MLB Player News

Morris didn’t sign after the Rays made him a third-round pick last year, instead electing for junior college. His fastball-curveball combo could make him a dominant reliever someday, but there’s also good reason to hope he’ll make it as a starter.

Englert allowed one run over five innings in relief against the Tigers on Wednesday, throwing 82 pitches in the process. Ideally, he’ll end up in similar territory again tomorrow.

Elder allowed two hits and two walks in the quality start, lowering his ERA to 2.66 on the year. The right-hander has now given up more than three earned runs in a start just once all season. Elder has been using three fastballs in 2026, adding a cutter while increasing the usage of his four-seamer at the expense of his sinker. Additionally, he’s leading with his slider for the first time in his career. The package is helping him outperform what the pitching models indicate, and he’ll look to keep rolling next time out against the Mets.

Chandler struck out seven and walked two while pitching in bulk relief. Despite entering after an opener, he logged his longest outing since April 17. The Pirates recently bumped Carmen Mlodzinski from the rotation when Jared Jones came back, so Chandler needs to keep pitching like this to hold his spot. His next start lines up for a favorable matchup at home against Miami.

Veteran closer Raisel Iglesias had already earned saves on Friday and Saturday, so Fuentes came in as the fresh option. Still just 20 years old, he’s been used as a traditional reliever lately. Fuentes hasn’t recorded more than four outs in an appearance since May 12. The Braves will likely be flexible with his role moving forward, and saves will be few and far between with Iglesias and Robert Suárez also in this bullpen. This is still a big developmental win for Atlanta, as he’s succeeding despite the unexpected usage.

Harris has been battling a back issue and wasn’t healthy enough to start on Sunday, but he still delivered the game-winning hit. He’s in the midst of a career-best campaign. While his walk rate remains uninspiring, Harris’ bat-to-ball metrics have erupted in his age-25 season. His quality of contact is not only the best of his career but some of the best in the sport. Atlanta is off on Monday before a six-game road trip to face the White Sox and Mets.

Horwitz delivered some of the only offense Pittsburgh could muster against Bryce Elder. The first baseman has now led off against 12 consecutive right-handed pitchers, notable considering the Pirates entered Sunday ranked fourth in runs per game. Horwitz has more walks than strikeouts this season and makes for a nice batting average play in roto when combined with non-zero power and a premium lineup slot.

Varland’s save was his 11th. He entered the game with a man on first and two outs in the eighth inning before erasing Leody Taveras with a strikeout and following it up with a scoreless ninth inning. Varland lowered his ERA to 0.26 as his dominant run continues.

There was nothing obvious in the game that might have caused this, so it might be a lingering issue. Michael Massey replaced him in the game against the Twins, and Maikel Garcia shifted to shortstop. Josh Rojas would probably see a lot of action at third if Witt needed to go on the IL.

Baz gave up seven hits, walked one and struck out three. He fell to 3-6 with the loss. Baz cruised through the first five innings before running into trouble in the sixth inning. He allowed a solo home run and a double, but would’ve been out of the inning with only one run if not for an error by Gunnar Henderson. With new life, the Blue Jays followed up the error with an RBI groundout, a single, a double and a single. Baz was charged with five runs, but only one earned run. His ERA is 4.09, but he has a 2.20 ERA over his last five starts with 28 strikeouts and 11 walks. Baz is lined up to face the Padres at home next.