Mining the News (8/9/25)

David Butler II-Imagn Images

Note: Real life had me busy this week (moving my daughter to college), so I was adding news when I could. I wish there was more.

American League

Royals

• Ryan Bergert added a “kick-change”.

But the Royals also acquired the 25-year-old Bergert thinking about their future rotation. He showed why on Tuesday, with a 90-95 mph fastball that averaged 19 inches of induced vertical break. His sweeper showed a ton of movement despite Bergert not having the best command of his breaking pitches, and he flashed his new kick-changeup.

The difference in spin is obvious over his last two starts.

The STUPH models loved his changeup in his Kansas City debut giving it a 128 Pitching+ and 77 BotOvr.

Tigers

• The manager is considering Troy Melton in high-leverage relief appearances.

If the Tigers turn at some point to pitching chaos, or some rendition of it, Melton becomes big. Even if they don’t, Melton potentially looms large in situational work.

Asked if Melton could work into higher-leverage opportunities, Hinch said, “I think so. I mean, the stuff’s there. I think it’s about experience and strike throwing and being able to still use his whole arsenal. …

“I don’t know where it ends in terms of usage. I think the No. 1 goal in putting him towards the bullpen is to maybe pitch him a little bit more often. As he pitches more often, the outings are going to come where he can get the ball in his hand in that leverage that you’re talking about. He certainly has the stuff. I think he has the DNA. I think he has the makeup. It’s just all new for him.”

National League

Braves

• Grant Holmes is hoping scar tissue will heal his torn UCL.

Holmes consulted with three doctors, including Dr. Neal ElAttrache and a Braves team physician. The hope is that the rehab will help the UCL grow back together.

“If I’m not mistaken, I think ElAttrache said it was more about kind of letting the scar tissue over,” Holmes said. “Since it’s been injured, just let the scar tissue over. There was a small tear in there.”

Holmes to his torn UCL …

Cubs

• Ben Brown could be used as a starter.

Counsell said Ben Brown, who relieved Soroka on Monday and allowed just one run in four innings, was an option to make starts.

• Cade Horton’s starts will be limited for the rest of the season.

In Wednesday’s 6-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, Horton was dominant. The rookie tossed 5 2/3 scoreless frames, striking out six and walking none, having allowed just two hits. He needed just 67 pitches to get through his start and was pulled because the Cubs continue to monitor what’s already a career-high workload.

“We want a healthy Cade Horton,” manager Craig Counsell said. “We want a strong Cade Horton for the rest of the season. So we’re going to have to make some tough decisions, that’s just part of it. It’s the right thing to do for the team and for Cade.”

Horton understands the thinking, and while he said he feels good, he knows there’s more at stake to consider. His focus is just taking the ball when it’s given to him and attacking hitters while he’s on the mound.

Padres

• The team wants to give Mason Miller a chance to close.

Still, Suarez is the Major League saves leader, and the Padres don’t see much reason to move away from that formula. In his Padres debut on Friday, Miller pitched the eighth and Suarez got the ninth. Suarez again got the ninth on Sunday, and Miller seems to be on board with that plan.

“I’m happy to be here,” he said. “Hoping to make [the bullpen] an even bigger strength. … Whatever I can do to help the team win, I’m ready to do.”

Eventually, that will include closing games, with Shildt adding: “There will be opportunities for Mason to take that role down at some point.”

Phillies

• Andrew Painter is not being promoted because he lacks command and can’t get lefties out.

Tuesday was one of those nights. The RailRiders loaded up on lefties, playing eight against Painter. Southpaws are among his biggest problems; entering Tuesday, lefties batted .311 with an .881 OPS against him.

The pitches Painter trusts against lefties did not deliver. He could not locate his fastball, which spun arm-side up. The changeup, he thought, wasn’t competitive. The curveball was off.

• Aaron Nola will start in the majors on August 17th or 18th.

Aaron Nola made another rehab start Wednesday at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He’s scheduled to pitch again next Tuesday in Buffalo, N.Y., with the IronPigs. He will then join the Phillies in Washington. It puts him on track to return either Aug. 17 or 18.

The team is prioritizing defense and starting Edmundo Sosa more.

When possible, in recent games, Thomson has turned to Edmundo Sosa over Otto Kemp at third base. The manager said it’s to prioritize defense. On the infield, that has grown into a team strength this season.

Pirates

• Dennis Santana is the team’s closer.

And when it comes to mapping out who will factor into the ninth moving forward, Santana is the guy right now.

“He’s going to get the bulk of the opportunities there,” Kelly said. “He’s earned that, the way that he’s thrown.”