##  Cubs Set Sights on Kelly as Rotation Woes Mount

**Chicago Needs a Spark to Stay in Contention**

The Chicago Cubs find themselves at a crossroads with their starting rotation. Shota Imanaga has been solid, and Matthew Boyd continues to provide reliable innings. However, injuries to Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon, rookie Cade Horton's struggles outside Wrigley Field, and Colin Rea's inconsistency have exposed serious vulnerabilities in the pitching staff.

With the tightly contested NL Central race heating up, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is reportedly making aggressive moves at the trade deadline. Talks with Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo fell through when he signed a two-year, $46 million extension to stay with the Royals. 


**Kelly Emerges as Top Target**

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Chicago is now focusing its attention westward on Arizona Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly. Nightengale adds that teams consider Kelly the better pitcher in Arizona compared to Zac Gallen, who also holds interest for the Cubs.

Unlike Gallen, Kelly presents a lower-risk acquisition for the Cubs. The 35-year-old has a strong track record this season with a 3.22 ERA, 121 strikeouts, and a 1.057 WHIP across 128.2 innings pitched in 22 starts. While he may not have the same Cy Young potential as Gallen, Kelly's consistency makes him an attractive option, especially as an impending free agent who could be acquired at a more affordable price.

**Building a Powerhouse Rotation?**


Kelly appears to be the type of pitcher who can complement a bigger acquisition for the Cubs. If Chicago lands a frontline starter and pairs them with Kelly, they could instantly transform their rotation into one of the best in baseball. 


##  Cubs Set Sights on Kelly as Rotation Woes Mount

**Chicago Needs a Spark to Stay in Contention**

The Chicago Cubs find themselves at a crossroads with thei

Cubs Targeting Diamondbacks&#39; Merrill Kelly to Fortify St

Cubs Targeting Diamondbacks&#39; Merrill Kelly to Fortify Starting Rotation: Report

## Dusty Baker Returns to the Dugout for Nicaragua's 2026 World Baseball Classic Run

**Hall of Famer Embraces New Challenge, Citing Clemente and Garvey as Inspiration**

COOPERSTOWN, NY — After a two-year retirement from Major League Baseball, legendary manager Dusty Baker is stepping back into the dugout. He'll lead Nicaragua in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, he told USA TODAY Sports.  

"I'm excited," said Baker, who boasts a distinguished career as both a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner during his 19 years as a player and a seasoned manager for 26 seasons. "When they asked me, I thought about Roberto Clemente going there to help the country. I thought about Marcus Garvey. I know baseball is trying to get going in Nicaragua, and I want to help."

Baker had previously been approached to manage the U.S. team in 2023 but chose to remain with the Houston Astros after their World Series victory in 2022. Now retired from MLB managing –  serving as a special advisor for the San Francisco Giants – he believes this is the perfect opportunity.

“I considered managing in the WBC back then, but I just couldn’t leave my team," Baker explained. “I didn’t think it was right to leave my team for two weeks in spring training. I was trying to win two World Series in a row.
"So, now, the timing works great."


**A Team Built on Experience and Legacy**

Baker's appointment came after being contacted in December by Nicaragua general manager George Santiago and former manager Marvin Bernard. He sought counsel from his wife, Melissa, and son, Darren, who plays in the Washington Nationals organization, before accepting the position.

"It should be cool," said Baker, the only manager in MLB history to lead five different franchises to division titles. "I know it will be a great life experience. I hope I can add to theirs, and they can add to mine.
“I’ve never been a part of the WBC, but everyone seems to enjoy it. I will as well. But let’s make it clear. I’m here to win."

The 76-year-old Baker is slated for a formal introduction at a press conference in Nicaragua this August. He plans to assemble a staff featuring former coaches Gary Pettis, Jacque Jones and Dan Firova, alongside Bernard as bench coach and Randall Simon. Bernard, who becomes the sixth Nicaraguan-born player to reach the Major Leagues and the second position player, brings invaluable experience to the team.

**A New Chapter While Leaving MLB in the Rearview**


Despite this exciting new venture, Baker has no plans to return to managing a major league team.  With 2,183 wins, placing him seventh all-time, he is eligible for the Hall of Fame’s contemporary era ballot in December 2026, with an induction ceremony scheduled for July 2027.

“I miss the camaraderie and the game," Baker admitted, "but I don’t miss the verbal dodgeball twice a day. I don’t miss the travel and bickering between old school and new school and sabermetrics against experience.
“Besides, I don’t have to train for a long-distance race managing in the WBC. This will be a sprint. I can handle that. Now, I just have to brush up on my Spanish."  





## Dusty Baker Returns to the Dugout for Nicaragua's 2026 World Baseball Classic Run

**Hall of Famer Embraces New Challenge, Citing Clemente and Garvey as Insp

Retired Dusty Baker to manage Nicaragua in 2026 World Baseba

Retired Dusty Baker to manage Nicaragua in 2026 World Baseball Classic

## Mets Aim for Season-High Eight Straight Wins in San Diego Showdown

**Riding a hot streak after sweeping the Giants, New York looks to continue its dominance against the Padres.** 


The New York Mets travel down the California coast with momentum on their side, having just completed a three-game sweep of the San Francisco Giants. Now, they aim for a season-high eight consecutive wins as they face off against the San Diego Padres in the first game of a series at Petco Park on Monday night.

