MLB Player News

Maldonado remains one of the better defensive catchers in baseball, despite his advanced age, but that doesn’t really matter for fantasy purposes where he’s been a complete non-factor for years. The 37-year-old backstop figures to have some appeal for a contender as a backup option given his defensive prowess, but he’s not going to have any sort of impact for fantasy managers, regardless of where he winds up next. According to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times, it’ll be Chuckie Robinson coming up from Triple-A Charlotte to take his roster spot following the All-Star break.

McCaffrey mentioned that “Casas had started taking soft toss and could progress within the next week to hitting in the cage with no setbacks.” If Casas were able to continue with that progression without experiencing any pain, “that could mean a rehab assignment by the end of July.” At this rate, fantasy managers could get six or more weeks of production from Casas before the end of the season.

McCaffrey highlights that “Eovaldi wanted to return to Boston before he signed with Texas last year,” so he would likely be open to returning to the Red Sox. Boston is in the market for one starting pitcher to round out their rotation, so this is a story to monitor in the coming weeks.

Nick Pivetta will start on Friday, Brayan Bello will start on Saturday and then Kutter Crawford will start on Sunday. Each can perform well against the Dodgers without a fully healthy lineup, but there is significant risk, especially with Bello.

Tucker’s injury is still being referred to as a “right shin contusion” or a “bone bruise” but Tucker admits that he “can’t do everything normally right now.” If Tucker doesn’t begin a minor-league rehab assignment within the next week, it would make it unlikely that he can return before August. The other factor to keep in mind is that, if the pain persists, Tucker might have to manage the injury when he returns which could limit how much he runs or even his comfort in the batter’s box.

Boyd signed a minor league contract with the Guardians back in late June as he entered the final stages of his rehabilitation from last year’s Tommy John surgery. The 33-year-old southpaw figures to be an option for Cleveland as a versatile multi-inning relief weapon at some point in August.

Ruiz has been out since late May recovering from a left wrist strain. The 25-year-old speedster has underwhelmed this season to an alarming degree on the heels of last year’s 67-steal rookie season. There isn’t much of a roadblock to at-bats at the highest level, but the Athletics have been hesitant to give him an extended opportunity this season, even when he’s been healthy.

Caratini kicked off a minor league rehab assignment earlier this week down in Florida and figures to be ready to return to Houston’s backup catcher role after the All-Star break. The 30-year-old backstop has been out since late June recovering from a left hip flexor strain.

Toro has been out since late June recovering from a right hamstring strain and figures to be ready to return to Oakland’s infield rotation right after the All-Star break, barring any setbacks.

Graterol has made a pair of rehab appearances over the last week as he begins to ramp up towards a late-season return to the Dodgers’ bullpen mix. The hard-throwing 25-year-old reliever has been on the shelf since spring training due to right shoulder inflammation.

Stratton has emerged as a reliable workhorse this season for the Pirates, making 29 relief appearances prior to hitting the injured list back in mid-June with a right triceps strain. The 27-year-old righty should be ready to rejoin Pittsburgh’s bullpen shortly after the All-Star break.