boston is in the market for infield help after recently acquired Curtis Mead (wrist) was placed on the injured list with a nondisplaced left wrist fracture. While Arias continues to rake, he might not make his MLB debut until 2027, but is on the radar as a potential stash.
Source: MILB.com
Source: MILB.com
Luis Garcia Jr. Leaves Friday's Game Early With Knee Soreness
Washington Nationals infielder Luis Garcia Jr. (knee) left Friday night's game early against the division-rival Atlanta Braves with soreness in his right knee in the seventh inning, according to Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com. Garcia went 0-for-3 at the plate with a strikeout in the eventual 6-2 loss at Truist Park. He was replaced at first base by Andres Chaparro. Until we know more about the severity of the 26-year-old's injury, we'll consider him day-to-day. But if the injury forces him to miss extended time, Chaparro could be the leading candidate in D.C. to see most of the playing time at first base. Garcia has been mentioned as a potential trade chip this summer with the deadline quickly approaching on Monday, Aug. 3, and it remains to be seen if this injury will scare contending teams off. The lefty hitter has an intriguing power profile and came into Friday's contest hitting .286 (100-for-350) with a career-high 23 home runs, 76 RBI, 48 runs scored, four stolen bases, and a league-high .566 slugging percentage in 102 games played. Check back to see if Garcia is available for Saturday's game in Atlanta.
Source: NatsJournal.com - Mark Zuckerman
Source: NatsJournal.com - Mark Zuckerman
Willson Contreras Pulled After Getting Hit in the Head by a Pitch
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (head) was pulled from Friday's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers after he was hit in the head by a pitch in the top of the third inning, according to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. Contreras stayed in to run the bases and was then pulled going into the bottom of the third inning. Before leaving, the right-handed slugger went 0-for-1 at the plate with a strikeout. Contreras will most assuredly go for concussion testing, and he could be forced to the seven-day injured list. Nick Sogard shifted from second base to first base after Contreras left, with rookie Anthony Seigler entering the game to play the keystone for Boston. With Curtis Mead (wrist) on the injured list, Sogard would most likely take over most of the playing time at first base if Contreras is forced to miss additional time with his head injury. Losing the Venezuelan first baseman would be a tough blow for the surging BoSox, as Contreras is having the best year of his career in Beantown in 2026. The four-time All-Star came into Friday's game in L.A. with a .289/.396/.549 slash line with a .944 OPS, 23 home runs, 67 RBI, 55 runs scored, and three steals in 101 games. He needs just two more home runs to set a new career high in that category.
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
