MLB Player News

Ohtani’s homer off Tanner Bibee was 116.7 mph off the bat, matching his third-highest EV on a homer this year, and was projected at 450 feet. It was his 30th solo shot. That’s easier to understand now that he’s hitting leadoff, but those voting for NL MVP should note that Ohtani is slugging .665 with the bases empty, .544 with men on and .342 with runners in scoring position.

Gray spent a couple seasons in Tampa Bay’s minor-league system earlier in his career so it’s unsurprising that they would bring him back as emergency infield depth while Ha-Seong Kim is on the shelf with a back injury. The 29-year-old infielder will likely head to Triple-A Durham for now.

Mejia is the hottest pitching prospect in baseball at the moment and checked in as Rotoworld’s 110th-ranked prospect in our recent midseason dynasty rankings update. The flame-throwing is several hyperspace jumps from the majors, but he’s flashed potential top-of-the-rotation stuff as an 18-year-old prodigy in the rookie-level Florida Complex League this season, recording a sparkling 2.45 ERA and 53/25 K/BB ratio across 40 1/3 innings (11 starts). He’ll continue rocketing up dynasty rankings list, especially if he closes out the season with a couple strong outings as one of the youngest pitchers in the Low-A Carolina League.

Nola is targeting roughly 60 pitches in his first rehab outing. The 32-year-old righty has been out since mid-May recovering from ankle and rib issues. He’ll likely need at least one additional tune-up outing to increase his pitch count and stamina before making it back to Philadelphia at some point around mid August.

Kent gets the call to fortify Cleveland’s relief mix during Saturday’s twin bill at Kauffman Stadium. The 27-year-old rookie right-hander has been hit hard in four relief outings at the major-league level this season.

Bowlan will stick around for Saturday’s twin bill as auxiliary relief depth for Kansas City after being optioned to Triple-A Omaha prior to Friday’s rainout. The 28-year-old righty has posted a serviceable 4.64 ERA over 21 1/3 innings (16 appearances) this season in the big leagues.

Arias was activated from the injured list ahead of Friday’s contest, which was ultimately postponed due to rain. The 25-year-old is back at shortstop and batting sixth on Saturday afternoon following a three-week absence recovering from a sprained left ankle.

It’s a rare day off for Castellanos, who has gotten into pretty much every game this season for Philadelphia, after jamming his left knee during Friday’s game. Phillies manager Rob Thomson downplayed concern to reporters, but fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status for Sunday’s series finale. He’s hitting .270/.311/.434 with 13 round-trippers, 56 RBI and four steals in 102 contests this year. The 33-year-old veteran corner outfielder takes a seat to open Saturday’s matinee at Yankee Stadium with Max Kepler patrolling right field.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Judge underwent imaging to determine the severity of the issue that has seemingly affected his throws from right field in recent games. The 33-year-old franchise cornerstone, who’s appeared in all 103 games this season, is slashing a dominant .342/.449/.711 with 37 homers, 85 RBI and six steals. He’ll get a break Saturday against Phillies lefty Ranger Suárez, with Cody Bellinger in right field and Giancarlo Stanton at DH. We’ll provide additional updates on the situation as it develops this weekend.

The McMahon era officially begins in the Bronx on Saturday with an interleague clash against the Phillies. The 30-year-old has been a fringe mixed-league option this season, slashing .217/.314/.403 with 16 homers and two steals over 100 games for Colorado. The transition to Yankee Stadium should boost his power output thanks to the short porch in right, but his fantasy appeal still skews toward deeper formats.

De los Santos rejoins New York’s relief corps prior to Saturday afternoon’s showdown against the Phillies. The 27-year-old reliever compiled a strong 1.80 ERA across 20 innings (14 appearances) before hitting the injured list back on June 19 with right elbow discomfort. He’ll operate in middle relief and can be safely ignored for fantasy purposes.