MLB rumors: Juan Soto’s market narrows with serious contenders in the hunt, Braves seek outfield help

Sean Manaea delivered an impressive performance in his fourth outing of the season, allowing just one earned run over five innings against the Padres, with a season-high of 86 pitches. After initially facing trouble, he settled down to retire 12 consecutive batters, showcasing a strong 2.08 ERA and 0.87 WHIP, while expressing confidence in his recovery to full strength. Want More Context? 🔎

The Cardinals' bullpen is set for significant changes, with closer Ryan Helsley likely to be traded alongside impending free agents Phil Maton and Steven Matz. JoJo Romero, a lefty reliever with a strong 2.12 ERA this season, is also a trade candidate, attracting interest from teams like the Padres, as St. Louis may seek to bolster their prospects amid diminished playoff chances. Want More Context? 🔎

The Astros signed right-hander Cody Bolton to a minor league contract after his release from the Guardians, where he was sidelined due to injuries from a car accident. Bolton, who has a 5.79 ERA in the majors and a stronger 3.42 ERA in Triple-A, will initially work at the team's Florida complex before potentially joining Triple-A Sugar Land. Want More Context? 🔎