Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Blaze Alexander is making progress in his recovery from a hand injury. According to the Orioles' weekly injury report, he is expected to begin a rehab assignment by the end of the week. This development marks a positive step forward in his return to the field after being sidelined.
Jacob deGrom is being considered for a start this Thursday against Washington after a successful bullpen session on Tuesday. The right-hander reported feeling good following the session, which occurred one week after he was forced to exit a start against the Angels after just two innings due to right triceps fatigue. Manager Skip Schumaker confirmed the positive progress in his recovery.
Right-hander Keider Montero is scheduled to start for the Detroit Tigers in tonight's matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Montero enters the contest with a 9-7 record and a 3.22 ERA on the season. He faces off against Braxton Ashcraft in a game where the Tigers look to improve upon their 61-64 record.
RHP Cristian Javier (1-3) will start for the first-place Houston Astros in tonight's series opener against the Angels at Daikin Park. Javier, who holds a 2.0-game lead in the AL West, previously shut out the Angels over 5.0 innings of stellar relief last month. He looks to continue that success as the Astros open their three-game series.
The New York Mets look to keep their winning streak rolling tonight behind starting pitcher Zac Thornton as they face the San Diego Padres.
Carson Whisenhunt is set to take the mound for the San Francisco Giants in Tuesday's matchup against the Cleveland Guardians. He will face off against Guardians pitcher Foster Griffin.
Foster Griffin is set to start for the Cleveland Guardians in Tuesday's matchup against the San Francisco Giants. Griffin has been a highly profitable pitcher for bettors throughout the 2026 season, and expectations remain high for his performance tonight. He will face off against Giants starter Carson Whisenhunt.
Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger (hamstring) is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this Thursday. Manager Aaron Boone expects Bellinger to play in at least two games before potentially rejoining the major league roster. His return is highly anticipated as the Yankees manage the health of an offensive core that also includes Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge.
Shane Baz is set to take the mound for the Baltimore Orioles in tonight's game against the New York Yankees. He will face off against Yankees starter Carlos Rodón.
The Chicago Cubs are expected to activate Daniel Palencia from the 60-day injured list in the coming days. Palencia has been sidelined with an elbow injury, according to Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network.
Brett Bateman is included in the starting lineup for the Toronto Blue Jays in today's game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
There is optimism that Spencer Arrighetti might be able to return to action for the Toronto Blue Jays before the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Lenyn Sosa has been taken off the 60-day injured list and outrighted to Triple-A Buffalo by the Toronto Blue Jays.
Tyler Mahle has been brilliant since joining the Atlanta Braves and looks to maintain that momentum in his upcoming start against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Braves are relying on Mahle to shut down the Twins' offense as he solidifies his role in the rotation. Sean Murphy is slated to catch for him in this matchup.
Zebby Matthews is featured in the latest round of MLB player prop recommendations for Tuesday, August 18. Analysts have identified him as a player of interest for bettors seeking value in today's matchups. Matthews is also scheduled to face the Atlanta Braves in tonight's game at Target Field.
Trey Yesavage (knee) has resumed throwing from flat ground as of Tuesday. This marks a positive step in his recovery process.
Byron Buxton is not in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against Atlanta.
Ranger Suarez is scheduled to take the hill for the Boston Red Sox in Tuesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The matchup features a pitching duel as Boston looks to capitalize on Suarez's performance in this mid-August series. The Red Sox are looking for Suarez to round back into form in a game featuring two pitchers who have been persistently unpredictable all season.
Roman Anthony made an immediate impact in his first rehab appearance with the Portland Sea Dogs, hitting a home run. Currently recovering from a finger injury, Anthony is expected to serve as the Red Sox's everyday leadoff hitter upon his return from the 60-day IL, where he will split time between left field and DH. He also recently expressed excitement regarding the trade of former teammate Marcelo Mayer to the Giants.
Kerry Carpenter (foot) has been forced to pause his rehab program after suffering a setback in his recovery process.
