MLB Player News

Blach (2-2) held the Cubs to three runs on eight hits over seven innings in a 6-4 win Monday. He walked none and struck out three.

Blach was in control all night, painting the corners of the strike zone (72 of 99 pitches for strikes) while inducing weak contact. It was even more impressive when you consider the strength of the opponent combined with howling winds that blew directly out to center field, giving the hitters a huge advantage. Just when it appeared that the young southpaw had fallen off the map when he was shelled for eight runs on May 6, Blach turns around and fires three consecutive quality starts, putting himself back into the fantasy picture. It is worth noting, however, that even with his recent hot stretch, the 26-year-old still sports an unsavory 3.0 K/9 on the season, likely limiting his value to deep and NL-only formats. A favorable matchup against the Braves is on deck Saturday, making Blach a target as a potential streamer.

Vizcaino walked one and struck out one in a scoreless eighth inning Monday against the Pirates to pick up his eighth hold of the season.

He has yet to record a save this year but the 26-year-old has the eighth-inning job on lockdown for the Braves right now, posting a 2.45 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 22:5 K:BB in 18.1 innings. Should Jim Johnson get dealt over the summer, Vizcaino would be the favorite to assume the closer role.

Hoffman (2-0) tossed seven innings of one-run ball in Monday's win over the Phillies, allowing three hits with no walks and seven strikeouts.

Making his first appearance since he was sent down to Triple-A Albuquerque earlier this month, Hoffman put together the best outing of his career at the top level. He allowed just three men to reach base and was only breached in the fourth inning, when Tommy Joseph's single knocked in Aaron Altherr. Hoffman also coaxed the Phillies into 10 swinging strikes while racking up an impressive strikeout total for the second straight start. The right-hander currently isn't scheduled to make another start for Colorado, but this stellar outing could very well keep him around for at least one more turn.

Floro was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Floro was mauled for five runs in just two innings of work Sunday, so the Cubs opted to send him back to the minors for more seasoning. He could return to the big leagues relatively soon if more bullpen arms are needed in Chicago, though. Zac Rosscup will take his place on the major-league roster.

Hoffman was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque and will start Monday's game against the Phillies.

As expected, Hoffman will return to the big leagues in order to fill a rotation spot created by the inclement weather during this weekend's series in Minnesota. His stay may be brief since the other rotation members will be back on schedule following Monday's contest, but Hoffman could raise his stock in the eyes of the Rockies' brass with a solid outing Monday night. To make room for him on the major-league roster, Raimel Tapia was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Thompson was promoted to Low-A Fort Wayne on Monday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The 85th overall pick in the 2016 first-year player draft, Thompson impressed in his professional debut last season, posting a 2.25 ERA and a 12:5 K:BB in 12 innings at rookie ball. This gave the Padres enough confidence to send him to full-season ball already despite him being just two years removed from Tommy John surgery that cut off his high school career. He'll look to carry that prior success into this next rung on the organizational ladder.

Floro allowed seven hits and five earned runs over two innings in Sunday's win over the Brewers. He walked one and struck out one.

Floro was recalled from Triple-A Iowa earlier in the day, and he did not make a good impression. The 26-year-old was lucky to be staked to a 13-1 lead when he allowed five runs in the ninth inning. Don't expect Floro to see too many high-leverage situations at the MLB level anytime soon.

Jansen allowed one run on two hits (one home run) while walking and striking out none in his inning of work during Sunday's 6-3 win over the Marlins.

Jansen's first home run allowed of the season was a solo shot to Justin Bour in the ninth with the Dodgers already up 6-2. The elite closer hadn't allowed an earned run since his second outing of the season way back on April 9. Despite the minor hiccup Sunday, the hard-throwing right-hander still sports a pristine 1.59 ERA with 32 strikeouts and zero walks in 17 innings. Oh, and he's also 8-for-8 in save chances so far. Jansen is as elite as they come.

Johnson was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.

Johnson was brought up from Iowa prior to the weekend to provide an extra arm out of the bullpen and made his MLB debut Friday against the Brewers, giving up two unearned runs over one inning. With the Cubs recalling Dylan Floro on Sunday to slot in as a long reliever, Johnson was sent back to Iowa in a corresponding move to see more regular reps out of the bullpen.

Floro was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.

Long reliever Pierce Johnson was sent back to Iowa to clear up a spot on the 25-man roster for Floro, who previously made an appearance for the Cubs in long relief back on May 9. Floro isn't expected to see much usage in high-leverage situations during his new stint with the Cubs.