In The Field
SS Zach Neto left Wednesday's game early after getting hit on the wrist by a pitch. X-rays came back negative, and he was back in the lineup on Thursday. Neto has backed up his breakout 2023 season with an even better year (.267 AVG with 21 HR, 74 R, 55 RBI, and 22 SB). SS Ha-Seong Kim was not in the Rays lineup on Wednesday due to lower back tightness and was placed on the 10-day IL on Thursday. Kim has struggled to stay healthy this year. He has had calf, shoulder, hamstring, and lower back injuries. He is hitting .214 with 2 HR, 5 R, 5 RBI, and 6 SB in 93 PA. The Rays called up SS Carson Williams to make his major league debut on Friday. Williams is tooled up (23 HR/22 SB) but will likely struggle to make contact at the major league level, considering he struck out 34% of the time at Triple-A. SS Jacob Wilson has been playing in the field and hitting on his rehab assignment. He returned to the A's lineup on Friday. Wilson is hitting .312 with 10 HR, 46 R, 45 RBI, and 5 SB. 1B Vlad Guerrero Jr. left Tuesday's game early with a hamstring injury. He was out of the lineup through Saturday. OF Jonny DeLuca (hamstring) has started running. He has been out since early August with a hamstring strain. DeLuca has been limited by injuries this year and has lost out on an opportunity to get regular at-bats. He is likely to be used as a short-side platoon bat when he does return. 1B Jonathan Aranda had X-rays done on his ailing wrist on Wednesday. He is looking to get cleared to participate in baseball activities. It is looking like he won't be back until at least early September. Aranada has hit .316 with 12 HR, 53 R, 54 RBI, and 0 SB. He has been a very productive real-life player for the Rays. OF Josh Lowe missed games early in the week due to an oblique injury, but was back in the lineup on Wednesday. Lowe is hitting .227 with 7 HR, 40 R, 29 RBI, and 12 SB. His plate skills have looked good (9% BB and 23% K), but the hard contact has fallen off (6% Barrels and 42% Hardhit). 2B Jorge Mateo (hamstring) has started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk. He has been out since June 29 with left elbow inflammation. Mateo isn't going to get regular playing time, which makes it hard to utilize his speed. C Kyle Higashioka (hamstring) was out of the lineup on Monday and Tuesday but returned on Wednesday. He will continue to rotate with C Jonah Heim behind the dish. C Salvador Perez (illness) was out on Monday and Tuesday but was back in the lineup on Wednesday. Perez is hitting .245 with 22 HR, 42 R, 70 RBI, and 0 SB. He still continues to play nearly every day and hit the ball hard (15% Barrels and 47% Hardhit). C Adley Rutschman was out of the Orioles lineup on Tuesday due to right abdominal discomfort. He was placed on the 10-day IL on Thursday. He is hitting .227 with 9 HR, 37 R, 29 RBI, and 0 SB in 348 PA. The plate skills are still very good (11% BB and 16% K), but the quality of contact is just average (8% Barrels and 39% Hardhit). C Samuel Basallo is going to get playing time down the stretch and could push Rustchman for at-bats as soon as next season. Basallo hit .270 with 23 HR, 49 R, 67 RBI, and 0 SB in 321 PA for Triple-A. He showed good plate skills (14% BB and 24% K) and hit the ball extremely hard (57% Hardhit and 115.9 mph maxEV). OF Victor Robles has been suspended 10 games for throwing his bat at the pitcher during one of his minor league rehab games. The suspension won't begin until he is activated, and that likely won't be until the rosters expand in September because the Mariners would have to be down a roster spot while he is on suspension. 3B Jordan Westburg was not in the Orioles lineup on Tuesday due to ankle discomfort. He was placed on the 10-day IL on Friday. Westburg is hitting .276 with 15 HR, 53 R, 34 RBI, and 1 SB in 304 PA. SS Colson Montgomery was not in the White Sox lineup on Tuesday due to soreness in his left side. Montgomery returned on Wednesday. He is hitting .215 with 10 HR, 19 R, 28 RBI, and 0 SB in 148 PA. He has shown the ability to hit for power, but will struggle to hit for average due to his strikeout rate (29% K) and chase rate (39% O-swing). 