Here’s the Guardians lineup:
Here’s the Reds lineup:
Let’s go, Guardians!
GUARDIANS AT REDS: Cincinnati Pen vs Williams, discussion
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Heriberto Hernández, Andrew Vaughn and Michael Petersen
FANTASY BASEBALL WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS
Heriberto Hernández (OF Marlins): Rostered in 11 percent of Yahoo leagues
Although he did a nice job in 87 games as a 25-year-old rookie in 2025, expectations weren't high for Hernández coming into 2026. The Marlins planned to play him mostly against lefties and then wound up sending him down at the end of April after he opened the year 10-for-63 with no homers. As it turned out, it was only the briefest of stints in Triple-A. Hernández returned on May 7 and has since hit .275/.325/.588 with 13 homers in 55 games. He's been an everyday player the last three weeks with Owen Caissie hurt.
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Hernández's exit velocity numbers have been pretty impressive all along; he currently boasts a 93rd percentile hard-hit rate and an 86th percentile barrel rate. He does swing and miss plenty, and his production has tailed off some of late during the Marlins' 12-game losing streak, which ended Monday, but the total package still looks pretty good. A nice surprise is that he's gone 7-for-9 stealing bases (plus 3-for-3 in his five Triple-A games). He has plenty of speed — he's in the 86th percentile in sprint speed — but he never stole more than seven bases in seven minor league seasons.
Berto Bomb pic.twitter.com/fvlOe1TtPP
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) July 27, 2026
Caissie will soon return from his calf strain to start against right-handers, which could negatively affect Hernández's playing time. The Marlins, though, might want to send down Jakob Marsee to make room for Caissie. It's also quite possible they'll trade a bat before the deadline, keeping things open for Hernández to continue to play regularly. That they're hitting him third even against right-handers at the moment seems like a good sign.
Andrew Vaughn (1B Brewers): Rostered in 23 percent of Yahoo leagues
Sometimes procrastination pays off, such as when you're slow writing your Waiver Wire article because it's 85 degrees in your office and you find out at 5:50 p.m. EDT, a time by which you've typically posted said article, that Jake Bauers has a fractured toe after fouling a pitch off himself during Monday's game. That definitely makes it time to add Andrew Vaughn in all leagues in which he's available.
Just by observing his .310/.391/.491 line, it seems obvious that Vaughn should have been playing regularly for the Brewers already. However, he has really taken to his platoon role this year, hitting an incredible .379/.474/.667 versus lefties but a far more modest .267/.336/.381 against righties. He had rather normal splits over the course of his career coming into the season; his career OPS was .787 against lefties and .702 versus righties, and Vaughn seems like an improved player on the whole, even if it's mostly showing up against lefties. For instance, his strikeout rate this year against righties is just 14 percent, down from 21 percent for his career. He's also sacrificed very little bat speed in greatly improving his strikeout and walk rate. It seems like he should be just fine as a regular.
Vaughn might only be a short-term pickup, depending on how much time Bauers misses, but regularly batting in the middle of one of the league's most productive lineups should make him particularly valuable for the short term. Bauers' injury might also make Luis Lara relevant in mixed leagues for a spell until Sal Frelick returns.
Michael Petersen (RP Marlins): Rostered in seven percent of Yahoo Leagues
With the Marlins likely to sell and Pete Fairbanks certainly one of their first choices to go, Petersen makes for a worthy stash. The journeyman has emerged as the team's top setup man with Anthony Bender hurt and is up to 17 holds for a team whose closer has just 13 saves. A 17th-rounder in the 2015 draft who didn't reach the majors for the first time until 2024, Petersen has busted out at age 32, posting a 2.84 ERA and a 29 percent strikeout rate in 44 1/3 innings out of the Marlins pen. He has a 1.84 ERA in his last 20 appearances.
