What were once considered excuses, Chisholm Jr. is proving were actually logical arguments,. Finally, the ball is in agreement with him. Recently, Chisholm Jr. downplayed his rough year ahead of MLB free agency, and it looks like that mindset was the right one.

“I just feel like the results are now being shown,” Chisholm Jr. stated, via YES Network. “There were a lot of times this season I was hitting the ball hard and it wasn’t dropping. I just had to mentally learn how to let that go and build off of that. Instead of trying different stuff, just stick with it.”

Chisholm Jr. getting hot

His overall numbers for the 2026 MLB season are still nothing to write home about, and Chisholm Jr. knows it. However, he can’t change what’s done and must only focus on the road ahead. So far, so good. Jazz is now carrying a four-game hitting streak, one away from matching his season best, which he has accomplished twice already.

Over the last four games for the Yankees, Chisholm Jr. has gone 8-for-14 at the plate, including three runs, four RBIs, and a home run. This recent streak allowed Chisholm Jr. to improve his season batting average from .214 to .226. As for the rest of his percentages, Chisholm Jr. registers a .305 OBP, .403 SLG, and .708 OPS.

Chisholm Jr. leads the AL in stolen bases

In the meantime, Chisholm Jr. has made some good plays, along with some errors at shortstop. What has remained consistent is his base running, as Jazz has stolen three bases in his last four games, climbing to the top of the American League standings with 36 stolen bases on the year.

Chisholm Jr. admitted he doesn’t care about stealing bases as much as he cares about winning the World Series, but his numbers in 2026 are still noteworthy.

According to the New York Post‘s Jon Heyman, Judge prefers to bypass a minor-league rehab assignment and activate straight into the Yankees‘ lineup. If that plays out, New York would drop its marquee slugger directly into the high-stakes environment of the regular season’s final stretch.

While players returning from the injured list typically require a tune-up stint in the minors, Judge is eager to rejoin the big-league club immediately as the pennant race heats up and every win counts.

With Giancarlo Stanton sidelined for the remainder of the season, Judge’s return is critical to keeping the offense potent. Even with Ben Rice carrying a heavy load with 35 home runs this year, getting Judge back gives New York the elite MVP-caliber bat it has relied on in recent runs.

Judge keeps working on his comeback

Though momentum is building for a swift return, manager Aaron Boone cautioned that the ramp-up process could still hit bumps given how long Judge has been out of action.

Additionally, while Stanton’s injury initially sparked speculation about a shift in Judge’s primary role, Boone noted that his exact usage remains fluid for now. For now, the spotlight stays fixed on his eventual activation into a lineup that has managed to hold the line without him.

Sitting at 75-57 and closing in on a postseason berth, the Yankees are focused on finishing strong. Inserting Judge back into the heart of the order might just provide the final piece New York needs to push for October glory and end its championship drought.

The Yankees are routinely searching for right-handed power off the bench and have endured inconsistent production and injuries at the corner infield and designated hitter spots. However, acquiring Suarez comes with financial strings, as any claiming team must absorb the remainder of his contract.

Suarez is playing on a $15 million salary, leaving roughly $2.5 million to $3 million owed through the rest of the season. The luxury-tax-mindful Yankees may hesitate to absorb that remaining payroll for a rotational bench piece.

With Giancarlo Stanton sidelined, Suarez could offer solid right-handed depth for the remainder of the regular season. However, waiver claims are awarded in inverse order of the overall MLB standings. Because the Yankees hold one of baseball’s best records, several American League rivals with lower win totals would have priority to claim Suarez ahead of New York.

Other contenders who could target Suarez

If the Yankees pass—or get beat on priority—Suarez could still land with another postseason hopeful for the final month of the regular season and potential playoff roster eligibility.

The Detroit Tigers stand out as a potential fit given their need for corner infield help as they navigate a tight playoff race, where an experienced veteran right-handed bat could make an immediate impact.

Meanwhile, the Houston Astros have dealt with key offensive injuries all summer, leaving them thin on bench power and corner infield flexibility. Lastly, the Seattle Mariners are in the thick of the AL Wild Card hunt and frequently seek affordable late-season power and depth.

What happens if Suarez goes unclaimed?

If no club submits a claim during the 48-hour waiver window, Suarez will remain with the Reds for the rest of the season, with Cincinnati remaining responsible for the balance of his salary.

He could represent an intriguing late-season addition for a contender despite his struggles, which include a 35% strikeout rate alongside a modest .208/.295/.410 slash line. Time will tell if Suarez gets a chance to impact a pennant race or finishes out the year in Cincinnati.

Moreover, Boone made it clear that although there’s a plan in place for Judge’s rehab, it’s neither final nor set in stone. Should challenges present themselves along the way, New York will adapt. In turn, that could delay Judge’s return, but the hope remains that he will be back before the MLB campaign comes to an end, likely with some games to spare to find his footing before the postseason.