1B Yandy Diaz has a low-grade hamstring strain. He injured it running the bases during Thursday's game. He isn't expected to hit the IL and is considered day-to-day. OF Evan Carter left Thursday's game early after being hit on the wrist by a pitch. Imaging revealed a wrist fracture, which is likely going to end his season. OF Taylor Trammel was placed on the 10-day IL with a cervical muscle strain on Thursday. This was after he collided with the outfield wall during Wednesday's game. The Astros have been playing matchups in the outfield. They have been using a combination of OF Jesus Sanchez, OF Cam Smith, OF Jacob Melton, and UTIL Mauricio Dubon. The impact from a fantasy perspective is that they are all getting semi-regular playing time, but in deeper leagues, they lose a lot of value because they are missing 1-2 games a week. 2B Marcus Semien is dealing with a left foot contusion. He left Thursday's game early. He was also out of the lineup on Friday and was placed on the 10-day IL on Saturday. Semien has been an ironman during his career. He has played in 159+ games in 7 out of the last 8 full seasons. He has started 127 of 129 this year. Semien is hitting .230 with 15 HR, 62 R, 62 RBI, and 11 SB. He accumulates fantasy value by playing every day and racking up 700+ PA seasons. OF Wilyer Abreu was placed on the 10-day IL with a calf injury. He was hitting .253 with 22 HR, 52 R, 69 RBI, and 6 SB. The Red Sox called up prospect OF Jhostynxon Garcia to take his roster spot. Garcia was hitting .289 with 20 HR, 71 R, 73 RBI, and 6 SB in 433 PA. The skills underneath look good (10% BB, 25% K, and 110.2 mph maxEV). It remains to be seen how much he will play, and there is a chance that in his initial call-up, he could struggle making contact. 3B Marcelo Mayer had successful surgery on his injured wrist on Wednesday. Mayer finishes his rookie debut hitting .228 with 4 HR, 20 R, 10 RBI, and 0 SB in 136 PA. He demonstrated the ability to hit the ball hard (9% Barrels and 51% Hardhit), but he is going to need to improve his strikeout rate (30% K) to squeeze more value out of his profile. 3B Jake Burger was placed on the 10-day IL on Monday with a left wrist sprain. It has been a disappointing season for Burger and those who drafted him. He has spent time on the injured list and in the minors, which is why he has only played in 84 games. Burger is hitting .242 with 12 HR, 36 R, 41 RBI, and 1 SB. OF Tyler O'Neill has started baseball activities but isn't expected to return until after the 1st of September. O'Neill is hitting .210 with 8 HR, 20 R, 23 RBI, and 2 SB in 164 PA. 3B Coby Mayo was hit by a pitch in the ninth on Friday, but X-rays of his right hand came back negative. Mayo is going to get an extended look down the stretch to prove that he can be an everyday player for the Orioles in 2026. He has shown the ability to hit for power, but will need to make improvements in his batted ball profile (fewer fly balls) to improve his average. OF Adolis Garcia (ankle) was activated on Saturday. Garcia is hitting .224 with 16 HR, 46 R, 64 RBI, and 10 SB, which is about what he did a year ago in more at-bats. His monster 2023 season (.245 AVG with 39 HR, 108 R, 107 RBI, and 9 SB) is looking like an outlier. OF Dylan Beavers is hitting .300 with 1 HR, 5 R, 3 RBI, and 0 SB in 27 PA. Beavers hit .304 with 18 HR, 78 R, 51 RBI, and 23 SB in 418 PA at Triple-A this year. He is worth picking up as a speed option who should make enough contact to stick at the major league level. Beavers will grow into power as he gets more comfortable at the major league level, so don't count on much to begin his career. OF Yordan Alvarez (hand) is expected to be activated on Monday. He has been on rehab and hitting well.
