Tanner Houck, Red Sox Have Not Discussed Role
Tanner Houck (elbow) will take on when he returns from the injured list, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. Houck has been working back from a flexor strain that he suffered in mid-May. Before going on the IL, the 2024 All-Star stumbled to an 0-3 record with an 8.04 ERA in nine starts and 43 2/3 innings. Having lost righty Hunter Dobbins (knee) to a season-ending torn ACL this weekend, the Red Sox are set to plug Richard Fitts into the fifth spot in their rotation. Barring any more injuries to the team's starting staff, it seems likely Houck will pitch out of the bullpen for the first time since 2022 when he comes back. He's expected to return sometime this month.Source: Christopher Smith - MassLive.com
The Boston Red Sox have not discussed which role right-hander Keegan Akin to Face Hitters Monday
Keegan Akin (shoulder) will face hitters Monday before beginning a potential rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports. Akin has been on the 15-day injured list with shoulder inflammation since July 1. The Orioles had to shut him down from throwing earlier this week after he received an injection in his shoulder, but he's now progressing toward a return. The 30-year-old has gone 3-0 with a 3.32 ERA, a 1.42 WHIP, 38:16 K:BB, and 12 holds over 38 innings.Source: Roch Kubatko - MASNSports.com
Baltimore Orioles left-handed reliever Daulton Varsho to Start Rehab Assignment Monday
Daulton Varsho (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment in the Florida Coast League on Monday, according to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. Varsho could rejoin the Blue Jays out of the All-Star break if things go smoothly. The 29-year-old hasn't played since he strained his left hamstring on May 31. He also missed almost all of April while recovering from shoulder surgery. When healthy, Varsho has brought plenty of power to the table this year. The two-time 20-home run hitter is batting .207/.240/.543 with eight HRs in 100 plate appearances. Myles Straw has gotten the majority of starts in center field with Varsho unavailable.Source: Arden Zwelling
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Cristian Javier Throws 35 Pitches in Rehab Start
Cristian Javier (elbow) began a rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League on Saturday. In his first start since undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2024, Javier threw 35 pitches over 1 1/3 innings. He allowed two earned runs on three hits and three walks, striking out one. The 28-year-old's fastball reached 95 mph, and Astros manager Joe Espada said he felt "really good" afterward. The Astros remain optimistic that Javier will contribute in the second half of the season, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Javier has a career 3.59 ERA in 501 innings, but it's anyone's guess how he'll fare coming off major surgery.Source: Matt Kawahara
Houston Astros right-hander Gino Groover Collects Two Hits, Scores Once in All-Star Futures Game
Gino Groover capped off a strong first half of the season with a 2-for-2 performance in Saturday's All-Star Futures Game, which the National League won 4-2. Both hits were singles, and the 23-year-old also scored once in the contest. The 2023 second-round draft pick came into the game riding a 20-game streak at Double-A Amarillo in which he reached base at least once via hit or walk, and is riding an 11-game hit streak, during which time he's gone 19-for-46 (.413). For the season, the D-backs' 10th-ranked prospect is slashing .312/.386/.469 with 16 doubles and 10 home runs. Now with 88 games under his belt at Double-A between 2024-25, look for the 6-foot-2 slugger to see some time at Triple-A later this season.Source: MLB.com
Arizona Diamondbacks corner infield prospect Josue Briceno Triples, Scores a Run in All-Star Futures Game
Josue
Briceno
went
1-for-3
with
a
triple
and
a
run
scored
for
the
American
League
team
during
the
All-Star
Futures
Game,
in
which the
National
League
squad
ended
up
winning
4-2.
In
fact,read more...
