MLB Player News

Pfaadt loses his spot in Arizona’s rotation with Kelly back from the injured list while Ryne Nelson and Michael Soroka remain. The 27-year-old righty has posted an inflated 5.94 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 11/6 K/BB ratio across 16 2/3 innings over three starts. His stuff should play up in shorter bursts out of the bullpen, but he’s a non-factor for fantasy purposes at this point in his career. It’s surprising considering he was an elite pitching prospect just a few years ago.

Olson was solely responsible for the Braves’ insurance runs in a tight win over the Mets with two solo homers off relievers. In one of the stranger offensive games in a while, they only had five total hits and four left the yard. Nevertheless, Olson is now up to 22 home runs, 54 RBI, and an .883 OPS in what’s been an All-Star caliber first half.

The Mets made Iglesias sweat here. Singles by Luis Torrens, Juan Soto, and Bo Bichette put the tying runs on base with Francisco Lindor at the plate and two outs. He hit the ball sharply, but right at Ozzie Albies. Regardless of this rocky outing, Iglesias has been one of the league’s best closers with a 1.53 ERA on the season and zero blown saves.

It sounds like he might have stayed in if the Marlins hadn’t had a five-run lead against the Dodgers. If he can’t go Saturday, Esteury Ruiz could get a start in his place.

Holmes pitched well enough to beat the Mets here, which isn’t saying much. Still, the only mistake he made came on a two-run home run by Juan Soto that barely left the yard. That was also just after an error by the sure-handed Matt Olson, hence Holmes’ one unearned run. All in all, it was a split yet unspectacular start, much like Holmes’ season. Overall, he has a 3.83 ERA, 71 strikeouts, and 38 walks through 82 1/3 innings. He’s lined up to face the Pirates in Pittsburgh next week to close out his first half.

Soto drove the Mets offense in this one. His two-run homer – that looked like a cue-shot off the bat – stood as their only run until the ninth inning when Soto singled just before Bo Bichette drove in their third and final run in a late rally that fell short. He also had a demonstrative challenge of a called third strike that was overturned and turned into a walk. He’s had a fantastic season with 18 home runs and a .971 OPS through 69 games despite the Mets’ struggles.

This start was a perfect microcosm for who Scott is as a pitcher right now. His fastball was electric at the top of the zone and forced eight of his 13 total swings-and-misses. Also, his sweeper was highly effective against right-handed batters. On the flip side, he allowed two home runs to left-handed batters and struggled to put them away. His cutter was effective against them though, which is something to watch moving forward as he tries to find a reliable weapon against lefties. On the season, he has a 3.49 ERA with 60 strikeouts and 25 walks through 49 innings. He’s scheduled to face the Royals next time out in his last start of the first half.

Langeliers was hurt on a passed ball in the first and left in the fourth. X-rays were negative, so maybe he’ll be able to DH on Saturday. Jonah Heim figures to do the catching.

O’Hoppe seemed dazed afterwards and was being evaluated for a concussion. If he goes back on the IL, the Angels will likely recall Logan Porter from Triple-A.

Turang smacked a one-out single in the third inning and scored on an RBI knock off the bat of Jake Bauers. He then delivered a two-run single as part of the Brewers’ four-run uprising in the top half of the 11th inning. The 26-year-old second baseman has been terrific for the Brewers and fantasy managers this season, slashing .263/.361/.451 with 12 homers, 51 RBI and 13 stolen bases over his first 374 plate appearances.

Mitchell opened the scoring in the contest as he ambushed a first-pitch cutter from Jose Cabrera for a 435-foot (111.8-mph EV) two-run shot in the second inning. That would be his only hit in four at-bats on the night. For the season, the 27-year-old outfielder is slashing .265/.362/.462 with eight long balls, 42 RBI and six stolen bases in 272 plate appearances.