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According to the Braves transactions page, they’ve inked right-handed outfield bat Jordan Luplow to a minor-league deal.
Luplow was actually with the Braves in Spring Training last year before being optioned to Gwinnett and eventually designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Dylan Dodd. He’s never been an everyday player, but he’s been a decent platoon option at times against left-handed pitching, owning a career .833 OPS with 31 homers in 481 career at-bats versus southpaws.
Last season, however, Luplow appeared in just 39 games between Toronto and Minnesota, hitting a measly .208 with a .647 OPS. I don’t view this as anything more than a depth signing. Perhaps Jordan Luplow can win one of the final bench spots coming out of Spring Training, but it’s highly unlikely the Braves expect him to platoon in left field. That spot, as of now, looks to be Jarred Kelenic‘s for good, as they hope they can squeeze the most out of his potential.
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Milwaukee Brewers: Grading Insider’s Proposal of 3.0 WAR Royals Infielder as Joey Ortiz Trade Replacement
The Milwaukee Brewers may or may not make a splash this trade deadline. They may do nothing at all. In what would be a middle-ground but still impactful move, MLB insider Jeff Passan believes they should have a certain Kansas City infielder on their radar: utility man Maikel Garcia. Milwaukee Brewers could find intriguing fit in Royals Swiss Army knife swinger To be clear, Passan knows of no rumblings in Milwaukee about the shortstop position, where Joey Ortiz has been playing better of late amidst what has been overall a disappointing season. Despite his recent improvements at the plate, Ortiz has put up just a .577 OPS. Passan also notes that the Royals aren’t openly shopping Garcia, who has played mostly at third but would likely see most of his time at short for the Brewers. In his view, it’s just a move that could make sense. The Royals certainly seem like sellers. At 52-54, they aren’t close in the AL Central Division race and are four games back in a crowded field of wild card contenders. For Garcia, a 2025 All-Star, it has been a career year. In 103 games, he has slashed .296/.351/.461 with 19 steals and a 3.0 WAR. With his mix of speed, defensive flexibility, and all-around hitting, he seems like a Brewers type of player. In addition to third base, he has played a handful of games at short, second, and outfield. Joey Ortiz remains a weak link on Brewers roster Ortiz, though not unpopular with Brewers fans, has taken a major step back from last season after switching positions. Whatever the eye test may suggest, his defensive metrics aren’t flattering. Per Baseball reference, he has saved -6 runs. The Fielding Bible has him at -5. Following a solid June in the batter’s box, he’s fallen back a bit in July. If the Brewers are looking to fill holes in the lineup, shortstop is the most glaring. There is also, however, a lack of available names at the position, making it harder to address. If Garcia were to become available, he profiles as a solid fit. Would he suffice as an everyday replacement for Ortiz at short? While Garcia has some experience there, he is much better at third. With Caleb Durbin installed at the hot corner, though, the former wouldn’t have much opportunity to start. Brice Turang is also firmly entrenched at second. In the end, then, most of Garcia’s starts would have to come at short and possibly in the outfield here and there. Ortiz would lose playing time but if the Brewers committed to acquiring Garcia, it seems reasonable to imagine that he would have the upper hand as the starting shortstop, while Ortiz assumed more of a bench role alternating between spots on the infield. Grading Maikel Garcia as Brewers trade name Garcia would definitely fortify the backend of the order. Although he too has struggled some in July, he’s picked it up again with three multi-hit games in his last five and it’s hard to ignore his fully body of work this season. He lacks natural homerun power, but has compiled a solid extra base portfolio: 26 doubles and five triples to go with 10 dingers. For comparison, Ortiz has just seven homeruns and 10 doubles while also struggling to reach base. In addition, Garcia is in a favorable salary situation, as he will not hit free agency until 2030. After arbitration ahead of this season, he is making under $800K. Verdict: the move would not a seamless position fit, but Garcia does offer flexibility. Realistically, Ortiz is better off in a reserve utility role. So far he has not measured up to replacement level performance (-0.5 WAR), let alone starting-caliber play. Because of his contract control and career year, Garcia could cost something in the way of prospects. The Brewers would need to cautiously consider what the Royals envision as a fair return package. While Garcia is a valuable player even when he isn’t hitting at the level he is, he is hardly worth parting with top of the line names in the farm system. It’s difficult to fully evaluate a move that hasn’t happened and probably won’t, but as a candidate, Garcia gets a B to B+ grade.
