Introduction
The past week in Major League Baseball (MLB) has been packed with significant events and developments. From player injuries and roster moves to standout performances and unique events, the league continues to captivate fans. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the most notable MLB news from the past week.
Player Injuries and Roster Moves
The Cincinnati Reds made headlines by claiming Amed Rosario off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Rosario, who was batting .305 with a .746 OPS this season, lost his roster spot when Mookie Betts returned from injury. The Reds also recalled Casey Legumina from Triple-A Louisville to bolster their bullpen after placing Hunter Greene on the injured list with right elbow soreness.
In other injury news, the Reds are dealing with multiple setbacks. Brent Suter is expected to return in late August after a partial tear of his left teres major muscle. Austin Wynns and Matt McLain are also on the injured list, with potential returns in September. The team is hopeful that Brandon Williamson and Nick Martini will be back by September, while Edwin Arroyo and Tejay Antone are out for the season.
MLB Players’ Weekend 2024
The MLB Players’ Weekend 2024 was a colorful and expressive event, allowing players to showcase their personalities through custom equipment. This year’s event featured crayon-themed bats and Scooby-Doo-themed cleats among the highlights. Harrison Bader of the New York Mets used a pink crayon bat, while Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers sported Scooby-Doo-themed cleats.
Other notable custom equipment included Shohei Ohtani‘s cleats featuring his dog, Decoy, and Ryan O’Hearn‘s green cleats with four-leaf clovers commemorating his Irish heritage. The weekend was divided into three themed days: “Fun,” “Causes,” and “Appreciation,” each celebrating different aspects of the players’ lives and interests.
Standout Performances
Jake Burger of the Miami Marlins has been a standout player, leading the Majors with 17 home runs since July 2. During the Players’ Weekend, Burger used custom bats to highlight his passions for family and mental health awareness. One bat featured the names of his loved ones, while the other was dedicated to mental health advocacy, featuring a large green ribbon and the mantra “Burger B.O.M.B.S.”
Burger’s advocacy for mental health began after he tore his Achilles in 2018, leading to anxiety, depression, and PTSD. His family has been a crucial support system, and he emphasizes the importance of discussing mental health openly among athletes.
MLB Power Rankings
The latest MLB power rankings saw significant movement. The Chicago White Sox remain at the bottom, while the San Diego Padres, Houston Astros, and Arizona Diamondbacks are on the rise. The Philadelphia Phillies have experienced a free fall, struggling with a poor record since mid-July.
The Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees are neck and neck in the American League East, with the Yankees recently overtaking the Orioles for the top spot. The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are also in a tight race in the National League West.
MLB Playoff Picture
With six weeks remaining in the regular season, the playoff race is heating up. In the American League, the Baltimore Orioles and Cleveland Guardians hold the top two spots, securing first-round byes. The Houston Astros will face the Kansas City Royals, while the New York Yankees will take on the Minnesota Twins.
In the National League, the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers have first-round byes. The Milwaukee Brewers will play the Atlanta Braves, and the San Diego Padres will face the Arizona Diamondbacks. Several teams are still in contention for wild-card spots, making the final weeks of the season crucial.
Fantasy Baseball Insights
For fantasy baseball managers, the past week offered valuable insights. The focus is on players who are between 20-25% rostered in most 12-team leagues and 25-50% rostered in 15-team leagues. The investment rating system ranges from minimal spend to potential difference-maker.
Key batter recommendations include Kerry Carpenter, Gavin Sheets, and Jordan Walker. Carpenter recently returned from injury and hit three home runs in his first two games back. Sheets is on a hot streak with a .542 batting average, while Walker has league-winning potential after being recalled to St. Louis.
Infielders to watch include Junior Caminero, Tyler Black, and Will Wagner. Caminero is performing well at the AAA level, Black is a highly regarded prospect, and Wagner has started his career with strong hitting performances.
For pitchers, Zebby Matthews, Martín Pérez, and Osvaldo Bido are recommended. Matthews made his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins, Pérez has excellent stats since joining the San Diego Padres, and Bido has had strong recent starts.
Conclusion
The past week in MLB has been eventful, with significant player movements, standout performances, and exciting events like the Players’ Weekend. As the regular season nears its end, the playoff race intensifies, and fantasy baseball managers look for key players to boost their teams. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses.