If there's an issue with picking up Petersen at this point, besides the seemingly minor forearm contusion he suffered Sunday, it's the possibility that no contender will want Fairbanks. Still, the Marlins will probably pay down his salary (he has about $5 million left on his $13 million contract) in order to make something happen. Fairbanks has a hideous 7.18 ERA this season, but his strikeout rate stands at 30 percent, and his velocity has held steady from last year, when he had a 2.83 ERA for the Rays. A deal should happen, putting Petersen in line for saves at least until Bender gets back. Bender, out since the end of June with a stress reaction in his shin, is back throwing and might return in mid-August. Still, he's probably a trade candidate, too, in spite of the injury. After all, he has a 2.35 ERA since the start of 2025, and the big contenders are all about loading up on relief arms for October.
Of course, Petersen could always go, too. That he's making the minimum and won't even be arbitration eligible next year means the Marlins are under zero pressure to move him. However, given his age, they'll surely be open to the possibility if the right offer come along. Those looking for saves could always try waiting and seeing what happens at the deadline before making a move here. However, Petersen has been effective enough that he might not last in the free agent pool.
Waiver Wire Quick Hits
- Pittsburgh's Mason Montgomery almost got the RP slot over Peterson, and he is probably the better use of a roster spot at this very moment. However, there's a good chance the Pirates will pick up a veteran closer-type reliever before the deadline. It's probably for the best, since Montgomery is the team's best weapon to come in and face tough lefties prior to the ninth.
- Two Orioles position players were also considered here, but while I was originally leaning towards featuring Christian Encarnacion-Strand, the team just kept him out of the lineup for a second straight game on Tuesday. A .370/.414/.741 line with three homers in seven games hasn't earned him much just yet. Dylan Beavers might make more sense as a pickup at the moment, as the Orioles have him leading off against righties. He's not going to excel in any one category, but he can do a little bit of everything if the playing time is there. Unfortunately, though, he has been caught on three of his four steal attempts while batting .298/.377/.362 in 53 plate appearances this month.
Gamethread 7/28: Phillies at Marlins
Here are the lineups for game two in Miami. Let’s discuss.
For the Phillies:
For the Marlins:
LaMelo Ball sued for allegedly being nightmare tenant weeks after shock trade to Timberwolves
LaMelo Ball is allegedly leaving Charlotte with some unpaid debts.
Court records viewed by The California Post on Tuesday show Ball was sued Monday — just weeks after he was traded from the Hornets to the Timberwolves — over accusations he owes a North Carolina landlord more than $100,000 in missed rent checks.
According to a copy of the lawsuit, Ball and Agape Property Management Group entered into an agreement in December 2020 for the NBA player to rent two swanky units in a fancy uptown Charlotte condominium complex.
Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton used to own the spots, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
Agape Property Management Group, which is reportedly partly owned by Newton, alleged in the suit that while Ball lived in one of the residences, he subleased the other to his manager and mentor, former NBA player Jermaine Jackson.
The two lived in the units for years, and in May 2024, Ball agreed to buy his place. However, according to the suit, he continued to sublet the second place to Jackson.
Agape Property Management Group alleged in the lawsuit that in ensuing months, Ball and Jackson fell way behind on rent payments for the unit.
“As of July 1, 2026,” Agape Property Management Group wrote in its lawsuit, “the Defendants owed the Plaintiff rent exceeding $181,500.00.” The company also alleged the Ball and Jackson “accrued over $90,000.00 in unpaid HOA compliance fines.”
Agape Property Management Group previously sued Jackson over the matter, and according to The Charlotte Observer, Jackson and his attorney, Christi Hunoval, claimed at a hearing related to the case that the apartment “needed repairs and mold treatment,” and “that’s why he’s lagged in rent payments.”
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That lawsuit, which did not mention Ball, was dismissed on June 3, court records show.
In the latest suit, Ball and Jackson are both named as defendants who are being sued for breach of contract.
