Pirates Select Davis Wendzel, Transfer Chris Devenski To 60-Day IL
The Pirates announced that they have selected the contract of infielder Davis Wendzel from Triple-A Indianapolis. Outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia is being optioned in Wendzel’s place. To clear space on the 40-man roster, reliever Chris Devenski is being transferred to the 60-day injured list.
Wendzel signed a minor league contract with Pittsburgh in December and was a non-roster invite to spring training. In 211 plate appearances at Triple-A this year, he’s batting .246/.360/.491 with nine home runs and a 123 wRC+. That continues a run of decent minor league hitting for Wendzel, as he’s been average or better at Triple-A since 2024. Wendzel’s track record in the Majors is much thinner. He appeared in 27 games for the Rangers in 2024, managing just six hits in 49 plate appearances.
Wendzel typically plays third base or shortstop, though he’s unlikely to get much time at the hot corner. Nick Gonzales has a 115 wRC+ in 238 plate appearances as the Pirates’ main third baseman. Wendzel is more likely to see time at shortstop, if only a little. Jared Triolo is covering for the injured Konnor Griffin at the moment. Triolo has a 57 wRC+ this year that is virtually unplayable, and while he’s a good defender at second and third, he’s been worth -6 Defensive Runs Saved in 588 2/3 career innings at short. At the same time, Wendzel is entirely unproven in the Majors, so his selection is more about giving the Pirates a second backup infielder (Tyler Callihan being more of a utility type) than seriously challenging for playing time.
More to come.
Mets Pause Jorge Polanco’s Rehab Due To Ankle Soreness
Jorge Polanco has been on the injured list since mid-April due to a right wrist contusion. He began a rehab assignment at Double-A Binghamton on May 27th and recently moved up to Triple-A Syracuse. However, the Mets announced last night that Polanco’s rehab is being paused due to him experiencing ankle soreness during a running progression. Polanco is being sent for further evaluation.
The new ankle injury continues a frustrating first season in New York for Polanco, who signed a two-year, $40MM contract in December. Polanco only got into 14 games before landing on the IL, batting .179/.246/.286 with a 53 wRC+. He was plagued by left Achilles soreness in that time, which likely contributed to the downturn. Polanco served as the designated hitter in 12 games and played first base in the other two before the wrist injury cropped up. Juan Soto and MJ Melendez have covered DH in the meantime. Mark Vientos has been the primary option at first base.
At this point, it’s hard to tell when Polanco might return from the IL. The Mets will probably proceed with caution in light of Polanco’s renewed ankle issues. There’s also little urgency to bring him back given how badly the team is struggling. New York is in last place in the NL East with a 28-36 record, and they’re already 15.5 games back of the MLB-best Braves. Polanco is probably better than a 53 wRC+ hitter, but even if he were healthy, he alone wouldn’t be enough to overcome the Mets’ offensive woes. An updated timeline on Polanco should be known after the tests are completed.
The Mets’ offense has been one of the league’s worst in 2026, with the group’s 87 wRC+ topping only the Rockies and Padres. Soto is predictably excellent, while Carson Benge, the second-best qualified hitter, has a 97 wRC+ that puts him slightly below average. The other four qualified bats – Brett Baty, Marcus Semien, Bo Bichette, and Vientos – are 17-27% worse than average by wRC+. For Mets fans, it’s uninspiring to see Polanco injured while Pete Alonso (who Polanco effectively replaced on the roster) is hitting well in Baltimore. At the end of the day, though, the team’s inability to hit this year goes far beyond Polanco.
The path to respectable hitting will depend on the non-Soto hitters playing up to their true potential. Benge, the club’s No. 3 prospect in 2025 according to MLB.com, will obviously get more time to establish himself in the Majors. Bichette’s batting average, slugging percentage, and wOBA are all at least 50 points behind his expected numbers, so he should improve eventually. Vientos is batting .243 on balls in play, which is well below league average. Baty and Semien are less likely to improve, given the former’s thin offensive track record and the latter’s continued decline in his mid-30s.
Photo courtesy of Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images
Cubs Notes: Trade Deadline, Swanson, Wantz
The Cubs are at an even 5-5 since May 27th, though the team is currently tied for third place in the NL Central and 6.5 games back of the Brewers for first place. Since May 16th, which marked the start of a 10-game losing streak, the Cubs’ pitching staff and lineup have both struggled more than usual. Cubs starters are 2-12 in their last 20 games and have a 7.11 ERA that ranks dead last in the Majors. Meanwhile, the hitters are batting .223/.311/.360 with a 93 wRC+ in that span.
