MLB Player News

Abel’s stuff looked outstanding during the 47-pitch rehab outing, averaging 96.3 mph on his fastball and topped out at 97.9 mph. The 24-year-old figures to require at least one additional tune-up to build up his pitch count and stamina before rejoining Minnesota’s rotation. He’s been on the shelf with elbow inflammation since late April. He should be stashed in all fantasy leagues based on his early-season results, which include a strong 3.98 ERA and 23/10 K/BB ratio across 20 1/3 innings.

Nothing has changed in the prognosis for Helman, who is shelved with multiple hand fractures, this was done as a procedural move to clear a spot on the Rangers’ 40-man roster for the addition of Jarred Kelenic on Friday.

Kelenic was signed to a minor league contract on July 1 after he slashed a miserable .226/.305/.321 with 20 strikeouts in 59 plate appearances with the White Sox. He’ll see most of his action against right-handed pitching for the Rangers.

Smith had been a key cog in the Rangers’ lineup as a utilityman the past couple of seasons, but given his struggles this season, Ezequiel Duran has stepped into that role. The 28-year-old has hit just .218/.316/.248 with zero homers, six RBI and two stolen bases in 117 plate appearances for the Rangers this season. He’ll see if he can get back on track while seeing every day at-bats at Triple-A.

The 29-year-old backstop, who was acquired from the Pirates on Thursday evening, will be active for Friday’s series opener against the Brewers. He’s unlikely to see enough playing time to gain any sort of relevance from a fantasy perspective.

He has now missed three straight games since being diagnosed with left hand soreness. Nick Loftin again mans the hot corner against Cardinals RHP Michael McGreevy.

It would have been surprising if he was, following manager Matt Quatraro telling reporters last night that Witt was heading for additional testing. The 26-year-old superstar’s status for this weekend — at the very least — is firmly in doubt as things stand. Tyler Tolbert is picking up a start at shortstop tonight and batting ninth.

It’s another start for Eli White in Harris’ absence as he simply can’t seem to shake this back injury. Harris probably will get another shot to play over the weekend if the Braves like where he’s at, but shutting him down a few days makes sense giving how long this has lingered.

Díaz boasts a 4.50 ERA in 26 appearances with Reno, with 43 strikeouts and 21 walks in 32 innings. He’ll try to find a way into Arizona’s relief mix, but the Diamondbacks are probably viewing him as a short-term fill-in while they work through internal options to replace Ryne Nelson in the rotation.

Not good. He’ll be out for an extended period of time, perhaps the rest of the season, and the Diamondbacks will have to make due for the time being. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues can safely drop Nelson.

Oof. Nelson was pitching really well since a down April, compiling a 3.75 ERA and a 2-3 record over 57 2/3 innings since the start of May. Gambadoro also reports Yilber Díaz is being called up to replace Nelson. This is typically the kind of injury that would cost a pitcher multiple months, so Nelson is droppable in fantasy leagues once this report is confirmed.