Pulling the Liover
Liover Peguero (PIT): 3-5, 3 HR, 3 R, 5 RBI.
There continued to be offensive fireworks on Saturday between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. It wasn’t quite the 17-16 finish on Friday, but the two last-place teams still combined for 13 runs on Saturday, with the Rockies edging out the Pirates by three runs.
Even though Pittsburgh lost its second straight slugfest with Colorado, Liover Peguero had himself a big day in Denver.
The 24-year-old shortstop played first base on Saturday, but the new position didn’t seem to affect his bat. He hit three home runs in five plate appearances and collected five RBI total for the day. That brings his homer total to four this season in 11 games and 31 plate appearances with the Pirates.
He doesn’t have a whole lot of time at the Major League level this year, but the small sample has been impressive thus far.
Peguero is slashing .310/.355/.759 with a 1.114 OPS. He only played in three games with the Pirates last year, but his early returns this season are much better than what he produced in 2023, when he played 59 games and accumulated 213 plate appearances. That season, he slashed .237/.280/.374 with a .654 OPS as a 22-year-old.
The Pirates sold a bit at the Trade Deadline, as they dealt Ke’Bryan Hayes, who had been their regular third baseman for quite some time. With Hayes gone, playing time opens up for not only Peguero, but also other players like Jared Triolo and Spencer Horwitz.
With Pittsburgh rebuilding for another year, fantasy managers could take a chance on Peguero, knowing that he will get playing time to show if he belongs on the roster in 2026. Peguero could be out of Minor League options next year, which means that they have to keep him on the MLB roster or designate him for assignment.
Peguero could make it an easy decision for GM Ben Cherington and the Pirates front office if he can have a strong last couple of months.
Let’s see how the other hitters did Saturday.
Yandy Díaz (TBR): 3-4, 2 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI.
Diaz helped the Rays win on Saturday over the Dodgers, as he drove in three of Tampa’s four total runs (they won 4-0) and hit his 19th and 20th home runs of the year. The Rays have slid since the All-Star Break, with the win bringing their record to 55-57, as of Saturday. For the Rays to get back in the postseason discussion, they will need more big nights from Diaz at the top of the batting order.
Christian Yelich (MIL): 3-4, HR, 3 R, 2 RBI, BB.
The Brewers held onto their lead in the NL Central thanks to a big day from Yelich. He not only had three hits, but also hit his 21st home run of the season. Interestingly enough, Yelich’s .787 OPS is down from 2024 (.910) and 2023 (.817). However, he has 10 more home runs this season than he did a year ago and two more than he hit in 2023. The Brewers will take that home run boost, especially considering the club’s overall home run issues this year (they rank 22nd in HR/9).
Javier Báez (DET): 2-4, 3B, HR, R, 4 RBI.
Baez may have made the All-Star game, but he had a brutal July. In 61 plate appearances, he hit .180 with a .426 OPS. It was by far his worst month by a long shot (his next worst month was April, where he posted a .741 OPS). Thankfully, August has been a bit kinder, as he had two hits on Saturday, four RBI, and launched his 11th home run of the year. A correction by Baez in August would greatly help Detroit clinch things in the AL Central.
Agustín Ramírez (MIA): 2-3, 2 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI.
Another day, another Marlins win over the Yankees. This time, Ramirez carried the day, as he hit two home runs in three plate appearances. His two home runs were the only two runs scored between the two teams. Seems like the Yankees can’t shake the ghosts from their 2003 World Series loss to the Marlins (especially manager Aaron Boone, who played in that series).
Pete Alonso (NYM): 2-4, 2B, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB.
The Mets took care of the Giants on Saturday, doubling up San Francisco in a 12-6 victory. Alonso stood out the most, as he had two hits and collected his 24th home run of the season. With an .861 OPS and 86 RBI, the Mets’ first baseman is making his case to be in consideration for the NL MVP by season’s end.
Kyle Higashioka (TEX): 2-4, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB.
The Rangers gained some ground in the Wild Card race in Seattle, beating the Mariners 6-4. Higashioka was a key performer in Texas’s win, as he went two-for-four with a home run and three RBI. Higashioka has thrived as the Rangers’ regular catcher this year, as he is hitting .269 with seven home runs and a .747 OPS. He has helped soften the blow of Jonah Heim’s sharp regression over the past two seasons (.611 OPS this year).
Jordan Beck (COL): 2-3, HR, R, 3 RBI, BB, SB.
The Rockies pulled out another big win over the Pirates, with Beck leading the charge. The 24-year-old left fielder hit his 13th home run of the year and also collected his 12th stolen base. Beck may be on his way to a 20-20 season in Colorado, which makes him a potential building block for a Rockies team that is once again undergoing the rebuilding process.
José Ramírez (CLE): 2-3, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB.
Even in the shadow of the Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase controversy, the Guardians have continued to keep pace in the AL Wild Card race. They beat the Minnesota Twins for a second-straight night, and Ramirez went yard again, his 22nd of the year. With 32 stolen bases and a .900 OPS, Ramirez continues to be a positive force for the Guardians, even with all the negative attention surrounding the organization.
Bryce Harper (PHI): 3-4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI.
The Phillies could beat the Tigers on Saturday, but Harper did his part to make it competitive. He hit his 16th home run of the year and improved his OPS to .878 this season. His OPS is only 20 points away from his 2024 mark, which shows that Harper is getting back into his superstar form. A hot finish by Harper could get him some MVP votes, too, though it’s likely he will fall short of the award this season, even with the Phillies doing well.