“[Judge has] got a calendar of what they’re doing, but you make adjustments to that as you go,” Boone commented, via MLB.com. “They’re definitely mapping things out, but as you go, you check some boxes and move on. Sometimes that progress speeds up a little bit. Sometimes you take a step back.”

Boone preaches patience with Judge

Boone’s statement on Judge speaks for itself. The Yankees’ manager got his message across loud and clear. Indeed, Boone remains confident in Judge’s return this season and believes he can be back at full capacity, ruling out a new role for Judge when he returns to the lineup. Still, that’s not to say he will roll the dice any more than New York needs to.

Judge is on the right path and could soon be sent down to the minors on a rehab assignment before finally being activated from the 60-day injured list (IL). He might face some adversity along the way, but as long as it’s not a serious issue, the Yankees remain confident in his recovery.

Sooner or later, Judge will return, and even an out-of-rhythm version of the three-time MVP in The Show is a reinforcement for the Pinstripers’ batting order and right field.

NY Yankees need Judge to stop bad streak

With Judge out of the batting order, the Yankees are missing a crucial presence in the early innings. As a result, it’s little mystery why New York has struggled to hit the ground running in MLB games. As of Aug. 26, the Yankees have gone scoreless in 23 straight first innings. They are one scoreless first-inning away from tying the franchise’s worst streak.

The last time the Pinstripers scored a run in the opening inning was during a 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Chicago White Sox on July 29. That was in the Windy City, though. The last time the Yankees scored in the first inning at Yankee Stadium was on July 20, in an 8-5 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

If there’s a silver lining for fans, it’s the fact that those stuck in traffic or waiting for the train to the Bronx won’t miss out on much if they can’t make it to Yankee Stadium for the bottom of the first inning. Maybe Judge is the key to breaking the hex, though the Yankees would hope to break the curse sooner.

White lie or not, Cruz and Boone weren’t being completely transparent when speaking about the pitcher’s health. Either that, or his status worsened overnight, leading to him being placed on the MLB injured list with an issue in his throwing elbow.

“Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves: Placed RHP Fernando Cruz on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort,” as announced on the club’s X account (@Yankees).

What had Boone said about Cruz?

Asked whether Cruz was playing through fatigue or something worse, and if that had something to do with the reliever’s struggles during New York’s 9-7 loss to the Houston Astros, Boone brushed off those concerns. He admitted fatigue is always a factor at this stage of the season, but he didn’t make too much of it.

At the very least, the manager showed no signs of there being any fire behind the smoke. Thus, upon learning that Cruz was headed to the 15-day IL, fans had reason to feel as if the truth had been hidden from them.

“Yes, [fatigue] is always part of it at this time of the year,” Boone admitted during his postgame media availability. “But he’s just been hurt in some situations, behind in some counts where they have a pitch in their area and haven’t missed it.“

Another pitcher goes down for the Yankees

It’s becoming a sorry sight at this point for the Yankees. Their rotation loses key names almost on a daily basis. With Cruz, however, there’s reason to believe there may not be much to worry about. Similarly to Boone’s update on Max Fried’s timeline, Cruz’s IL stint may be a bit of a “phantom” one.

Indeed, he’s dealing with a hiccup, but it doesn’t seem to be one that could put his season in jeopardy. In the end, the 15-day IL may have been the safest option Boone and New York landed on to give their reliever a much-needed rest. Were the season looking different, the Yankees may not have sidelined Cruz.

This way, they can get the northpaw relief pitcher back energized for the pennant race later in the year. Plus, after watching the bullpen derail against Houston, making some changes and bringing in fresh air doesn’t feel like the worst idea in the world.

“I see potential in them that they could be really great players for a long time. They’ve already shown they are good players. But they could be great players for a long time. I really just want to be a small part in their journey toward becoming those players,” Bichette stated via The Athletic‘s Will Sammon.

Bichette also added: “As the season has gone on, the more time I spend here, the more I feel like a Met. They’re a huge part of the future here, and I just want what’s best for them.”

It’s clear that things didn’t go as expected for the Mets this season. However, judging by Bo Bichette’s comments, there are still plenty of reasons for optimism. Will Benge and Ewing become the faces of the franchise in the near future?

Mets rookies have made a statement this season

Even in what’s been a rough 2026 campaign for the Mets, the emergence of Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing has given Queens plenty of reason for optimism. Benge has stepped up nicely as a major-league regular, posting a .282 average alongside 16 home runs, 53 RBIs, 19 stolen bases, and a .342 OBP over 476 at-bats.

Meanwhile, Ewing has shown impressive flashes of his toolset with a .244 average, 7 homers, 28 RBIs, and 41 runs scored through 89 games. With their blend of hit tools, athleticism, and early poise at the highest level, many around the organization already view this young duo as core pillars of the franchise’s future.

