MLB Player News

Astros general manager Dana Brown confirmed Sunday that Whitley (lat) could be an option to join the major-league squad as a reliever once he's healthy and activated from Triple-A Sugar Land's 7-day injured list, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Though he's been regarded as one of the Astros' top pitching prospects for more than a half decade, Whitley has yet to make his MLB debut, with multiple setbacks on the health front having stalled his development. Now on the mend from a right lat strain that's expected to keep him shelved for around 3-to-4 months, Whitley likely won't have enough time to get stretched back out for a starting role at Triple-A even if he meets the short end of that recovery timeline. The Astros still believe the 25-year-old right-hander possesses the sort of arsenal that can make him an effective weapon out of the bullpen, so if he's quickly able to reclaim command and velocity upon returning from the injury, he could make his long-awaited MLB debut at some point during the final month of the season.

The Guardians reinstated McKenzie (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Sunday in Minnesota, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

McKenzie will be making his season debut after missing the first two months while recovering from a right teres major muscle strain. The right-hander was outstanding during the 2022 season with a 2.96 ERA over 191 innings, and while there may be a bit of rust to shake off, it's reasonable to expect him to be a strong fantasy option for the remainder of the 2023 campaign. He logged 10.1 innings over the course of his three-start rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus, pitching to a 4.35 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB.

Woo (0-1) was the pitcher of record in Saturday's 16-6 loss to the Rangers, allowing six runs on seven hits and one walk over two innings. He struck out four.

Marco Gonzales (forearm) was placed on the injured list, so Woo was recalled from Double-A Arkansas and made his MLB debut Saturday. The outing certainly didn't go as planned for the 23-year-old, who was dominating in the minors, and it's unclear if he'll get another turn in the rotation. However, Seattle would likely have to select a player from the minors if it isn't going to give Woo another chance.

Heaney did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing three runs on six hits and four walks over three innings in a 16-6 victory over the Mariners. He struck out five.

Heaney tied his season high with four walks and completed his fewest innings since the season opener, when he allowed seven runs over 2.2 innings. Since his horrendous season debut, the left-hander has been really sharp, posting a 3.09 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 58:23 K:BB over his last 10 appearances (55.1 innings). Heaney will look to get back on track during his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for the opener of a three-game set in Tampa Bay.

Crawford didn't factor into the decision in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Rays, allowing one run on two hits over three innings. He struck out three without walking a batter.

Making his third start in 11 appearances and first since April 9, Crawford lasted 40 pitches (29 strikes) and did his best to soak up some innings after five Boston relievers had to pitch in the matinee. The 27-year-old has been effective in a swingman role this season, posting a 3.48 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 33:6 K:BB through 33.2 innings, and with Chris Sale (shoulder) back on the IL, Crawford could get stretched out and moved into the rotation if Sale's absence proves to be lengthy.

Whitlock didn't factor into the decision in an 8-5 win over the Rays in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader, giving up four runs on six hits and two walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out five.

Tampa Bay jumped on the right-hander for three runs in the second inning, and Whitlock exited in line for his third loss before Boston rallied for six runs in the sixth. The 26-year-old has made only five starts this season due to hip and elbow injuries, and he's lasted more than five innings just once, making him a risky fantasy play until he begins to show some consistency. Whitlock will take a 5.61 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 20:5 K:BB through 25.2 innings into his next outing, which is likely to come next week in Cleveland.

Glasnow didn't factor into the decision in a 4-2 win over the Red Sox during the second game of Saturday's doubleheader, allowing one run on four hits and three walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out six.

Making his second start of the season after a spring oblique strain cost him the first couple months of 2023, Glasnow looked sharp as he tossed 88 pitches (54 strikes). The right-hander has a 14:4 K:BB through 9.2 innings since his return, and the ace-level upside he's flashed since coming to Tampa Bay seemingly remains intact. Now all he has to do is stay healthy, but that's easier said than done -- since making his big-league debut with the Pirates in 2016, Glasnow has thrown triple-digit innings in a season only once, and his career high in starts is only 14.

Medina (0-5) took the loss Saturday, allowing six runs on six hits and four walks over two innings against the Marlins. He struck out two.

Medina struggled mightily Saturday, setting a season high in walks while lasting just two innings. However, he didn't allow a home run after giving up 10 across his first five appearances. The rookie has been awful to start the season and owns an 8.19 ERA and 26:14 K:BB through 29.2 innings. Considering his inability to limit power and walks and the Athletics' lack of run support, Medina remains firmly out of fantasy consideration, though he could continue to receive starts given Oakland's lack of quality arms.

Berrios did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing one run on four hits and three walks over six innings against the Mets. He struck out six.

Berrios turned in yet another strong outing Saturday, allowing just one extra-base hit across six innings to tally his third quality start in his last four appearances. Across his last six starts (37.1 innings), Berrios owns a 2.17 ERA and 34:15 K:BB, and he's given up three or fewer runs in each of those outings. He is tentatively scheduled to take the mound next against the Astros at Rogers Centre.

Bradish dropped to 2-2 after he allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out five over four innings in Saturday's 4-0 loss to the Giants.

Bradish gave up all three runs in the third inning and exited after 79 pitches (53 strikes). His offense gave him no help, as the Orioles mustered only five hits in the contest. This was Bradish's shortest start since the beginning of May -- he was able to limit opponents to one run in three of his five outings last month. He's at a solid 4.13 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 41:15 K:BB through 48 innings across 10 starts overall. The right-hander is projected for a favorable home start versus the Royals next week.