Max Scherzer played catch from 75 feet prior to Tuesday night's game against the Orioles. It's an encouraging sign from Scherzer, who was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday (retroactive to Wednesday) with a mid-back sprain that had been ailing him since before the All-Star break. The righty is eligible to come off the injured list Saturday, but the Nationals would like to see Scherzer throw a bullpen session Wednesday or Thursday before reinstating him. Fantasy owners should monitor his status over the next few days and should have a backup plan ready in case Scherzer is unable to go.
Christian Yelich went 1-for-3 with a grand slam, three runs, two walks and a stolen base Tuesday vs. the Braves. Yelich helped Milwaukee pile on during its six-run seventh inning with his 33rd home run of the year, which came with the bases loaded. He also picked up his 23rd steal, which means he has a chance at becoming just the fifth 40/40 player in MLB history. The 23 thefts are tops in the NL and already represent a career high for Yelich, who is just three homers shy of his personal best from last year.
Bryce Harper went 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, five RBIs and two walks Tuesday vs. the Dodgers. Harper came up with a pair of huge hits to help Philly top Los Angeles, 9-8. Harper's first hit was a three-run homer in the second inning, which helped the Phils build an early 6-1 lead. But after the Dodgers stormed back to take the lead in the ninth, Harper responded with a walk-off double in the bottom of the frame. While his first season with the Phillies has been up and down, Harper still has strong overall numbers with 17 homers, 67 RBIs and an .850 OPS.
Cody Bellinger went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer Tuesday against the Phillies. Bellinger was one of five Dodgers to go deep with his fourth-inning dinger, which kept him one ahead of Christian Yelich for the MLB home run lead (Yelich also homered Tuesday). The 24-year-old leads the Majors in a host of other hitting categories and has established himself as the best hitter in baseball this year with a 1.144 OPS.
Jay Bruce exited Tuesday's game against the Dodgers in the third inning with a right oblique strain. It is unclear whether he'll need to go on the injured list, but losing him would be a big blow for the Phils and his fantasy owners. Bruce entered Tuesday's contest batting .261 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs since being traded to the Phillies from the Mariners on June 2.
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