In light of those recent struggles, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer was asked about the team’s approach to the August 3rd trade deadline. In response, Hoyer told Jesse Rogers of ESPN and others, “We’ll be looking at pitching at that point. [But] sitting here talking about the deadline, given how we’ve played, is the wrong thing to talk about.” Hoyer also called the team’s position player group a key strength while doubling down on the trade deadline being “the furthest thing from my mind.”
The comment around pitching is understandable, as nearly every contender looks to add fresh arms at the deadline. Barring a total collapse, the Cubs can expect to be buyers this year. They’re currently just behind the Padres for the last NL Wild Card spot and have a favorable schedule in June, with 14 games left against the Giants, Rockies, and Mets. FanGraphs gives Chicago a 47.0% chance of making the playoffs right now.
Still, it might be wise for the Cubs’ front office to show greater urgency about making additions. The rotation has struggled this year even beyond the current slide. The group’s 4.81 ERA is tied with the Astros for second-worst in the Majors, with only Rockies’ starters performing worse. While Cubs starters are average or better at getting strikeouts and limiting walks, they’re also allowing hard contact 37.0% of the time, which ranks third-worst. They rank second-worst (ahead of the Athletics) with 1.65 home runs allowed per nine innings.
It’s hard to see much improvement if the club simply stays the course with existing options. Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon are the Cubs’ only qualified starters. Both have ERAs over 4.70 and opponents’ averages on balls in play in the .230 range, suggesting they’ve been lucky to achieve even those results. Edward Cabrera is striking out a career-low 21.5% of hitters and allowing a 91.6 MPH average exit velocity, which ranks in the fifth percentile across MLB. Ben Brown (1.2 fWAR) is the team’s most valuable starter, and he’s only made six starts since transitioning from the bullpen.
The issue isn’t helped by the slate of injuries the Cubs have experienced. Matthew Boyd was worth 3.4 fWAR in 2025 and had strong peripherals in five starts earlier this year. He has missed the last month with a left meniscus injury. Justin Steele has experienced setbacks in recovering from UCL revision surgery and is not expected back until the second half. Cade Horton is out until mid-2027 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April. Given those injuries and the performance of the existing starters, it would behoove the Cubs to be aggressive in adding starters come August 3rd, even if Hoyer is non-committal in the present.
In contrast, the offense is more likely than the pitching staff to improve on its recent performance. Even factoring in the slide, Cubs hitters are tied for sixth-best in the Majors with a 107 wRC+ this year. Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, and Seiya Suzuki are all at least 14% better than average by wRC+. Alex Bregman won’t be a below-average hitter forever, and Nico Hoerner‘s 96 wRC+ is below-average but not terrible, especially considering his value on defense.
Dansby Swanson is the only qualified Cubs hitter who is struggling overall. He is batting just .180/.285/.322 with a 75 wRC+ in 240 plate appearances this year. The 75 wRC+ is well below last year’s 99 mark and would be Swanson’s lowest in a full season since 2018. According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, manager Craig Counsell is planning to temporarily bench Swanson for a few games to help him regroup. Swanson, who entered as the ghost runner in the tenth inning yesterday, will presumably still be available off the bench.
Swanson is known as a streaky hitter, and that’s been the case this year as well. He had an 86 wRC+ through May 15th, but he’s put up a 45 wRC+ since May 16th. Swanson has also been very unlucky. His .207 average on balls in play is well below league average and due for regression. Swanson is striking out less and walking more than last year, while his 89.5 MPH average exit velocity is down from last year but similar to 2024, when he was right around league average. The team will hope that a few days off can get Swanson back on track mentally and help him return to his career norms at the plate.
In minor news, the Cubs have signed righty Andrew Wantz to a minor league contract, according to his transactions tracker at MLB.com. Wantz started the year with the Rays but only threw 1 2/3 innings before being designated for assignment a week ago. His last meaningful big league sample came in 2023, when Wantz had a 3.89 ERA in 39 1/3 innings for the Angels. He’s purely a depth signing and figures to get called up only if there is an injury or a short-term need for a fresh arm.
Photo courtesy of Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images
The Opener: Ashcraft, Naylor, Lewis
The Yankees officially selected Ali Sánchez‘s contract yesterday. Had the game not been rained out, Sánchez would have been the first right-handed hitting catcher to start for the Yankees since Jose Trevino in the 2024 World Series. Today’s lineup isn’t public yet, but Sánchez could still start, as the Red Sox are starting a lefty in Ranger Suarez to counter the Yankees’ Cam Schlittler.