On The Mound
John Means (elbow) went 3.2 IP (51 pitches) with 1 BB and 4 K in his most recent rehab start for High-A Lake County. Means has made 10 starts at the major league level over the past 3.5 seasons. He is currently making his way back from Tommy John surgery last year. The last time we saw an extended look at Means, he had a 3.38 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 146.2 IP in 2021. David Festa (shoulder) is scheduled to throw live BP on Saturday. If he comes out of it feeling good, he is expected to start a rehab assignment. Pablo Lopez (shoulder) made a rehab start on Thursday for Triple-A Salt Paul (1.2 IP, 1 ER, 1 BB and 12 K). He will need at least 1-2 more rehab starts before returning to the Twins rotation. Lopez has a 2.82 ERA and 1.07 WHIP through 11 GS. Simeon Woods Richardson (illness) had a rehab start for Triple-A St. Paul on Thursday (3.1 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, and 4 K). He is expected to make his next start at the major league level. Luis Garcia (elbow) made a rehab start for Double-A Corpus Christi on Tuesday (4.1 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, and 6 K). Jacob deGrom is having his start skipped on Wednesday due to right shoulder fatigue. There are no structural issues, but with his injury track record, it is mildly concerning. He has a 2.76 ERA and 0.93 WHIP across 140.1 IP, which is the most innings pitched since 2019. Fantasy owners wouldn't be happy if he hits the IL, but 140 IP from deGrom is more than most expected coming into the year. He was scheduled for a bullpen on Saturday, which will likely determine the next steps for him. Lance McCullers Jr. (finger) was activated on Friday and started against the Orioles (4 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 5 BB, and 4 K). On the year, he has a 6.89 ERA and 1.80 WHIP. Tyler Wells (elbow) went 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, and 4 K in his fourth rehab start for Triple-A Norfolk. He worked his pitch count up to 85 pitches, which means he is ready to return, but the Orioles want him to get one more rehab start. Cole Ragans (shoulder) was able to complete a 35-pitch bullpen session on Monday. Reports were that he had more velocity and was continuing to build up his pitch count. When we get news that he has faced live hitters, a rehab assignment should quickly follow. He has been out since July 8. Cristian Javier (illness) left his last start early due to illness, but recovered over the week and was able to start on Saturday against the Orioles. Kyle Bradish (elbow) is expected to be activated early next week to start against the Red Sox. It is looking like he will start on Tuesday. He has not pitched in a major league game since June of 2024 after having Tommy John surgery. Shane Bieber (elbow) was activated off the 60-day IL on Friday and started against the Marlins. Bieber looked good in his first start ( 6 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, and 9 K). Bryce Miller returned to the Mariners rotation on Tuesday. He went 5 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, and 4 K against the Phillies. Miller has struggled this year (5.87 ERA and 1.51 WHIP). His strikeout rate has dropped (24% to 18%), and his walk rate has climbed to 11% from 6%. Everything has trended in the wrong direction. At this point, it looks like he is going to need a full overhaul during the offseason because he is still young enough to turn things around quickly. Brandon Walter (elbow) suffered a setback during his rehab and has been shut down from throwing. This is poor timing because there isn't much time left for a return, given that he isn't throwing and would need to build back up before returning. Walter pitched well for the Astros before the injury (3.35 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 25% K, and 2% BB in 53.2 IP). Zach Eflin had back surgery on Monday. He is expected to miss 4-8 months, so starting the 2026 season on time is in question for the 31-year-old. Jack Perkins was placed on the 15-day IL on Friday with a strained right shoulder. Perkins showed promise in his short time in the majors (4.19 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 23% K, 11% BB, and 15% SwStr). Brandon Young left Thursday's game with hamstring discomfort. Young has a 5.68 ERA and 1.49 WHIP through 11 GS. He was placed on the 15-day IL.
