MLB Player News

Rengifo gets the nod over speedster David Hamilton to face Rays lefty Shane McClanahan in his long-awaited return to the majors. The 29-year-old utility specialist figures to continue playing regularly against left-handed starters and getting a chance near the top of Milwaukee’s formidable lineup gives him some fantasy appeal in leagues that offer daily lineup changes.

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.

Hernández provides Atlanta with a much-needed multi-inning relief option after passing through waivers unclaimed earlier this week. The well-traveled 31-year-old former starter tossed three scoreless innings against the Orioles last Friday in his season debut.

Thomas earns a trip back to the minors after being forced to wear it against the Mets on Monday night due to Atlanta’s relief shortage. He was torched for 11 runs over 2 2/3 innings of work. It’s probably going to be a while before he gets another look in the big leagues.