Jul 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Athletics pitcher Brady Basso against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The A’s got a win yesterday! Can they make it two in a row?
It’s Brady Basso getting the ball today. How long will the lefty last this afternoon? Something to monitor.
As for the Astros, they have Cristian Javier on the mound for them. The right-hander has looked so-so in his limited time this season. He’ll come into today’s contest with a 6.44 ERA.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 18: Shane Baz #34 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 18, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Probable pitchers: RHP Shane Baz (4-13, 4.02 ERA, 132 Ks) vs. RHP Nick Martinez (12-4, 3.05 ERA, 83 Ks)
Where to watch: MASN/MASN+
If the Orioles could play an entire season just against the Rays, they’d probably be the best team in baseball. After last night’s extra-inning win, the Orioles improved to 8-4 on the season against the AL East leaders and have won eight of their last nine vs. the Rays.
And yet, despite being the only team to beat the Rays 6+ times, the Orioles need another win today if they want to continue their push toward a playoff spot. With the O’s at 63-67, and six other AL teams clustered between 61 and 64 wins, every game is a near must-win for Baltimore the rest of the way.
After excellent pitching performances from Trevor Rogers and Brandon Young to begin the series, the Orioles turn to former Ray Shane Baz to finish off the sweep. Any time Baz takes the mound, the focus almost always shifts to his frustratingly small amount of run support. The 27-year-old is 53rd among 55 qualified starting pitchers with an average of 3.12 runs of run support per game. The lack of run support has only gotten worse of late, as the O’s are scoring 2.7 runs/game in Baz’s last 10 starts, dooming the team to a 1-9 record in those 10 games.
However, if the right-hander’s previous starts against his former team are anything to go on, Baltimore won’t need a ton of runs to beat the Rays today. Baz faced his former club for the first time as an Oriole back on May 20th in Tropicana Field, when he tossed 6 innings of 2-hit ball, allowing just 1 run and striking out six. Just six days later, Baz faced the Rays again in Baltimore and posted an equally impressive line of 7 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 2 BB and 9 Ks.
Opposing Baz is 36-year-old right-hander Nick Martinez. The 2026 All-Star leads the Rays’ rotation in bWAR (3.0) and IP (141.2), while ranking second in ERA. However, the first-year Ray is in the midst of his worst stretch of the season, having posted a 5.96 ERA and .303 BAA over his last four starts. He’s also averaging one home run allowed per game over his last 8 starts, which should bode well for the red-hot bat of Pete Alonso and the middle of the Orioles’ order.
Prior to joining the Rays, Martinez spent four years in the National League (after a four-year stint in Japan between 2018 and 2021). Today’s start will be his first time pitching in Camden Yards since 2015, when he faced an Orioles lineup led by Manny Machado, Adam Jones, Chris Davis and JJ Hardy. Martinez was the loser that day 11 years ago, and the current generation of O’s will look to hand him another L today.
BRONX, NY - JULY 04: Carlos Rodón #55 of the New York Yankees in the dugout during the game against the Minnesota Twins on July 4, 2026 at Yankee Stadium in the Borough of the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Yankees made it close yesterday, but as they say close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. Just three games behind the division-leading Rays, they don’t need to win every game, but they almost need to win nearly every series to chip away at that deficit. That means today’s rubber game with the Blue Jays is more important than your typical Sunday in August, and with starter Carlos Rodón likely still on a pitch limit, the team needs him to be as efficient as ever.
Rodón returned earlier this week, a four-inning effort that wasn’t a bad start in and of itself, but saw him get too deep into too many counts. Walks have been his problem all year, and getting into 2-2 or 3-2 counts multiple times an inning doesn’t just make those walks more likely, but when you’re limited to 65 or so pitches, you burn through that allowance quickly. He threw 66 against the Orioles on Tuesday, so we should expect about 75-80 from the southpaw today, and hopefully another inning and a bit than he managed in his return.
