MLB Player News

Morosi adds that the Braves are among the finalists in the Cease sweepstakes, which will likely produce significant fantasy ramifications. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported earlier this week that Atlanta was among teams pursuing the upper-echelon starter. The 27-year-old fantasy ace won’t reach free agency until 2026, but is arbitration-eligible this offseason for the first time in his career, which certainly plays a role in the rebuilding White Sox’ decision-making process. He compiled an underwhelming 4.58 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 214/79 K/BB ratio across 177 innings (33 starts) this past season, but was one of the American League’s premier hurlers the previous year when he finished second in junior circuit Cy Young Award balloting.

Higgins had been designated for assignment and sent outright to Triple-A Louisville earlier in the week, but he’ll return with Jose Trevino (hamstring) heading right back to the injured list. Higgins has gone 2-for-10 (.200) in his limited action with the Reds this season. He’ll once again serve as the understudy to Tyler Stephenson.

Trevino suffered the injury during Saturday’s game against the Guardians. He’ll miss at least a couple of weeks. P.J. Higgins returned from Triple-A Louisville to serve as the Reds’ backup behind Tyler Stephenson.

It’s the first trip to the big leagues for the 25-year-old southpaw. Macko registered a 4.50 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and a 19/8 K/BB ratio across 18 innings out of the bullpen at Triple-A Buffalo. He’ll settle into a middle relief role for the Jays.

Forearm discomfort is usually a precursor to elbow issues, so don’t be surprised if Nance misses more than the minimum time on the injured list. Nance had pitched relatively well in his 19 appearances, posting a 4.05 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 24/8 K/BB ratio over 20 innings of work. Adam Macko was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to take his place in the Jays’ bullpen.

Foster, 27, has made five appearances for the Orioles this season, posting a troublesome 5.87 ERA, 2.35 WHIP and a 9/6 K/BB ratio across 7 2/3 innings. He’ll function in a middle relief role for the Orioles.

The demotion comes as a bit of a surprise as Walker has pitched well in his limited action for the Orioles, hurling three scoreless innings with a 0.67 WHIP and a 4/1 K/BB ratio. He should get another opportunity with the big league club in relatively short order.

O’Hearn sustained the injury during Saturday’s contest against the Phillies. No word yet on the severity of the strain or how much time the 32-year-old slugger may stand to miss. Jake Mangum was activated from the injured list in a corresponding move on Sunday.

The 30-year-old outfielder had been shelved since May 6 due to a left hamstring strain. Before he was sidelined, Mangum had been hitting .260/.333/.288 with zero homers, three RBI and five stolen bases in his first 82 plate appearances. Ryan O’Hearn (quad) landed on the injured list in a corresponding move on Sunday.

The Braves continue to ease the 30-year-old infielder back into full-time action. He’s off to a slow start at the dish, hitting .077 (1-for-13) with a pair of strikeouts through his first four games. Jorge Mateo will start at shortstop and will bat seventh for the Braves on Sunday afternoon in Atlanta.

It appears to be nothing more than a routine day of rest for the versatile 31-year-old. Jose Azocar will draw a start in his place in left field and will bat ninth against Red Sox’ right-hander Brayan Bello on Sunday.