MLB Player News

Toronto continues to fortify its rotation shortly after inking Dylan Cease to a massive seven-year $210 million contract. The 31-year-old right-hander was one of the true X-factors on the open market this offseason after a remarkable run in Korea with the Hanwha Eagles, where he overhauled his arsenal, added velocity, and dominated to the tune of a microscopic 1.89 ERA and stellar 252/41 K/BB ratio across 180 2/3 innings over 29 starts last season. He’ll slot in as a back-end stabilizer for the Blue Jays behind Kevin Gausman, Cease, Shane Bieber and rookie sensation Trey Yesavage. From a fantasy standpoint, it’s a compelling landing spot — he has a relatively clear path to a rotation spot on a title contender and enough swing-and-miss ability to matter in deeper mixed leagues, even in the AL East’s unforgiving environments. He’s a late-round dart throw worth monitoring closely next spring.

Schultz gave up two hits, walked two and struck out five. The 22-year-old left-hander kept the Yankees off the scoreboard for three innings. In the fourth inning, the first three batters reached before Schultz got Anthony Volpe to ground out. Schultz was removed at that point and both of his runners that were inherited by the bullpen scored. Schultz has completed five innings only three times in his last nine starts. He has a 6.15 ERA and a 5.13 xFIP in 60 innings. Schultz is lined up to face the Rays on the road on Saturday, but could be the odd man out of the rotation if the White Sox trade for a starting pitcher before the deadline.

Fried gave up five hits, walked two and struck out four. After throwing five scoreless innings in his return start against the Pirates last week, this start was a bit of a clunker. Fried allowed three runs in the first inning before holding the White Sox scoreless for the next two innings. Having thrown 66 pitches, Fried didn’t even start the fourth inning. He should be able to throw a few more pitches in his next start against the Cubs on the road on Saturday.

Taylor’s home run was his ninth of the year. He hit a three-run shot off Connor Thomas, the pitcher the Braves decided to let wear it as he allowed 11 runs in relief. With an .872 OPS against left-handed pitching this season, Taylor could be a trade target for a team needing a right-handed bat.

Semien’s home run was his 12th of the season. He hit a two-run shot off Braves reliever Connor Thomas in the sixth inning. Semien has five runs scored, three home runs and six RBI over his last five games. The second baseman who turns 36 in September is hitting .214 with a .620 OPS and 35 RBI in his first season with the Mets.

Lindor now has eight home runs on the season. He hit a two-run shot off Martín Pérez in the third inning and a three-run shot off Braves reliever Connor Thomas in the eighth inning. Lindor’s 2026 has been an injury-ravaged season to forget, but he certainly looked like himself at the plate on Monday. He’s hitting .233 with a .743 OPS and 23 RBI.

Pérez gave up eight hits, walked one and struck out four. The Mets ended up winning 14-3, but the fireworks didn’t start until after Perez was already out of the game. Pérez won four starts in a row from late May to early June, but has a 5.70 ERA and is 0-3 in five starts since then. He has a 3.49 ERA on the season. Pérez is lined up to face the Nationals at home on Saturday, though it’s possible Atlanta will acquire a starting pitcher before the trade deadline to bump him from the rotation.

Thornton gave up six hits, walked one and struck out five. He improved to 2-1 in five starts. Thornton allowed four runs in his first MLB start, but has since put up four consecutive quality starts. That’ll do. Thornton’s 3.83 xFIP shows he’s not as good as his 2.43 ERA, but he’s displayed enough skills to be interesting to fantasy managers. Thornton’s lined up to face the Marlins at home on Saturday.

The positive news here is that Mead appears to have avoided serious injury during his Red Sox debut after initial X-rays came back negative for any fractures. He was struck by a pitch from Athletics starter Jack Perkins during his second at-bat of the contest. The 25-year-old infielder, who was acquired from the Nationals in a trade over the weekend, is presumably day-to-day moving forward. It’s a significant relief for Boston and fantasy managers as well.

Conine’s home run was his eighth of the season. He hit a solo shot off Zack Wheeler in the second inning. In the ninth inning, Conine hit a walk-off single in a tie game with the bases loaded and one out. Conine is hitting .266 with an .887 OPS and 18 RBI in 109 at-bats.

Hernández’ breakout season continues. He hit his 15th home run of the year, a solo shot off Zack Wheeler in the first inning. Then, in the ninth inning, he hit a game-tying two-run single of Jhoan Duran. Hernández has two home runs in his last four games. He’s hitting .245 with an .800 OPS and 41 RBI.