Detroit Tigers
first
base/catching
prospect
J.J. Wetherholt Doubles in All-Star Futures Game
J.J. Wetherholt hit leadoff for the National League team in Saturday's All-Star Futures Game, going 1-for-4 with a double in the contest that the NL team won 4-2. Wetherholt's hot hitting is what earned him a spot in the game, slashing .340/.460/.583 since June 3, including hits in each of his first three games at Triple-A Memphis. For the season, the Cardinals' top-ranked prospect is hitting .303 with eight home runs, 14 steals, and more walks (45) than strikeouts (42). With a good showing at Triple-A, the team's 2024 first-round draft pick could make a late-season debut in St. Louis, otherwise, expect him to see plenty of time in the big leagues next season. The 22-year-old is expected to see time at third base and second base in addition to shortstop during his time at Triple-A, which should help open multiple paths to a promotion to the big league club.Source: MLB.com
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop prospect Shelby Miller Getting Second Opinion on Forearm
Shelby Miller (forearm) will seek a second opinion after getting his MRI results. It's usually not good news when a pitcher is seeking a second opinion on an elbow or forearm issue. It seems like the D-Backs and Miller are trying to avoid having Tommy John surgery. The 34-year-old is currently sidelined with a right forearm strain, but we'll see what happens after the second diagnosis. It is looking increasingly likely that Miller is done for the season. That would be tough news for the D-Backs who are already without Justin Martinez (elbow), AJ Puk (elbow), and Jalen Beeks (back) right now. That being said, the D-Backs are likely going to use a committee of Kevin Ginkel, Kendall Graveman, and Kyle Backhus as their closer going forward.Source: Arizona Sports
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Owen Caissie Gets on Base Three Times in All-Star Futures Game
Owen Caissie didn't let the All-Star Futures Game slow him down, going 1-for-2 with two walks and an RBI double in the contest that saw the NL squad emerge victorious over the AL team by a score of 4-2. Over his last nine games for Triple-A Iowa, the Cubs' top prospect has gone 14-for-35 (.400) with eight home runs, 10 RBI, 15 runs scored, and a 10:8 BB:K. For the season, the left-handed slugger is slashing .278/.386/.575 with 19 home runs and a strong 14.0 percent walk rate, although it comes with a 30.2 percent strikeout rate. The 23-year-old should make his MLB debut this season, but with a crowded outfield in Chicago, there is no path to at-bats at the moment. Managers in very deep and NL-only leagues in need of some power production should consider stashing the former second-round draft pick ahead of his eventual call-up.Source: MLB.com
Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Max Muncy Progressing to Stationary Bike
Max Muncy (knee) has progressed to using a stationary bike, according to the team's manager Dave Roberts. He continued by saying that Muncy is trending really well from his left knee bone bruise. Muncy has been out since early July and is expected to miss about six weeks of action. That timetable would put him around mid-August to get back into the mix at third base. In his absence, Tommy Edman and Miguel Rojas have been splitting up duties at the hot corner. Fantasy managers should continue to hold Muncy through the injury.Source: mlb.com
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Kyle Bradish to Throw on Saturday
Kyle Bradish (elbow) is set to take the ball and throw two innings next week in Florida. If everything goes well, Bradish is likely to go out on a rehab assignment after his two-inning outing on Saturday. Bradish is currently working his way back from Tommy John surgery that he underwent in June of last year. Barring any setbacks, Bradish should be able to get back into the mix at some point in August. It's unclear how much Bradish will be used down the stretch of the season as the O's place in the standings could dictate that. Bradish isn't someone that must be stashed right now as it's unsure when he'll return at the moment.Source: Roch Kubatko
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Josue De Paula Named All-Star Futures Game MVP
Josue
De
Paula
went
1-for-2
with
a
three-run
home
run
in
the
fourth
inning
of
Saturday's
All-Star
Futures
Game
that
erased
a
2-0
deficit,
putting
the
NL
squad
aheadread more...
Los
Angeles
Dodgers
outfield
prospect
Adley Rutschman to Play Catch Next Week
Adley Rutschman (oblique) is scheduled to play catch next Saturday, July 19 in Florida. That being said, Rutschman won't be ready to return to the field right after the All-Star break. The switch-hitting catcher continues to work his way back from an oblique issue that has sidelined him since mid-June. Rutschman has been swinging the bat and hitting off a tee, but there is still more work that needs to be done. Fantasy managers might not get Rutschman back into the mix until possibly August. He was struggling with the bat before going down, but is still worth rostering in most fantasy formats.Source: mlb.com
Baltimore Orioles catcher Aaron Nola Throws Bullpen Session
Aaron Nola (ankle, rib) was able to throw a 40-pitch bullpen session on Saturday. Nola continues to work his way back from a right ankle sprain and also a stress fracture of his right rib. The right-hander is currently scheduled to throw a live batting practice session on Tuesday and Saturday of next week. There is still more work to do, but hopefully Nola will be able to return to the starting rotation in early or mid-August. Nola has been sidelined the last two months, so his return to the mound will almost be like a trade deadline acquisition for Philadelphia. Fantasy managers should continue to hold Nola and be patient.Source: mlb.com
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Alec Bohm Unlikely to Play on Sunday
Alec Bohm (ribs) is unlikely to play during Sunday's series finale against the San Diego Padres. Bohm was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's contest. He was hit by a pitch in the left ribs by Yu Darvish in the second inning. Bohm stayed a little longer, but was pulled out for Edmundo Sosa in the fourth inning. It doesn't sound like a major injury, but the issue could affect him swinging the bat. That being said, the Phillies are likely going to play it safe and rest Bohm with this being the last game before the All-Star break. If that happens, Bohm would have until July 18 to recover and get ready to play again. Sosa figures to draw the start at third base on Sunday.Source: Lochlahn March
Philadelphia Phillies third baseman