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Braves No. 3 Prospect Eric Hartman Earns Call to Double-A
Atlanta Braves outfield prospect Eric Hartman has enjoyed a dominant showing at the High-A level in 2026 and is being rewarded with a promotion to Double-A per MiLB Central. Hartman is currently viewed as the No. 3 prospect in the system on MLB.com and the overall No. 80-ranked prospect in the sport. Hartman joined the Braves in the 20th round of the 0224 MLB Draft but has quickly put himself on the radar of all dynasty fantasy managers. This season, through 94 games at Rome, Hartman has held a .273/.364/.525 slash line with 18 doubles, 24 home runs and 38 stolen bases. This is worth noting, as he carried a much lower .248/.344/.374 line across 83 games at Low-A the season prior. While he won't be on the redraft radar until late in the 2027 season, Hartman is quickly rising up dynasty boards and is a name to keep a close eye on during the final stretch.
Source: MiLB Central
Source: MiLB Central
Nick Pivetta Set for Rehab Outing on Tuesday
San Diego Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta (forearm) is scheduled to make a minor-league rehab appearance with Single-A Lake Elsinore on Tuesday, according to the team. It will be Pivetta's first game action since landing on the injured list back on April 14 with a strained right forearm. Because of how long he has been sidelined, the 33-year-old veteran will most likely require at least several rehab starts on the farm before the Padres consider returning him to their big-league starting rotation. Fellow Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove (elbow) will also be appearing on Tuesday at Lake Elsinore, so the Padres could have two very important starting arms back in their rotation very soon for the stretch run. Because of language in Pivetta's contract relating to player options in both 2027 and 2028, the Padres are expected to activate him before Aug. 22. The Canadian hurler went 13-5 with a career-best 2.87 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 190:50 K:BB in 31 regular-season starts in 2025 in his first year in SD in a breakout season, but he's made only four starts in 2026 due to his forearm injury. Pivetta won't have much time to make a fantasy impact when he returns, but he's being stashed in 71% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Lake Elsinore Storm
Source: Lake Elsinore Storm
Blue Jays Acquire Shortstop Prospect Ty Southisene From Cubs
The Toronto Blue Jays acquired shortstop prospect Ty Southisene and outfield prospect Brett Bateman from the Chicago Cubs on Sunday in exchange for veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. The 21-year-old Southisene is already ranked as Toronto's No. 17 prospect after hitting a combined .311/.431/.378 with an .809 OPS, zero home runs, 35 RBI, 31 stolen bases, and 58 runs in 65 games (314 plate appearances) with Single-A Myrtle Beach and High-A South Bend in 2026. The 21-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2024 stands at only 5-foot-7, 170 pounds and is extremely patient at the plate and makes a lot of contact. His power is virtually non-existent, though, making him primarily a stolen base asset who is likely a year or two away from a potential MLB debut. Bateman, 24, is now Toronto's No. 20 prospect. The former eighth-rounder in 2023 from the University of Minnesota hit .312/.431/.422 with an .853 OPS, three homers, 33 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and 58 runs in 81 games for Triple-A Iowa before the trade. Although Bateman is left-handed, he has a very similar profile to Southisene in that he lacks any real power upside and features plus-plus speed on the basepaths.