José Soriano goes for the Jays, one of the pieces that came to the club in their build-but-tactically Trade Deadline. He had 22 strong starts with the Angels, but his three with the Jays have been a little more of a mixed bag. The ERA is great, 2.76, but he’s given up some loud contact and critically has nearly halved his strikeout rate from when he was out west. Three games out of 25 isn’t that much to analyze, but if there are pitches in the zone, the Yankees need to go hunting.
The big news on the offensive side is Cody Bellinger is back! The former MVP bats cleanup and perhaps most exciting of all takes over left field from Heliot Ramos. The lineup looks just a little more professionalized today, and hopefully that bears out in just a little more production for a team thirsty for a spark.
How to Watch
First pitch: 1:35 pm ET
TV broadcast: YES, Sportsnet, TVA Sports
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY) | SN590 THE FAN (TOR)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 12: Jarred Kelenic #25 of the Texas Rangers looks on during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 12, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ryan Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Texas Rangers have recalled catcher Logan O’Hoppe from AAA Round Rock, the team announced today. To make room for him on the active roster, the Rangers have designated outfielder Jarred Kelenic for assignment. With this move, the Rangers now have 38 players on the active roster.
Earlier this month, the Rangers brought up Jonah Bride to replace Alejandro Osuna, purportedly because of a stretch of lefthanded pitchers they were set to be facing. Two days later, Bride was designated for assignment, and the Rangers purchased Kelenic’s contract for the second time this season.
Kelenic had gone 1 for 8 with a pair of walks and 5 Ks in his first stint in the bigs with the Rangers, but slashed .391/.456/.674 in 24 games for Round Rock after being sent down, so I guess they thought he deserved another look. Kelenic, this time around started two games, came off the bench in eight more, and had three singles and two walks in 14 plate appearances with 6 Ks.
He now hits the waiver wire, and Logan O’Hoppe, acquired from the Angels, along with Chase Silseth in exchange for Angel Arredondo last month, is up as a righthanded bat the Rangers hope can give their offense a boost. O’Hoppe slashed .209/.271/.295 in 75 games for the Angels before being traded, and slashed .213/.258/.371 in 119 games the year before. He has put up a .292/.386/.556 slash line in 18 games for Round Rock since the Rangers acquired him, however.
This feels a bit like grasping at straws, in terms of trying to improve a Rangers offense that has been sucking wind of late. But hey, maybe O’Hoppe can provide some insights in regards to how best to face his former teammates today.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 22: Nasim Nuñez #26 of the Washington Nationals throws to first base in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on August 22, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by JC Ruiz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This Nationals team is in complete free fall. There is no other way to put it. However, they need to start picking up some wins or else the beginning of the season will be completely forgotten. Today, they will look to avoid yet another divisional sweep in Miami.
The Nats lineup is honestly a shame to look at given how ferocious it was for most of this season. Daylen Lile is still the leadoff man. Despite a righty on the mound, Dylan Crews is still hitting third. Andres Chaparro and Keibert Ruiz are back in the lineup as Blake Butera desperately looks for a spark. Despite not being on the IL, CJ Abrams is not back yet. Jackson Kent will look to improve on his first two big league starts.
With a lefty on the mound, the Marlins only have one true lefty in the lineup. That is Griffin Conine. Deyvison De Los Santos gets the start at first base, his first since being recalled. Starting catcher Joe Mack gets a day off, with Brian Navarreto in his place. Esteury Ruiz moves to center field, replacing Jakob Marsee. Janson Junk gets the ball for Miami.
The season is lost, but the Nats need to pick it up if they want to retain any momentum heading into 2027. A divisional win would be a really nice boost for this battered and bruised group. Follow along in the comments below and let’s go Nats!
Looking to back the Chicago Cubs at a cheap price? Look no further, as I have you covered with my Cubs vs. Mariners predictions and MLB picks for Sunday, Aug. 23.
After a 5-4 Mariners win on Saturday, the Cubs will be out for blood this afternoon.
