MLB Player News

Sale clearly had plenty in the tank pitching on eight days’ rest and made the Mets feel his wrath. They hit dribbler after dribbler and didn’t put a single runner into scoring position after the first inning. Sale had no fear attacking them with fastballs in the zone which set up dozens of devastating sliders darting low. It was pure domination. The only reason he wasn’t able to finish the complete game shutout is because Brandon Nimmo hit a flare over Austin Riley’s head with two outs in the ninth inning and manager Brian Snitker didn’t want to push Sale when he’d already amassed a season-high 116 pitches. He hasn’t allowed more than two earned runs in a single start since April 13th and has reclaimed his throne as one of the league’s best. If the Braves keep him on regular rest, he’s lined up for a two-start week against the Mets, again, and Phillies.

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.

Beeks became the latest Arizona reliever to hit the shelf as the injuries continue to pile up. The 32-year-old lefty shouldn’t require a lengthy absence, but back issues can be complicated matters and tend to linger beyond initial return estimates.

Robertson was summoned to replace Tim Elko on Chicago’s active roster between games during Friday’s doubleheader. The 27-year-old outfielder was picked up earlier this week in a trade from the Blue Jays. He can be safely ignored in all fantasy formats.

Elko hit the injured list between games of Friday’s doubleheader after getting hurt in the opening contest of the twin bill. No word yet on the severity of the injury, which will determine exactly how much time he misses coming out of the All-Star break. The 26-year-old rookie slugger has gone deep four times in 20 games this season with the White Sox.

Kurtz has had some ups and downs in his rookie campaign, but there’s just no denying that there’s enormous power in his left-handed bat. He’s homered in back-to-back games and he’s gone deep four times in nine July chances. Kurtz may not ever be a major contributor in the average category and won’t steal bags, but that power isn’t going anywhere. If anything, it’s likely to improve as he grows more comfortable facing MLB pitching.