MLB Player News

Wacha (foot) struck out six and gave up two hits and no walks over four scoreless innings in his rehab start Monday with the Royals' rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said prior to the outing that Wacha might need just the one rehab start before returning from the 15-day injured list and rejoining the major-league rotation this weekend against the Rangers. Given how well he pitched, Wacha looks to be a good bet to be activated this weekend, either on Saturday or Sunday. He's been sidelined since early June with a non-displaced left foot fracture.

Martin (elbow) began a rehab assignment with the White Sox's rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate Friday, allowing one run with a 5:1 K:BB over two innings.

Martin had Tommy John surgery last May and is currently on Triple-A Charlotte's 60-day injured list. He will eventually move up to Charlotte once the White Sox decide he's fully stretched back out and ready to assume a spot in the Triple-A rotation. Martin possesses a spot on the 40-man roster and could be an option to join the major-league club at some point after the All-Star break.

The Blue Jays signed Kaprielian to a minor-league contract on April 14.

Kaprielian had surgery last August to repair the posterior labrum in his right shoulder. It's not clear exactly where he is in the recovery process, but the right-hander has not yet made an appearance at a minor-league affiliate in 2024. Kaprielian, 30, has posted a 4.61 ERA and 282:133 K:BB over 318 innings in parts of four seasons at the major-league level.

The Twins optioned Varland to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday.

Varland served as the Twins' 27th man during Sunday's doubleheader against the Athletics, giving up two runs in 4.1 frames out of the bullpen in the second game. The righty will slide back into the rotation at St. Paul.

Plesac (1-0) earned the win in Monday's 5-3 victory over Milwaukee, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out one batter over six innings.

Plesac was called upon for an emergency start after projected starter Jose Soriano was unable to pitch due to an abdominal issue. Plesac did quite well considering the circumstances, squeaking by with a quality start and a victory in his first game as an Angel. He gave up two home runs and notched just one punchout, with the latter number serving as a reminder of one of Plesac's biggest flaws -- he's never never posted higher than a 6.8 K/9 in a full big-league season. If Soriano misses additional time, Plesac could get at least one more turn in the rotation, though he isn't likely to be a popular waiver-wire target in fantasy circles.

Gray (2-3) allowed nine runs on 11 hits in three-plus innings Monday, striking out two and taking a loss against the Mets.

Gray never found his footing Monday and the Mets took advantage. Most of the damage came during a six-run second inning and his night was finished after allowing a two-run shot to Brandon Nimmo in the fourth. Gray had allowed nine earned runs over his previous 50 innings before Monday's brutal outing. His season ERA shot up from 2.17 to 3.31 as a result. Gray's next outing is projected to be in Milwaukee.

Kikuchi (4-6) allowed five runs on seven hits over four innings Monday, striking out seven and taking a loss against Boston.

Kikuchi was cursed by the long ball Monday, coughing up four solo shots in the first three innings. Tyler O'Neill accounted for two of them, including in the first inning when he went back-to-back with Rafael Devers. Kikuchi had allowed just four home runs over his previous six starts entering Monday and had not given up multiple long balls in any start this season. He's registered a 6.17 ERA over his last five starts, bumping his season ERA to 3.65 through 81.1 frames. Kikuchi's next start is projected to be in Cleveland.

Pivetta (4-4) allowed three runs on nine hits and a walk over seven innings Monday, striking out four and earning a win over Toronto.

Pivetta gave up one run through five frames before allowing solo homers to Justin Turner and Davis Schneider in the sixth and seventh innings, respectively. Pivetta is 2-0 with a 3.50 ERA in three starts this month after posting a disappointing 5.55 ERA in May. For the season, he owns a 3.88 ERA alongside a 59:14 K:BB through 10 starts. Pivetta's next start is projected to be in Cincinnati.

Olson allowed four hits over six shutout innings in a no-decision Monday. He struck out eight during the loss to Atlanta.

Olson spread four hits across a quality start and never faced much of a threat. It was a much-needed rebound performance after he'd gone 0-3 with a brutal 10.43 ERA over his previous three starts. He generated 16 whiffs Monday, including seven via the changeup. It was his highest total since forcing a season-high 17 on April 15. Olson is now sporting a 3.39 ERA with a 69:23 K:BB through 77 innings. His next start is projected to be at home against the White Sox.

Silseth (elbow) will make another rehab start with Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Silseth is set for a fifth rehab start and third with Salt Lake. The 24-year-old has been on the injured list since April 8 due right elbow inflammation, but he appears to be closing in on a return from the 60-day injured list. Through two starts at Triple-A, Silseth has struggled overall, surrendering nine runs on 11 hits and eight walks while striking out seven batters over 7.2 innings. He'll look to put together a more successful outing Friday versus Reno. If Silseth performs well, he could come off the IL as soon as June 26 against the Athletics to fill the vacant No. 5 spot in the Angels rotation.