MLB Player News

No word yet on what the argument against the suspension will be. We don’t even know yet what Profar tested positive for. The Braves will surely want a quick resolution either way. If Profar is suspended for the season, his $15 million salary would be off the books, and the Braves could use that money to potentially sign a starter (Lucas Giolito?) and a replacement DH/outfielder (Tommy Pham? Andrew McCutchen?).

Placed on the 15-day IL this past Tuesday, this is actually a huge deal for Leiter. He won’t be able to return to the Athletics until the very end of the season, if at all. If not, he finishes a lackluster 2026 with a 4.28 ERA in 33 2/3 innings pitched and four saves. He’ll be a free agent in 2027.

Thomas, who wore 11 runs against the Mets this past Monday to save the Braves bullpen, may wind up in Triple-A Las Vegas by the time this transaction is over.

That’s a relief compared to an injury to his throwing arm, but it’s still not great news and could portend an injured list stay. More to come on this. McClanahan lasted three innings against the Rangers, allowing one hit and one earned run while striking out three.

It’s unknown where exactly the injury was or how it was suffered, but McClanahan’s fastball velocity dipped notably in the fourth inning, sitting close to 93 as opposed to his average on the year of 95.6 and a peak of 97 that he hit in the first inning. More news to come as the Rays make it available, but this doesn’t look good.

“Will he ever be a starter again? Would it be best to just use him as a reliever once he returns to health? These are the questions that are being asked as we await answers,” Bowman continues. Strider’s continued absence appears likely to have the Braves searching for starting pitching at the trade deadline. Redraft fantasy managers holding on to him in an IL spot don’t necessarily have to keep doing that based on this update.

McCambley will work low leverage innings for the Reds. The 27-year-old has a 6.23 ERA for the Reds this year in 4 1/3 innings, as well as a 2.94 ERA between the Reds and Marlins Triple-A affiliates in 49 innings.

Petty threw 42 pitches over the last two days and is simply being exchanged for a fresh arm. The 23-year-old holds a 4.50 ERA in 30 innings with the Reds this year, but has only struck out 14 batters over that span.

The Reds pull the plug on Arroyo after a .244/.286/.282 start in 142 plate appearances in which he had one stolen base and zero homers. The 22-year-old will likely get more chances in the future, but his hitting line simply didn’t give him much room for error here despite the Reds being out of the playoff picture.

The surprising part is that they also sent down Edwin Arroyo, giving McLain what appears to be another real chance at playing time at second base after he struggled mightily in 309 plate appearances so far this year. McLain has eight homers and 11 stolen bases despite hitting .190, so he may be of deep-league interest again if he can start hitting.

John Rave will draw the start in center field. Thomas has more or less been a full-time player for the Royals since mid-June, posting a .234/.293/.462 line in 157 plate appearances since June 15 with seven homers and four stolen bases. Sitting him against a right-handed starter makes sense as Thomas is hitting just .205/.293/.368 against righties this year.