MLB Player News

Well, the Mets do love their converted relievers. King is one of the top starters on the free agent market, and the Mets are “hesitant to sign a starting pitcher to a long-term deal,” so that makes adding a pitcher like Framber Valdez less likely. King missed much of last season with a shoulder injury, and there are some durability concerns given his short track record as a starter; however, he posted a 2.95 ERA in 173 2/3 innings for the Padres in 2024 and has the raw ability to be a clear top-of-the-rotation starter.

Madden understandably loses his spot on Detroit’s roster with two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal coming back from the injured list. The 26-year-old righty has posted a respectable 3.15 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 23/5 K/BB ratio across 20 innings in a versatile swingman role over the last few weeks. He makes sense in a low-leverage innings-eating role on a contender.

Boone elaborated that Stanton felt some discomfort in his calf while running the bases earlier this week and could potentially undergo followup imaging to determine the severity of the issue. The 36-year-old veteran slugger was on the precipice of a rehab assignment prior to the setback. He’s been on the shelf with a calf strain since late April. There is no timetable for his return following this latest development.

No surprise as Kwan will be spared from having to face Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. That honor goes to Stuart Fairchild instead. The 28-year-old has put together an abysmal season overall, but he went 2-for-4 with an RBI during Friday’s series opener and is hitting .281 (9-for-32) in nine games since returning from bereavement leave earlier this month.

Rutschman will get some extra time off to rest with Samuel Basallo handling the catching duties in this one. The 28-year-old backstop made his return behind the dish during Friday’s series opener after missing a pair of games with left hamstring tightness earlier this week.

Andujar was able to pinch-hit on Wednesday against the Reds, but was held out of the lineup for Friday’s series opener against the Orioles. He’s missed five straight games due to a lingering hamstring issue, but it doesn’t sound like a trip to the injured list is in the cards. It’ll be Will Wagner taking another turn at DH in his absence.

Puk was in the final stages of his rehabilitation from last year’s internal brace procedure on his elbow before the shoulder issue cropped up while pitching at Triple-A Reno. He’s been pulled off a minor league rehab assignment to undergo further evaluation and imaging. The 31-year-old high-leverage arm was trending towards a mid-June return to Arizona’s bullpen. There should be an update on his status later this weekend.

Poulin returns to Washington’s relief corps after spending a couple weeks in the minors. The 29-year-old southpaw has compiled a serviceable 3.28 ERA and 17/16 K/BB ratio across 24 2/3 innings for the Nationals this season.

Jones figures to see regular at-bats between several outfield spots with both Trent Grisham (hamstring) and Aaron Judge (ribs) on the injured list for the next couple weeks. The 25-year-old possesses light-tower raw power, but his all-or-nothing approach renders him virtually unrosterable in shallow fantasy leagues. He’s hitting .263/.349/.368 with one homer, five RBI and one steal, while also striking out in nearly 42 percent of his 43 plate appearances, over 15 games in the majors this season.

Arroyo moves up to the leadoff spot with Noelvi Marte taking over in center field with Blake Dunn receiving an off day in this one. The 22-year-old top prospect has hit just .227 (5-for-22) with one RBI in 10 games since being called up from Triple-A Louisville earlier this month. His opportunity to carve out a permanent spot on Cincinnati’s roster, likely as their primary second base option, is fading quickly with Elly De La Cruz (hamstring) progressing towards a minor league rehab assignment.

Wetherholt takes a seat following five consecutive starts after missing time last weekend with groin soreness. The 23-year-old rookie standout hit .286 (6-for-21) with four runs scored and three RBI during that five-game span. It’ll be José Fermín drawing a start at the keystone in his place.