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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley anticipates being traded ahead of the deadline, stating there's a 90% chance he will move. The Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Phillies, Rangers, and Blue Jays are reportedly among the teams showing interest in the impending free agent. Helsley has posted a 3.00 ERA and a 2.93 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 36 innings this season.
Yankees star Aaron Judge is anticipated to begin hitting off a tee in the coming days as he recovers from a strained flexor strain, manager Aaron Boone announced. Boone is optimistic that Judge could return after the minimum 10-day injured list stint. Upon his initial return, Judge will serve as a designated hitter, as he will not resume throwing for 10 to 15 days, and the Yankees have ruled out him playing first base.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt is projected to record over 4.5 strikeouts in his upcoming game against the Detroit Tigers, marking his first career appearance against them. Pfaadt has demonstrated consistent strikeout ability, notching four or more strikeouts in each of his last five starts, including an eight-strikeout performance against the San Francisco Giants on July 3.
Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. is a prime trade target with the MLB deadline approaching, with the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Diego Padres reportedly showing interest. The White Sox are firm on seeking a significant return for the 27-year-old, who possesses immense potential as an elite defensive center fielder and has club options for 2026 and 2027. Mets players Mark Vientos and Luisangel Acuña have been mentioned in discussions as potential trade pieces.
Since being acquired by the San Francisco Giants from the Boston Red Sox on June 15, Rafael Devers has shown recent improvement, posting an .868 OPS over his last 10 games. However, his overall production with the Giants stands at a .231 batting average with four home runs and 15 RBI in 35 games. The Giants have struggled significantly since the trade, holding a 13-22 record.
Catcher Danny Jansen, listed with the Boston Red Sox per the provided team data, has been traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to his hometown Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for minor league infielder Jadher Areinamo. Jansen, 30, was pulled from the Rays' lineup just before Tuesday's game, having batted .204 with 11 homers and 29 RBIs in 73 games this season. He will serve as a backup to William Contreras for the NL Central-leading Brewers, marking his second consecutive season being traded around the MLB deadline.
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired catcher Nick Fortes from the Miami Marlins in a trade that occurred shortly after the Rays sent Danny Jansen to Milwaukee. The 28-year-old Fortes batted .240 with two home runs and 10 RBIs in 59 games for the Marlins this season, notably hitting .300 over his final 29 games with the team. Throughout his career, Fortes holds a .225 batting average with 25 homers and 96 RBIs in 363 games, having been drafted by the Marlins in 2018.
New York Mets corner infielder Mark Vientos, 25, addressed ongoing trade deadline rumors, stating his uneven playing time makes it "extremely difficult" to improve his performance. Despite hitting a grand slam and having a multi-hit night on Monday, Vientos entered Tuesday with a disappointing .230/.283/.372 batting line and seven home runs this season. With a crowded infield depth chart, Vientos, who believes management doesn't care about his feelings on playing time, is considered a potential trade candidate ahead of the July 31 deadline.
Right fielder Taylor Trammell was the subject of criticism from Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez regarding his defensive positioning. Valdez expressed discomfort with Trammell being shifted halfway to center field, believing he should have been playing right field on a play that resulted in a run for the Washington Nationals.
Alex Bregman, recently signed by the Boston Red Sox for $120 million, is performing strongly, slashing .300/.374/.554 with 14 home runs and 44 RBI in 63 games this season. He has homered in each of his last two games and collected three home runs over his last eight games since returning from the IL on July 11. The 31-year-old, who made his third All-Star team, is having his best statistical year since 2019 and is considered a top pick for Tuesday's home run props, especially given his success with nine road home runs and 12 of his 14 homers coming against right-handed pitchers.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Will Vest delivered a 95.6 mph sinker that struck Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez on the right index finger during the ninth inning, leading to Suárez's early exit from the game. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo stated he did not believe there was any intent behind Vest's pitch. Vest's action resulted in an injury to one of MLB's most impressive hitters.
Mets 3B/DH Mark Vientos blasted his first career grand slam in Monday's game against the Padres, putting the Mets up 5-1 in the fifth inning. Vientos told reporters he's been feeling much better at the plate and is sticking with his approach, even after having a two-run homer robbed earlier by Fernando Tatis Jr. His significant hit comes as the Mets are reportedly discussing him in trade talks, with Vientos embracing the rumors as a sign of his importance in the league.
New York Yankees slugger Juan Soto was at the center of a controversial game, striking out multiple times on questionable calls during Monday's game against the San Diego Padres. His visible frustration over a called third strike in the third inning led to manager Carlos Mendoza's ejection, who emphasized his responsibility to protect his players. Mendoza later criticized the home plate umpire's performance, particularly concerning Soto's key at-bats.
Houston ace Framber Valdez expressed frustration regarding defensive positioning during the Astros' 2-1 loss to the Washington Nationals, specifically questioning why the right fielder was shifted towards center field on a play that led to a run. Valdez, who felt the positioning lacked common sense for a lefty pitcher, allowed three hits and one run while striking out 12 over six innings. With this performance, he reached 1,000 career strikeouts, becoming the 10th pitcher in franchise history to achieve this milestone.
Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer was hit near the ear flap of his helmet by a 96 mph fastball from Orioles pitcher Kade Strowd in the ninth inning of Monday night's game. Despite dropping to the ground, Springer was alert and able to walk off the field with assistance. Manager John Schneider confirmed that Springer is "all right," noting the pitch primarily struck his shoulder before hitting his helmet.
Dodgers utility player Tommy Edman is currently battling a persistent ankle injury that flared up again on Sunday, making him unavailable for Monday's game. While Edman is optimistic about returning to the lineup on Tuesday and views the latest setback as minor, the Dodgers are considering placing him on the injured list for an extended break. His injury has also limited his ability to play outfield, which is impacting the team's defensive flexibility.
New York Mets player Francisco Lindor hit a one-hopper that struck San Diego Padres pitcher Dylan Cease in the back of the head during the third inning of Monday night's game. The ball caromed into foul territory for a double following the contact with Cease.
San Diego Padres right-hander Dylan Cease was struck in the back of the head by a Francisco Lindor one-hopper during Monday night's game against the New York Mets. Despite the scary incident in the third inning, Cease was checked by trainers and remained in the game after throwing warmup pitches. He went on to strike out Juan Soto and Pete Alonso, with Mets manager Carlos Mendoza being ejected following a strikeout.
Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. has emerged as an intriguing trade target following his strong performance since returning from the injured list. Demonstrating dynamic ability, Robert Jr. is currently hitting .316/.422/.500, making him a compelling option for teams looking to acquire talent.
Cody Bellinger was part of preliminary trade discussions initiated by the Yankees with at least one other club last week. These exploratory conversations took place when the Yankees were anticipating the possibility of Aaron Judge requiring season-ending elbow surgery. Despite being mentioned, a trade involving Bellinger remains an unexpected outcome.