Who will win Cubs vs Mariners today: Cubs moneyline (-116)
Talk about a discount on the Chicago Cubs to secure a win this afternoon against a right-hander who sports an 8.04 ERA and 1.60 WHIP while allowing an 11.5% barrel rate over his last three outings.
On top of that, they draw a lineup that owns a 25% strikeout rate, .676 OPS, 4.3% barrel rate, and 98 wRC+ over its last six games.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners draw Shota Imanaga, who has been shoving over his last five starts, maintaining a 3.18 ERA and 0.99 WHIP while limiting opponents to a 31% hard-hit rate. Chicago's bats, on the other hand, have been on fire over their last six games, posting a 119 wRC+, .348 wOBA, and .799 OPS.
With how bad Bryce Miller and the Mariners' bats have been, getting the Cubs at $1.16 is a steal.
COVERS INTEL: Alex Bregman sports a .333 BA, .704 SLG, 1.104 OPS, and .371 ISO over his last 30 plate appearances against right-handed pitchers.
Cubs vs Mariners Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (-103)
Despite Imanaga pitching at a very high level across his last five starts, there are some concerning underlying metrics. Over his last three starts, opposing hitters have generated nearly a 17% barrel rate against the Cubs southpaw. On top of that, Miller has allowed over an 11.5% barrel rate to opposing hitters. Both pitchers could be in for a rough start.
On top of that, even though the Mariners’ bats have been ice cold, they have been drawing a ton of walks, which could help get ducks on the pond and drive in some runs.
The Cubs will expectedly be the main contributors to taking this thing over, but expect the Mariners to help out a bit, too, with Imanaga’s recent flaws.
Cubs vs Mariners home run prediction: Pete Crow-Armstrong (+325)
Only Alex Bregman and Seiya Suzuki have been hitting the ball better than Cubs superstar Pete Crow-Armstrong over their last 10 games, but PCA has the far better overall matchup against Miller.
The 28-year-old pitcher has been struggling against left-handed hitters lately, owning a 9.95 ERA against his last 60 faced. During that stretch, those lefties against Miller own a .318 xBA, .494 xSLG, and .309 ISO.
The Cubs center fielder enters Sunday as the highest-rated Cub in this matchup, where he covers almost 100% of Miller's pitches. Over his last 10 games, Crow-Armstrong has maintained a .628 SLG, .419 ISO, and 19.4% ground-ball rate while producing a near 10% barrel rate.
He's easily the most likable guy to go yard this evening. Take this down to +300.
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
2026 Season: 426-831, -9.7 units
Home Run Bets: 108-373, +18.4 units
Cubs vs Mariners weather
This game will be played in a dome.
Cubs vs Mariners odds
Moneyline: Cubs -116 | Mariners +105
Run line: Cubs -1.5 (+152) | Mariners +1.5 (-168)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-103) | Under 7.5 (-112)
Cubs vs Mariners trend
The Cubs have covered the run line in 28 of their last 45 games for +16.35 units and a 31% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Mariners.
How to watch Cubs vs Mariners and game info
Location
T-Mobile Park, Seattle, WA
Date
Sunday, August 23, 2026
First pitch
4:10 p.m. ET
TV
MARQ, Mariners.TV
Cubs starting pitcher
Shota Imanaga (8-9, 3.77 ERA)
Mariners starting pitcher
Bryce Miller (4-7, 3.71 ERA)
Cubs vs Mariners latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided a plethora of updates prior to Sunday's series finale against the Blue Jays...
On Judge's progress
Aaron Judge continues to make progress on his road to recovery from a stress fracture in his right first rib .
Judge was able to hit off the tee for a few days before taking yesterday off, but he is expected to resume hitting again before the Sunday matinee in the Bronx.
He has also been running, doing strength stuff, and is responding well.
Though there's still no timeline, the Yanks remain confident he'll be back at some point this season.
"The biggest thing for him now is building up the body to get back into playing shape," Boone said. "It's more getting the body fully back up to speed more than anything now."
This week marked Judge's first time swinging a bat since May 31.
