MLB Player News

Bickford signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies on Wednesday.

After being released by the Cubs last Wednesday, Bickford will now give some depth to the Phillies' farm system. The 29-year-old righty is off to a great start in the minors this year with a 2.43 ERA and 0.72 WHIP, and if he continues to impress with his new organization, he could earn a spot in Philadelphia's bullpen.

Brasier, who tossed 1.1 scoreless innings in Wednesday's loss to the Twins, has now logged 11 straight scoreless appearances dating back to early June.

In 17 appearances overall this season, Brasier has only been scored on twice, and he's now sitting with a stellar 1.10 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. The veteran righty didn't make his season debut until May 24 due to a strained left groin sustained in spring training, but he's been an effective relief option when healthy. He has no wins or saves and has only recorded one hold, so his fantasy value is capped, though Brasier could have some appeal in deeper leagues due to his strong ratios.

Harper went 4-for-6 with a solo home run, a double and three total runs scored in Wednesday's 13-0 win over San Francisco.

Harper extended the Phillies' lead to 2-0 in the fourth inning with an opposite-field shot off Justin Verlander, his 10th homer of the year and one of four hits on the day. It was a breakout performance from Harper, who'd been mired in an extended slump prior to Wednesday, going just 5-for-39 (.128) with one homer in his previous 13 contests. Overall, Harper is slashing .259/.370/.449 with 35 RBI, 36 runs scored and eight stolen bases across 289 plate appearances this season.

Verlander (0-7) took the loss Wednesday against the Phillies, allowing four runs (two earned) on seven hits across six innings. He struck out seven.

While Verlander was able to log a quality start, the right-hander will ultimately head into the All-Star break without a win through his first 15 outings of 2025. Overall, Verlander sports a 4.70 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 67:26 K:BB across 76.2 innings this season. Depending how the Giants line up their rotation coming out of the break, Verlander's first start of the second half will come against Toronto or Atlanta.

Luzardo (8-5) earned the win Wednesday against the Giants, allowing three hits and a walk over seven scoreless innings. He struck out seven.

It was a much-needed bounce-back effort from Luzardo, after he gave up six runs (five earned) in just two innings against the Reds in his last start. The southpaw had struggled to a 9.49 ERA in his last seven outings (30.1 innings) prior to Wednesday. Luzardo will finish an up-and-down first half of the season with a 4.14 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 122:36 K:BB across 19 starts (104.1 innings).

Saggese is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals.

Nolan Arenado (shoulder) will return to the starting nine Wednesday after sitting out each of the last three contests, ending Saggese's brief run as the Cardinals' third baseman. While starting in each of the three games Arenado missed, Saggese went 3-for-11 with a double, two RBI and a run. The 23-year-old will likely see limited playing time moving forward as a utility infielder.

Lile is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cardinals.

The Nationals are facing a right-hander (Andre Pallante) who owns significant reverse splits for his career, so Lile will head to the bench along with fellow left-handed hitter Luis Garcia. Alex Call will replace Lile in right field and bat sixth.

Garcia is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cardinals.

The left-handed-hitting Garcia will get a rare night off against a right-hander in Andre Pallante, who owns significant reverse splits both this season and throughout his career. Amed Rosario will receive the start at second base in place of Garcia, who has gone 4-for-22 over his last eight games to bring his batting average down to .266 for the season.

Adams will start at catcher and bat eighth in Wednesday's game against the Cardinals.

With Keibert Ruiz (concussion) going back on the 7-day injured list Tuesday for the second time in less than two weeks, Adams looks poised to serve as the Nationals' No. 1 catcher through the All-Star break. He will pick up his third consecutive start Wednesday.

Acuna (back) will start in right field and bat leadoff Wednesday against the Athletics.

A bout of lower-back tightness prevented Acuna from starting Tuesday's contest, but he now seems to be feeling well enough to play Wednesday. The 27-year-old superstar has been in a bit of a slump at the plate lately, slashing .171/.310/.171 across 42 plate appearances over the past two weeks.