MLB Rotation Report: NBC Adds Sunday Night Baseball Rights as Trade Deadline Looms

As fantasy baseball managers approach the trade deadline and the stretch run of the 2026 season, the race for strikeouts and ERA dominance intensifies. This week’s focus is on two-start pitchers, headlined by New York Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler. Through 23 starts, Schlittler has posted a 10-6 record with a 2.04 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP. With 165 strikeouts against 26 walks over 136 2/3 innings, the 25-year-old is positioning himself as a frontrunner for the American League Cy Young award. Despite facing tougher matchups at home against the Cardinals and Braves, Schlittler remains a must-start option given his elite metrics.

Managers will need to navigate uncertainty in several rotations. The Los Angeles Dodgers have shifted back to a six-man rotation, meaning no hurlers are currently lined up for two starts in their six-game slate. However, should Blake Snell experience a delay in his return, left-hander Justin Wrobleski could be called upon for a double dip against the Cubs and Diamondbacks. Similarly, the Seattle Mariners have abandoned their piggybacking experiment for a standard six-man rotation, likely leaving everyone on single-start duty unless adjustments are made. Luis Castillo remains a candidate for a two-stretch if the team alters course, offering a potential stream against the Tigers and Rays.

The San Diego Padres rotation remains fluid for the upcoming schedule. With slots open for two starts against the Diamondbacks and Astros, Griffin Canning and JP Sears are the likely candidates, though neither presents a particularly strong statistical case for fantasy lineups based on current projections.

Off the field, the media landscape for Major League Baseball is shifting. Coverage is transitioning to new broadcast homes, specifically Comcast Corporation. The company has secured rights to Sunday Night Baseball via its NBC and Peacock platforms. This deal extends beyond Sunday nights, encompassing “Opening Day,” Labor Day primetime games, the MLB Draft, and the entire Wild Card round of the postseason. Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) was trading at $23.99 on Friday, reflecting a 1.5% increase from the previous close. As a player in the Communication Services sector, the addition of exclusive MLB rights adds to the company’s media and content portfolio.

What to watch

• Updates regarding the Padres rotation announcement for the upcoming week.
• Status of Blake Snell and the potential for Justin Wrobleski to receive two starts.
• Official confirmation of NBC and Peacock’s broadcast schedule for the Wild Card round.

Source: original release