MLB Player News

Montero didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 6-1 loss to the Cubs, coughing up four runs on five hits -- including three home runs -- and a walk over 5.2 innings of relief. He struck out four.

The right-hander entered the game after Tyler Holton worked 1.1 innings as the opener, and while Montero had some initial success, homers by Michael Busch in the fifth inning and Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw in the seventh took a toll. Reese Olson (finger) and Jackson Jobe (elbow) aren't expected back until at least late June, so Montero should get another couple turns through the rotation, either as a traditional starter or bulk reliever. He'll take a 4.30 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 30:17 K:BB through 46 innings into his next outing, which is scheduled to come at home next weekend against the Reds.

Holton (2-3) took the loss Saturday as the Tigers fell 6-1 to the Cubs, giving up one run on one hit in 1.1 innings while striking out two.

Acting as the opener ahead of Keider Montero, Holton served up a solo shot to Seiya Suzuki in the first inning, the first of five Chicago long balls on the day. Holton has been taken deep six times in 29.2 innings this season, including twice in his last three appearances, to leave him with a 4.25 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 27:8 K:BB. The southpaw does have six holds along with his two wins, but his versatility works against him for fantasy purposes and keeps him from consistent high-leverage work.

Vasil will start Sunday's game against the Royals in Chicago, Kyle Williams of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Vasil has worked exclusively as a reliever throughout the season, but the White Sox have been able to have him stretch out a bit of late. He's covered at least three frames in each of his last three appearances, logging 9.2 scoreless innings and a 10:2 K:BB over that span. The 25-year-old righty is likely to be operating on a light pitch count in his first MLB start, but a strong showing against Kansas City could allow Vasil to stake a more permanent claim to a spot in the White Sox rotation.

Latz will serve as the Rangers' opening pitcher for Sunday's game against the Nationals, Matthew Postins of SI.com reports.

The Rangers are treating the series finale as a bullpen day, with Latz leading off the contest. He threw three innings as recently as May 27, so he could work multiple innings if he's efficient early on. Latz has turned in seven consecutive scoreless innings, maintaining an 11:2 K:BB across his last five appearances.

Walter will be recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land to start Sunday against the Guardians in Cleveland, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Walter will be kicking off his second stint of the season with the Astros, as he previously was called up to make a spot start May 20 and delivered five shutout innings while striking out five in a no-decision against Tampa Bay. Since then, Walter has continued rolling at Sugar Land, allowing just two earned runs on 11 hits and no walks while striking out 15 over 12 innings between his last two starts.

Mayo is not in Saturday's lineup against the A's.

Mayo has been in the lineup for five of Baltimore's last six games since being recalled from the minors. He's gone 3-for-15 in that span but has struck out only three times. Ryan O'Hearn will take over at first base while Adley Rutschman will serve as the designated hitter Saturday.

Stanton (elbow) will travel to New York on Sunday or Monday and could begin a rehab assignment thereafter, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Stanton will likely undergo a final evaluation before being cleared to play in games. He and the Yankees are reportedly targeting a mid-June activation, and this progress aligns with that timeline.

Houck (elbow) continues to play catch but has yet to throw off a mound, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Houck has been throwing for over two weeks but has yet to progress past playing catch. Given that he'll require a rehab assignment, he's likely to be sidelined until at least early July.

Slaten (shoulder) has yet to play catch since being placed on the injured list Sunday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Slaten was diagnosed with shoulder fatigue when he was placed on the injured list, so the issue didn't appear to be overly serious. However, he's likely to be sidelined until at least late June given his lack of progress.

Taveras is not in Saturday's lineup against the Angels.

Taveras has consistently started in right field, but this marks his second absence in the last three games. He's hitting just .121 across his last 10 contests and has a .530 OPS for the season, so he could continue to lose out on playing time. Miles Mastrobuoni will take over in right field and hit seventh.