MLB Player News

Peña fractured the tip of his finger earlier this week, but doesn’t feel that the injury will keep him out long. “I don’t know how it’s going to heal, I don’t know what the process is going to be like, but the goal is always to try to join the team for Opening Day.” We’re trying not to be influenced by the Astros’ poor track record with player return timelines in recent seasons, but we’d consider it a long shot that Peña is ready on Opening Day. The hope is that he plays not long after.

Southisene receives his second promotion in less than two months, reaching the upper minors just a few months before his 20th birthday. He was Atlanta’s first-round pick in last year’s MLB Draft and has put together a breakthrough campaign, slashing .279/.408/.469 with 12 homers and 49 steals across 417 plate appearances between Low-A Augusta and High-A Rome. His stock has taken off in dynasty formats and he projects as an impact fantasy contributor down the line, mostly due to his stolen base ability. The fact that he’s continued adding over-the-fence power is a positive sign.

Mountcastle has been on the shelf with a fractured left foot since mid-April. It’s unclear why the Orioles decided to pull the plug on his rehab assignment after announcing it earlier this week. There should be a clearer picture regarding his next steps at some point later this week.

Walls is back in Tampa Bay’s lineup at shortstop and hitting eighth following an extended four-game absence after hyperextending a couple fingers on his left hand last week. The 30-year-old defensive specialist managed to avoid a trip to the injured list, which is a positive development for the Rays as they try to hold off the Yankees in the AL East pennant race.

Valdez managed to avoid serious injury, with initial X-rays came back negative for any fractures, after being hit in the left wrist by a pitch in the bottom of the fourth inning on Monday night. He’s back in right field and hitting cleanup following the injury scare. The 22-year-old rookie slugger has been an unexpected revelation for Pittsburgh, and fantasy managers as well, hitting .290/.386/.702 with 14 homers and 36 RBI across 145 plate appearances in 38 games this season. He’s overdue for some regression in the batting average department based on his plate skills, but the over-the-fence power is very real and it’s fantastic.

Franco will get the ball for a bulk relief outing during Tuesday’s nightcap at Great American Ball Park following lefty opener Caleb Ferguson. The 25-year-old has allowed 11 runs — 10 earned — over 16 2/3 innings across nine appearances for the Reds this season. He can be safely ignored in all fantasy formats.

Espino was one of the most exciting pitching prospects in the game roughly a half decade ago before shoulder injuries sidetracked his development. The hard-throwing 25-year-old finally reached the big leagues as a reliever earlier this season, making five appearances for Cleveland. He’ll operate in middle relief during Tuesday’s twin bill against Cincinnati.

As dynasty managers are aware, St. Louis has one of the most exciting offensive catching prospects in the game looming in the upper minors with Rainiel Rodriguez. That could make either Herrera or Páges viable trade options ahead of next week’s deadline. It doesn’t sound like anything is imminent, but there’s an opportunity for the Cardinals to move one of their veteran backstops with so many contending clubs searching for catching help.

Feinsand adds that the Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, White Sox, Rangers and Dodgers are among teams looking to acquire a catcher. Hicks is absolutely a name to watch at next week’s deadline after the Marlins bizarre 12-game losing streak, which they finally snapped with a comeback win over the Phillies on Monday, caused them to tumble out of playoff contention. The 27-year-old backstop has put together an excellent season with a .796 OPS with 14 homers and 60 RBI through 95 games. Miami has rookie defensive wizard Joe Mack seemingly entrenched behind the dish, which makes Hicks expendable in the right deal.

McGee gets his first chance with Kansas City with rookie reliever Beck Way hitting the injured list with a back issue. The 28-year-old was acquired from the Brewers in a small trade earlier this month. He’s made 13 appearances in the big leagues dating back to 2022.

Way heads to the shelf after posting a respectable 3.86 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 21/10 K/BB ratio across 23 1/3 innings as a rookie this season. The 26-year-old middle reliever is likely to miss at least a couple weeks.