MLB Player News

Assad has struggled in a hybrid role for the Cubs this season, posting a 5.88 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and a 14/7 K/BB ratio over 26 innings in eight appearances (three starts). He’ll return to the rotation at Triple-A Iowa where he’ll likely be the next man up the next time the Cubs require an extra starter. Ty Blach was promoted from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move on Sunday.

We’re inclined to believe that Nightengale has this one correct. It seemed a little far-fetched that the Reds were going to seriously consider moving on from Greene with multiple years left on his contract after reports surfaced earlier this week. Plans can always change, but it seems highly unlikely that Cincinnati is going to move on from one of their front-end arms.

McAdam spoke with a league source that indicated the chances of a deal to send Lopez to Boston are “dead” and it appears highly unlikely the Marlins will trade him. It’s purely speculation, but the Red Sox figure to be extremely reluctant to move either of their top prospects in shortstop Franklin Arias, who is tearing the cover off the ball since being promoted to Triple-A Worcester recently, and righty Anthony Eyanson, who struck out a season-high 10 batters at Double-A Portland on Friday night. The Red Sox have been linked to multiple shortstops ahead of next week’s trade deadline, but it seems highly unlikely that Lopez is going to Boston, or anywhere else at the moment.

Buxton has been managing and battling through a lingering right hip issue for the last few months. His condition worsened to the point that he required a return trip to the injured list earlier this week. There’s optimism the injection, in addition to some extra rest, will finally put the issue to bed. The Twins are in the midst of a potential playoff push and are hoping to have Buxton back when first eligible to return next weekend.

Donovan has been given the green light to be activated from the injured list, but is technically away from the club on paternity leave this weekend. The 29-year-old infielder wrapped up a minor league rehab assignment earlier this week and will be activated in a couple days. He’s been on the shelf working his way back from a groin issue since mid-May.

Schwellenbach has been on the shelf recovering from elbow issues for more than a calendar year at this juncture. However, he’s still optimistic that he’ll be ready to return before the season concludes. The 26-year-old told reporters on Friday that he has a couple bullpen sessions left before progressing to facing hitters. He should be cleared for minor league rehab starts at some point in mid-to-late August. He’ll be racing the clock to make it back to Atlanta and it seems highly unlikely that he’ll offer any fantasy relevance this season.

The results are a secondary concern since Cabrera looked sharp from a raw stuff standpoint, hitting 98.8 mph with his fastball during his first rehab outing. The 28-year-old, who is working his way back from a moderate left hamstring strain, struck out three and threw 43 pitches. Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reports on Friday that he’ll probably need two additional tune-up outings to continue building up his pitch count and stamina. That timeline puts Cabrera back in the Cubs’ rotation sometime around mid-August.

Naylor’s arrival seems to signal that Milwaukee is open to moving current backup catcher Gary Sánchez. The 26-year-old former top prospect never lived up to his potential in Cleveland, but he represents an interesting reclamation project for the Brewers behind starter William Contreras. He’s flashed some occasional over-the-fence pop, but needs to start making more frequent hard contact if he’s going to be a fantasy-relevant option in the future. It’s the type of challenge trade between two forward-thinking front offices that has a range of potential outcomes wider than the Grand Canyon.

Heuer has made 97 relief appearances in the majors since the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign, including eight for the Guardians earlier this season. He’s purely a middle reliever at this stage of his career, but the Brewers didn’t really have to give up much to add him to their bullpen mix. He’ll basically replace the departing Yoho in their low-leverage equation. He’ll head to Triple-A Nashville for the moment, but should make it to Milwaukee once rosters expand.

Yoho is the type of intriguing bullpen arm that Cleveland’s pitching apparatus is going to have a field day tinkering with. The 26-year-old has been one of the more fascinating relief prospects in the sport for the last couple years, posting astronomical strikeout rates in the upper minors, thanks to a deadly changeup. He seemed to finally get his footing in Milwaukee this season, posting a serviceable 3.15 ERA and 18/8 K/BB ratio across 20 innings of work. It’ll be fascinating to see if the Guardians can unlock his potential and turn him into a high-leverage weapon.

Perkins provides Cleveland with a reliable bench outfielder capable of handling all three spots defensively. The 29-year-old has had a rough season at the plate, hitting .157 across 101 plate appearances with the Brewers, but he makes sense on a playoff roster in a reserve role.