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    Connelly Early (elbow) completes bullpen session

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    WSH Starting Pitcher #71
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    Connelly Early (elbow) threw a bullpen session on Monday at Nationals Park.

    Early is scheduled to throw again later this week. Nationals president Paul Toboni told reporters earlier on Monday that Early will begin a minor league rehab assignment in early August. The 24-year-old southpaw was acquired from the Red Sox for Curtis Mead over the weekend. He’s been out with posterior elbow inflammation since late June. He’ll need a couple weeks to build up his pitch count and stamina in the minors before making his Washington debut.
McClanahan could go on short IL stint
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan left his last start early with back tightness and Eric Samulski thinks a short trip to the IL is in the cards to let him rest for a potential trip to the postseason.

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  • WSH Starting Pitcher #71
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    Early was acquired from the Red Sox on Saturday night in exchange for Curtis Mead. The left-hander has been out since June 30 with posterior left elbow inflammation. He will likely require at least three rehab starts to build up his pitch count before he makes his way back onto an MLB mound, so, assuming he progresses without any setbacks, he could be pitching for the Nationals in the final week of August or early September. Of course, whether or not the team is still in the playoff race by then may determine how they use Early, who is just 24 years old and is clearly an important part of Washington’s future.
  • WSH Starting Pitcher #71
    Obviously, there’s nothing at all guaranteed for the Nationals here, but turning Mead, who was acquired after being DFA’d by the White Sox in March, into a pitcher who was universally regarded as a top-75 prospect at the start of the season and who has posted a 3.24 ERA through 21 major league starts, seems like a major win for the organization. There is the huge caveat that Early is currently on the IL with elbow inflammation. Also, his peripherals aren’t as strong as that 3.24 ERA. Still, he projects as a fine middle-of-the-rotation starter for the long haul, even if his recovery from his current elbow issue doesn’t go as hoped. The Red Sox, for what it’s worth, seemed optimistic that he’d be ready to contribute in September. The Nationals, meanwhile, will replace Mead with Brady House. They’ll still probably trade another infielder, too, with Luis García Jr. most likely to go.
  • BOS Starting Pitcher #71
    Unless Early is damaged goods — and he obviously currently is on the IL with elbow inflammation — this seems like a pretty weak return for the Red Sox. Mead has broken out nicely with a .256/.351/.505 line this year, but not with the kind of exit velocity numbers that suggest he’s going to be an above average regular going forward, especially given his lack of defensive value. The Red Sox figure to use him a lot at DH for now and then mix him at third and first if Roman Anthony gets healthy and the outfield gets overcrowded again. Masataka Yoshida will lose at-bats in Boston. The Nationals will recall Brady House to replace Mead, according to Spencer Nusbaum.
  • BOS Starting Pitcher #71
    Early increased his flat-ground throwing distance to 90 feet after playing catch from 75 feet on Friday. The 24-year-old lefty hit the injured list with posterior elbow inflammation back on July 1. He’ll ramp up his throwing progression over the next few weeks and should make it back to Boston’s rotation at some point in the second half.
  • BOS Starting Pitcher #71
    Early had gone for a second opinion on his elbow injury, but it appears that the Red Sox and Early are happy with what they saw. Early has missed about three weeks since being placed on the injured list on July 1 and may require a rehab assignment before he’s ready to return. It’s still great news for the Red Sox that they avoided a major injury here.
  • BOS Starting Pitcher #71
    Tracy cautioned not to read too much into it and that most pitchers that are dealing with arm-related injuries do head for a second opinion. Early landed on the injured list earlier in the week due to what was termed posterior left elbow inflammation. The Red Sox should have another update on his status in a few days.
  • BOS Starting Pitcher #71
    It’s an extremely encouraging update based on initial imaging after Early hit the injured list after being removed from Tuesday’s start against the Nationals with elbow discomfort. It doesn’t appear that he’s dealing with any UCL damage or other structural issues, which would’ve resulted in an extended absence. There should be a definitive return timetable at some point in the near future, but it sounds like Early has managed to avoid a worst-case scenario. He’s worth hanging onto in all fantasy formats with the exception of extremely shallow mixed leagues.
  • BOS Starting Pitcher #71
    This is not a surprise after Early left last night‘s game with elbow discomfort, but it is a sign that the Red Sox don’t envision this is a minor issue. The team is sending the left-hander for additional imaging on Wednesday, and we will wait to see the results of that before making any predictions on his timeline. If you can hold him on your roster until the imaging results are back, that would be preferential. Patrick Sandoval may be an option to take his place in the rotation in the coming weeks.
  • BOS Starting Pitcher #71
    Not good. Early struck out five over four shutout innings before leaving the contest after just 61 pitches. The hope for the Red Sox, and fantasy managers, is that the decision was out of an abundance of caution. The 24-year-old southpaw will undergo further evaluation, and likely imaging as well, to determine the severity of the issue. It certainly sounds like a trip to the injured list is in play and he’s in jeopardy of missing his next start against the Cubs at Fenway Park on Tuesday. There should be a definitive update on his status at some point later this week.
  • BOS Starting Pitcher #71
    Early topped his previous season high for strikeouts by one, though he came up two shy of his total from his MLB debut against the A’s last September. It’s his second straight really nice effort after he began the month of June by going 0-3 with a 7.36 ERA. He’s 7-5 with a 3.59 ERA overall, and he’s looking at facing the Nationals next week.

