The Chicago Cubs are currently leading the National League Central by 5.5 games and are looking to strengthen their pitching rotation ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. With names like Sandy Alcantara and Zach Eflin being targeted, there are also suggestions for a more strategic trade involving the Atlanta Braves' slugger Marcell Ozuna. Ozuna, with a .253/.388/.422 line, is seen as a significant addition to the Cubs' lineup, which has struggled to break a four-year playoff drought.

In a potential trade scenario proposed by Andrew Wright, Ian Happ could be swapped for Ozuna, allowing Seiya Suzuki to return to left field. Happ's current performance has been lackluster at .249 with only seven home runs, while Suzuki boasts a stronger .261 average with 17 home runs. With the Braves underperforming, trading Ozuna while acquiring Happ could be mutually beneficial, appealing to both teams' timelines and needs as they aim for playoff contention.

Ian Hamilton's struggles in the New York Yankees' bullpen have raised concerns about his roster spot. Once a reliable option, Hamilton's ERA has soared to 6.28 after allowing runs in five of his last eight outings. With key relievers returning from injury and underlying metrics indicating an increase in hard contact against him, the Yankees may be considering a move to send Hamilton to Triple-A to reset his performance.

The return of Jonathan Loaisiga and the nearing return of Clayton Beeter adds pressure to Hamilton, who has one minor league option left. A shift to Triple-A could be imminent as the Yankees aim to maintain their bullpen's effectiveness.

The Chicago Cubs are facing a mixed bag of news following their recent 5-2 victory against the Miami Marlins. All-Star outfielder Ian Happ, who has been sidelined with an oblique injury, is headed to the injured list, necessitating a longer absence than initially projected. In a strategic move to fill the gap in their lineup, the Cubs are promoting highly-touted prospect Moises Ballesteros from Triple-A Iowa. This 21-year-old catcher/first baseman is touted as Chicago's No. 4 prospect, boasting an impressive .368 batting average along with four home runs and 18 RBIs in just 34 games this season.

Ballesteros's power-hitting potential is noteworthy, drawing comparisons to former Cub Willson Contreras, suggesting he could make a significant impact at the major league level. The Cubs are hopeful he can replicate his minor league success as they prepare for their next game against the Marlins. If Ballesteros performs as well as anticipated, his addition could be pivotal for the Cubs as they lead the NL Central.

The New York Yankees are poised to welcome back Ian Hamilton, a key player in their bullpen, as he begins a rehab assignment at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Hamilton’s return is crucial following a troubled 2024 season plagued by injuries, in contrast to his impressive 2023 performance with a 2.64 ERA over 58 innings. His strikeout and ground ball rates were exemplary, making him an asset in the Yankee Stadium environment. However, last season saw his ERA rise to 3.82 due to inconsistent play and an unfortunate infection that delayed his recovery.

When healthy, Hamilton's repertoire includes a mid-90s fastball known for its sink, complemented by a formidable slider and change-up that keeps hitters guessing. His gritty mindset makes him a reliable option in high-pressure situations. With Jonathan Loáisiga still recovering from surgery, Hamilton's imminent return could be the boost the Yankees' bullpen desperately needs to regain its former dominance.

Clarke Schmidt, the New York Yankees' right-hander, will start the season on the injured list due to a shoulder issue, as confirmed by GM Brian Cashman. This injury adds him to a growing list of unavailable starters, including Gerrit Cole, who is out for the season after Tommy John surgery, and Luis Gil, expected to miss at least two months with a lat injury. Schmidt had a solid 2022 season, boasting a 2.85 ERA in 16 starts, but struggled this spring with a minor shoulder injury, limiting his preparation time.

Despite his injury, Cashman noted that Schmidt is improving and should not miss significant time. Another right-hander, Carlos Carrasco, is poised to seize the opportunity as a non-roster invitee, while rookie Will Warren is likely to fill the final rotation spot, despite a challenging previous season. In addition, Ian Hamilton will also begin the season on the injured list after a recent infection.