MLB Player News

That’d seem to set up Raley to return right after the All-Star break if things go well. Raley had a 2.80 ERA in 54 2/3 innings for the Mets in 2023 and pitched seven scoreless innings last year before getting hurt, so he could turn into a key piece of the pen if he’s right.

Nootbaar is back in left field and hitting eighth after coming off the bench during Sunday’s series finale against the Reds. He made an early exit from Saturday’s contest due to dehydration after feeling lightheaded. The 28-year-old outfielder has hit .241 (32-for-133) with three homers, 15 RBI and one steal in 41 games since making his season debut back on June 5.

Francona added that they want McLain to continue getting at-bats in the minors for a few additional games. The 26-year-old middle infielder has been out with a calf strain since mid-July. He generated a ton of hype with a stellar performance in spring training, but has really struggled at the dish this season, hitting .190 with eight homers and 11 steals in 309 plate appearances.

Basallo was spotted fielding grounders at first base prior to Monday’s series opener in Detroit. The 21-year-old backstop still hasn’t been cleared to throw after being shut down with shoulder inflammation last week. He’s probably going to miss a couple weeks since the Orioles don’t really want to rush him back and risk a setback that could lead to a more serious issue.

Sure, why not. Schuemann has posted a respectable .378 on-base percentage through 36 games this season, which earns him the opportunity to face White Sox starter Noah Schultz with Trent Grisham on the bench and Paul Goldschmidt hitting third. It’s unclear whether this is a one-game outlier or the start of a larger trend for Yankees manager Aaron Boone. We’ll see.

It’s been a nightmare of a season for the Blue Jays from an injury standpoint with García continuing to experience nerve-related symptoms in his neck. There should be some clarity on his status and next steps in the coming days, but it seems highly unlikely he’ll make it back with roughly two months left in the season.

Toronto manager John Schneider told reporters Barger didn’t require a full Tommy John ligament replacement procedure and is only facing a six-month recovery, which means he should be a full-go for spring training. The 26-year-old figures to be a popular late-round sleeper target in fantasy drafts next spring after a lost season where he was limited to just nine games due to ankle and elbow injuries.

Wantz provides the Cubs with a multi-inning option out of the bullpen following their decision to jettison veteran starter Jameson Taillon. The 30-year-old made one relief appearance for the Rays earlier this year before signing a minor league deal with Chicago earlier this month. He can be safely ignored in all fantasy formats.

It won’t send shockwaves through the baseball universe, but this decision qualifies as a major surprise since the Cubs have reportedly been aggressive in trade talks to add starting pitching depth leading up to next week’s trade deadline. Taillon’s ongoing struggles are a big reason why as he’s floundered to an inflated 5.92 ERA across 76 innings over 15 starts this season. The 34-year-old veteran was obliterated for seven runs over four innings by the Pirates over the weekend, which appears to have been the final straw for the Cubs. They’re going to be extremely aggressive on the trade front to bolster their rotation in the coming days.

No surprise since Carpenter has been battling a lingering heel issue for the last week, which led to his early exit from Sunday’s series finale against the Royals. It could wind up becoming an injured list situation if he’s not feeling better in a couple days, especially since the Tigers are trying to remain in playoff contention heading up to next week’s trade deadline. It’ll be versatile Zach McKinstry taking over in right field in his absence.

Soto declined to offer a definitive return timetable after hitting the injured list with a Grade 2 left calf strain over the weekend. The 27-year-old fantasy stalwart is expected to miss at least three weeks, which makes it unlikely he’ll return to New York’s lineup until at least late August. It’ll be rookie A.J. Ewing playing everyday in left field during his absene. There should be a clearer timeline from the Mets once Soto is cleared to resume baseball activities in the next few weeks. For the moment, fantasy managers should anticipate Soto playing again this season.