Bellinger's back, now what with Jones?
Though Judge remains out, the Yankees' lineup is set to receive a nice boost on Sunday, as Cody Bellinger makes his highly-anticipated return from the IL.
Bellinger missed just under a month with a hamstring injury, but was deemed ready to return after getting in a pair of minor league rehab games this week.
"Excited obviously," Boone said. "He had a pretty good rehab process where things went smoothly, we feel like he's been tested properly, got a couple of days worth of at-bats down there so we feel like he's ready to go.
"A guy who helps us tremendously on both sides of the ball, so to get one of our core guys back is big."
With Bellinger back in the mix, though, it could mean less consistent playing time for the young Spencer Jones.
Jones has truly settled in during his most recent stint in the majors, but Boone said that there's a "good chance" he'll serve in more of a platoon with deadline pickup Heliot Ramos in right field for the time-being.
"Just trying to do what's best for us everyday," the skipper explained. "How exactly that unfolds, we'll see."
Aug 8, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Spencer Jones (78) reacts after hitting a RBI single against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. / John Jones-Imagn Images
Boone feels that Jones is still a work in progress against left-handed pitching, but while there's still room to grow, he's held his own during this string of success over the past 25 games.
"He's made some real adjustments to the league," Boone said. "I feel like he has a good understanding of his strengths and weaknesses, has a good understanding of the opposing pitchers strengths and weaknesses, and for a young player has done a good job of making the adjustments to help him get better."
Next steps for Schmidt, good signs from E-Rod
Clark Schmidt continues to make decent progress on his road back to the Yanks, as well.
Boone said that the right-hander will throw a live bullpen session early next week, and if all goes well, he could head out to begin a rehab assignment from there.
Though Schmidt could make sene as a potential rotation fill-in with Ryan Weathers hitting the IL, he likely won't be stretched out enough to make an impact there.
The Yanks have planned on utilizing him as a reliever down the stretch.
23-year-old top prospect Elmer Rodriguez could also be a potential option, and Boone says the Yanks like what they've seen from him over his past few outings in Triple-A.
"He's been doing a good job," he emphasized. "He's even pitching deep into some games down there, him and Brandon Beck as well, have earned the opportunity to certainly be in the conversation and hopefully if they get an opportunity here they can be a part of us winning games."
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 22: Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres is congratulated by Luis Rengifo #21 after Merrill hit a home run against the Minnesota Twins during the second inning at Petco Park on August 22, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Diego Padres had no business winning Saturday night’s game against the Minnesota Twins. Starter Casey Mize exited in the third inning after twisting his ankle on the dugout steps. Before departing he had already surrendered four runs, three of them coming via the long ball. Minnesota starter Dean Kremer limited the Padres to just two runs and dominated through five innings.
But then, it happened. The Friars flipped the script in the seventh inning, scoring four runs against reliever Andrew Morris. It was a resurgent night for the San Diego offense in many ways. Jackson Merrill, after struggling immensely in his last few games, knocked in the first Padres run with a second-inning homer. He ended the night 2-for-3 with a walk. It was an all-around effort from the club that will allow San Diego to go for the sweep in today’s finale.
Taking the mound
Bailey Ober (MIN) v. Walker Buehler (SD)
Ober has looked a bit worse for wear this season. The righty sports a 4.62 ERA through 103 1/3 innings pitched. Beyond that, the strikeout numbers are down. Ober has struck out just 71 batters in that time, alongside an abnormally high 1.25 WHIP. The lower strikeout numbers and increased traffic on the bases hasn’t been a good combination.
The Twins’ right-hander has been pretty consistent in his mediocrity throughout the year. Ober owns an ERA over 4.00 in his last seven, 15 and 30 games. His last start was decent, with the righty pitching 4 1/3 innings of two-run ball. That said, if San Diego is hitting like they have been, it’ll be hard for Ober to keep them down long.
On the other side of the mound, Buehler has surged back from his troubling July, again becoming one of the most reliable arms in the San Diego rotation. He’s given up two runs or less in five of his last six starts. In the start he gave up more than two runs he surrendered just three.
