MLB Player News

With veteran Brandon Belt no longer in the picture, there’s a path for Vogelbach to secure a spot on Toronto’s Opening Day roster as a part-time first base and DH option. The 31-year-old slugger is coming off a disappointing 2023 campaign with the Mets, but has shown the ability to mash against right-handed pitching in the past. He’s unlikely to make much of an impact for fantasy managers, but he’s a solid depth addition for the Blue Jays. His presence likely ensures that prospects Damiano Palmegiani, Addison Barger, Orelvis Martinez and Spencer Horwitz open the year back in the minor leagues, barring an unexpected development.

The Tigers scratched Casey Mize from his scheduled start as they’re trying to trade him before Monday’s deadline and didn’t want to risk an injury. Expect a full bullpen game against the A’s on Friday evening in West Sacramento.

With Brenton Doyle set to return from the injured list on Friday, something had to give, and Fulford wound up being the odd man out. The 27-year-old backstop hit .177/.254/.290 with just one homer and seven RBI in 71 plate appearances during his time with the Rockies.

Jones, starting against LHP Shota Imanaga, blasted a 418-foot dinger in the fifth inning to provide the final scoreline. Jones has enough power (four homers) and speed (three stolen bases) to be a fantasy factor if he keeps getting consistent playing time, so proving he can handle left-handed pitching is crucial for him. Jones is hitting .265/.324/.500 in his last 15 games and .236/.327/.416 in 89 at bats on the season.

It was only a pair of singles, but it’s interesting that the Cubs batted Ramírez in the two-hole with Seiya Suzuki out. Ramírez is hitting .350/.398/.500 in his last 30 games with one homer and four stolen bases, perhaps there’s a Maikel Garcia-type fantasy season in him if he gets enough playing time. This was his first career start anywhere higher than sixth in the order.

While Doyle has struggled during his time with the Rockies this season, his bat showed signs of life during his minor league rehab assignment — hitting .395/.447/.651 with a pair of homers and eight RBI in 47 plate appearances. He’ll have to battle a crowded outfield mix for playing time, but we have seen what Doyle is capable of when he’s running hot, which keeps him on the fringe of mixed league consideration.

Bednar allowed a single to Pedro Ramírez, but otherwise buzzed through the top of the Cubs order on Friday. He is 2-0 with eight saves and a 1.04 ERA in his last 15 appearances. Pretty, pretty good pitcher.

Imananga allowed just two other hits besides the dingers and walked none. He’s managed a 2.41 ERA in 41 innings over his last seven starts after a brief swoon in late May and early June. He allowed only four hard-hit balls, but when two of them go over the fence and your team gives you zero runs of support, it’s unideal. Imananga will draw the Dodgers next week in a start that feels a little scary.

Warren badly needed a start like this after coming into the day with a 7.50 July ERA and a 1.67 WHIP. Warren still allowed nine hard-hit balls, but decreased his fastball usage and seemed to get a little extra variability out of that, with a 45 percent whiff rate on his changeup. Assuming he maintains his starting job after the deadline, Warren is scheduled to face the Cardinals next week.

Shewmake had elected free agency from the Brewres earlier in the week in lieu of accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A Nashville. He’ll now rejoin the Astros’ organization where he had been prior to being traded to the Brewers in mid-July. He’ll continue to function as extra infield depth.

Mountcastle suffered the injury while warming up for his first minor league rehab game. He has been sidelined since mid-April due to a fractured left foot and was finally on the precipice of rejoining the Orioles. It seems unlikely now that he’ll make it back before the end of the 2026 regular season.