1. Ashcraft surrenders a first-inning run, finally
Braxton Ashcraft has started all 13 of his games for the Pirates this year, and he typically starts off strong. Yesterday, he allowed a first-inning run for the first time in his career (h/t to Jason Mackey of MLB.com for the stat), as the Braves took an early 2-0 lead on a sac fly and an Austin Riley double. It was a tough night overall for Ashcraft, who allowed six earned runs on nine hits in five innings as the Pirates lost to the Braves 6-3. Ashcraft is having a great season regardless. The righty has a 3.28 ERA through 79 2/3 innings and a 2.1 fWAR that ties for seventh among qualified starters.
2. Tigers v. Naylor
A potentially dangerous moment in the Mariners’ 4-0 win over the Tigers yesterday came in the fifth inning. Tigers starter Keider Montero threw a 96 MPH fastball up and in to the Mariners’ Josh Naylor, striking Naylor on the right shoulder. Naylor appeared in good spirits, laughing off the HBP and remaining in the game. For his part, Naylor thinks the pitch was intentional, telling Tim Booth of the Seattle Times and others, “I knew it was on purpose.” He had previously scored from first base, with Naylor’s sliding mitt getting thrown up toward Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler on the play at home.
3. From first overall to first base
After a brief demotion to the minor leagues, Royce Lewis was recalled yesterday and started at second base for the Twins. Notably, Lewis slid over to play first base in the ninth inning, marking his first major league appearance at the cold corner. Lewis, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft, has mostly played third base since arriving in the Majors in 2022. He’ll now look to add positional flexibility to increase his value amidst struggles at the plate. Lewis has a 52 wRC+ in 123 plate appearances while striking out over 30% of the time. Brooks Lee, now the starting third baseman per FanGraphs’ RosterResource, has a 96 wRC+ in 242 plate appearances.
Photo courtesy of Matt Krohn, Imagn Images
Twins Recall Royce Lewis, Designate James Outman
Royce Lewis is back in the majors, as the Twins announced that the infielder has been called up from Triple-A St. Paul. Outfielder James Outman was designated for assignment in the corresponding move, so Minnesota now has an open spot on its 40-man roster.
Lewis’ ugly .163/.261/.279 slash line over his first 119 plate appearances of the season was enough to convince the Twins that the former first overall pick needed a tune-up, so Lewis was optioned to St. Paul on May 19. The move has apparently worked, as Lewis’ bat has come to life against minor league pitching. Between the 13 games since his demotion and two rehab games earlier this season, Lewis has hit .333/.403/.900 in 67 PA at the Triple-A level, with a whopping 10 homers in that small sample size.
Obviously this kind of Ruthian production isn’t going to continue against MLB pitching, yet it does indicate that Lewis may have at least regained some confidence at the plate, in addition to any mechanical changes worked out with the Triple-A coaching staff. While injuries have been the dominant storyline of Lewis’ Major League career, he hasn’t been a particularly effective hitter since what seemed to be a breakout 2023 season, as Lewis has hit just .225/.285/.398 over 847 PA since Opening Day 2024.
The other interesting element to Lewis’ time in the minors has been some time spent at first and second base, in addition to his usual third base spot. It remains to be seen where Lewis will play upon his return to the majors, as Brooks Lee was moved from shortstop to third base in Lewis’ absence, with Tristan Gray getting most of the looks at shortstop.
Neither player is hitting well enough to have laid a real claim to either position, so it could be that Gray is returned to bench duty and the Twins revert to their normal infield alignment. Outman’s DFA leaves utilitymen Kody Clemens and Ryan Kreidler as the backup outfield options on the 26-man roster, so Clemens could get more time in the outfield if Lewis gets some looks as a first baseman.
Minnesota acquired Outman from the Dodgers for Brock Stewart at last year’s trade deadline, and the change of scenery didn’t help Outman regain any of the hitting prowess he showed early in his big league career. Outman hit .248/.353/.437 with 23 home runs for the Dodgers over 567 PA in 2023, but he has since batted .144/.235/.284 over his last 374 PA against MLB pitching. Those lowly numbers include a .156/.229/.250 slash in 70 PA this season as a backup outfielder.
This is the first time Outman has been designated for assignment, and he has less than three years of MLB service time. As such, he will have to accept an outright assignment to Triple-A if he clears waivers or isn’t traded since the DFA period. Outman has some speed and he can play all three outfield positions, yet his offense has been so lackluster that he’ll probably clear waivers and remain in Minnesota’s organization.
Astros Outright Cesar Salazar
The Astros sent catcher Cesar Salazar outright to Triple-A Sugar Land, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. He successfully passed through waivers after getting designated for assignment on Thursday. Salazar could’ve elected free agency, but he’s chosen to accept the assignment.