The problem has been his innings. Buehler has only worked six innings twice in that same stretch of time. Across those six appearances, the righty has thrown 31 1/3 innings. That comes out to an average of 5 1/3 innings in each appearance. That’s not nothing, but it’s certainly not what the Friars are hoping for. If he can work deep against the Twins, it would be a massive sigh of relief for the Padres’ bullpen.
Batter up!
The offense was potent on Saturday night, tagging Minnesota’s pitching staff for seven runs in the eventual victory. All but one came in the sixth inning or later. Kremer was able to silence the Friars for some time, but the Padres were able to get to the Minnesota ‘pen rather easily. Hopefully they’ll be able to put together a similar performance tonight.
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Luis Rengifo, LF
Manny Machado, 3B
Ty France, 1B
Jackson Merrill, CF
Luis Campusano, C
Gavin Sheets, DH
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Jake Cronenworth, 2B
Of the 10 Padres batters that stepped up to the plate Saturday night, eight reached base at least once. The lineup combined to go 10-for-35 with three walks in a beautiful display of what this club is capable of. If they keep this up into October, the Friars will have no problem getting exactly where they want to go.
Relief corps
With Mize’s early (and unfortunate) exit, the bullpen was deployed rather unorthodoxly. Kyle Hart and Griffin Canning covered 4 1/3 innings, getting the Padres into the seventh. Once they took the lead, Adrian Morejon and Mason Miller quickly slammed the door on the Twins.
That will somewhat deplete the ‘pen for the series finale. Jeremiah Estrada, Yuki Matsui, Wandy Peralta and Bradgley Rodriguez will all be available once Buehler departs. That said, San Diego will hope for the starter to work a little deeper in order to save the relief corps for the upcoming series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 17: Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez #61 reacts during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Miami Marlins on August 17th 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Phillies will try to finish off a sweep of the Cardinals – and win their ninth game in a row – as the series against St. Louis concludes on Sunday afternoon.
Cristopher Sanchez gets the start for the Phillies. With 16 wins on the season, the lefty hopes for another good outing in his quest to become the first 20-game winner in baseball since 2023.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 18: Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers before the game against the Miami Marlins has news come out that he is out for season with an injury requiring surgery at American Family Field on July 18, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In a surprise twist on Saturday afternoon, Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff, who was previously thought to be lost for the next year-plus to a second shoulder surgery, announced that he is no longer undergoing surgery. His follow-up appointment with his doctors showed unexpected healing, and as a result, he will soon start a throwing program.
Just a few weeks ago, many were wondering if Woodruff’s career was going to be officially over. A re-injury to his shoulder capsule appeared devastating and the road to a second recovery was going to be far more challenging than the first.
It certainly would have been a horrible way for Woodruff’s career to end, and from the competitive aspect, it’s understandable why Woodruff wanted to continue pushing through. Even with diminished velocity, Woodruff was incredibly effective out on the mound, even when his shoulder started barking at him again.
So the news that Woodruff’s injury was not as bad as initially thought and that surgery would not be necessary was incredibly welcome news in the Brewers clubhouse.
“I’ve been hearing about this for a couple weeks, and I was like ‘it could happen’, you know. But now we also have to think of the reality of it, okay? Now he hasn’t picked up the ball. Now it’s the progression back. How quickly? How much risk is there in that?” Pat Murphy said pregame on Saturday.
With Woodruff’s injury history, there certainly is a lot of risk with that. Original projected timelines have a way of getting extended and there is barely more than a month left in the regular season.
The plan for Woodruff is a 5-week throwing progression that is beginning on Wednesday. He hasn’t thrown a baseball since the initial diagnosis, so he’s been shut down for several weeks already and it will take some time to build it back up through his progression. But already 5 weeks puts the timeline into early October, when the postseason will have already began.
