MLB Player News

All grand slams are big, but grand slams that tie the game are a little more special. That’s what Gurriel did with his bases-clearing roundtripper off Anthony Banda in the fifth inning. He also had a fielder’s choice drive in a run an inning earlier. Gurriel has gone deep seven times while slashing .213/.238/.418

Scherzer scattered one hit and a pair of walks, throwing 48 of 75 pitches for strikes in an extremely impressive rehab outing. Perhaps the most encouraging aspect was that he averaged 92.5 mph on his fastball and topped out at 94 mph in this one. The 40-year-old future Hall of Famer has been on the shelf since late March working his way back from a persistent thumb issue, but he appears to be ready to rejoin Toronto’s rotation next week.

Shildt added that King has not kicked off a full-fledged throwing progression and remains limited to throwing lightly at this stage in his recovery. The 30-year-old fantasy ace hit the injured list back in late May with a pinched nerve in his right shoulder. Fantasy managers shouldn’t anticipate him making it back until at least late July, even in a best-case scenario.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that this would likely be Montas’ final rehab outing before the club decides his future. He finished with only two strikeouts and threw just 80 pitches (47 pitches). There’s an opening in New York’s rotation next week with Tylor Megill (elbow) facing a multi-week absence, but it’s unclear whether Montas will get the call to fill the spot given the results during his rehab outings. He’s coughed up a staggering eight home runs over 18 2/3 innings during six rehab starts, which is less than ideal.

Javier is aiming to make it back to Houston’s rotation at some point in the second half. The 28-year-old righty has been working his way back from Tommy John surgery and figures to be ready to kick off a lengthy rehab assignment in late June or early July.

Houck was lifted after issuing a leadoff walk in the second inning after throwing 32 pitches (18 strikes) in his rehab debut. The 28-year-old righty will need a couple additional outings to continue building up his stamina and pitch count before returning to Boston’s rotation. He’s been out since mid-May due to a forearm flexor strain.

Erick Fedde and Michael McGreevy will take the ball for Thursday’s doubleheader against the White Sox with Gray, who was originally scheduled to start on Wednesday night, being bumped back to take the ball against Cincinnati on a couple days of extra rest.

Stroman struck out four and threw 55 pitches (34 strikes) in his second rehab outing. The 34-year-old veteran figures to be an option for New York’s pitching staff at some point in the next few weeks, but it’s a bit unclear what his exact role will wind up being.

Burns continues to look like the best pitching prospect in baseball. The hard-throwing 22-year-old has allowed just three runs with a 14/4 K/BB ratio across 12 1/3 innings (two starts) since arriving on the doorstep of the majors. He’s blazed through three levels in Cincinnati’s system this year, compiling a surreal 1.77 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 89/13 K/BB ratio over 66 innings (13 starts). He could wind up arriving in the big leagues at some point in the second half, especially if he keeps dominating at the Triple-A level.

Butler and Soderstrom will take a seat against Astros lefty ace Framber Valdez with Max Schuemann taking over in left field and bumping up to the leadoff spot.

Azocar will test the open market for a new opportunity after receiving exactly one plate appearance during his time with Atlanta. The 29-year-old outfielder went unclaimed on waivers earlier this week after being jettisoned from the club’s 40-man roster.