MLB Player News

Robert Murray of FanSided was the first to report that the two sides were close to an agreement. No word yet on the financials, but the deal is expected to include an option for the 2025 season. The 37-year-old backstop’s value lies almost entirely in his defense, game calling and the way that he manages a pitching staff — as he slashed a woeful .191/.258/.348 slash line with 15 long balls and 36 RBI across 407 plate appearances with the Astros in 2023. He’ll share the load behind the dish with the newly-acquired Max Stassi.

What remains unclear is whether or not Harper — who is currently stationed on the injured list with a left hamstring strain, will be able to participate in the Mid-Summer Classic. Here’s who will join him in the starting lineup for the National League All-Stars (with their number of times making the All-Star team and starting in the game in parentheses): C: William Contreras (2 - 1x starter), 1B: Bryce Harper (8 - 7x starter), 2B: Ketel Marte (2 - 2x starter), SS: Trea Turner (3 - 2x starter), 3B: Alec Bohm (1 - 1x starter), DH: Shohei Ohtani (4 - 4x starter), OF: Christian Yelich (3 - 2x starter), Jurickson Profar (1 - 1x starter) and Fernando Tatis Jr. (2 - 2x starter).

It’s the fourth straight year that Judge will represent the American League in the Mid-Summer Classic. Here’s who will join him in the starting lineup for the American League All-Stars (with their number of times making the All-Star team and starting in the game in parentheses): 1B: Vladimir Guerrero (4 - 3x starter), 2B: Jose Altuve (9, 6x starter), SS: Gunnar Henderson (1 - 1x starter), 3B; Jose Ramirez (6 - 3x starter), C: Adley Rutschman (2 - 1x starter), OF: Aaron Judge (6 - 6x starter), Juan Soto (4 - 1x starter), Steven Kwan (1- 1x starter) and DH: Yordan Alvarez (3 - 1x starter).

If all goes well with those two outings, it sounds like the 29-year-old right-hander could be ready to join the Rockies’ rotation immediately following the All-Star break. Marquez — who is recovering from Tommy John surgery — has posted a 9.58 ERA, 2.03 WHIP and a 14/4 K/BB ratio over 10 1/3 innings through his first five rehab outings.

As manager Bruce Bochy had alluded to earlier in the day, Seager checked out good and was a late addition to the Rangers’ lineup. Jonathan Ornelas — who had been scheduled to start at third base — was scratched from the lineup with Josh Smith shifting back from shortstop to third base.

The 39-year-old slugger will be away from the team for at least a couple of days as he welcomes a new addition to his family. Steward Berroa was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to take his place on the Jays’ active roster.

With Justin Turner set to miss a few games while on paternity leave, Berroa will add depth to the Blue Jays’ bench. The 25-year-old has had a solid season at Triple-A Buffalo, slashing .296/.387/.456 with eight homers, 37 RBI and 30 stolen bases (in 38 attempts) in 239 plate appearances. He’s unlikely to see enough action to be relevant from a fantasy perspective.

The 27-year-old right-hander has pitched well in two appearances with the Rays this season, posting a 2.25 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and a 4/1 K/BB ratio over his four innings of work. He’ll give manager Kevin Cash another option to deploy in the middle innings.

Mountcastle sat out each of the team’s previous games due to illness, but he’s now feeling much better and is right back in there as the Orioles’ designated hitter and cleanup hitter. On the season, he’s hitting .273/.317/.460 with 11 homers and 40 RBI in 325 plate appearances over 78 games.

Garver was pulled from Sunday’s game with a right wrist contusion after being hit by a pitch and then sat out Tuesday’s contest as well. There’s no indication that he’s dealing with any structural damage or that he’ll require a trip to the injured list, so it sounds like the M’s will continue to take things day-to-day.

The 23-year-old right-hander will take the place of the injured Casey Mize (hamstring) in the team’s rotation. He’ll start on Wednesday night against the Twins. Montero has already made two appearances with the Tigers this season, registering a 9.35 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and an 11/4 K/BB ratio over 8 2/3 innings. He shouldn’t be considered as a streaming option on Wednesday night against the high-powered Twins’ offense.