MLB News

New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole (calf) will make his next turn in the starting rotation this Sunday at Wrigley Field versus the hosting Chicago Cubs. Yankees fans and Cole's fantasy managers were holding their collective breath on Tuesday night when the 33-year-old reigning American League Cy Young winner was forced to leave his start early on Monday against the Texas Rangers, but it turned out to be only because of a right-calf cramp. He will be ready to go on Sunday in a pretty neutral pitching matchup, but fantasy managers will want to roll him out there in their starting lineups. Cole got a late start to his 2024 season due to a right-elbow injury, but he appears to be rounding into midseason form at just the right time and has a 1.85 ERA with 40 K's and 11 walks in 34 innings in his last six starts since Aug. 4.

New York Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt (lat) will make his long-awaited return from the 60-day injured list and start against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday at Wrigley Field. Schmidt made three minor-league rehab starts and got up to 70 pitches over 4 2/3 innings in his last start down on the farm. The 28-year-old will be more risky in his first start back in the big leagues since late May because of a lat strain, but if he's floating around on the waiver wire in mixed fantasy leagues, he's worth a look to close out the 2024 regular season. The former 16th overall pick in 2017 out of South Carolina was looking pretty strong in his first 11 starts this year before his injury, going 5-3 with a 2.52 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP and 67 strikeouts over 60 2/3 innings pitched. Schmidt didn't allow over three earned runs in any of his 11 outings to begin the year.

New York Yankees right-hander Luis Gil (back) will come off the 15-day injured list on Friday to start against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Gil will be making his first start in the big leagues since Aug. 20 due to a back injury, but he shouldn't have too short of a leash after reaching the 80-pitch mark over 3 2/3 innings pitched in his lone minor-league rehab start. However, with a career high in innings pitched by a wide margin this year, the 26-year-old Dominican could be fading down the stretch. Gil has posted a 4.43 ERA (5.01 FIP) with 26 strikeouts and 17 walks in 22 1/3 innings over five starts since the All-Star break. The Yankees are putting him right back in the starting rotation upon his return from the IL, but there plans could change later in September and for the postseason. The Cubs as an offense have been right in the middle of the pack this year in terms of K's and team OPS.

San Francisco Giants first base prospect Bryce Eldridge has been promoted from High-A Eugene to Double-A Richmond. The club's top prospect, per MLB Pipeline, began the year with Single-A San Jose and is now getting the call to Double-A after slashing a very impressive .335/.442/.619 with a 1.060 OPS, 12 home runs, 41 RBI and 35 runs scored in 215 trips to the plate over 48 contests with Eugene. Eldridge is a towering human at 6-foot-7, 223 pounds, and the crazy part is he's only 19 years old. The former 16th overall pick last year swings from the left side of the plate and perhaps unsurprisingly, raw power is his best attribute as a hitter. Eldridge has a pretty short swing for his size and makes decent contact, too. He has already been a fast riser through San Fran's minor-league system, but fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues shouldn't expect him to reach the majors until at least 2026.

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop prospect Aidan Miller has been promoted from High-A Jersey Shore to Double-A Reading. The team's top prospect, per MLB Pipeline, began the year at Single-A Clearwater and earned his most recent promotion to Double-A by hitting .258/.353/.444 with six home runs, 32 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 258 plate appearances over 58 games at Jersey Shore this summer. The 20-year-old former 27th overall pick last year has been a fast riser in the Phillies' farm system and will conclude his second year of pro ball at Double-A. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound right-handed hitter not only has intriguing high-end raw power, but he has an advanced plate approach for his age. Miller should grow into more power as he matures into his body. He's currently the heir apparent to Trea Turner at the big-league level, but he could also be forced to move to third base down the road.

Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele (elbow) said an MRI exam on his left elbow was positive and showed only inflammation, which he has been feeling for a while. No decision has been made yet as to whether Steele will go on the 15-day injured list, and the team is taking it day by day. The Cubs scratched the 29-year-old southpaw from his scheduled start against the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates, but there's a chance he could avoid the IL and make his next start after a little rest. If Steele does land on the IL, veteran Kyle Hendricks, who made the start on Tuesday, could take his spot in the starting rotation. Despite not being 100% for a while, Steele hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in a start since July 30 and has gone 3-0 with a 2.03 ERA and .200 batting average against with 33 strikeouts and seven walks in his last five starts since Aug. 5.

Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow (elbow) played catch up to 120 feet again on Tuesday and said he will probably be ready to throw off a mound on Friday or Saturday when the team returns home to Dodger Stadium. In a "best-case scenario," manager Dave Roberts said last weekend that Glasnow could return to the big-league rotation in the middle of September. But the 31-year-old hard-throwing right-hander has already been on the injured twice in his first year in LA, and the Dodgers would prefer to have him firing on all cylinders once the postseason begins in October. He's currently dealing with right-elbow tendinitis, and the Dodgers aren't going to rush him back. Glasnow is going to require a minor-league rehab assignment before he returns, which means he probably will only provide fantasy managers with one or two more starts the rest of the way.

Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto (shoulder) went two innings in his minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City and gave up two earned runs on two hits while walking two and striking out three. Yamamoto threw 36 of his 53 pitches for strikes in his second rehab outing. The 26-year-old talented Japanese hurler gave up a solo home run while striking out two in two innings in his first rehab start last Wednesday for OKC. Since he's been sidelined since the middle of June with a rotator-cuff strain, the Dodgers aren't rushing him back to the big-league starting rotation. Yamamoto should be ready to return to the Blue around the middle of September, barring any setbacks, but he's only going to be able to make a few starts before the regular season is over. He has looked good in his first 14 MLB starts with an ERA under 3.00 and a nice 27.9% strikeout rate.

Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy indicated on Tuesday that right-hander Tyler Mahle (shoulder) is likely done for the remainder of the 2024 season. With the Rangers out of playoff contention in September, they aren't going to bother having Mahle try to build himself back up after landing on the injured list on Aug. 20 with right-shoulder stiffness. The 29-year-old spent most of 2024 trying to make his return from Tommy John surgery. He managed to make only three starts (12 2/3 innings) for Texas and was predictably shaky, allowing seven earned runs on 14 hits (one homer) while walking four and striking out 10 against the Astros, Red Sox and Twins. The Rangers are also shutting down fellow right-hander Jon Gray (foot) for the rest of the year due to a neuroma in his foot. Mahle was looking solid for the Twins early in 2023 before he needed TJ surgery, so perhaps he can bounce back in 2025.

Texas Rangers right-hander Jon Gray (foot) will miss the rest of the 2024 season due to a neuroma in his foot. Gray was scheduled to start at Globe Life Field on Thursday against the division-rival Los Angeles Angels, but that assignment could now go to right-hander Jose Urena. The Rangers placed Gray on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday. The 32-year-old veteran will finish his third year in Texas with a disappointing 5-6 record, 4.47 ERA (3.71 FIP), a 1.31 WHIP, 86 strikeouts (his fewest since the shortened 2020 season) and 28 walks in 102 2/3 innings over 23 appearances (19 starts). Fantasy managers were expecting more out of Gray ever since he left hitter-friendly Coors Field. In his three years with the Rangers, he's posted a 4.16 ERA (4.05 FIP) with a 1.24 WHIP, 362 strikeouts and 121 walks in 387 1/3 innings. Injuries got in the way in 2024.

New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (hand) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the Texas Rangers. This doesn't come as a surprise after Wells was hit by a pitch in the hand during Monday's game. Luckily, Wells is only considered as day-to-day after the X-rays came back clean on Tuesday. Jose Trevino will handle behind the plate and bat seventh versus left-hander Andrew Heaney on Tuesday. Trevino has struggled with a .185 batting average with four home runs and 11 RBI against left-handed pitching this season. He won't be an ideal fantasy option for Tuesday's slate.

San Francisco Giants infielder Marco Luciano has been recalled from Triple-A ahead of Tuesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 22-year-old former top prospect has failed to live up to the hype at the big league level. He's slashing .262/.333/.400 with one RBI in 31 games between the last two seasons on the Giants roster. To be fair, Luciano has only be given a small sample size, so hopefully he'll get more playing time this time around. He'll bat eighth and cover second base versus right-hander Ryne Nelson on Tuesday. Fantasy managers in redraft formats can use a wait-and-see approach with Luciano.

San Francisco Giants outfielder Michael Conforto (undisclosed) has been scratched from the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The organization hasn't given a reason as to why Conforto was scratched, so fantasy managers will have to check back for an update. Jerar Encarnacion will take over at designated hitter and bat sixth versus right-hander Ryne Nelson on Tuesday. Through 20 games, Encarnacion is hitting .262 with two home runs and nine RBI this season. However, fantasy managers should be able to find a better streaming option ahead of Tuesday's game. UPDATE: Conforto was scratched due to side tightness but is expected to play on Wednesday.

