MLB Player News

Blackburn (foot) appeared in relief for Single-A Stockton against Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday, allowing three earned runs on two hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning. He struck out one.

Blackburn was slated to throw about 35 pitches, but he was pulled after just 23 due to his struggles. The right-hander worked himself into trouble immediately upon entering in the third inning, issuing back-to-back walks and allowing a pair of run-scoring singles. Blackburn could still be bumped up to Triple-A Las Vegas for his next rehab appearance Sunday, although it remains to be seen if Tuesday's poor showing alters those plans.

Garcia (elbow) didn't pitch in a rehab game at Triple-A Buffalo as scheduled Tuesday due to neck stiffness, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Garcia's injury isn't considered to be serious, but the Bisons opted to hold him out of the game as a precaution. The 33-year-old reliever is now slated to appear in Wednesday's game, assuming he feels better by then. It's unclear how many additional rehab appearances he will need to make past Wednesday, though a return to Toronto before the All-Star break has not yet been ruled out.

Stripling (elbow) started Single-A Stockton's game against Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk over two-thirds of an inning. He struck out one.

Stripling was slated to throw about 35 pitches, but he was pulled after 24 offerings. The right-hander allowed a solo home run and saw another runner cross the plate on a fielding error, making for an all-around eventful rehab debut. Stripling is still likely to make his next rehab start at Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday, unless the outcome of Tuesday's appearance alters that plan in some form.

Kremer (4-5) took the loss Tuesday against Chicago, allowing seven runs (five earned) on seven hits and three walks over four innings. He struck out three.

Kremer allowed a run in each of his four innings Tuesday, with the three-run homer served up to Ian Happ in the fourth being the crucial blow. It was Kremer's second start since coming off the IL (triceps), and the veteran continues to be plagued by the long ball, particularly at home. He's given up multiple home runs in four of his five starts at Camden Yards this season. His nine homers allowed overall in that span are the most by an Orioles pitcher since Chris Tillman in 2009. Kremer is scheduled for one more start before the All-Star break, Sunday against the Yankees.

Matthews has a 1.89 ERA with a 59:4 K:BB in 52.1 innings at Double-A Wichita.

Matthews was promoted to Double-A after just four starts at High-A Cedar Rapids. He's had outstanding control with just four walks in 75 innings between the two levels. He's becoming one of Minnesota's top pitching prospects and it wouldn't be surprising to see him finish the season at Triple-A.

McCormick went 1-for-3 with one RBI, two stolen bases and two runs scored in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Marlins.

McCormick hasn't been running as much this season -- his pair of steals Tuesday gave him seven thefts on the year. He's logged four of them over the last 13 games, though he's batting just .212 (7-for-33) in that span. The outfielder is at a .207/.267/.313 slash line with three home runs, 19 RBI, 19 runs scored, five doubles and one triple across 52 contests this season. He's started five of the last eight games between left field and right field, including three starts versus right-handed pitchers, though McCormick will still have to compete with Joey Loperfido for playing time until Kyle Tucker (lower leg) is ready to return.

Keaschall was selected to represent the Twins in the 2024 All-Star Futures Game, MLB.com reports. He's hitting .307 with two home runs and a .857 OPS in 37 games since being promoted to Double-A Wichita.

Keaschall replaced Brooks Lee, who was called up to the majors last week. Keaschall, the 49th overall pick in the 2023 First-Year Player Draft, has maintained good walk rates (13.6%) and decent strikeout rates (21.1%) at Double-A.

Bregman went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and an additional RBI in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Marlins.

Bregman was the only Astro with multiple hits Tuesday, delivering an RBI single in the fifth inning and a two-run homer in the seventh. The long ball was his second in four games, perhaps signaling a strong second half to come. He's batting .294 (25-for-85) over his last 20 contests compared to .254 on the year. The third baseman has added a .727 OPS, 11 homers, 44 RBI, 42 runs scored, two stolen bases, 18 doubles and two triples across 381 plate appearances.

Hader walked one and struck out two in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Marlins.

Entering Tuesday, Hader had yielded a run in four of his last six appearances. He was able to avoid that fate in this contest, earning his 16th save of the year, nine of which he's collected since the start of June. His recent inconsistency has pushed his ERA up to 4.05 with a 1.05 WHIP and 63:12 K:BB through 40 innings, but he's still taken just one blown save this year.

Blanco (9-3) allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out seven over seven innings to earn the win over the Marlins on Tuesday.

Blanco gave up multiple home runs for the second time in three starts, but he got away with it since both were solo shots. He's allowed more than two runs just once over his last six outings, turning in a quality start in four of them. The 30-year-old continues to enjoy a breakout season with a 2.53 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 95:40 K:BB across 103 innings through 17 starts. Blanco could make one more start before the All-Star break, a turn tentatively projected to be at home versus the Rangers on Sunday.