MLB Player News

Ashcraft’s velocity was up, averaging 97.4 mph today, but he just wasn’t finding missed bats against a tough Phillies lineup. He managed swinging strikes on just 10 of 59 swings by Philadelphia, and they pounded his fastball for seven of his 11 hard-hit balls allowed. One of his runs scored came from the bullpen, as Mason Montgomery inherited a runner and immediately allowed Kyle Schwarber to pound a fastball into the seats. All and all, not a terribly disappointing effort against a hot offense. Ashcraft probably still deserves set-it-and-forget-it status against the Cardinals next week.

Bazzana started the game with a leadoff single, but was then caught stealing second base. He later hit a home run in the eighth inning to extend the Guardians’ lead to 3-1. Bazzana is hitting .294 and already has three home runs in his first 85 at-bats in the major leagues. Steven Kwan also had three hits on Sunday, but Bazzana appears to be the team’s preferred leadoff hitter against right-handed pitching at the moment.

Smith made quick work of the Phillies in the bottom of the ninth inning. With the Guardians clinging to a 3-1 lead, he induced two ground outs before he struck out Trea Turner to end the game. Smith now has 18 saves, which leads the league. With the exception of Mason Miller, he has a case as the top reliever in baseball.

Painter gave up six hits, walked two and struck out three. He fell to 1-5 with the loss. Painter has a 5.40 ERA on the season, though his 4.35 xFIP points to better days ahead. He was a popular pickup in fantasy, but he’s not contributing much in any of the categories right now. Painter’s WHIP is 1.46 and he has 40 strikeouts in 50 innings. Fantasy managers need to find a better option than using Painter against the Dodgers on the road next weekend.

Messick gave up five hits, walked two and struck out six. He improved to 6-1 on the season with the win. The Phillies couldn’t push a run across against Messick despite having a runner in scoring position in the third, fourth and fifth innings. Messick was removed following a two-out single in the sixth inning and Colin Holderman was able to finish the inning without any damage. He lowered his ERA to 2.24 this year. Messick is lined up to face the Red Sox at home next weekend.

Grisham returned from knee discomfort and had three hits against the Rays on Friday. He was on base three times again Sunday. Grisham drew a walk before Aaron Judge’s walk-off home run Sunday, but was replaced for a pinch runner so he didn’t score a run. Grisham still has a .321 on-base percentage despite just a .196 average this year.

Melton, returning from an elbow strain, will start Game 2 of today’s doubleheader against the Orioles.

Seabold loses his spot to Troy Melton. He had a 3.45 ERA and a 14/5 K/BB in 15 2/3 innings for the Tigers, so even though he’s 30 and lacks much in the way of upside, it seems unlikely that he’ll make it through waivers.

Norby was hit by a Christian Scott pitch, and even though it went off his elbow guard, he was still feeling it enough that he left two innings later. Graham Pauley replaced him.

Rasmussen gave up five hits, walked one and struck out six. Despite throwing seven scoreless innings, Rasmussen received no run support as the Rays lost 2-0. He’s struck out at least six batters in four of his last six games. Rasmussen lowered his ERA to 2.78 on the year. He’s lined up to face the Angels at home next weekend.