MLB Player News

Needing to strand the automatic runner, Bednar got Ian Happ to ground out, Kyle Tucker to pop out and Seiya Suzuki to ground out to end it. He’s up to nine straight scoreless appearances now, and in spite of his Triple-A exile in April, he stands poised to be one of the most popular players at this year’s trade deadline.

You hit three homers, and have the potential fourth round-tripper stolen by a brilliant defensive play, you get to bat second in the ensuing contest. Those are the rules. Bellinger has been sizzling-hot at the dish over the final handful of first-half contests, batting .464 (13-for-28) with four homers and 10 RBI over his last seven games. Jasson Domínguez takes a seat with Bellinger patrolling left field and Trent Grisham in center field on Saturday against Cubs lefty Matthew Boyd.

Alvarez, who appeared in eight contests last season for Atlanta, gets the call back to the big leagues with third baseman Austin Riley heading to the injured list with an abdomen strain. The 22-year-old infielder’s defensive versatility should help out in a bench role, but he doesn’t offer much offensive upside at this stage of his development. He can be safely ignored in shallow mixed leagues.

No word yet on the severity of the strain, which will determine how much time Riley winds up missing. It’s a significant loss for Atlanta, and fantasy managers, if he requires a lengthy absence. The 28-year-old slugging third baseman suffered the injury during Friday’s showdown against the Cardinals. He closes out the first half hitting .274/.324/.441 with 14 homers, 48 RBI and two steals in 408 plate appearances over 93 games. It’s theoretically possible he’ll make it back to Atlanta before the end of July, if the strain winds up being on the milder end of the spectrum. There should be some much-needed clarity on his status at some point in the coming days.

Wiles heads back to the minors with lefty Joey Wentz joining Atlanta’s bullpen ahead of Saturday’s game against the Cardinals. The 27-year-old righty has made exactly one relief appearance this season in the big leagues.

Misiorowski heads to Truist Park in Atlanta for the Midsummer Classic after just five starts in the majors. It’s the quickest-ever All-Star appearance breaking the mark set by Paul Skenes last year when he got the nod after 11 starts in the big leagues. The 23-year-old top pitching prospect — who is coming off a 12-strikeout gem earlier this week against the Dodgers — has performed like a future ace, recording a sparkling 2.81 ERA and 33/11 K/BB ratio across 25 2/3 innings during that span. He’s certainly talented enough to warrant a spot, but his inclusion highlights the fact that very few starters seem to actually want to show up and pitch in the game itself. He’ll take over Cubs lefty Matthew Boyd’s spot on the National League’s roster.

Bregman made an instant impact for Boston in his first game action in nearly six weeks. The 31-year-old third baseman’s return coincides with an extended hot streak for the Red Sox, who no longer look like potential sellers at the upcoming trade deadline.

Wilson sat out his third consecutive contest on Friday after being hit by a pitch earlier this week and suffering a left hand contusion. The 23-year-old rookie sensation is slated to start for the American League in next week’s All-Star Game, so we’re anticipating the Athletics being willing to give him some extra time off this weekend to rest and recover. It’s a tough break for fantasy managers, but the franchise isn’t going to take any chances with their young star.

Arenado has been battling through lingering shoulder and finger issues recently, so the All-Star break comes at an opportune time. The 34-year-old defensive wizard figures to sit out St. Louis’ final two first-half games this weekend against Atlanta. It’ll be Nolan Gorman and Thomas Saggese taking over at the hot corner.

Núñez was shipped back to the minors to make room for Ryan Bergert to return from the injured list for Friday’s game against the Phillies. The 26-year-old relief prospect looked like he belonged in his four relief appearances since being called up earlier this month. He figures to return at some point in the early stages of the second half.

Graveman rejoined Arizona’s relief mix for Friday’s game against the Angels after missing just over one month recovering from a right hip impingement.