Mining the News (7/18/25)

American League

Astros

• Cristian Javier and Luis Garcia have advanced further in their rehab than J.P. France and Spencer Arrighetti.

During the team’s pregame radio show on Sunday, general manager Dana Brown said Javier is ahead of Garcia, but expressed hope that both pitchers would contribute in the second half.

France and Arrighetti are still in the live batting practice phase of their recoveries, a step behind Garcia and Javier.

It’s difficult — if not impossible — to envision any of the four pitchers returning before the July 31 trade deadline, putting Brown in a precarious position. Houston could use starting pitching help, but if their internal reinforcements are back at full strength, the need may be mitigated.

Athletics

• Luis Urías, Max Muncy, and Max Schuemann will split time at second base, with Miguel Andujar taking over at third.

Urías received the majority of time at second base for the A’s prior to landing on the IL earlier this month. Going forward, however, Kotsay said multiple players could get a look at second base, including Urías, Muncy and Max Schuemann.

“I think you’ll see a mix between guys,” Kotsay said. “Muncy will see some time at second base as well. Urías has done a nice job in that role. With [Miguel] Andujar back, I think there’s an opportunity for Miggy to play third base and mix in some outfield. I think there will be a good rotation that takes place after the All-Star break.”

Red Sox

• Tanner Houck will likely NOT join the rotation when off the IL.

While Tanner Houck has been on the IL since May with a flexor pronator strain, he is nearing the end of his rehab assignment. But Cora made it sound as if Fitts had the edge over Houck in the rotation. When asked if the team had discussed whether Houck would move to a bullpen role, Cora said they will make decisions during the All-Star break.

“(Houck) is in the equation, but like I said, I think Fitts is the one who will jump into the rotation,” Cora said.

Houck also has minor-league options remaining and could be optioned to Triple-A Worcester. Prior to his injury, Houck had posted an 8.04 ERA in nine starts.

Yankees

• Luis Gil’s fastball topped out at 97 mph.

The 27-year-old Gil struck out six batters in 3 1/3 innings, surrendering a run on two hits and a walk. Gil’s fastball reached 97 mph, and he threw 36 strikes to just 14 balls.

Usually, a pitcher sits 2 mph to 3 mph under their max velocity, so Gill is likely sitting 94 mph to 95 mph. Last season, he averaged 96.6 mph on his fastball.

National League

Braves

• The team plans on keeping both catchers and using them as the DH.

And it’s why the Braves have no intention of trading Murphy this month, despite much speculation to the contrary. Maybe they trade him later, but it’s also easy to imagine Murphy staying for all or most of his contract and splitting duties with Baldwin, or eventually moving to DH if his defensive skills deteriorate.

Phillies

• Andrew Painter’s callup is NOT happening right away.

Prized prospect Andrew Painter is still not in the conversation of breaking into the majors, and when Thomson was asked about him Sunday – a day in which Painter was pitching for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs – the manager was on top of what was going on. “He’s gone five innings, no walks, four strikeouts, two home runs. Or thereabouts,” Thomson deadpanned. Painter fell to 3-3 and now has an ERA of 5.01 after giving up three runs on Sunday.