Will Bichette remain with Mets?

Bo Bichette is under contract with the Mets on a 3-year, $126 million deal he signed prior to the season ($42M AAV). However, his deal features an opt-out clause after this 2026 campaign, leaving his future in Queens somewhat up in the air.

While he has publicly stated how much he’s enjoying his time with the team, whether he actually suits up for the Mets next season hinges entirely on his decision this winter: he can either exercise his opt-out to test free agency again or stay put to collect the remaining $84 million on his contract over the next two years.

Nightengale reported that several D-backs players are “incensed” over Marte’s latest antics, a frustration amplified by the fact that he previously left the club for three unapproved days following last season’s All-Star break.

With the regular season heading into the home stretch, Arizona must now navigate major internal friction. Even as Marte nears a return from the injured list, questions surround his focus and commitment, with reported comments from inside the room underscoring a rift within the roster.

While manager Torey Lovullo publicly insists the Diamondbacks are preparing for Marte’s imminent reactivation, the damaging report paints a far more complicated picture for a team that desperately needs total cohesion to stay afloat in the postseason chase.

Marte’s questionable actions

Marte drew heavy scrutiny following an unauthorized absence during a road series, mysteriously failing to report to the ballpark. Public backlash intensified after footage surfaced showing him gambling at a casino near the team facility shortly after being placed on the IL.

The fallout threatens to leave lasting scars on the franchise’s internal culture. Marte’s abrupt disappearance and the optics that followed have severely strained relations with both team leadership and the veteran core during a critical postseason push.

Marte’s potential comeback

Despite the brewing controversy, Marte could make a return to the diamond sooner than expected, targeting an August 31 return date. If activated, he would rejoin the Diamondbacks just in time for their series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies.

“Overall, feeling really good,” Story admitted in dialogue with The Boston Globe. “I’m on [time with] the barrel, just a touch off [on squaring pitches]. [It’s] to be expected. I think more than the results, it’s more about how I’m feeling and kind of dictating the at-bat. And I’m in a good spot there. So, feel good about [returning].”

Although the Red Sox are set to bring Story and Isiah Kiner-Falefa back, there’s a catch. Moreover, the former has yet to impress, and not everybody agrees he’s ready to return just yet. The thing is, if Story isn’t called up now, after admitting he feels alright, then when?

Never-ending Story for Trevor

Story has been sidelined in the 2026 MLB season since May. The Red Sox’ shortstop underwent sports hernia surgery, was placed on the 60-day injured list (IL), and has slowly worked his way back since. Sent on a rehab assignment to Worcester, Story has already played seven games in the minor leagues but barely has anything to show for it.

Through seven outings, Story has managed just four hits in 25 at-bats, while putting up a .160 AVG, .192 OBP, .160 SLG, and .352 OPS. His base running may be salvaged from the critics, as he has managed to score half the times he has reached first base. Story has yet to hit anything better than a single in the MiLB.

Moreover, Story has two RBIs, a walk, and seven strikeouts. Due to his aggressive nature at the plate, striking out and chasing balls well outside the zone has long been an issue for Story. In Worcester, it’s been no different.

Red Sox fans wary of Story’s return

Struggling in the minors, fans in The Hub are wary of how Story may look at the plate when he returns to Fenway Park. Story made it clear he isn’t looking at the stat box. However, that’s partly because it’s a deflating sheet to look at. Needless to say, the fanbase in Beantown is looking at it, and are far from thrilled.

“On one hand it’s good he’s itching to come back. On the other, he hasn’t done anything in the minor rehab to suggest he will be good to go. For me stick down until you show consistency then OK,” a fan commented on social media.

Regardless of the outside noise, all Story cares about is feeling good and confident enough to take on major league pitchers on a daily basis while being a reliable option for Boston at shortstop or wherever interim manager Chad Tracy needs him on the infield.

Story’s contract

Some fans have gone as far as to suggest Story stay in the minors through the season. That’s unrealistic. He may not have performed as expected, but Boston is still paying him a $25 million salary in 2026 and will do so again in 2027. In 2028, Story’s six-year, $140 million contract could be extended through a team option.

Story declined to opt out of his contract prior to the 2026 MLB season, and this is the hand he’s been dealt because of it: facing harsh criticism from fans and dealing with a considerable setback that has raised even more questions about his ability at the plate, where he’s left plenty of them ever since he arrived in Boston in 2022.

Much was speculated when New York traded for Garcia Jr. ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline, but the first baseman has quieted all doubts one strong at-bat at a time. After his four-hit, two-run game against the Astros, Boone issued a strong statement aimed at the fans who criticized the move at the time.