Stephanie White Puts Indiana Fever Players on Notice Despite Win Against Aces
The Indiana Fever’s starters turned in a strong all-around effort in Thursday’s 80-70 win over the Las Vegas Aces. The starting unit scored at least 13 points each, save for Aari McDonald, who registered nine points in 22 minutes of action. Indiana’s starters combined for 76 out of the team’s 80 points on the evening, which only means that the four other players who came off the bench accounted for just four points in the game. All that came from Sydney Colson, who went 2-of-5 in 18 minutes of playing time. Lexie Hull, Makayla Timpson and Damiris Dantas all failed to score in the win. Stephanie White Calls Out Fever's Bench Be that as it may, offense wasn’t even the biggest concern for head coach Stephanie White. In her postgame press conference, the veteran shot-caller called out Indiana’s bench for their lack of intensity on the defensive end, particularly in the first half. “Our bench has to be ready,” she said. “I felt like our bench in the second half was really good defensively. In the first half, I didn't feel that way. You got to be ready to come in and you got to be ready to guard your matchup and execute the game plan. "We have depth for a reason. We've got quality depth and we've got to be able to use it. So if fatigue is a factor in execution, then they just need to ask for a sub and I'll get them out and get them back in." It has been a bit of a busy stretch for the Fever at the midway point of the season. Thursday’s matchup against the Aces was their second game in three nights, and they will be back in action again on Sunday in a rivalry showdown against the Chicago Sky. White, however, isn’t accepting fatigue as an excuse. This is regardless of the fact that Caitlin Clark remains out with a re-aggravated groin injury. White is adamant that this roster has been built for adversity, and she didn’t hesitate to put her bench on notice after Thursday’s showing.
Rangers Sign Former Stanley Cup Champion to Tryout Agreement
The New York Rangers are adding to their forward depth ahead of their upcoming training camp. The Rangers are entering a new chapter of their organization under new head coach Mike Sullivan. After missing the postseason last year, the organization is trying to rebound and respond accordingly in 2025 and 2026. Former Stanley Cup champion forward Conor Sheary is the latest player to join the new-look Rangers. The veteran forward agreed to a professional tryout agreement (PTO) with the club and will look to earn an NHL deal with his performance in training camp and the preseason. Sheary is a veteran of 593 NHL games. Originally an undrafted free agent, he signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins after completing his collegiate career. Following a year with the Penguins' AHL affiliate, he forced his way onto the NHL squad after posting 36 points in his first 30 games of the 2015-2016 season at the AHL level. His debut NHL season went better than ever expected, and he was a key part of the Penguins' lineup that won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. Sheary's coach at the time, both at the AHL and NHL levels, was Mike Sullivan. Now, he'll get the chance to reunite with the coach under whom he won two championships. In addition to playing for the Penguins, Sheary has played for three other NHL franchises. The Pens dealt him to the Buffalo Sabres before the 2018-2019 campaign, but he would return to Pittsburgh the following season at the trade deadline. After his second stint with the Penguins, he joined the Washington Capitals. He played three seasons in Washington, D.C. before landing with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he spent the past two years. Over his 593 career games, he's compiled 124 goals and 143 assists for 267 points. His best NHL season came during the 2016-2017 campaign, his second in the league. He scored 23 goals and added 30 assists for 53 points in 61 regular-season games.
4 winners (and 1 loser) from Week 1 of Commanders 2025 training camp
It was a fascinating first week of training camp for the Washington Commanders. And aside from one major distraction, everything went according to plan. This is the bedding-in period for players and coaches alike. The tempo gradually ramps up, leading into padded practices. These are always the best measuring sticks to see what the Commanders have and what more might be needed to mount another deep playoff run in 2025. Dan Quinn and his exceptional coaching staff must be thrilled with the way things are going so far. Players are coming to the fore. Injuries have been avoided. Others are cementing their respective statuses, as a select few are already fighting losing battles. The table has been set for when physicality rises, and those struggling right now face a race against time to turn the tide. Big things are expected of the Commanders this season. They are aiming to prove their phenomenal early success under Quinn can be sustained. And make no mistake, there is no room for passengers going through the motions at camp. With this in mind, here are four winners and one loser from Washington's first week of training camp. Winners and losers from Week 1 of Commanders 2025 training camp Winner No. 1 Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB The Washington Commanders' defensive backs wasted no time in stamping their authority on training camp. And unsurprisingly, there is one player arguably shining above all else. Mike Sainristil enjoyed a phenomenal rookie campaign. It went overlooked compared to quarterback Jayden Daniels' heroics, but it was extremely impressive when one considers the pre-draft concerns about his size and the fact that he had to switch from his preferred spot in the nickel to the boundary. With some impressive offseason additions all hitting the ground running, it has allowed Sainristil to switch back to the slot. This is the position where he starred for the Michigan Wolverines en route to a college