MLB Player News

Hays, typically the Orioles’ No. 5 hitter against righties, was leading off versus a lefty tonight, though that didn’t stop him from driving in runs. He’ll probably fall a little short, but he’s worthy of All-Star consideration with his .319/.357/.510 line in 283 plate appearances.

Friedman downplayed concern regarding a right biceps issue that cropped up recently for Ohtani, saying that lingering left knee soreness is the greater concern at this juncture. The 32-year-old two-way talent remains without a definitive timetable to return to pitching in games, but there continues to be optimism that he’ll make it back at some point this season. Simply put, the primary focus for the Dodgers down the home stretch will be ensuring that Ohtani is ready to pitch in the postseason.

Hartlieb has the ability to elect free agency if he doesn’t want to stick around as emergency relief depth. The 32-year-old journeyman went unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment earlier this week. He’s allowed nine runs over 13 1/3 innings of work for the Athletics this season.

There must be something about the Rangers that keeps bringing Kelenic back. The 27-year-old former elite prospect hit the open market to gauge his options earlier this week before deciding to head back to Triple-A Round Rock. Apparently, no other teams were interested.

Rutschman is currently on the injured list with wrist inflammation. It’s unclear whether the Orioles are even going to be sellers since they’ve shown some signs of life recently. Heyman adds that the Yankees are casting a wide net in search of an upgrade at catcher, listing Tyler Stephenson as another potential target in the lead up to next week’s trade deadline.

He’s back. Díaz figures to immediately reclaim the closer role in Los Angeles with lefty Tanner Scott remaining in the mix to vulture the occasional opportunity. The 32-year-old former elite stopper’s stuff looked sharp in a handful of minor league rehab outings, piling up 11 strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings, while working his way back from surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow back in late April.

Barnes loses his spot in the Los Angeles’ bullpen with high-priced closer Edwin Díaz coming back from the injured list. The well-traveled 30-year-old has allowed seven runs over 10 innings across four appearances for the Dodgers this season.

It’s a welcome development for fantasy managers as Miller will be spared from having to face the Dodgers in Los Angeles. That honor goes to Bryan Woo instead. The 27-year-old righty is getting some extra rest after being tagged for five runs over 5 1/3 innings by the Rangers his last time out.

Ginn could potentially return to the Athletics’ rotation at some point next week after hitting the shelf with a blister issue earlier this month.

It’s ostensibly a less-invasive operation than a full Tommy John ligament replacement, but the internal brace procedure carries a similar return timetable of roughly 13-16 months. The 31-year-old high-leverage reliever signed a two-year contract in the offseason and is unlikely to make it back to Philadelphia until the late stages of next season, if at all.

While all of the trade buzz with San Diego will understandably swirl around electric closer Mason Miller, it’s King that might be the strongest bet to be dealt before next week’s trade deadline. Feinsand notes that King could be an expiring contract that the Padres might offload since he has a $28 million player option for 2027 and a $30 million player option for the following season. He’s set to take the ball against the Giants this weekend and holds a solid 3.38 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 109/50 K/BB ratio across 125 1/3 innings this seaso.