MLB Player News

Blanco struck out six and walked one, allowing just a solo home run to Max Schuemann in his outing. He induced 17 whiffs for a 31 percent whiff rate and 33 percent CSW. He got right back to doing what he was doing after his controversial suspension, and he now has a 1.99 ERA on the season to go along with a 5-0 record. He has a tougher test against the Twins next week but should be started against pretty much every offense right now while he’s pitching like this.

Votto is back in minor league game action for the first time since suffering a right ankle injury back in spring training. The 40-year-old first baseman is hoping to make his Toronto debut at some point this year, but is a non-factor for fantasy purposes at this advanced stage of his career.

Garcia is expected to undergo additional testing after being removed from a save situation with two outs in the ninth inning of Sunday’s win, which was eventually closed out by Nate Pearson. It’s unclear where Toronto manager John Schneider will turn for saves moving forward, with veteran stopper Jordan Romano (elbow) still on the injured list, but veteran Chad Green would presumably be the add in all fantasy formats here. It’s possible Pearson will get a look as well given his raw stuff.

Castillo has opted to test the free agent waters over the weekend rather than accept an outright assignment to Triple-A St. Paul. The 30-year-old reliever went unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment last week. He made only five relief appearances for Minnesota and figures to generate some interest as extra organizational bullpen depth.

Gibson was placed on the bereavement list over the weekend, but all indications are that he’ll be back in time to take the ball for Wednesday’s series finale against the Marlins down at pitcher-friendly loanDepot park. It’s certainly a favorable matchup for streaming purposes.

Gallegos has made a handful of minor league rehab appearances over the last few weeks and appears ready to rejoin the Cardinals’ bullpen mix at some point this week. He’s been on the shelf since early May recovering from a right shoulder impingement.

Contreras has been cleared to return to game action and is targeting a return to St. Louis before the end of the month. The 32-year-old backstop has made a rapid recovery from surgery last month to repair a fractured left forearm. There’s a chance he’s back by the start of next week.

Ballesteros, who hit for the cycle last Friday, earns a promotion to the doorstep of the majors after batting .299/.372/.495 with nine homers and one steal in 223 plate appearances over 56 games for Double-A Tennessee at the outset of the year. The 20-year-old backstop hasn’t generated the caliber of hype some of the other top catching prospects have in fantasy circles, but he’s been extremely productive in the upper minors and is inching towards the big leagues. He’s been a popular name in dynasty league circles over the last few months and is starting to become more of a household name.

Wall gets the call to rejoin Atlanta’s bench mix ahead of Monday’s series opener against the Tigers with J.P. Martinez heading back to the minors. The versatile 28-year-old outfielder logged just one plate appearance in two games earlier this season in a brief stint in the big leagues.

Hernández rejoins Atlanta’s bullpen prior to Monday’s series opener against the Tigers. The 27-year-old righty has allowed one run (zero earned) with a 3/2 K/BB ratio across three innings (three appearances) this season in the majors.

Martinez heads back to the minors after going 2-for-10 with a double and one stolen base across seven games in a brief stint with the Braves. The 28-year-old figures to be up-and-down over the next few months as emergency outifield depth for Atlanta.