How long the Brewers make it in the postseason is obviously yet to be determined and completely out of Woodruff’s control. But if they do make an extended run, with a 5 week throwing progression, it’s not completely out of the realm of possibility that Woodruff could conceivably come back for the later rounds, such as an NLCS or a World Series.
“I think there’s a low possibility, you know, but I think there’s a possibility, and why not go with it?” Murphy said.
It’s a very low possibility, and it’s important to temper expectations here. Woodruff would need everything to go smoothly and perfectly with his recovery and throwing progression. Throughout his last few years of shoulder issues, a smooth recovery and progression has not really happened.
But, again, if he were to make this miraculous recovery and return for the postseason, he certainly would not have enough time to build up to be a starter again this year. Woodruff would likely be stretched only to one inning, maybe two at most.
When you get to the NLCS or the World Series, however, would it be wise for the Brewers to use one of their roster spots on a surprise return there from Brandon Woodruff, or would that spot be better served with someone like DL Hall out of the bullpen?
That’s a question for further down the line that Brandon Woodruff is going to have to force the Brewers to answer by having a smooth progression from here on out. The margin for error is razor thin. It’s certainly great news for Woodruff’s potential to pitch in 2027 and continue his career. Avoiding surgery is huge for continuing his career.
Will it be enough to salvage a 2026 return? The odds are stacked against him, but as Woodruff has done throughout his entire career, he’ll give it everything he has.
PRODUCTION - 31 March 2026, Saxony-Anhalt, Schierke: Icicles form on the cloud house on the Brocken. Snow and ice have a firm grip on the Brocken area above 900 meters. Photo: Matthias Bein/dpa (Photo by Matthias Bein/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Hickory starter Jacob Johnson allowed one run in three innings, walking three and striking out four. Michael Trausch allowed a run in two innings, striking out two and walking one. Louis Marinaro walked two and struck out two in 1.2 shutout innings.
Paulino Santana was 2 for 4 with a stolen base. Jay McQueen had a hit. Dewar Tovar was 2 for 4 with a homer. Josh Springer was 3 for 4.
For Hub City, Andrew Susac threw 1.2 shutout innings, walking three, hitting a batter, throwing two wild pitches, and striking out two. J’Briell Easley struck out one and walked one in a scoreless inning.
Casey Cook was 2 for 3 with a triple. Paxton Kling doubled. Evan Morrison doubled. Gleider Figuereo was 2 for 5 with a double. Maxton Martin had a pair of hits.
Frisco starter Aidan Curry was pulled after 35 pitches in the first inning, recording just two outs, walking three and allowing three runs. Bryan Magdaleno struck out five in 2.1 IP, allowing a three run homer. Josh Trentadue struck out four in three shutout innings.
Malcolm Moore doubled. and homered. Dylan Dreiling had a hit and a stolen base. Arturo Disla was 3 for 5. Yeison Morrobel had a hit.
For Round Rock, Gavin Collyer allowed two runs in 1.2 IP, walking one and striking out two. Michel Otanez struck out one in 1.1 scoreless innings.
Alejandro Osuna and Logan O’Hoppe were both lifted mid-game for pinch hitters. John Taylor was 2 for 4 with a double, a walk and a stolen base. Cam Cauley had a pair of doubles, a walk and a stolen base. Aaron Zavala was 2 for 5 with a double and a stolen base.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 21: Reynaldo Lopez #40 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park on July 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Right-handed pitcher Reynaldo López will begin his rehabilitation assignment with the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, the Atlanta Braves announced earlier this morning. López, 32, was placed on the 15-day IL on August 2 – backdated to July 30 – with inflammation in his left knee.
López miss almost all of 2025 after a sterling first season with the Braves in 2024. After beginning 2026 in the starting rotation, he shifted to the bullpen, before returning to the rotation. On the season, he’s appeared in 24 games – making 11 starts – striking out 66 in 71.2 innings pitched.