“The Defendants’ failure to pay rent while failing to leave the premises has caused the Plaintiff substantial and potentially long-lasting harm,” Agape Property Management Group wrote in the suit, “including HOA non-compliance fines, lost rental income, and other monetary damages.”
Attempts on Tuesday to reach representatives for parties involved in the case were not successful.
Ball was picked by the Hornets in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft. He went on to play for the team until he was jettisoned to Minnesota in a blockbuster trade that was agreed to on June 25.
Game 108: Royals at Twins
First Pitch: 6:40 PM CDT
TV: Twins.TV
Radio: TIBN, WCCO 830, The Wolf 102.9 FM, Audacy App, LosTwins.com
Know thine enemy: Royals Review
After winning a series against the A’s, the Twins welcome the Royals to town. Like the A’s, they are near the bottom of the league in terms of wins and losses. Saying that, the expectation is the same, this is a series the Twins should win or sweep, lest they drift more towards sellers than buyers.
Today’s starters are Seth Lugo and Taj Bradley. Bradley has been great lately, posting a 2.90 ERA in July. Lugo is having a mediocre season, with a 4.36 ERA. In his last start against the Twins on June 4th, he gave up 3 homers and 5 runs but the Royals lineup bailed him out for a win. Kody Clemens should be happy to see Lugo, because in his 6 at bats against him, he’s taken him deep 3 times.
Blue Jays @ Nationals Game Thread
The start of the game will be delayed because of ‘inclement weather’. So Ernie will be called inclement today?
Yesterday’s game was very entertaining, and the good guys won.
Hopefully, tonight will be more of the same.
And it is Canada-US Friendship Day. We steal your team, and put tariffs on your products, but let’s have a friendship day.
Lips is at the top of the order tonight. And Kirk gets the day off.
Game Thread: We doing a trade or what?
Go Rays!
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GameThread: Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles, 6:40 p.m.
Detroit Tigers (50-56) vs. Baltimore Orioles (52-55)
Time/Place: 6:40 p.m., Comerica Park
SB Nation Site:Camden Chat
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Pitching Matchup: RHP Troy Melton (5-1, 1.95 ERA) vs. RHP Dean Kremer (1-3, 5.06 ERA)
| Player | G | IP | K% | BB% | GB% | FIP | fWAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melton | 10 | 60.0 | 23.3 | 8.1 | 43.1 | 4.06 | 0.8 |
| Kremer | 6 | 32.0 | 26.2 | 6.2 | 34.5 | 5.79 | -0.2 |
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Washington Nationals vs Toronto Blue Jays Game Thread
After dropping last night’s contest, the pressure is back on the Nats. They were riding high after the series win against Arizona, but the bats did not show up last night. Now, they will need a bounceback performance to stay above .500. With the deadline looming and this club in a playoff race, every game matters so much.
The Nats are making a couple changes to the lineup. Jose Tena is out, with James Wood replacing him at DH. That means the outfield consists of Daylen Lile, Jacob Young and Dylan Crews, who is notably hitting third against a righty. Jorbit Vivas will stay in there at third, which indicates that he and Brady House will likely be a platoon. Cade Cavalli has been sharp of late, and is on the mound tonight.
With a right handed starter, the Blue Jays are making some tweaks. We are seeing Yohendrick Pinango for the first time, and he is leading off. Andres Gimenez will also be in the lineup, playing shortstop. Jays breakout catcher Brandon Valenzuela will also make his first start of the series. A lot of eyes will be on Shane Bieber tonight, who is a trade candidate. He has been sharp his last couple of starts.
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Game Info:
Stadium: Nationals Park
Time: 6:45 PM EST
TV: Nationals.TV
Radio: 106.7 The Fan
Last night was about Max Scherzer’s return and the vibes were high. However, after losing that game, the focus is squarely on the playoff race again. The Nats did not lose any ground, so that is a positive. However, they need to keep winning to stay in the hunt. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
Tuesday night game thread: at Tigers, 6:40
The Orioles are one victory away from having their winningest month of the season. So far in July, they are 13-7. With only three games left, including tonight, until the calendar flips, they have already guaranteed themselves their first month above .500 and their best winning percentage of any month. Another win will push them past the 13 wins they collected in both April and May. That would be pretty neat! Good timing too with the trade deadline less than a week away.