The matchup marks the beginning of six meetings between these two teams, with a three-game set scheduled for later in the season at Citi Field from September 16th to 18th.


**Mets Dominate Giants in Series Finale**

In Sunday's series clincher against the Giants, Ronny Mauricio shone brightly, going 4-for-4 with a solo home run, two doubles, and two RBIs to lead the Mets to a 5-3 victory. This win capped off a historic week for the Mets, who matched their season-best seven-game winning streak.


**Pitching Matchup: Montas vs. Cease**

Frankie Montas will take the mound for the Mets on Monday night.  Montas enters the game with a 3-1 record and a 4.62 ERA, riding a three-game winning streak. Facing him will be Padres starter Dylan Cease. In 21 starts this season, the 29-year-old right-hander has a 3-10 record with a 4.59 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP.


**Lineups Revealed: Ready for Battle**

Both teams have released their lineups for Monday's highly anticipated contest:



* **NY Mets lineup vs Padres:** (Link to embedded tweet)
* **Padres lineup vs Mets:** (Link to embedded tweet) 


This first encounter between the Mets and Padres in 2025 promises to be a thrilling match-up.   


## Mets Aim for Season-High Eight Straight Wins in San Diego Showdown

**Riding a hot streak after sweeping the Giants, New York looks to continue its dominance

Mets announce lineup vs San Diego Padres for Monday game

## Tigers Hit Another Roadblock: Meadows Joins Olson On Injured List

**Center fielder sidelined with quad strain, adds to mounting injuries.**

Detroit Tigers fans are facing a disheartening reality as another key player has been added to the injured list. Following starter Reese Olson's season-ending shoulder strain announcement on Monday, July 28th, center fielder Parker Meadows now joins him, sidelined due to a right quad strain.  

Meadows, who missed the first 60 games of the season recovering from a musculocutaneous nerve injury in his upper right arm, was injured during Sunday's 10-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park. Despite his recent return, he appeared noticeably cautious in center field and on the basepaths.

"We approached him about it," said Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris, highlighting the team's awareness of Meadows' discomfort. "Fortunately, we think we caught it early, so there won't be a tear or a high-grade strain. We're hopeful that he's going to be back soon." 

Meadows, 25, is batting .200 with two home runs, 12 walks, and 40 strikeouts in 38 games played this season.  To fill Meadows' absence, the Tigers recalled infielder Andy Ibáñez from Triple-A Toledo.


**Another Blow for Detroit:**

The recent string of injuries adds to the Tigers' already challenging season.  While there is still a possibility for Olson to return in time for the playoffs, the team faces a significant uphill battle as they navigate these setbacks. 


## Tigers Hit Another Roadblock: Meadows Joins Olson On Injured List

**Center fielder sidelined with quad strain, adds to mounting injuries.**

Detroit Tigers 

Detroit Tigers place Parker Meadows on injured list with qua

Detroit Tigers place Parker Meadows on injured list with quad strain; Andy Ibáñez recalled

## Yankees Consider Trading Top Prospect Amid Pitching Woes

**New York Seeks to Bolster Staff Before Deadline**

The New York Yankees are looking to make a splash before the MLB trade deadline, with their eyes set on bolstering a pitching staff struggling to keep pace with the potent offense.  Despite holding the first American League Wild Card spot and sitting in second place in their division, the team's ERA ranks in the bottom half of the league, raising concerns about their postseason potential.

"The New York Yankees are open to trading prized outfield prospect Spencer Jones, rival GMs say," reported USA Today's Bob Nightengale. This unexpected move comes as a surprise considering Jones' impressive performance.

**Prospect Powerhouse Faces Logjam in Outfield**

Drafted in the first round of 2022, the 24-year-old is tearing it up in the minors.  Since his promotion to Triple-A, Jones boasts a scorching .400/.457/1.407 slash line with an impressive 13 home runs. While he possesses undeniable power from the left side of the plate, finding consistent playing time in New York's crowded outfield presents a challenge.


**Trading for Pitching: A Necessity?**

The team's abundance of talented outfielders, including Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Jasson Domínguez, could make Jones an attractive trade asset.  With pitching as the clear priority, the Yankees are reportedly willing to part with Jones in exchange for a proven arm before the trade deadline.


Will this move be enough to propel the Yankees to another deep playoff run? Only time will tell. 


## Yankees Consider Trading Top Prospect Amid Pitching Woes

**New York Seeks to Bolster Staff Before Deadline**

The New York Yankees are looking to make a spl

Yankees surprisingly open to trading away top prospect

## Yankees Trade Shifts Focus to Reds in Eugenio Suárez Sweepstakes

**Cincinnati Could Land Power Bat with Pitching Depth as Leverage**


The New York Yankees' acquisition of third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies removes them from contention for Eugenio Suárez, redirecting attention toward the Cincinnati Reds. 

