MLB Player News

Angels manager Kurt Suzuki told reporters Lowe, who has been plagued by right oblique issues the past two seasons with the Rays, is being given a few additional days off from Cactus League action out of an abundance of caution due to side discomfort. The fact that these have been recurring problems for Lowe in the past makes it a situation fantasy managers should be monitoring closely in the run up to next month’s season opener. The 28-year-old downplayed concern while speaking with reporters citing that his previous oblique issues are unrelated to this instance. There should be some additional clarity on his status if he’s unable to return to spring contests in the near future.

Williamson has been on the shelf with a shoulder issue since late April. The 28-year-old will need a couple rehab outings in the minors before he’s an option for Cincinnati’s rotation at some point later this month.

Matthews heads back to the minors with veteran Dean Kremer joining Minnesota’s rotation after being acquired from the Orioles in a trade on Friday night. The 26-year-old righty posted a career-high 10 strikeouts and allowed three runs over five innings against the Mariners on Friday night. There’s a chance injuries or ineffectiveness bring him back to the big leagues in a couple weeks, but there simply isn’t a spot for him as the Twins make a legitimate playoff push.

Acton will remain stationed in the minors after wrapping up a rehab assignment. The 28-year-old has been out since late April recovering from a shoulder strain. He compiled a solid 2.74 ERA and 9/3 K/BB ratio across 6 2/3 innings over four appearances prior to the injury. He should be up with Minnesota after the trade deadline.

Laweryson loses his spot on Minnesota’s 40-man roster with reliever Garrett Acton returning from the injured list. The 28-year-old was option to Triple-A St. Paul last month after making 15 relief appearances for the Twins earlier this season.

Herget augments New York’s relief depth heading into the club’s final two games against the Marlins this weekend. The 35-year-old journeyman made six appearances for the Mets last year. He’ll operate in low-leverage spots.

Curry earns a ticket back to the minors after a herculean relief effort where he allowed two runs over five innings against the Marlins on Friday night. The 28-year-old swingman has given up only four runs across 11 innings since making his season debut back on July 8.

Ryan Vilade gets an opportunity to face lefty Noah Schultz once opener Jordan Hicks departs. Aranda has been struggling recently, hitting .182 (10-for-55) with one extra-base hit in 14 games since the All-Star break. It’ll be a different-looking Tampa Bay lineup in this one with speedster Chandler Simpson hitting second behind Yandy Díaz.

Passan adds that the sense is that Kirby is available and could be moved prior to Monday’s deadline. He also notes that Seattle has been listening to offer for Emerson Hancock and Luis Castillo. The Mariners have top prospect Kade Anderson knocking on the door of the majors and figure to move at least one, if not more, of their current rotation members. Kirby would net the largest return in any potential trade package, despite holding a pedestrian 3.98 ERA across 120 innings this season.

Mathews will make his major-league debut against the Blue Jays on Saturday at the Rogers Centre. The 25-year-old southpaw was widely regarded as one of baseball’s most exciting pitching prospects entering last season before a shoulder injury, compounded by mechanical issues that wreaked havoc on his command, completely derailed his development. The result was nearly 50 Triple-A starts over the past two seasons instead of a prolonged opportunity in the majors. He still misses bats at an impressive clip, keeping him firmly on the fantasy radar, but his inability to consistently throw strikes amplifies the risk more than most pitching prospects. He’s a fascinating talent, but forecasting his future is extremely challenging. He’s certainly not a fit for risk-averse fantasy managers.

Svanson holds an underwhelming 7.27 ERA across 43 1/3 innings of work in the majors this season.