Based on run differential, the Orioles are the seventh-best team in the AL, which is three spots better than where they sit in the win-loss standings. They have been outscored by their opponents by 11 runs this year. That’s six runs better than the Cleveland Guardians, who currently occupy the final AL Wild Card spot with a 55-53 record. If they are going to inch any closer, they need to keep beating teams like these Tigers, who themselves are slipping closer and closer to selling.
Tonight’s task is a surprisingly tall one. Troy Melton is a 25-year-old, former fourth-round pick that has been very, very good this year. He has allowed more than two runs in a start just once this year, and it came back on June 9. He doesn’t usually go super deep into a game, failing to get out of the sixth inning in each of his last six starts. But the quality is undeniable. Each month has seen him post an ERA of 2.88 or better. So far in July he has a 1.21 ERA.
We will get to see the Orioles debut of Yohel Pozo behind the plate. He replaces Sam Huff on the team’s active roster after being claimed from the Cardinals a few days ago. He owns a .515 OPS this season and a .637 OPS for his career. The sooner one of Adley Rutschman or Samuel Basallo can get back behind the plate the better.
Orioles lineup
- Dylan Beavers, DH
- Pete Alonso, 1B
- Gunnar Henderson, SS
- Taylor Ward, LF
- Leody Taveras, RF
- Jackson Holliday, 2B
- Coby Mayo, 3B
- Colton Cowser, CF
- Yohel Pozo, C
RHP Dean Kremer (1-3, 5.06 ERA)
Tigers lineup
- Kevin McGonigle, SS
- Gleyber Torres, 2B
- Riley Greene, LF
- Dillon Dingler, DH
- Colt Keith, 3B
- Spencer Torkelson, 1B
- Zach McKinstry, RF
- Eduardo Valencia, C
- Javy Báez, CF
RHP Troy Melton (5-1, 1.95 ERA)
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Former Jets Goalie Announces Retirement After 11-Year NHL Run
Former Winnipeg Jets goaltender Michael Hutchinson has played his last game in the NHL.
The 36-year-old is retiring after 11 seasons in the league, the Jets confirmed Monday, closing the book on a career that began, and was defined, in Winnipeg. Hutchinson will return to the city this October, when the Jets host him at their Alumni Game.
Hutchinson's NHL journey started with Winnipeg in 2013, after he signed with the club as an unrestricted free agent following three seasons splitting time between the AHL and ECHL in the Boston Bruins' system, the team that had originally drafted him in the third round of the 2008 NHL Draft.
He made his NHL debut with the Jets that year and went on to spend five seasons with the franchise, the longest stretch of his career with any team. Those five years in Winnipeg produced Hutchinson's best professional numbers, serving as a reliable backup netminder with a 43-39-11 record, a 2.65 goals against average and a .910 save percentage in 102 games. Hutchinson was named the NHL's Rookie of the Month in December of 2014.
He served behind then Jets starter Ondřej Pavelec before eventually settling in as the backup to Connor Hellebuyck, giving the Jets a dependable presence in net as the franchise built toward its playoff runs later in the decade.
After leaving Winnipeg, Hutchinson entered a well traveled stretch of his career, suiting up for the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings.
The signature moment of Hutchinson's career outside Winnipeg came during his time with Colorado, inside the 2020 NHL postseason bubble. With Avalanche starters Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz both sidelined by injury in the second round against Dallas, Hutchinson was thrust into a Game 5 start with Colorado trailing 3-1 in the series.
He stopped 31 shots to pick up the first playoff win of his career, then backstopped the Avalanche to a Game 6 victory to force a decisive Game 7, making him just the seventh goaltender in NHL history to win his first two career starts while facing elimination.