Rotoworld

  • BAL 1st Baseman #25
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    Pete Alonso went 2-for-3 with a homer and two RBI in Friday’s win over the Phillies.

    Alonso’s two-run homer in the bottom of the first inning tied the game tied at 2-2. It was the 23rd homer of the season for Alonso, who enjoyed a strong July, slashing .261/.375/.466 with four homers, 10 RBI and six doubles. He has also hit safely in eight of his last 10 games and continues to be one of the top fantasy producers at his position.
  • BAL Starting Pitcher #63
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    Brandon Young allowed four earned runs over 5 2/3 innings while striking out five, picking up the no-decision on Friday against the Phillies.

    Young got off to a rough start in this one, allowing Trea Turner to reach off with an infield single, which he followed with a walk to Kyle Schwarber. A single by Bryce Harper would bring in Turner to put the Phillies up 1-0, and an RBI ground out by Brandon Marsh extended that lead to 2-0 before Young was able to get out of the inning. Young made it through the second inning without any issues, but after allowing solo homers to Turner in the fourth inning and J.T. Realmuto in the sixth inning, he found himself on the wrong side of a 4-2 ball game. This was Young’s worst start since July 4th, when he allowed four earned runs over five innings to the Reds, but he has been relatively strong as of late. He’ll look to bounce back in his next start, which is scheduled for Thursday at home against the Angels.
  • SEA Right Fielder #20
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    Luke Raley was held out of the Mariners’ starting lineup on Friday night due to soreness in his elbow.

    Raley has been dealing with a flexor strain in his forearm and the elbow issue for a while now, and it’s possible that it may ultimately require a trip to the injured list to get it right. If he’s not able to go at some point this weekend, the Mariners’ hand could be forced.
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    Luis García Jr. was removed from Friday night’s battle against the Braves due to mild soreness in his left knee.

    The 26-year-old infielder was pinch-hit for in the seventh inning after experiencing the soreness. It’s not believed to be a major issue and García is currently considered day-to-day.
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    Trea Turner went 3-for-4 with a homer and two runs scored in Friday’s loss to the Orioles.

    Turner legged out an infield single in the top of the first inning and later came around to score to put the Phillies up 1-0. Then, in the third inning, Turner got the best of Orioles starter Brandon Young when he left a fastball over the plate, which Turner deposited into left-center field to put the Phillies back on top 3-2. July proved to be a great month for Turner and his fantasy managers. He slashed a season-best .287/.333/.564 with seven homers and 15 RBI and is now sitting on 17 homers for the season.
  • PHI Starting Pitcher #24
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    Andrew Painter allowed two earned runs over six innings while striking out six, earning a no-decision in Friday’s loss to the Orioles.

    Painter took the mound with a 2-0 lead and immediately gave it back. A leadoff double by Dylan Beavers got things started for the O’s and was followed by a two-run homer by Pete Alonso to draw things even at 2-2. Despite the rough start, Painter settled in to allow just one hit over his remaining five innings of work while striking out six batters, his most in any game since May 2nd against the Marlins. Painter was promoted from Triple-A to start tonight’s game. If he sticks around for another start, it will most likely come on Wednesday at home against the Nationals.
  • LAD Starting Pitcher #17
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    Shohei Ohtani (knee) returned to the Dodgers’ starting lineup on Friday evening against the Red Sox.

    Ohtani has already admitted that his knee is unlikely to be at 100 percent for the remainder of the season, so it sounds like the Dodgers will have to be careful to mix in some off days to help to try to keep him as fresh as possible. He’s back in there atop the Dodgers’ lineup for Friday’s matchup against Red Sox’ southpaw Ranger Suarez.
  • AZ Starting Pitcher #60
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    Mitch Bratt allowed one earned run over five innings while striking out two, picking up the no-decision on Friday against the Guardians.

    Bratt turned in his best start of the season on Friday. Despite some shaky command that resulted in three walks, Bratt never allowed more than two baserunners in an inning, and the lone run he surrendered came in the first inning on an RBI single by Rhys Hoskins to bring home José Ramirez. Bratt has now pitched out of the fifth inning in back-to-back starts and is scheduled to make his next appearance on Wednesday against the Padres.
  • LAD Starting Pitcher #62
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    Dodgers designated RHP Chayce McDermott for assignment.

    The Dodgers needed to clear a spot on their 40-man roster for the addition of Cole Irvin on Friday and McDermott drew the short straw this time around. The 27-year-old hurler could generate some interest on waivers.
  • CLE Starting Pitcher #28
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    Tanner Bibee allowed two earned runs over 7 1/3 innings while striking out three, picking up the loss on Friday against the Diamondbacks.

    Bibee did what he could to hold the Diamondbacks in check all night. He scattered three hits and one walk over 7 1/3 innings, but did hit back-to-back batters in the fourth inning. Those two hit batsmen proved irrelevant, as he was able to force Max Kepler to line out to end the inning, but he ran into some trouble in the eighth. Bibee was pulled after allowing two of the first three batters he faced to reach base, and the Guardians’ bullpen wasted little time in making him pay. Reliever Erik Sabrowski immediately walked the first batter he faced to load the bases, and went on to allow back-to-back singles to Geraldo Perdomo and Gabriel Moreno to give the Diamondbacks a 3-1 lead. It was a tough way for Bibee to pick up his 11th loss of the season. He ends the month of July with a 2-2 record and a 4.76 ERA. His next start is scheduled for Thursday at home against the Mets.