MLB Power Rankings: Cubs catapult from sellers to buyers?
The Reds are a division leader again, the Astros aren't far behind, and the Cubs are firmly in the playoff mix. Welcome to the lone risers i...JULY 31, 2023
Raisel Iglesias - Locks down 20th saveIglesias picked up the save Sunday against Milwaukee, striking out the side in the ninth inning.
ImpactIglesias has allowed just two earned runs in his last 12 appearances (11 innings), working to a 1.64 ERA with 14 strikeouts in that span. Overall, the 33-year-old closer is 20-for-22 in save opportunities with a 3.69 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 41:9 K:BB across 31.2 innings this season.
JULY 31, 2023•ROTOWIRE
AJ Smith-Shawver - Struggles with command in returnSmith-Shawver did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing three runs on four hits and four walks over five innings in an 8-6 win over the Brewers. He struck out three.
ImpactSmith-Shawver issued a season-high four walks in his first MLB start since June 23. While the 20-year-old right-hander was largely able to limit the damage, he'd ultimately get stuck with a no-decision. Smith-Shawver has been decent through five major-league starts, pitching to a 4.57 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP and 18:10 K:BB across 21.2 innings. However, he'll likely head back to the minors as Max Fried (forearm) is expected to return to Atlanta's rotation next week.
JULY 31, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Colin Rea - Punches out eight in lossRea did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing five runs on five hits and two walks over five innings against Atlanta. He struck out eight.
ImpactAll five runs against Rea came via the home-run ball Sunday -- a two-run blast off Austin Riley's bat in the first inning and a Matt Olson three-run shot in the third. Rea did tally eight or more strikeouts for the third time this season, though he allowed five runs for the second time in four outings. Overall, the 33-year-old right-hander has a 4.76 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP and 83:29 K:BB across 18 starts (96.1 innings) this season. Rea's currently penciled in to start next week against the Pirates, though his spot in the rotation could soon be in jeopardy with Wade Miley (elbow) and Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) nearing returns.
JULY 31, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Royals trade versatile Lopez to BravesKANSAS CITY -- The Royals have traded infielder Nicky Lopez to the Braves for lefty reliever Taylor Hearn, the team announced Sunday afterno...
JULY 30, 2023•MLB.COM
Brandon Woodruff - Next rehab start coming TuesdayWoodruff (shoulder) confirmed that he'll make his next rehab start Tuesday at Triple-A Nashville, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
ImpactAfter two rehab starts at High-A Wisconsin, Woodruff will transfer his assignment to the Brewers' top affiliate for what could be his final outing on the farm before he makes his return from the 60-day injured list. In his most recent start for Wisconsin on Thursday and tossed four innings and 52 pitches. If he can cover five innings and push his pitch count into the 60-to-70 range Tuesday, the Brewers may be comfortable installing the right-hander back in the big-league rotation as soon as Aug. 7. Woodruff has been on the shelf since mid-April with a Grade 2 subscapular strain.
JULY 30, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Brian Anderson - Cleared for rehab assignmentAnderson (back) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville this week, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
ImpactAnderson landed on the 10-day injured list July 16 due to a back strain and will likely need to a few games in the minors to reagin his timing at the plate before the Brewers are comfortable activating him. Once he's reinstated from IL, Anderson could settle into an everyday role at either third base or designated hitter. Andruw Monasterio has performed capably at the hot corner in Anderson's stead, but the Brewers could make room for both players in the regular lineup by installing Monasterio at second base as a replacement for Brice Turang, who has largely underwhelmed with the bat since being called up from Triple-A in late June.
JULY 30, 2023•ROTOWIRE