He closed out his playing days overseas, joining SaiPa Lappeenranta of Finland's Liiga in November 2024, where he appeared in 24 games and posted a .886 save percentage and a 3.02 goals-against average in what proved to be his final professional season.
Across six organizations, Hutchinson built a career on consistency and trust, and it was in Winnipeg, where it all started, that he found his most productive years, and where he'll be welcomed back this fall.
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Atlanta Braves rained-out chat and discussion
Well, tomorrow’s going to be a busy one! The Braves and Mets played through a little bit of rain during Monday night’s debacle and even though tonight has already been declared a washout, there’s a chance that they may have to dodge some more raindrops tomorrow as well. The weather is looking really bleak either way, so hopefully they’ll be able to complete the doubleheader just so that won’t cost Atlanta another off day down the stretch.
For now, we’ve got a rain-induced off night so what are y’all getting into? If you’re planning on watching baseball (outside of the hate-watch down in Miami) then I’d suggest tuning in to see the Yankees and White Sox since that seems like an intriguing series going on at the moment.
If you aren’t going to watch baseball and you have Apple TV then I suggest that you actually put it to use for something other than watching the Atlanta Braves. I’ve really enjoyed the Cape Fear miniseries, even if it was a head-scratcher as to why we needed a remake (2026) of a remake (1991) of a movie that originally came out in 1962. Still, it’s been pretty fun and if you enjoy extremely-messed up stories then it’s worth a watch. The finale is in a few days so you’ll be getting in at the best part.
Also, here’s a Feed post to get into as well if you want to just hang out here on Battery Power with your ol’ internet pals. We’ve got a lot going on here. Anyways, the floor is now yours!
D-backs @ Pirates Discussion
The Diamondbacks bullpen has reverted to regular form since the All-Star break – and that’s not a good thing. Over 45 innings in the second half, they have a 4.60 ERA, which ranks them 23rd in the majors. That compared to an ERA exactly at four before the break, good enough for 13th – there hasn’t been a better ERA by the D-backs bullpen since 2018. That number was more or less in line with the peripherals: FIP 3.92, xFIP 4.12 and xERA 3.96. None of them great, but compared to what we’ve seen in previous season, mere competence from the Arizona relief corps feels like a breath of fresh air.
But since then, the peripherals have all taken a turn for the worse. Home-run rate, only marginally – up from 0.96 to 1.00 per nine innings. But the walk-rate has increased from 3.01 to 3.40, and they haven’t been striking out nearly the number of batters they were. It wasn’t great before: a K-rate of 7.86 per nine innings is tied for 25th in the majors by a bullpen. But that has plummeted to just 6.40: the Nationals (6.33) are the only other team with a K-rate below seven since the break. Kevin Ginkel has faced 26 batters with just three K’s. Taylor Clarke has faced 27 and struck out two. And Ryan Thompson? 23 batters without a single strikeout in the second half.
This matters, because fewer strikeouts = more balls in play, which will almost inevitably lead to more hits. That’s why we have a FIP of 4.56, xFIP of 4.76 and xERA of 4.56 – all up by approaching two-thirds of a run in the second half. Now, we are still in the somewhat small sample size range, but I do have to wonder if the heavy work-load in the first half for Arizona’s A-bullpen is leading to fatigue. We have six relievers with more than forty appearances (including all three of the pitchers mentioned above): no other team has more than that in 2026, with only the Yankees, Cardinals and Blue Jays having more than four such arms.
Dodgers' World Series show splurging at MLB trade deadline isn't mandatory
Knowing the Los Angeles Dodgers and their free-spending ways, it’s inevitable they’ll acquire pitcher Tarik Skubal or another high-priced player before the Aug. 3 trade deadline and maximize their chances to win a third straight World Series title.
Their willingness to pay top dollar for free agents is indisputable. Start with Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year contract. Or the $240 million, four-year deal Kyle Tucker got before this season. Six other players on the roster signed deals worth more than $100 million.
