MLB Player News

Blanco allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four batters over 5.2 innings in a no-decision against Toronto on Wednesday.

Blanco fared fine after giving up six runs (three earned) in his previous outing, though fantasy managers in leagues that count quality starts will no doubt be disappointed that he was pulled one out shy. That hook may have also cost the right-hander a victory, as he had a one-run lead when he was relieved by Tayler Scott, who promptly gave up a single to allow the tying run to cross the plate. While Blanco has posted a modest 8.2 K/9 on the campaign, his overall numbers are strong -- he's recorded a 2.53 ERA and 1.01 WHIP across 96 frames.

Rodon allowed three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out eight batters over 5.1 innings in a loss to Cincinnati on Wednesday.

Though he logged his fourth straight defeat, this was a bounce-back effort of sorts for Rodon after he surrendered 21 runs (20 earned) over 13.2 innings across his previous three starts. The veteran hurler did, however, continue to struggle with the long ball Wednesday, yielding multiple homers for the third straight outing. Rodon has given up seven home runs during that three-game stretch, and his 18 homers allowed on the campaign is tied for third most in the majors.

Gray allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out two over four-plus innings in a no-decision versus the Padres on Wednesday.

Gray gave up a two-run home run to Manny Machado in the third inning and labored again early in the fifth. This was the fourth time in Gray's last six appearances that he failed to complete five innings, though two of those short outings were by design following his return from a groin injury. The right-hander is now at a 3.92 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 71:22 K:BB over 80.1 innings across 17 appearances (15 starts) this year. Gray is lined up to make his next start in a favorable road matchup versus the Angels.

Montero (1-2) allowed two runs on six hits across 6.1 innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Twins. He walked one and struck out four.

The Tigers put up nine runs of support, which was more than enough to help Montero earn his first MLB win. The rookie had allowed nine runs across 8.2 innings in his first two starts in the majors, but he looked much more comfortable in his third appearance. He's expected to stick in the rotation for at least a few turns with Casey Mize (hamstring) on the injured list. Montero's next start is tentatively scheduled for July 11 as Detroit juggles its rotation before the All-Star break.

Manager Brandon Hyde said Wednesday that Irvin will pitch out of the bullpen going forward, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

The decision to move Irvin to the bullpen comes after he allowed five runs in 3.2 innings during his most recent start Sunday against the Rangers, giving him a 10.22 ERA over 12.1 innings across his last three starts. Hyde noted there is still a possibility that the 30-year-old southpaw returns to the rotation at some point, but he would likely need to string together several solid performances out of the bullpen before that happens.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Wednesday that Bradford (rib/back) has resumed throwing off a mound, and the left-hander is likely to fill a relief role once back from the injured list, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old was dominant in three starts for Texas with a 1.40 ERA, 0.62 WHIP and 17:2 K:BB before he suffered a lower-back strain and a stress fracture in his rib, but he's not expected to rejoin the rotation once healthy. Max Scherzer is finally healthy after missing nearly the first three months of 2024, and Tyler Mahle (elbow) is also moving toward his season debut. Bradford's buildup and rehab assignment should be shorter since he's coming back as a reliever, but the Rangers are likely still looking for him to cover multiple innings and be an option for spot starts.

The Orioles activated Kremer (triceps) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Kremer will rejoin the Orioles' rotation with a start Wednesday against the Mariners. He missed six weeks of action with a right triceps strain and did not pitch well on a rehab assignment, posting an 11.42 ERA and 9:4 K:BB over 8.2 innings. Even with a plus matchup on tap versus Seattle, fantasy managers might be wise to give Kremer a start or two before activating him.

Baz will be recalled from Triple-A Durham to take Aaron Civale's spot in the Rays' rotation, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Prior to being traded to the Brewers, Civale's next turn was slated to be Friday in Texas. It's not clear whether Baz will start that day or another, but his return to the big leagues is imminent. Baz struggled in May at Durham with a 7.71 ERA and 9:13 K:BB over 16.1 innings, but he rebounded in June, collecting a 1.57 ERA and 35:10 K:BB across 23 frames. The Rays could be careful with his workload in his first season back from Tommy John surgery, but Baz should be rostered in all fantasy formats.

The Tigers recalled Montero from Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Montero will draw the start Wednesday in Minnesota. While he's technically filling in for Jack Flaherty (back) on Wednesday, Montero will receive multiple turns as a replacement for Casey Mize (hamstring), per manager A.J. Hinch. Montero has allowed nine runs with an 11:4 K:BB over 8.2 innings with the Tigers this season and holds a 5.03 ERA and 54:30 K:BB across 48.1 frames for Toledo.

The Tigers placed Mize on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a strained left hamstring, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Mize tweaked his hamstring during Sunday's start against the Angels and subsequent testing revealed a strain. It's not clear what the grade of the strain is, but the Tigers anticipate the right-hander missing at least three starts. Keider Montero has taken Mize's spot on the roster and will start Wednesday in Minnesota, but the club will need an additional starter to fill in this weekend, as well, with Jack Flaherty (back) also missing a turn.