Rhys Hoskins swats seventh homer vs. Astros

De La Cruz went 2-for-8 with a home run during a brief three-game rehab stint with Triple-A Louisville over the weekend. The electrifying 24-year-old shortstop will rejoin Cincinnati’s lineup after missing just over three weeks with a low-grade hamstring strain. He was hitting .280/.346/.509 with 40 runs scored, 12 homers, 37 RBI and 10 steals through 58 games prior to the injury. The biggest question mark surrounding his arrival is whether top prospect Edwin Arroyo will remain in the big leagues as part of their second base rotation or wind up being shipped back to Triple-A.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro indicated Sunday that they were going to wait and see how Witt feels prior to Monday’s showdown in Tampa Bay before determining whether he’ll require a trip to the injured list. The 26-year-old franchise cornerstone was diagnosed with a low-grade MCL sprain in his right knee last Friday. He’s out of the lineup for the third consecutive contest with Maikel Garcia drawing another start at shortstop in his place. There should be a definitive update on his status shortly.

It would be easy to say that it’s because the Rangers are starting a left-handed pitcher, but Tyler Alexander is just the opener for Kumar Rocker. Caissie has hit .171/.265/.439 in 15 games in Juene with three home runs and 11 RBI, but a 30.6 percent strikeout rate. With Griffin Conine returning on Sunday, the Marlins DH spot is full, so Caissie, Jakob Marsee, Heriberto Hernandez, and Esteury Ruiz will have to split time between the three outfield spots. Hernandez has a 160 wRC+ in June, and Ruiz has a 242 wRC+ in just 39 plate appearances, but has earned more time. That may mean more days off for Caissie.

This was reported days ago, but is now official. Woodruff had a 3.60 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 25/7 K/BB ratio in 30 innings this season and has been out since early May with shoulder inflammation. His rehab required an injection in the shoulder capsule to help reduce swelling, and the velocity on his fastball has not quite been back to his normal levels during his rehab stint. We’d prefer to keep Woodruff on our benches for this start and watch him against an MLB offense before deciding how healthy he really is.

With Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) back, the Brewers will send Rom back to Triple-A, where he has posted a 3.04 ERA and a 39/9 K/BB in 26 2/3 innings.

The 25-year-old posted a 9.90 ERA in 10 innings for the Reds this season while striking out nine and walking 10. He’ll work to get that command in order in the minors.

After being designated for assignment by the Marlins earlier in the season, Paddack joined the Reds and posted a 6.04 ERA and 1.66 WHIP across 22 1/3 innings. We’d assume he clears waivers this time, but some team (cough, the Phillies, cough) might be desperate enough to take a chance.

Johnson had a 3.27 ERA, one save, and four holds over 22 innings to start the season for the Reds. His return will be welcome and he could easily factor his way back into the late-inning competition after a few good appearances.

With Elmer Rodriguez being sent back down to Triple-A, the Yankees called up Yerry De los Santos to give them another fresh arm in the bullpen. The 28-year-old has allowed one run on four hits over 5 1/3 innings for the Yankees out of the bullpen this season.

Rangel will fill Andrew Painter’s spot in the rotation, but he will operate as a bulk reliever on Monday with Tim Mayza opening. Rangel posted a 3.99 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 73/27 K/BB ratio in 70 innings at Triple-A this season. He remains off the fantasy radar for now.