But do the Dodgers go all out at the trade deadline?
Of the eight highest paid players on the current roster, none were acquired at the MLB trade deadline. In fact, their past two were awfully quiet: yet Los Angeles still won the World Series in 2024 and 2025.
2024: Edman ends up playoff hero
For the Dodgers in 2024, there was no obvious splash at the trade deadline.
Los Angeles added pitchers Jack Flaherty and Michael Kopech, along with utility player Tommy Edman and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier.
The Dodgers were 63-46 (.578) before the trade deadline and 35-18 (.660) after the deadline. Flaherty and Kopech strengthened the Dodgers’ pitching in the regular season, going a combined 10-2, with Kopech taking on a high-leverage role in relief.
But Edman wound up the postseason hero. He won the National League Championship Series MVP, batting .407 with 11 hits, one home run, 11 RBIs, and five runs in six games against the New York Mets and the Dodgers won the series four games to two.
In the World Series, the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in five games. Kopech made 12 postseason appearances and Flaherty started five games in the playoff run.
2025: Depth at the deadline
For the Dodgers in 2025, the club generated even less buzz at the trade deadline.
Los Angeles picked up three minor leaguers (pitcher Adam Serwinowski along with outfielders Zach Ehrhard and James Tibbs III), outfielder Alex Call, pitchers Paul Gervase and Brock Stewart and catcher Ben Rortvedt.
The Dodgers went 63-46 (.578) before the deadline and 30-23 (.566) after the deadline.
There was no Tommy Edman among this group. But the depth proved vital for the Dodgers with Rortvedt starting four playoff games as Smith dealt with injury, while Call made three starts in the outfield.
The Dodgers went on to win the World Series, prevailing over the Toronto Blue Jays with a heart-stopping fashion, extra-inning victory in Game 7.
How Dodgers do business
The Dodgers have made significant upgrades with the trade deadline over the past decade. The acquisitions included pitcher Yu Darvish in 2017, when he was a four-time All-Star; shortstop Manny Machado in 2018, when he was a four-time All-Star; pitcher Max Sherzer in 2021, when he a seven-time All-Star; and shortstop Trea Turner in 2021, who won the NL batting title that year.
But none of those additions led to World Series rings, and the Dodgers have assembled their most fruitful rosters through other methods.
The Dodgers used free agency to sign first baseman Freddie Freeman, pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, pitcher Blake Snell, Ohtani (designated hitter/pitcher) and Tucker, the outfielder.
Though winter trades, the Dodgers acquired shortstop Mookie Betts and pitcher Tyler Glasnow.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dodgers' World Series show splurging at MLB trade deadline isn't mandatory
Reds look to bounce back vs. Guardians in second half of Tuesday doubleheader
The Cincinnati Reds dropped an up and down Game 1 of Tuesday’s doubleheader, a game rife with twists and turns that ultimately didn’t go their way. A grand slam off Chase Burns in the Top of the 1st (after an Edwin Arroyo error on a would-be inning-ending double play) set them back 4-0, but they roared back to take a 5-4 lead thanks the heroics of rookie Sal Stewart.
Not deterred, the Cleveland Guardians stole the lead right back thanks to future Hall of Famer Jose Ramirez, and Cincinnati’s bats simply couldn’t claw their way back again in an eventual 6-5 loss.
That sunk the Reds back to 7 games under .500 on a day that began with their hopes that they could climb as close to as just 4 games under. Such is life when you’re on the bubble in trade season and playing twice in the same day.
Caleb Ferguson will be the opener for the Reds in Game 2, which will start at 7:10 PM ET. Jose Franco was called up to be the 27th man on this doubleheader day, and the expectation is that he’ll end up getting the bulk of the work at some point mid-game.
Here’s how the Reds will line up for the second game of the day, with the bottom half of the lineup looking about as gross as it possibly could be: