MLB Player News

Vierling’s doubles came on liners hit 108 and 105 mph. He’s 11-for-31 with six extra-base hits this spring. 2025 was pretty much a lost year for him because of a season-opening shoulder injury and a season-ending oblique strain, but he’d still seem to be locked into a role with the Tigers as a starter somewhere against lefties, and if he excels, there could be some additional outfield time available versus righties.

Bellinger told reporters he’ll return later this weekend after playing six innings in left field during a minor league rehab game for Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes-Barre on Friday. The 31-year-old will make it back to New York’s lineup after missing exactly one month with a left hamstring strain. His return should have a significant impact for the Yankees over the final five weeks of the season.

Stanton is in obvious jeopardy of missing the remaining five weeks of the season after straining a calf muscle for the third time since late April. It’s completely fair to question whether Stanton, heading into his age-37 campaign next year, will be able to stay healthy enough to have any sort of impact for New York. He still has two years and $30 million left on the mega-deal that he signed with the Marlins back in 2015.

Chisholm has been scuffling in recent weeks, hitting .188 (18-for-96) with four homers and seven steals in 28 games since last month’s All-Star break. He’s been ice-cold recently, batting only .148 (8-for-54) with two extra-base hits in 17 games since the beginning of August. He’ll continue to be penciled into the lower third of New York’s lineup card, especially with Cody Bellinger (hamstring) and Aaron Judge (rib) expected to return soon.

Hernández predictably went unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment earlier this week. He’ll stick around as emergency organizational depth after posting an underwhelming 5.68 ERA across 21 1/3 innings for the Dodgers this season.

Pirates manager Don Kelly told reporters it went well when Griffin began swinging a bat for the first time since suffering a torn sagittal band in his left ring finger nearly two months ago. The 20-year-old is expected to ramp up baseball activities over the next few weeks with the aim of returning to Pittsburgh’s lineup at some point in early September. He’s one of, if not the most, impactful stash candidates in the entire fantasy landscape heading into the final five weeks of the season given his tremendous raw talent.

Francona didn’t rule it out entirely, but noted that his odds of returning are “lessening” as he’s not expected to resume swinging until early October. At this point, there’s zero reason for fantasy managers in redraft leagues to continue holding onto Steer. He’s been on the injured list with a right wrist sprain since late July.

Thorpe struck out six, issued two walks and threw 83 pitches (51 strikes) during his sixth minor league rehab outing since late July. He’s in the final stages of his rehabilitation from last year’s Tommy John surgery and figures to be in the mix to help the White Sox at some point in late August or early September. He’s a name to watch in deeper mixed leagues given his former top pitching prospect status.

López resumed throwing for the first time since undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery back in late February. The 30-year-old upper-echelon fantasy starter is at the outset of a lengthy rehabilitation process, but has a chance to be ready for the start of the 2027 campaign. There should be a clearer idea of his status heading into next season once spring training rolls around.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Friday that Fried will progress to facing hitters in a live batting practice session next week before adding that a return following a minimum stint on the injured list is “in play.” There’s been nothing but optimistic news flowing out of New York’s clubhouse since Fried hit the injured list with a bone bruise and inflammation in his elbow earlier this week. There’s a realistic chance he’s back before the end of August.

Bellinger played six innings in left field on Friday evening. He’s targeting a return to New York’s lineup for Sunday’s series finale against the Blue Jays. The 31-year-old corner outfielder is working his way back from a hamstring strain that put him on the shelf back in late July. He appears to be on track to make it back to the Yankees’ lineup by the end of the weekend.