With the infield hole filled by prospects Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz heading to Colorado, the Reds now emerge as a potential landing spot for Suárez in trade talks.  Experts are buzzing about the possibility of a reunion between Suárez and his former team.

The Reds currently rank 18th in MLB with 107 home runs this season, highlighting their need for a proven power hitter. Jim Bowden of The Athletic proposes a bold move to address this need, suggesting a trade that would see Suárez return to the Queen City.


“The Reds have the pitching to make the playoffs as a wild-card team but lack that one power hitter to get them there," Bowden wrote. "Acquiring Suárez would be a game-changer for their lineup and drastically improve their chances of playing in October.” 

Bowden's hypothetical deal outlines the following exchange:


**Reds Receive:**
* 3B Eugenio Suárez (currently with Arizona)

**Diamondbacks Receive:**
* 3B Cam Collier, RHP Chase Petty, LHP Adam Serwinoski

Suárez is enjoying a stellar season, slashing .252/.325/.593 with 36 home runs and a league-leading 86 RBIs. Only Cal Raleigh, Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani have hit more home runs this year, and Suárez is set to become a free agent after the season.  

In return, Arizona would acquire three high-upside prospects. Petty, 22, boasts a fastball that reaches 100 mph; he holds a 4.14 ERA over 15 Triple-A starts with some MLB exposure this season. Serwinoski has accumulated 86 strikeouts in 70 High-A innings. Collier, 20, already sports a .299/.422/.414 slash line in the minors. He was the MVP of last year's Futures Game and is considered the centerpiece of this potential return package.

With the Yankees committed to McMahon, the Reds could be well-positioned to acquire Suárez at the right price. Their pitching depth and clear need for a power bat create a compelling scenario for a deal to materialize. 


## Yankees Trade Shifts Focus to Reds in Eugenio Suárez Sweepstakes

**Cincinnati Could Land Power Bat with Pitching Depth as Leverage**


The New York Yankees'

Reds Linked to Eugenio Suárez in Chase Petty Trade Scenario

## Yankees Trade Aims for Defense, But Could It Boost Volpe's Game?

**New York bolsters infield with McMahon, but could the move also help struggling shortstop Anthony Volpe?**

The Yankees made a clear statement: defense is paramount. By acquiring Ryan McMahon from the Rockies, they aim to shore up their infield, curb errors, and support ground-ball specialist Max Fried on the mound. However, former Rockies outfielder and current broadcaster Ryan Spilborghs believes there's a potential ripple effect – one that could benefit struggling shortstop Anthony Volpe.

"I think so," Spilborghs said on SiriusXM’s MLB Network Radio’s “Loud Outs” show following the trade announcement. "The range you’re going to get with McMahon... he’s played with really good shortstops—Trevor Story, and now a Gold Glover in Ezequiel Tovar. It’s not an accident that a shortstop wins a Gold Glove. Because the guy next to him was really good.”

Spilborghs' point highlights the interconnectedness of infield defense, particularly on the left side where Volpe and McMahon will operate.  Volpe, who shone defensively in 2023, has faced inconsistencies this season, both mechanically and mentally. This led to recent criticism from former manager Joe Maddon, who even suggested sending Volpe to the minors for a reset.

McMahon's arrival, with his consistent defensive prowess ranking among league leaders since 2021, could provide stability and alleviate pressure on Volpe.  The result? Potentially more consistency, trust, and successful plays.


**A Defensive Focus, With Potential Upside**

While the Yankees' primary objective was to improve their defense at third base and protect Fried's performance, McMahon’s impact on Volpe could prove incredibly valuable. Should this move help Volpe regain his defensive prowess, it might just become one of the most significant acquisitions of the season. 


## Yankees Trade Aims for Defense, But Could It Boost Volpe's Game?

**New York bolsters infield with McMahon, but could the move also help struggling shortstop

#Mlb

Cubs Targeting Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly to Fortify Starting Rotation: Report

Retired Dusty Baker to manage Nicaragua in 2026 World Baseball Classic

Mets announce lineup vs San Diego Padres for Monday game

Detroit Tigers place Parker Meadows on injured list with quad strain; Andy Ibáñez recalled

Yankees surprisingly open to trading away top prospect

Reds Linked to Eugenio Suárez in Chase Petty Trade Scenario

Can this Yankees trade quietly help Anthony Volpe get back on track?

#Mlb

Cubs Targeting Diamondbacks&#39; Merrill Kelly to Fortify Starting Rotation: Report

Retired Dusty Baker to manage Nicaragua in 2026 World Baseball Classic

Mets announce lineup vs San Diego Padres for Monday game

Detroit Tigers place Parker Meadows on injured list with quad strain; Andy Ibáñez recalled

Yankees surprisingly open to trading away top prospect

Reds Linked to Eugenio Suárez in Chase Petty Trade Scenario

Can this Yankees trade quietly help Anthony Volpe get back on track?

Cubs Targeting Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly to Fortify Starting Rotation: Report