MLB Player News

Valdez improved to 9-7 after striking out seven and walking one while throwing a complete-game no-hitter in the Astros' 2-0 win over the Guardians on Tuesday.

Valdez's no-hitter was the majors' third in 2023 and the first by a left-handed pitcher in Astros franchise history. He came just one walk shy of a perfect game, with that bid ending when he let Oscar Gonzalez reach safely in the fifth inning. The hitless shutout got Valdez back on track after he surrendered 15 total runs across his last three outings (15 innings). He'll look to keep the ball rolling in his next start, which is expected to come against the Orioles in Baltimore.

Manning (3-3) allowed four runs on eight hits across six innings to take the loss Tuesday against the Pirates. He had no walks and struck out six.

A two-run home run by Liover Peguero in the second inning accounted for half of the damage, which has been the story lately for Manning, who's allowed four home runs over his last two starts. He's given up 11 runs across 11 innings in those two starts, pushing his season ERA up to 4.53. Manning will look to limit the long ball and get back on track in his next start, which is tentatively set for Monday against the Twins.

Keuchel opted out of his contract with the Twins on Tuesday, Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic reports.

Keuchel signed a minor-league deal with the Twins in late June, and he will now enter the open market after failing to receive a promotion to the majors. The 35-year-old southpaw put up a 1.13 ERA and 1.25 WHIP through 32 innings over six starts with Triple-A St. Paul.

Montgomery is slated to make his Rangers debut Friday versus the Marlins at Globe Life Field, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Texas will be breaking in its two new additions to the rotation on consecutive days, as Max Scherzer will take the hill Thursday versus the White Sox before Montgomery toes the rubber for the series opener against Miami. Montgomery had been the de facto staff ace of a poor Cardinals rotation this season, posting a 3.42 ERA and 1.25 WHIP while striking out 108 batters over 121 innings. He'll profile as more of a mid-rotation arm for Texas, but his fantasy outlook could improve following the move from St. Louis while he's supported by a stronger Rangers lineup.

Ryu (elbow) was activated from the 60-day injured list ahead of his start against the Orioles on Tuesday.

The left-hander will make his season debut Tuesday against Baltimore after completing his rehab and recovery from Tommy John surgery. Ryu threw 85 pitches over six innings during his final minor-league rehab outing, but he's still likely to face some minor workload limitations in his first start back.

Cabrera was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Cabrera struggled mightily with his command in his last start Monday versus the Phillies, yielding six walks over just three innings. The right-hander heads back to the farm holding an overall 4.79 ERA and 1.47 WHIP through 17 major-league starts this year.

Williams was traded from the Padres to the Royals on Tuesday in exchange for Scott Barlow, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

A 21-year-old righty, Williams was a third-round pick by the Padres in 2022. He has a 5.74 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 40 strikeouts in 42.1 innings through 12 starts at Single-A.

Blalock was traded from the Red Sox to the Brewers on Tuesday in exchange for Luis Urias, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

A legitimate pop-up prospect this season, Blalock had Tommy John surgery in March 2022 and made his 2023 debut May 24. He sits 93-95 mph with his fastball and touches 97 mph while also displaying a potentially plus curveball and good control. Through seven starts at High-A, Blalock sports a 2.55 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 36 strikeouts in 35.1 innings. His 6.2 percent walk rate is particularly encouraging for a pitcher who is recently recovered from TJS.

The White Sox acquired Carela from the Yankees on Tuesday in exchange for right-hander Keynan Middleton.

A 21-year-old righty, Carela logged a 3.67 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 109 strikeouts in 83.1 innings at High-A Hudson Valley this season. He's a decent enough pitching prospect and will work on continuing to improve his command and control in the coming years to make it as a starter long term.

The Pirates acquired Falter from the Phillies on Tuesday in exchange for Rodolfo Castro, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The left-hander received some run in Philadelphia's rotation during the first six weeks of the season, but he was demoted to Triple-A in mid-May after he posted a 5.13 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 28:8 K:BB in 40.1 innings. Falter was a solid swingman in 2022 with a 3.86 ERA across 20 appearances, and he could get a look in Pittsburgh's rotation down the stretch since Rich Hill was dealt to San Diego.