The active roster expands from 26 players to 28 players on September 1, so it is plausible López could be added after that date. He would provide another option for the rotation or bullpen given his ability to cover multiple innings.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 04: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Ryan Weathers #40 of the New York Yankees in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Yankee Stadium on August 04, 2026 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Cardinals 2-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees made a flurry of roster moves ahead of Sunday afternoon’s series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays, activating Cody Bellinger from the injured list, sending Ryan Weathers to the IL with a left forearm flexor strain, and recalling pitcher Brendan Beck from Triple-A Scranton.
The return of Bellinger, who has been out since July 25th with a left hamstring strain, was anticipated for several days. The left fielder had begun a rehab assignment with the RailRiders on Thursday, and after one game as the designated hitter and one in the outfield, declared himself “ready to go” yesterday afternoon. In anticipation of the move, the Yankees sent Max Schuemann, himself recently recalled when Ryan McMahon went on the shelf with a left thumb sprain the other day, back to the minors last night.
Weathers going on the IL does not come as a surprise, either, as he left yesterday’s game in the fourth inning with left elbow discomfort. While speaking to reporters yesterday, Weathers expressed hope that he would be able to return this season, but the official diagnosis suggests that he faces an uphill battle: back in 2020, Dr. Christopher Ahmad published research indicating that pitchers missed an average of 117 days for a forearm strain — and that’s assuming the absence of an underlying UCL tear that will require Tommy John surgery. It’s not officially a season-ending injury, but at this point, the odds are against him.
As manager Aaron Boone hinted, Weathers’ only hope is that it’s a minor elbow barking and that he can at least return in a bullpen role.
Ryan Weathers will not throw for 2-4 weeks. Aaron Boone said “there’s a great chance” that Weathers will return this year “in some capacity,” which suggests a bullpen role.
To replace Weathers on the roster, the Yankees recalled Brendan Beck from Scranton.
The 27-year-old rookie has made two appearances for the big league club this season, one on May 7th, the other on July 4th. Neither went particularly well, as he has allowed seven runs on seven hits in 6.2 innings, walking five and striking out four. At this point, the Yankees have yet to announce their starters for the Astros series, it’s unclear exactly how the team will handle the rotation going forward. In theory, the team may be able to skip Weathers’ spot in the rotation thanks to tomorrow’s off day, using Beck as an extra long man in the bullpen until Max Fried returns to the rotation next weekend (assuming, of course, that Fried misses the minimum 15 days). They also can just roll with a bullpen game in that spot, employing Beck as the bulk pitcher. Elmer Rodríguez could see a return as well.
Prior to today’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves: •Returned INF/OF Cody Bellinger (#35) from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 10-day injured list. •Recalled RHP Brendan Beck (#89) from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. •Placed LHP Ryan Weathers…
Stop worrying about going to work tomorrow! We have home run props to cash! Here are my three favorite home run props and MLB picks for tonight’s MLB slate, with Yordan Alvarez and Shohei Ohtani leading the way.
Best MLB home run props today
Player to hit a HR
Odds
Yordan Alvarez
+344
Shohei Ohtani
+238
Jo Adell
+307
💲Today's HR parlay
+18780
Home run pick: Yordan Alvarez (+344)
Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has been generating far too many hard-hit balls over his last few games, with four balls hit over 100 MPH since August 18. Over his last 10 games, he's maintained a .467 SLG and .200 ISO while owning a 24% ground-ball rate and 52% hard-hit rate.
Alvarez enters with one of the highest matchup ratings on the day over at Batters-Box, where he covers every single pitch in Athletics right-hander Jack Perkins' pitch mix. On top of that, the big fella is leaving the yard over 33% of the time across 24 elite ratings at home this season.
Over the last 30 left-handed hitters Perkins has faced, he owns a sub-8.00 ERA while allowing 3.18 HR/9, a 57% hard-hit rate, 19% barrel rate, and 33% ground-ball rate. Those left-handed hitters own a .443 xBA, .855 xSLG, and .402 ISO during that span.
Snagging Alvarez at nearly +350 to leave the yard today feels like a gift. Take this down to +300.
