MLB Player News

Smith-Shawver looked sharp on Thursday afternoon against the Cubs, carrying a shutout into the fifth inning before Braves manager Brian Snitker elected to turn things over to the bullpen rather than let him face the top of Chicago’s lineup for a third time. He surrendered just three hits, struck out four and issued only a pair of walks. He generated nine swinging strikes and finished with a 24 percent CSW. The 21-year-old righty rocketed to the big leagues last year, but hasn’t had a ton of success at the highest level. There’s a possibility he gets an extended look over the rest of the year, but that remains to be seen. He’s currently in line to take the ball next Wednesday against the Nationals.

The Astros won’t announce their rotation for the upcoming games against Chicago just yet, largely (entirely) because the status of Verlander is up in the air. The future Hall of Famer was scratched from Saturday’s start against Detroit with discomfort in his neck, and he hasn’t been particularly effective when on the mound. It sounds like a trip to the injured list can be avoided, but Verlander’s status for his next start is very much up in the air.

Jung will be in the lineup for the first time for Round Rock as he works his way back from the fractured wrist that has sidelined him since early April. The infielder will likely need at least a few games in the PCL before he’s ready to return, but this is obviously most welcome news for both Texas and fantasy managers who have patiently waited for him to return.

Contreras has made a rapid recovery from surgery to repair his fractured forearm, and what looked to be an injury that would keep him out through the All-Star break now appears to be one where he could be back as the Cardinals backstop in the next week. Keep in mind that setbacks do happen, but all signs point to the 32-year-old being a regular for the Cardinals much sooner than anticipated.

It’s a move that creates room on the 40-man roster for Luis Contreras. Javier will miss the remainder of the 2024 season and likely a portion of 2025 while he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

The Astros signed Contreras to a minor-league contract in November, and the 28-year-old will get a chance to make his debut with Houston with Nick Martinez heading back to Triple-A in a corresponding move. He’s pitched well so far for Sugar Land with a 1.40 ERA and 20 strikeouts over 19 1/3 innings and 19 appearances.

Kepler is dealing with elbow soreness, and he’ll get at least the first game of the twin billing against Oakland off. It’s possible the 31-year-old wouldn’t be playing anyway with southpaw JP Sears on the mound for the A’s. Stay tuned to see if he returns for game two of the doubleheader.

Basso will be a relief option for Oakland in both contests of the twin billing. The A’s will then have the option to recall Basso from Triple-A Las Vegas, or he’ll remain off the active roster and report back to the Pacific Coast League.

The clean imaging is great news for Winker, and the expectation is that he’ll be able to return to the lineup after a couple of days of rest. He’s out of action for Sunday’s game against the Marlins, and isn’t likely to be available off the bench.

There was some talk that Turner could be back Sunday, but Philadelphia will get the 30-year-old one more day before he’s back in action. The star shortstop’s return is a big boost for both fantasy managers and the Phillies. The only question will be how much the speedy infielder will run after missing so much time with his hamstring injury.

There was talk that Blanco would get some extra rest before making his next outing, but the right-hander will work on regular rest for the finale against Detroit. Assuming the rotation stays the same after this start, his next outing would come against the Orioles.