With rosters tightening and playoff pushes intensifying, several under‑the‑radar players are earning fresh opportunities across the league.
Key Arms and Speedsters
Joe Musgrove, who completed his Tommy John rehabilitation in October 2024, has been showcasing a fastball that now sits near 95 miles per hour in Triple‑A, a noticeable jump from the 93 mph he averaged before his injury. The extra velocity appears to be translating into sharper command, and scouts expect him to be activated for a major‑league start by late August.
Pedro Ramírez, a versatile utility infielder, has seized the Cubs’ second‑base vacancy left by Dansby Swanson. Since his call‑up in May, he has posted a .290/.347/.427 line with two homers and seven stolen bases, providing both contact and speed.
For the Athletics, outfielder Henry Bolte has become a catalyst despite the club’s offensive woes. He is batting .339/.381/.542 in August, adding three homers and two steals, while his 100th‑percentile sprint speed has helped him steal 22 bases in 82 games, even after being caught eight times.
Relief pitcher Félix Bautista is slated to return from shoulder surgery around September 1, a timeline that could see him reclaim the Orioles’ closer role and bolster a bullpen that has been searching for stability.
Meanwhile, the Braves are counting on AJ Smith‑Shawver to anchor their rotation on Wednesday, a start that could cement his place in the five‑man staff as the team aims to finish the season strong.