MLB Player News

MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis reports Willits receives an $8.2 million signing bonus, which is nearly three million below the $11.07 million slot value for the top-overall pick. Callis adds that it does represent the highest figure ever for a high school player. The switch-hitting 17-year-old shortstop is a couple hyperspace jumps from the big leagues, but it’s relatively easy to envision him blossoming into one of the top prospects from the entire 2025 draft class, which is why the Nationals made him the first-overall pick. He’s a top-30 range prospect for dynasty purposes as he kicks off his professional debut.

The 28-year-old slugger returns to a struggling Tigers’ lineup after just two minor league rehab games at Triple-A Toledo. He’ll serve as the team’s designated hitter and bat cleanup against Sean Burke for Sunday’s series finale against the White Sox in Chicago. Before landing on the injured list, Carpenter was hitting .216/.299/.451 with six homers and 17 RBI in his first 117 plate appearances.

The 35-year-old southpaw was designated for assignment earlier in the week, but he passed through waivers unclaimed and will continue to function as extra bullpen depth for the O’s at the Triple-A level. Enns posted a 3.94 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and a 13/11 K/BB ratio over 16 innings in 13 appearances with the Orioles.

This was nothing more than a procedural move to free up a spot on the team’s 40-man roster for the return of Rob Zastryzny on Sunday. Zerpa underwent Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery in early May and will be shelved until the middle of the 2027 season.

The 34-year-old left-hander had been shelved since suffering a left shoulder strain during the World Baseball Classic. Zastryzny posted a 2.45 ERA and a 20/10 K/BB ratio over 22 innings with the Brewers during the 2025 campaign. His return should provide a major boost to the Brewers’ bullpen.

With Rob Zastryzny returning from the injured list on Sunday, someone in the Brewers’ bullpen needed to get the boot to make room and unfortunately Rodriguez was the odd man out this time around. The 24-year-old hurler holds a 3.86 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and an 8/4 K/BB ratio across 9 1/3 innings in four appearances with the Brewers this season.

No word yet on the reason for the late scratch, but Connor Wong will enter the lineup as the designated hitter to replace Rafaela. Expect the Red Sox to provide an update on his status shortly.

Cerantola’s stay with the Royals lasted just two games this time around, giving up a solo homer and striking out a pair of batters in his lone inning of work against the Rangers on Friday. He’ll continue to function as extra bullpen depth at the Triple-A level for the Royals.

The 34-year-old southpaw had been sidelined for a couple of weeks due to inflammation in his right knee. He’ll return to a 3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and a 17/7 K/BB ratio over 16 1/3 frames in 17 appearances for the Royals this season.

Garcia was removed from Saturday’s contest after suffering a strained right hamstring. The Royals did make a roster move on Sunday morning, but didn’t place Garcia on the injured list, so it’s possible that he was fortunate and may not require an extended absence. Nick Loftin will start at the hot corner in his place on Sunday and will bat eighth against Rangers’ right-hander Jack Leiter.

Gonzalez has opened some eyes with his performance at the Triple-A level this season, slashing .317/.419/.688 with 19 homers and eight stolen bases over 238 plate appearances in his 52 games. He’s expected to find his way into the White Sox’ lineup on a regular basis while Munetaka Murakami (hamstring) is shelved, making him an intriguing option from a fantasy perspective in deeper mixed leagues.