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Braves Acquire Starting Pitcher Tyler Mahle From the Giants
The Atlanta Braves acquired right-hander Tyler Mahle from the San Francisco Giants on Sunday in exchange for pitcher Anthony Molina, sources familiar with the deal told Robert Murray of FanSided. Mahle will move to the National League East after going a disappointing 3-9 with a 5.13 ERA (4.38 FIP) and 1.39 WHIP with 89 strikeouts and 37 walks in 94 2/3 innings across 18 starts in 2026 in his first year with San Francisco. He will bring a veteran presence to Atlanta's starting rotation and will immediately help replace right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (knee), who was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday. Mahle has been extremely hit or miss for fantasy managers in deeper leagues this year, and although he struck out a season-high nine batters on Saturday in San Diego against the division-rival Padres, he also allowed five earned runs in 5 2/3 innings for a no-decision. In four starts (22 1/3 frames) in July, Mahle was decent with a 2.82 ERA, six walks, and 16 strikeouts. Fantasy managers in most mixed leagues can continue to ignore him, but his value should increase with the move to the first-place Braves. Mahle is rostered in only 6% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: FanSided - Robert Murray
Source: FanSided - Robert Murray
Nick Lodolo to Make a Rehab Start on Wednesday
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) is scheduled to throw 60 to 65 pitches in a minor-league rehab game on Wednesday with Triple-A Louisville, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. The Reds cleared Lodolo to make a rehab start next week after he threw a successful 50-pitch live batting practice session on Friday. The 28-year-old southpaw has not made a start for the Reds since July 11 due to a recurring blister issue on his left index finger, but he's nearing a return to Cincy's starting rotation and could be back as early as Aug. 11 against the Chicago White Sox. Lodolo has adopted a new grip for his breaking pitches, which will hopefully allow him to avoid any blister-related problems for the rest of the 2026 season. The oft-injured former seventh overall pick from Texas Christian University in 2019 has only made 12 starts this year and has gone 3-2 with a 4.60 ERA (5.09 FIP) and 1.47 WHIP with 50 strikeouts and 27 walks in 62 2/3 innings pitched. Once a promising strikeout arm, Lodolo has a career-low 17.9% strikeout rate in 2026, but he's still rostered in 63% of Yahoo leagues and could be a valuable matchup-based streamer the rest of the way if he's fully healthy.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Luis Castillo to Make White Sox Debut on Thursday Against Boston
New Chicago White Sox right-hander Luis Castillo is set to make his debut with the team on Thursday in Boston against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, according to James Fegan of The Athletic. Castillo will be on extra rest this coming week in his debut with the Pale Hose after going 3-9 with a career-high 5.06 ERA (4.57 FIP) and 1.39 WHIP with 86 strikeouts and 32 walks in 99 2/3 innings across 20 appearances (17 starts) with the Seattle Mariners before being dealt this weekend. The 33-year-old veteran just has not been the same pitcher in 2026 as he ages, and he's allowed 14 earned runs on 29 hits (seven home runs) with six walks and only 13 strikeouts in 23 innings pitched in four starts in the month of July. Despite being on extra rest for his first start with Chicago, Castillo will be a volatile fantasy starter against the hot Red Sox. In his first start against Boston on June 19 with Seattle, Castillo allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits while walking none and striking out four in four innings for a no-decision in Seattle. The aging Dominican hurler has a career-low 19.4% strikeout rate in 2026 in his 10th year in the majors.
Source: The Athletic - James Fegan
Source: The Athletic - James Fegan
Jacob Melton Dealing With Hamstring Tightness, Breakout Season Interrupted
Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Jacob Melton (hamstring) is reportedly dealing with right hamstring tightness after being removed from a Triple-A Durham Bulls game on Saturday, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The No. 6 prospect in the Rays' system has already missed time this season due to left ankle discomfort and could miss additional time while recovering from the new issue. Melton is hitting .306 in the minor leagues this season, posting a .407 OBP and a .952 OPS with six home runs across 41 games at two levels. The injury is not expected to be serious for the 25-year-old, but it creates another interruption during what has been the best season of his young career in the Rays' organization.
Source: Marc Topkin
Source: Marc Topkin
Emmanuel Rodriguez Dealing With Thumb Soreness, Remains Day-To-Day
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez was scratched from a High-A Cedar Rapids rehab game on Tuesday due to apparent thumb soreness and is now considered day-to-day, according to Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune. The 23-year-old is the No. 52 prospect in Major League Baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, as he continues working his way through the Twins' farm system. Across 29 games at multiple levels this season, Rodriguez is hitting .253 with a .902 OPS and six home runs in 95 at-bats before the injury. He owns a .911 OPS with a .254 batting average throughout his minor league career and will look to avoid any further setbacks during his recovery.
Source: Bobby Nightengale
Source: Bobby Nightengale
Sebastian Walcott Suffers Head Injury, Placed on Double-A Injured List
Texas Rangers infielder Sebastian Walcott, the No. 10 prospect in Major League Baseball, has been placed on the Double-A injured list after being hit in the head by a wild pickoff attempt over the weekend. A clear timetable for his return has not yet been announced. The top-ranked prospect in the Texas system has had an injury-ridden campaign, missing nearly the entire first half after undergoing an internal brace procedure in the offseason. However, when on the field, the infielder has been quite productive, hitting .308 with a .934 OPS in 13 games for Double-A Frisco this season. Dynasty managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status, but it appears he could be in danger of another lengthy absence. Despite the disappointing season, he remains on track to compete for his MLB debut sometime during the 2027 season and continues to hold elite long-term value in all dynasty formats.