This is Salazar’s second trip through the DFA process this season. The previous outright gave him the option to reject the assignment this time around. Instead, he’ll stick with the only organization he’s known as a pro.
The 30-year-old Salazar has appeared in parts of four seasons with the Astros. He’s slashed .189/.295/.216 in 45 games as a big leaguer. Salazar has been the guy Houston has called on when they need a stopgap behind the plate. He joined the club in May after Yainer Diaz went down with an oblique injury. Salazar went 1-for-18 while splitting the gig with Christian Vazquez. The Astros opted to replace him with Collin Price.
Salazar is out of minor league options. Since he accepted the assignment, Houston can stash him at Triple-A as catching depth. Salazar will likely get the call if Vasquez or Price needs to be replaced.
Photo courtesy of Erik Williams, Imagn Images
Yankees Place Austin Wells On 10-Day IL With Cervical Headaches
Catcher Austin Wells is heading to the injured list due to cervical headaches, the Yankees announced. J.C. Escarra was recalled to take Wells’ spot on the roster. Escarra was just sent down on Friday, but he’ll report back to the big-league club before playing a game at Triple-A.
Wells does not have a concussion, manager Aaron Boone told reporters, including Greg Joyce of the New York Post. The backstop complained of a headache on Friday night. He’s slated for additional testing on Sunday. Ali Sanchez was in the starting lineup behind the plate on Saturday before the game was rained out.
Jose Caballero pinch-hit for Wells in the ninth inning yesterday, but that likely had more to do with getting a right-handed bat in there against lefty Aroldis Chapman. There was no indication of an injury. Wells had started three of four games this week. He went hitless in 10 at-bats.
Wells is enduring a brutal offensive season. He’s hitting just .166 as New York’s primary catcher. After slugging a career-high 21 home runs last season, Wells has left the yard just four times this year. The left-handed bat has been particularly underwhelming against southpaws. Wells is 5-for-50 facing left-handed pitching this season.
Wells’ main contributions have come with the glove. He’s recorded 3 Defensive Runs Saved across 400 2/3 innings. Statcast gives him a Fielding Run Value of 3. Wells ranks in the 91st percentile for framing. He’s been slightly below average throwing out base stealers.
Escarra has functioned as Wells’ backup for most of the season. He hasn’t been any better offensively, posting a 38 wRC+ in 68 plate appearances. Only the Angels and Phillies have a lower OPS than the Yankees at the catcher position. Escarra will likely step into a platoon with Sanchez, who had his contract selected yesterday. The righty-swinging Sanchez should typically be in the lineup against lefties, like he was tonight against Ranger Suarez.
Photo courtesy of Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images
Brewers Acquire Joel Kuhnel From Athletics
Right-hander Joel Kuhnel is heading to the Brewers for cash considerations. The A’s designated him for assignment on Friday. Both teams have announced the deal. Milwaukee moved Quinn Priester to the 60-day IL to clear a 40-man roster spot for Kuhnel.
The 31-year-old Kuhnel was one of manager Mark Kotsay‘s top options in the ninth inning early in the season. He picked up four saves in his first seven appearances. Kuhnel remained in the high-leverage mix through May, but struggled to close the month, permitting three earned runs over his final two outings.
The final blow came on Thursday against the Cubs. Kuhnel was called upon to preserve a three-run lead in the ninth inning. He gave up four earned runs on five hits while recording just two outs. Righty Luis Medina was unable to put out Kuhnel’s fire, allowing a pair of hits, including a walk-off single to Pete Crow-Armstrong. The disastrous outing raised Kuhnel’s ERA from 2.88 to 4.21.
Kuhnel has pitched for four teams across parts of six big-league seasons. He spent all of 2025 at Triple-A in the Yankees’ and Phillies’ systems. The veteran righty came to the A’s on a minor league deal in December. He didn’t break camp with the team, but reached the majors after just two minor league outings.
Milwaukee is missing several key pieces in the bullpen. Offseason trade acquisition Angel Zerpa was lost to Tommy John surgery. Lefty DL Hall just went down with a pectoral injury. Veterans Jared Koenig and Rob Zastryzny have missed the majority of the season. Kuhnel, being a righty, wouldn’t necessarily alleviate those absences, but he could provide value in a lower-leverage role.
Priester is dealing with symptoms related to thoracic outlet syndrome. He has avoided surgery up to this point. The righty recently had his rehab assignment bumped to Rookie ball after a stretch of poor performances. Priester has 19 walks in 13 1/3 innings across seven minor league outings. Manager Pat Murphy recently said Priester could need another month of rehab.
