MLB Player News

Blanco (elbow) struck out two and allowed two hits and two walks over 3.1 scoreless innings Thursday in a rehab start for Double-A Corpus Christi.

On the comeback trail after undergoing Tommy John surgery with an internal brace last June, Blanco has delivered a pair of strong performances to begin his rehab assignment. After tossing three scoreless frames in his first start in the rookie-level Florida Complex League on June 19, Blanco jumped up a few levels for his second outing and again held the opposition scoreless while building up to 50 pitches (31 strikes). Blanco should be able to get in at least two more rehab starts before the All-Star break, after which the Astros will assess whether he's worthy of a spot in their crowded rotation. The right-hander has a minor-league option remaining, so once he's activated from the 60-day injured list, the Astros could send Blanco to Triple-A Sugar Land to stay stretched out as a starter if they don't have room for him in the big-league rotation.

McCullers (shoulder) struck out four and allowed two hits and no walks over three scoreless innings in a rehab start Thursday with Triple-A Sugar Land.

Pitching in a game for the first time since May 13 after being sent to the injured list due to a right rotator cuff impingement, McCullers delivered an encouraging performance. He mixed in five different offerings in the 42-pitch appearance, averaging 90.9 mph with his sinker while displaying strong control. McCullers had issued 22 free passes in 39.1 innings with the Astros prior to landing on the shelf, so keeping his walks in check in his subsequent rehab outings will be imperative if he hopes to reclaim a spot in a crowded Houston rotation once he returns from the 15-day IL. In addition to their current five starters, the Astros are expected to bring Cristian Javier (shoulder) back from the 60-day IL later this week, and Ronel Blanco (elbow) is also in the midst of a rehab assignment and could be an option for the rotation around the same time McCullers is ready for activation.

Javier (shoulder) struck out four and scattered three hits and two walks over six scoreless innings Saturday in a rehab start with Triple-A Sugar Land.

Making the fifth start of his rehab assignment and his fourth in a row with Sugar Land, Javier turned in a brilliant performance while building up to 85 pitches (52 strikes). Though he averaged 91.8 mph with his four-seam fastball -- down a full tick from his average in three starts with Houston before landing on the shelf -- Javier was still able to make bats miss, as he induced six whiffs on that pitch and along five whiffs on his changeup. Javier will likely return from the 60-day injured list to make a start this weekend against the Rays in Houston, sliding into the rotation spot vacated by Kai-Wei Teng, who was demoted to Triple-A last weekend.

Seigler started at second base and went 2-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored in Monday's 6-3 win over Washington.

Seigler made a seventh consecutive start Monday and has hit safely in all seven. He's 11-for-23 with three doubles, a home run, three RBI, one steal and five runs during the streak. Injuries to Trevor Story (abdomen) and Marcelo Mayer (forearm) have created an opportunity for Seigler.

Lopez started at shortstop and went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Monday's 6-3 win over the Guardians.

Lopez covered shortstop Monday while Corey Seager receiving a planned maintenance day. When Seager is back in the lineup, Lopez could end up seeing most of his reps at second base. That said, Lopez will have to fend off Ezequiel Duran for playing time at that position if Duran isn't needed in the outfield while Brandon Nimmo (shoulder) appears to be at risk of joining Wyatt Langford (hamstring) on the injured list.

Carter started in center field and went 2-for-3 with two runs scored in Monday's 6-3 win over the Guardians.

Carter was activated off the injured list Sunday when the Rangers placed Wyatt Langford (hamstring) on the IL. That injury, along with a shoulder injury suffered by Brandon Nimmo on Sunday that could lead to an IL stint, should present outfield opportunities for Carter. He typically only starts against right-handers and is batting .182 (.100 against lefties) in 68 games this season.

Rocchio batted second and went 2-for-5 with a stolen base and a run scored in Monday's 6-3 loss to the Rangers.

Rocchio, who extended a hit streak to five games, has held his own since being promoted from ninth in the order to the upper third. He's hit safely in nine of the last 11 contests, going 14-for-47 (.298) with four doubles, two RBI, two steals and four runs scored during that stretch. While those aren't flashy numbers, the shortstop has helped the Guardians navigate their way without key regulars Angel Martinez (foot) and Jose Ramirez (hand). Chase DeLauter was also out for the last two weeks due to a rib injury but returned Sunday.

DeLauter went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Monday's 6-3 loss to Texas.

DeLauter gave the Guardians a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning when he roped a line-drive RBI double. The outfielder has been limited to DH duties in his two games back from a rib injury, but DeLauter is making an impact with the bat. He's gone 4-for-9 with three RBI and a run scored since coming off the injured list, including a clutch two-out, two-run single in Sunday's comeback win over Seattle.

Kuroda-Grauer went 3-for-4 with a double, one RBI and one run scored in Monday's 9-4 loss to the Dodgers.

Kuroda-Grauer got the start at second base in his big-league debut, and he delivered one of the Athletics' best performances in the game. The infielder should at least get steady playing time against left-handed pitchers -- he should fill a platoon role at second base alongside Jeff McNeil at a minimum. Kuroda-Grauer could also push fellow right-handed hitters Alika Williams and Darell Hernaiz for time at shortstop until Jacob Wilson (thumb) returns. If Kuroda-Grauer can claim a decent share of playing time, there's fantasy upside to be had with his speed.

Thomas went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's 9-4 loss to the Dodgers.

Thomas picked up his first multi-hit effort since May 13 versus the Cardinals. He's largely filled a platoon role at best during his time in the majors this season, but injuries are piling up for the Athletics, which has opened the door for him to get more playing time recently. The outfielder is batting just .221 with a .623 OPS, three homers, eight RBI, nine runs scored and one stolen base over 82 plate appearances. Thomas will need to take advantage of his opportunities to maintain more playing time in the near future.