In The Bullpen
Kenley Jansen told reporters on Wednesday that he is dealing with pain in his left rib cage. He has been shut down from throwing but is optimistic that he can avoid an IL stint. He pitched Friday night and took the loss. Jansen has a 3.12 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 23 SV. Jose Urquidy (elbow) is going to work out of the bullpen when he returns from the 60-day IL. He had Tommy John surgery in June of 2024. The Tigers do not have an open spot in their rotation, so the plan is to get him back at the major league level this year and see what his stuff looks like before making a decision on him for 2026. Felix Baustista had surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder. He is expected to be out at least 12 months. This is a huge blow for the Orioles this year and heading into 2026. Alex Cobb (hips) is going to be used in a reliever role if/once he is activated from the 60-day IL. It isn't going to be in a high-leverage role, and his skills aren't elite, so there is no fantasy value here. Aroldis Chapman picked up back-to-back saves on Thursday and Friday and is now up to 24 SV. David Bednar blew a save on Wednesday, but picked up the win, and Devin Williams got the save in that game. Jeff Hoffman continues to pitch well in the second half (1.32 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and 26% K:BB). Cade Smith had a rough week after blowing two save chances. The Guardians have traditionally stuck with their guy despite struggles, so his job isn't in danger, but he needs to turn it around quickly. Carlos Estevez had two saves this week, and he now has 33 SV with a 2.72 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. Justin Topa secured his third save of the year. He is a bottom-tier closer due to his lack of strikeouts, but he does have the job right now. Bryan Abreu got his second save and is going to be the Astros' closer while Josh Hader out for a while. Abreu has a 1.54 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 27% K:BB in 58.1 IP this season.
Players to add this week:
OF Dylan Beavers (BAL)- OF Dylan Beavers is hitting .300 with 1 HR, 5 R, 3 RBI, and 0 SB in 27 PA. Beavers hit .304 with 18 HR, 78 R, 51 RBI, and 23 SB in 418 PA at Triple-A this year. He is worth picking up as a speed option who should make enough contact to stick at the major league level. Beavers will grow into power as he gets more comfortable at the major league level, so don't count on much to begin his career.
C Samuel Basallo (BAL)- Samuel Basallo is going to get playing time down the stretch and could push Rustchman for at-bats as soon as next season. Basallo hit .270 with 23 HR, 49 R, 67 RBI, and 0 SB in 321 PA for Triple-A. He showed good plate skills (14% BB and 24% K) and hit the ball extremely hard (57% Hardhit and 115.9 mph maxEV).
OF Daulton Varsho (TOR)- Daulton Varsho is hitting .236 with 14 HR, 25 R, 37 RBI, and 1 SB in 160 PA. He is hitting the ball hard (19% Barrels) and in the air (52% FB). This is going to lead to above-average power numbers (.361 ISO). He isn't running much, and his average isn't great, so this is a power-only move.
SP Parker Messick (CLE)- Parker Messick got the call-up for the Guardians. He went 6.2 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, and 6 K in his first start against the Diamondbacks. In Triple-A, he had a 3.47 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 29% K, and 10% BB in 98.2 IP. The walk rate isn't great, but the Guardians have a track record of improving a pitcher's walk rate, and he has more than enough swing and miss to be successful.
SS Carson Williams (TBR)- The Rays called up Carson Williams to make his major league debut on Friday. Williams is tooled up (23 HR/22 SB) but will likely struggle to make contact at the major league level, considering he struck out 34% of the time at Triple-A. The upside is a power/speed combo that is hard to find at this point in the season.
SP Ryan Berget (KCR)- Ryan Berget has a 2.79 ERA and 1.09 WHIP through 58 IP. He has been pitching well for the Royals (2.82 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 25% K, and 7% BB). He gets a nice matchup against the White Sox next week.
C/1B Ben Rice (NYY)- Ben Rice has become the Yankees' primary catcher. He is hitting .243 with 20 HR, 55 R, 47 RBI, and 3 SB. His plate skills are excellent (10% BB and 20% K), and he hits the ball hard (17% Barrels and 55% Hardhit). Rice has also been hot in the second half (.266 AVG with 6 HR, 12 R, 16 RBI, and 0 SB in 94 PA).
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