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Dodgers Move Tyler Glasnow To 60-Day IL, Add Nick Frasso
The Dodgers have shifted right-hander Tyler Glasnow from the 15-day to the 60-day IL. Glasnow is dealing with a back injury. The club has added right-handed Nick Frasso to the 40-man roster.
Glasnow hit the 15-day IL on May 8 due to lower back spasms. He was removed from a start against the Astros on June 6 after one inning. The big righty has yet to resume throwing, relays Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Given where he’s at in his recovery, it’s unsurprising to see Glasnow shifted to the 60-day IL. He’ll be eligible to return in early July, but that seems like a stretch at this point. The Dodgers will likely bring Glasnow along slowly with his extensive injury history.
Frasso exercised an upward mobility clause in his contract, per Ardaya. The righty will remain at Triple-A, but he’s now on the 40-man. The move allows the club to keep him in the organization.
The Dodgers originally acquired Frasso along with lefty Moises Brito in an August 2022 trade that sent righty Mitch White and second baseman Alex De Jesus to the Blue Jays. Frasso pitched well in the minors, reaching Triple-A by 2023. He was sidelined for all of 2024 after shoulder surgery. Frasso had some prospect pedigree as recently as last season, with MLB Pipeline ranking him at No. 13 in the Dodgers system. He scuffled to a 5.49 ERA in 77 innings with Oklahoma City in 2025 and slipped off most prospect rankings.
Frasso tested free agency in November, but ultimately landed back with the Dodgers. The 27-year-old will now have a better chance to get a look with the big-league club now that he’s on the 40-man roster. The righty was exclusively a starter in LA’s organization until last year, when he mostly pitched out of the bullpen. Frasso has a 4.85 ERA in 11 minor league appearances this year. He’s spiked a 38.7% strikeout rate, but it’s come with a career-worst 16.1% walk rate.
Photo courtesy of Kiyoshi Mio, Imagn Images
Angels Announce Several Roster Moves
The Angels made several roster decisions ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Dodgers. First baseman Nolan Schanuel is back from the IL. Outfielder Jorge Soler heads to the IL with an oblique strain. The club selected the contract of outfielder Gustavo Campero, then put him on the IL with a broken hand. Catcher Omar Martinez was designated for assignment.
The Soler move is retroactive to June 4. He was scratched on Friday with what was initially believed to be a hip injury. Instead, it’s an oblique issue. Soler has been mediocre at the plate through 58 games. The veteran has a 95 wRC+ across 243 plate appearances. Soler struggled mightily in May, posting a .571 OPS. He was off to a strong start in June, going 4-for-11 with two extra-base hits in a series against the Rockies.
Schanuel had slightly more than a minimum stay on the IL with an ankle injury. He should step back in as the club’s everyday first baseman. Schanuel hasn’t shown the on-base skills he’s had in previous seasons, walking at a career-low 6.3% clip. His .313 OBP is more than 30 points below his career mark.
Vaughn Grissom has stepped in at first base in Schanuel’s stead and played well. The former big-name prospect has slashed a respectable .246/.325/.410 in 40 games. He’s striking out just 11% of the time, while walking at a 9% rate. Grissom has been particularly effective in games he’s played first base, delivering a .988 OPS in 62 plate appearances. Grissom has also played second and third base this year. He might not have a permanent defensive position, but he’s earned regular playing time.
Campero has spent the entire season at Double-A. He went to the minor league injured list on June 1 with a fractured right hand. Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reported that Campero had an opt-out clause in his deal. Adding him to the 40-man roster allows the Angels to keep him in the organization. The 28-year-old outfielder has scuffled to a 74 wRC+ in parts of two seasons with the big-league club, but he was performing well in the minors this year. Campero had an .830 OPS with six homers and 11 steals with Rocket City before his injury.
After seven seasons in the minors with the Yankees, Martinez joined the Angels on a minor league deal. He earned his first MLB shot in early May after Travis d’Arnaud went down with plantar fasciitis. Regular starter Logan O’Hoppe was already out with a broken wrist. Martinez briefly tag-teamed the catching duties with Sebastian Rivero. The 24-year-old mostly appeared on defense. He had three plate appearances in five games, going 1-for-3.
Martinez will now head through the DFA process. The Angels can look for a trade partner before placing him on waivers. Martinez is still in his first minor league option year, which could intrigue teams in need of catching depth. If he clears waivers, he’ll head back to Triple-A Salt Lake and wait for his next big-league opportunity.
Photo courtesy of Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images