football national championship. It's also where he flashed significant promise as a rookie before Joe Whitt Jr. had to pivot. Sainristil has been nothing short of outstanding at training camp so far. The defensive back looks assured in coverage, anticipating things well and converting opportunities into turnovers. There's a swagger to his approach that's hard not to love, and his friendly battle with Daniels is helping both reach new heights. The second-year pro showcased his dependability on countless occasions last season. Sainristil is a stud in every sense of the term. If the same trend continues into the regular season, he'll cement his status as a franchise cornerstone. Winner No. 2 Deebo Samuel Sr. - Commanders WR The criticism leveled at Deebo Samuel Sr. since his offseason trade to the Washington Commanders has lit a fire under the veteran wide receiver. And if he carries this extra motivation into the regular season, the franchise is going to reap the rewards. Adam Peters knows Samuel well. There is a trust attached, and the general manager believes there is still some good football left. Considering it only cost the Commanders a fifth-round pick to find out for sure, it was a risk well worth taking. Samuel has been getting heat from all angles. Most of this centered on his attitude, conditioning, and work ethic. It's early days, but the former second-round pick out of South Carolina is on course to emphatically silence his doubters. The versatile weapon showed up at camp in tremendous shape. Samuel's hard work away from the team has paid off handsomely. He's sharp, explosive, and developing a strong rapport with quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels. The trajectory is firmly pointing up. Everyone knows what Samuel brings to the table when he's motivated. The fire still burns within the player, and the Commanders are going to give him a platform that allows him to excel within Kliff Kingsbury's creative schematic concepts. Based on his early camp contribution, Samuel is eager to make the most of it. Winner No. 3 Trey Amos - Commanders CB The Commanders ended Trey Amos' concerning slide at No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Adam Peters wasn't too bothered about the cornerback's back issue that came up during medical assessments. And the rookie is keen to repay the faith shown in his abilities by Washington's power brokers. Amos hit the ground running over Washington's offseason program. There were no health issues, and the defensive back picked things up quickly. The Commanders are making him earn everything, but there's a growing belief he'll be starting on the boundary opposite four-time Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore in Week 1 against the New York Giants. Despite splitting reps with two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones, there's no doubt that Amos is seizing the initiative. His physicality, ability in coverage, and his willingness to take on any challenge, no matter how steep, have gone down a storm so far. His transition has been seamless, and it looks like the Commanders have a genuine steal on their hands. What comes next for Amos is more important. Joint practices will be a solid measuring stick for the player. The coaching staff will be watching his preseason progress closely before fully determining his role. But things couldn't be going much better right now. Loser No. 1 Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR Terry McLaurin still doesn't have his new contract from the Washington Commanders. The wide receiver felt holding out of training camp was the best way to pile on the pressure, but it hasn't had the desired effect as yet. Both sides remain committed to finding some middle ground. This has gone on longer than originally anticipated as general manager Adam Peters looks for a deal that benefits the Commanders as well as the player. McLaurin's frustrations are obvious, but his presence at the facility on Back Together Sunday brought fresh hope that an agreement was imminent. McLaurin is on the physically unable to perform list with a reported ankle issue. He's missed a full week of practice, which is far from ideal. But if the lucrative contract extension arrives and the injury recovers fully, the former third-round selection out of Ohio State should be ready to make an immediate impact in Week 1 against the New York Giants. Players are rallying around McLaurin. He got a hero's reception from fans upon his triumphant return to Ashburn. The wideout's back for them, but he's unlikely to take the practice field until he signs on the dotted line. The sooner that happens, the better. Winner No. 4 Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt emerged as an offseason standout almost from the moment he got into the building. Although this was positive, some fans wondered if the running back could keep this up when training camp rolled around. It's been so far, so good on that front. While it's difficult to evaluate running backs before the pads go on, the praise Croskey-Merritt is receiving from coaches and the flashes he's displaying at practice represent another positive step in the right direction. The Commanders saw something in Croskey-Merritt that others didn't. His draft stock took a major hit after the NCAA revoked his eligibility one game into his transfer to Arizona. After waiting until the No. 245 overall selection to hear his name called, the chip on his shoulder cannot be more obvious. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are the starting tandem, which is likely to remain the case heading into the season. But the decisiveness of Croskey-Merritt's cuts and his explosiveness to exploit gaps indicate a key rotational role is well within reach if everything checks out in the preseason. Bigger tests are coming for Croskey-Merritt. Even so, the backfield threat is off to a sensational start in pursuit of playing time. More Commanders news and analysis
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