Time: 2:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SCHN, NBCS-California
Home run pick: Shohei Ohtani (+238)
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani draws Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski, who's been struggling a ton against left-handed hitters this season. Especially across the last 30 he's faced, he owns a 14.40 ERA, 10.50 xERA, and 5.70 xFIP while allowing a 50% hard hit rate. Left-handed hitters during that stretch have posted a .475 xBA, .648 xSLG and .488 xwOBA.
Ohtani has been hitting the cover off the ball as of late, but he has not left the yard since the 18th. Since then, he has crushed four balls above 104.3 MPH. Over his last 10 games, he's maintained a .667 SLG and .385 ISO while posting a nearly 60% hard-hit rate and 18.5% barrel rate.
The megastar also enters with an elite rating on Batters-Box, where he's left the yard 25% of the time he has been rated elite this season (25 games).
The price will never be overly attractive for Ohtani, but with how poorly Mlodzinski has been pitching, +238 is worth backing. Take this down to +220, or find a boost.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SportsNet Los Angeles, SportsNet Pittsburgh
Home run pick: Jo Adell (+307)
A man who isn’t elite in any dataset on Batters-Box, or even has a strong rating, but continuously came up during the morning research is the Cleveland Guardians' newest slugger Jo Adell, who did leave the yard yesterday and is easily the strongest look to do so this afternoon.
The big fella is the only bat in this lineup with a hard-hit rate over 60% and a barrel rate over 20% over his last 10 games. Adell also owns a .400 ISO and 40% HR/FB rate during that stretch.
I already wrote about how Colorado Rockies seasoned sophomore starter Tomoyuki Sugano is in a rough spot tonight with all the left-handed hitters in the Guardians lineup, but he has still had issues with right-handed bats this season.
Over the last 30 right-handed hitters he has faced, the right-hander owns a 6.42 xERA while allowing a 56.5% hard-hit rate and 43.5% line-drive rate. Those right-handed bats own a .457 xBA, .703 xSLG, and .402 xwOBA during that span.
With Sugano allowing over 43% hard contact this season and Adell producing almost 42% on the season, this could be a great spot to back the big fella to go back-to-back days with a nuke. Take this down to +290 at the most, but try to get around the number above. Getting +300 for a home run at Coors Field is huge!
Time: 3:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: COLR, CLEG
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 108-373, +18.4 units
Today’s HR combo
Yordan Alvarez
Trade Now +18780
Shohei Ohtani
Jo Adell
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The Yankees have received some good and bad news on Ryan Weathers.
The team officially placed the left-hander on the 15-day IL with a left forearm flexor strain.
Aaron Boone said that he'll now go through a 2-to-4 week no-throwing period, but the early prognosis is that he should be able to play a role for the Yanks down the stretch.
"Big picture, obviously some really good news," the skipper explained. "We'll try and get this thing calmed down here, and hopefully we'll be able to get him back in some capacity before the end."
Boone wouldn't commit to Weathers returning as a starter, but feels he'll be able to help in some way.
While the training staff is still drawing up an exact recovery schedule, the lefty said himself that he missed around a month with a similar strain while with the Marlins, and this one has been deemed less severe.
The injury occurred when he broke off an 0-1 sweeper to Toronto's Myles Straw on Saturday, and forcing him to leave his outing mid at-bat during the top of the fourth inning.
Though Weathers is eventually expected to return, this is another big blow to the injury-ravaged Yanks.
The 26-year-old has had a bit of an up-and-down first season in pinstripes, but he's been extremely steady of late, entering play on Saturday with a 1.94 ERA over his last seven starts.
While he's working his way back, the Yanks will likely keep Will Warren in the rotation, even when Max Fried (elbow) is ready to return from an IL-stint of his own.
COVERS INTEL: Alex Bregman sports a .333 BA, .704 SLG, 1.104 OPS, and .371 ISO over his last 30 plate appearances against right-handed pitchers. 
Yordan Alvarez
Shohei Ohtani 
Jo Adell