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.

Vierling (foot) went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run and an additional run scored in Wednesday's 9-2 win over the Twins.

Vierling had missed the last two games with a sore left foot, but he quickly got back up to speed as he recorded his career-best 11th home run of the season in the easy win. The 27-year-old has been a solid, versatile player for the Tigers the last two years, and while he's not the most exciting fantasy option, his steady playing time across the diamond does give him a path to steady value the rest of the way.

Greene went 3-for-4 with a triple, a two-run home run and an additional run scored in Wednesday's 9-2 win over the Twins.

Greene was an offensive force as he recorded his 16th home run of the season and pushed his OPS up to .851. The 23-year-old had already surpassed his previous career best of 11 home runs in a season, and he's now up to a career-high 43 RBI this year as well after Wednesday's effort. Greene could be closing in on his first All-Star appearance, but at the very least he's been a strong fantasy asset who continues to trend upward given his promising skill set.

Kelly went 1-for-4 with a grand slam in Wednesday's 9-2 win over the Twins.

Kelly was one of four Detroit players to go deep, and his third-inning shot was the biggest blow of the game. It was the catcher's sixth home run of the season and he's now up to 25 RBI. Kelly continues to split time behind the plate with Jake Rogers, though the former has been more effective offensively, which could lead to an increased role in the months ahead.

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.

Rengifo was removed from Wednesday's game versus Oakland due to an apparent injury, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Rengifo's hand/wrist seemed to be bothering him after he fouled off a pitch in the ninth inning, and he was immediately replaced at the plate following the incident. The specifics of his injury remain unknown, but the Angels will presumably take him in for imaging and should offer more information ahead of Thursday's game.

Shuster will start Thursday's game against the Guardians, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Shuster has appeared in 17 games for the White Sox this season, posting a 3.15 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 34.1 innings, but Thursday will mark his first start of the season. The 25-year-old southpaw worked almost exclusively as a starter throughout his professional career before joining the White Sox in the offseason, so he should be able to pitch well into Thursday's game before Chicago turns to its bullpen. Shuster may be in line for just a spot start, as the White Sox could get Mike Clevinger (elbow/neck) back from the 15-day injured list next week to complete their rotation.

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.