MLB Player News

Susana logged his second consecutive double-digit strikeout performance as his meteoric rise through Washington’s system continues unabated. The dynamic 20-year-old righty has compiled a strong 4.34 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 157/48 K/BB ratio across 103 2/3 innings (24 starts) this season between High-A Wilmington and Low-A Fredericksburg. His ability to miss bats is going to translate to the highest level and make him an immediate fantasy contributor once he arrives.

Assad finds himself right back in Chicago’s rotation with Edward Cabrera heading back to the injured list with a blister. The 29-year-old has posted a solid 3.59 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 53/21 K/BB ratio across 80 1/3 innings in the majors this season.

Miller figures to be part of Chicago’s plan to replace shortstop Dansby Swanson although he’s unlikely to spend any actual time at that spot. He’s more of a bench option and part-time second base fill-in. He got into nine games for the Rockies last year before signing a minor league pact with the Cubs prior to spring training.

Alcántara returns to the majors to occupy a bench role with Dansby Swanson on the injured list. The 24-year-old top prospect hasn’t gotten much of an opportunity at the highest level, but he’s showed some interesting power upside at the Triple-A level.

Triantos returns to the minors after going 1-for-8 at the dish during a seven-game stint with the Cubs. The 23-year-old is one of the better prospects in Chicago’s system and should receive a more extended opportunity in the future.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters that Swanson has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 oblique strain and they’re hoping that he’s able to return in roughly four weeks. The 32-year-old veteran has graded out as a top-10 fantasy option this season, hitting .216/.300/.404 with 78 runs scored, 18 homers, 66 RBI and 17 stolen bases in 458 plate appearances. It sounds like there’s a decent chance that he’s ready for the start of the postseason, if the Cubs make it that far.

Cabrera has battled through numerous injuries during his Chicago debut. He’s likely to miss a couple weeks with a finger blister that cropped up while he was getting torched for seven runs over 3 2/3 innings against the Cardinals over the weekend. He’s basically off fantasy radar screens at this point with just a few weeks left in the season. It sounds like he’s headed to the bullpen one he’s back from the injured list.

It’s merely a procedural move to free up a spot on Chicago’s 40-man since Palencia has already been on the shelf for more than two months and can be activated at any point. The hard-throwing stopper figures to return to the Cubs’ closing mix at some point later this week. He’s made a couple minor league rehab outings, including striking out three of the four batters he faced for Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.

Maxwell fortifies Cincinnati’s relief depth heading into the second game of Monday’s twin bill against the Cardinals. The 25-year-old allowed 11 runs over 10 innings for the Reds earlier this season.

Emanuel has been jettisoned from Cincinnati’s 40-man roster in a procedural move after allowing two runs over five innings during a spot start against the Cardinals in the opening game of Monday’s doubleheader. The 34-year-old lefty figures to pass through waivers unclaimed and elect free agency.

Wetherholt is back at shortstop and leading off after sitting out the front-end of Monday’s twin bill at Great American Ball Park. The 23-year-old rookie sensation has struggled since last month’s All-Star break, hitting just .185 (20-for-108) with three homers and four steals in 29 games during that span. His return pushes electrifying top prospect Joshua Báez back to the fifth spot in the order for the nightcap affair.