“[Garcia Jr.] has got some serious thunder coming through the zone, he’s a really good hitter. I hope our fanbase is starting to see what a live bat that we got in here,” Boone said during his postgame press conference. “He’s hit some balls really hard since he’s been here. He’s capable of nights like this. He’s got serious juice, I think he’s ready-made for this ballpark, and it’s good to see him have a night like that.”

Garcia Jr. has season-high

Thanks to his four hits and two runs in the Yankees’ 9-7 loss against the Astros, the former Washington Nationals infielder recorded his best game of the 2026 MLB campaign. He went four-for-five at the plate and improved his batting average on the season to .283, with a .284 AVG since joining the Yankees.

If he can keep it up, Garcia Jr. could finish with a career-best average. His .871 OPS is also trending toward the highest of his MLB career, further testament to the year he’s had in both Washington and New York. As Boone stated, Garcia Jr. is a bit of an unsung hero in the Bronx.

When fans talk about the team’s offense, they rarely mention him, yet he’s been one of the most consistent batters on the squad. Obviously, the small sample size helps his case, but Garcia Jr. owns the second-best AVG in the lineup, trailing only rookie sensation George Lombard Jr.

Garcia Jr.’s night gets lost in bullpen train wreck

Had the Yankees managed to hold on to their lead over the Astros, Garcia Jr.’s performance may have become one of the most memorable of the season for New York. However, the Yanks struggled to get help out of their bullpen, a rare sight considering its form at the mound this season.

Going through relievers like someone searching a drawer for a pen that still has ink, Boone and the Bronx Bombers watched their lead disappear late, and not even Garcia Jr.’s strong bat could bring New York back.

By the time the ninth inning arrived and Houston closer Josh Hader took the mound, all hope at Yankee Stadium was long gone. Hader needed only 10 pitches to dispatch the Yankees, and with the loss, Garcia Jr.’s night was all in vain.

“It’s just that part of the year,” Cruz said via the New York Daily News. “This is a marathon. There’s ups and downs, like every player has.” His physical fatigue became a topic of discussion, although the player himself completely dismissed that possibility.

“Yeah, I’m feeling good,” he revealed regarding this rumors. “I mean, every player has the battles with their bodies and stuff, but we’re gonna be good.” Cruz is confident he can turn things around in the near future, as the Bronx Bombers will undoubtedly need every player performing at their best to have a shot at the title.

Cruz’s recent struggles

Fernando Cruz has been hitting a rough patch out of the bullpen recently. Over his last 19 innings pitched, the right-hander has surrendered nine earned runs, issued 11 passes, and given up four home runs, with a particularly tough 12.2-inning stretch accounting for seven of those runs, nine walks, and four long balls.

The struggle carried right into Tuesday’s matchup against Houston Astros, where he gave up a game-tying, two-run blast to Jeremy Peña in the sixth frame of an eventual 9-7 loss for New York.

New York looks to turn the series around against the Astros

After dropping the series opener, the Yankees will look to bounce back and flip the script against the Astros right at home at Yankee Stadium. They have two more games to close out the series in the Bronx—Wednesday night (August 26) and Thursday night (August 27).

Following this matchup, New York stays home for a marquee rivalry series against the Boston Red Sox over the weekend before heading out to the West Coast to face the Los Angeles Angels.

Highlighting his recent tear against the Philadelphia Phillies, Raleigh became just the second player in Mariners franchise history to homer in four consecutive at-bats, joining Mike Cameron’s iconic 2002 feat, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

Even when he isn’t sitting atop the league’s leaderboards, Raleigh’s knack for timely home runs serves as a promising sign for a Mariners squad aiming to recreate last season’s magical run, a campaign that featured the catcher as its primary star.

While contenders like the New York Yankees grapple with key roster absences like Aaron Judge, the Mariners lean heavily on Raleigh as their rock through the grind of the MLB regular season, expecting his impact to carry straight into October.

Raleigh’s impact this season

Cal Raleigh remains a cornerstone for Seattle, blending elite defensive leadership behind the dish with explosive late-season power. Though his overall batting average sits at .169, “Big Dumper” stays dangerous with 18 home runs and 52 RBIs, all while guiding one of the premier pitching rotations in Major League Baseball.

His season grabbed national headlines during a historic late-August surge, homering in four consecutive at-bats across a two-game stretch against the Phillies. Building on his record-setting 2025 campaign—where he set an MLB record for catchers with 60 home runs—Raleigh’s rare power profile continues to fuel Seattle’s wild-card chase.

Raleigh locked in long-term with the Mariners

Offseason speculation surrounding Raleigh’s future had reached a fever pitch, with reported interest from big-market suitors like the Yankees prompting Seattle’s front office to take decisive action on a contract extension.

The Mariners secured their franchise cornerstone on March 26, 2025, signing Raleigh to a six-year, $105 million extension. The deal locks up the star backstop through 2030 and includes a vesting player option for the 2031 season.