MLB Player News

Fermin returns to Los Angeles bullpen with starter Grayson Rodriguez hitting the injured list prior to Monday’s game against the Diamondbacks. The 24-year-old has posted an underwhelming 5.40 ERA and 18/13 K/BB ratio across 15 innings for the Angels this season.

Valdez missed a little under a week while dealing with things more important than baseball. He’s scheduled to start early next week against the Cubs.

There was a time that Brieske was a pretty key cog to the Detroit bullpen, but his struggles have made him nothing more than an up-and-down arm. He’s down this time, with Framber Valdez taken of the bereavement list in the corresponding move.

Bieber’s velocity today wasn’t quite as good as in his final start before the break, but at 92.3 mph on average with his fastball, he was still better than in his first three outings back. He was able to generate 13 whiffs and finish with a 33 percent CSW while throwing only 80 pitches to get his 18 outs. If the velocity heads south again, Bieber probably won’t be helpful in mixed leagues. Right now, though, he’s looking good. He’ll get the Rays at home on Thursday.

Varland struck out one in earning his 20th save. He’s fanned a batter in 15 straight appearances. He needed just nine pitches to get through this one, so he’ll be good to go on Sunday.

Martin, who opened up 9-2 through 13 turns, is now winless in his last six starts, even though he’s pitched very well in three of those games. He allowed four hits, walked two and struck out five today. He’ll pitch at home against Houston next Friday.

Guerrero’s double in the fourth was cranked 107 mph to the wall in center and missed being a homer by a foot or two. George Springer went on to single him in afterwards. Guerrero also had three balls hit in excess of 105 mph last night, so taking the All-Star break off might have done him and his back some good.

With 14 RBI in his 15 starts since coming off the injured list, Teel is timing his hits well. However, he’s batting just .198/.275/.323 with a 39 percent strikeout rate through 69 plate appearances. His bat speed is actually well up from last year, but if, as the numbers suggest, he’s sacrificing contact to make that happen, it’s might not be worth it.

Dion rejoins the Guardians bullpen with Codi Heuer getting optioned in a corresponding move. He’ll be an option against left-handed lineups while a part of the Cleveland staff.

Heuer is optioned to make room for a fresh arm in left-hander Will Dion. It seems likely that Heuer will be back as a mid-inning option for Cleveland at some point this summer.