Source: Jeff Wilson
Source: Jeff Wilson
Shohei Ohtani Expected to Resume Throwing, Remains on Track for Pitching Return
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee, biceps) is expected to resume playing catch during the club's upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs after being sidelined from pitching with left-knee inflammation and right-biceps discomfort, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. The four-time MVP is still without a timetable for his return to the mound, but this marks another positive step in his recovery. Ohtani made 14 starts before the injury, posting a 1.79 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 85 strikeouts across 85 2/3 innings. He has continued to produce at an elite level at the plate, slashing .292/.397/.544 with a .941 OPS. The Dodgers are not expected to rush the 32-year-old after acquiring Tarik Skubal to strengthen their rotation ahead of the deadline.
Source: Jack Harris
Source: Jack Harris
Kevin Gausman Traded to Cubs, Adds Veteran Presence to Rotation
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman was traded to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday in exchange for minor-league infielder Ty Southisene and outfielder Brett Bateman, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Gausman has taken a slight step back this season following a strong 2025 campaign, posting a 4.38 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 23 starts. Even so, the 35-year-old still provides an experienced presence in the middle of a playoff rotation and owns a career 3.85 ERA behind one of baseball's best splitters. Gausman is also coming off a strong outing against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, allowing one run over 5 2/3 innings, as the Cubs continue to strengthen their rotation for the stretch run.
Source: Ken Rosenthal
Source: Ken Rosenthal
Tarik Skubal Set for Dodgers Debut, Poised to Bolster Rotation
Newly acquired Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Tarik Skubal is reportedly set to make his Dodgers debut on Tuesday in the club's upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs. After spending the first six and a half seasons of his career with the Detroit Tigers, Skubal was traded to Los Angeles on Saturday in the biggest starting pitching move at the trade deadline. The two-time All-Star has started 16 games this season for Detroit, posting a 2.79 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 116 strikeouts across 96 2/3 innings. Skubal has put together an elite stretch over the past few seasons and is expected to anchor the Dodgers' rotation as the club looks to make another deep postseason run.
Source: Fabian Ardaya
Source: Fabian Ardaya
Yankees Acquire Luis Garcia Jr. From the Nationals
The New York Yankees are acquiring infielder Luis Garcia Jr. from the Washington Nationals on Sunday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Per Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic, the Nationals will receive right-handers Ben Grable, Yovanny Cruz, Jack Cebert, and Jake Bird. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter leads the National League with a .560 slugging percentage and is hitting .283/.313/.560 with 23 home runs on the year. He's also under club control through the end of the 2027 season. Garcia is a bit of an odd fit for the Yanks, who were believed to be seeking a right-handed bat at the trade deadline this year. Not only does he hit from the left side, but he's been playing first base, where New York is already set with Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt. However, the Yankees still have Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton on the injured list, and they've scored the fifth-fewest runs since Judge got hurt. Garcia will most likely split time at DH (until the Yankees get healthier) and second base, but he could continue to be shielded against left-handed pitchers (he has only 57 plate appearances against them in 2026).
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Yankees in Talks to Acquire Luis Garcia Jr.
The New York Yankees are reportedly in talks to acquire infielder Luis Garcia Jr. from the Washington Nationals. Garcia was scratched ahead of Sunday's game without a reason. According to Joel Sherman, the two sides are discussing a trade that could include Yankees' Double-A starting pitcher Jack Cebert. This season, Garcia is slashing .283/.313/.560 with a career-high 23 home runs, 76 RBI, and four stolen bases in 104 games. The 26-year-old would be a welcome sight to a lineup that has been crushed by injuries lately. Fantasy managers should stay tuned to see if this deal gets done before Monday's trade deadline.
Source: Joel Sherman
Source: Joel Sherman
Jacob Wilson is Dealing with Patellar Tendonitis
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (knee) is being held out of the starting lineup during Sunday's game against the Detroit Tigers. A's manager Mark Kotsay said Wilson is out due to patellar tendonitis in his right knee. He added that this injury is manageable and he believes Wilson will be back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Wilson has been struggling at the plate lately, so maybe this injury has played a part in that. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about a lengthy absence, as this sounds like a day-to-day issue. Alika Williams will cover shortstop and bat seventh versus right-hander Keider Montero on Sunday. Fantasy managers should check back on Tuesday for another update.
Source: Martin Gallegos
Source: Martin Gallegos