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (calf) has been placed on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. This news comes after Gurriel injured his calf during Sunday's contest and as a result will miss at least the next 10 days. The D-Backs are calling it a strain, so it's unclear how long Gurriel is actually going to be sidelined. In a corresponding move, first baseman Christian Walker (oblique) has been activated off the injured list and will take over the open roster spot. Jorge Barrosa figures to see increased playing time with Gurriel sidelined. He has collected three hits in his first 12 at-bats with the D-Backs this season. He'll cover center field and bat ninth against left-hander Kyle Harrison on Tuesday.

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker (oblique) has been activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. The 33-year-old is back in the mix after going down in late July due to a left oblique strain. Before going down, Walker was in a slump at the plate, but he has put together a fairly strong 2024 campaign as a whole. He's hitting .254/.338/.476 with 23 home runs and 71 RBI in 107 games this season. Walker will bat cleanup and cover first base against left-hander Kyle Harrison on Tuesday. Fantasy managers who have Walker rostered can safely get him back in their lineups.

New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo is out of the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the Texas Rangers. The veteran slugger will get the night off for the first time since coming off the injured list. This isn't shocking as the Yankees don't want to push Rizzo too hard considering he's coming back from a major injury. DJ LeMahieu will cover first base and bat ninth versus left-hander Andrew Heaney. LeMahieu has been awful with the bat and is hitting only .157 against left-handed pitching, so fantasy managers can keep him out of their lineups on Tuesday.

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager is out of the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the New York Yankees. The left-handed slugger will get his second day off in the last five games. It doesn't appear that Seager is dealing with an injury, so it's uncertain why Seager is getting so many rest days. He has a .968 OPS across in his last 10 games so it's not due to poor performance. Jonathan Ornelas will take over shortstop and bat ninth versus left-hander Carlos Rodon on Tuesday. The 24-year-old only has three hits in his first 11 games. That being said, fantasy managers should be able to find a better streaming option ahead of Tuesday's game. UPDATE: Seager is getting "load management," but manager Bruce Bochy said he is probably not "100%"

Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm (hand) remains out of action on Tuesday for the contest against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in Canada. With Bohm still out, Edmundo Sosa will play third base and bat eighth against Blue Jays right-hander Chris Bassitt. It's a bit concerning that Bohm missed three games during the weekend series against the division-rival Atlanta Braves and still isn't ready to go after a scheduled off day on Monday. The 28-year-old remains day-to-day. Check back to see if he's good enough to return on Wednesday. Sosa represents a low-upside DFS sleeper on Tuesday that should be avoided. In his last eight games (three starts), he has gone just 2-for-15 with a homer, a double, two RBI, one walk and four strikeouts. Whenever Bohm returns for the Phils, fantasy managers will want to get him back into their lineups immediately. UPDATE: Bohm's sore left hand is progressing slower than expected, and he is unlikely to play this week in Toronto, but manager Rob Thomson said it's not an injured-list situation. It means the Phils likely expect Bohm to return during an upcoming four-game series in Miami against the Marlins this weekend.

Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever Hunter Harvey (back) has been progressing with his throwing program after a few days of no activity and threw a bullpen session on Sunday. The Royals had to see how he felt on Monday to determine his next steps. Harvey has been on the 15-day injured list since Aug. 7 after he felt something pull in his back during his normal pre-game routine earlier that week. He also suffered a setback in his rehab program on Aug. 20 when he received a cortisone injection because his back wasn't loosening up as much as he or the team would have liked. The 29-year-old could require another bullpen session but appears close to going on a minor-league rehab assignment. Once he's ready to return to the major-league bullpen, Harvey is expected to serve in a late-inning, high-leverage setup role for KC.

The Kansas City Royals want left-handed reliever William Smith (back) fresh for the last month of the 2024 regular season, so a rest on the injured could help his cause. Smith has been playing catch to keep his arm in shape. He had been dealing with back issues for a few weeks before the team placed him on the 15-day IL on Aug. 26. Smith had been trying to pitch through it, but it was impacting his performance on the mound, and his back spasms got worse after the appeared on back-to-back days against the Philadelphia Phillies on Aug. 24 and 25, when he surrendered seven runs in just two innings. In his previous five appearances, the 35-year-old southpaw allowed 14 runs in just 4 2/3 innings, so he has clearly been bothered by his back issues. If Smith is healthy down the stretch as the Royals try to secure one of the final wild-card spots in the American League, he'll operate as a key lefty setup man.