MLB Player News

Valdez (5-5) took the loss Tuesday against the White Sox, allowing two runs on two hits and five walks over 6.1 innings. He struck out five.

The Houston southpaw toiled against a weak White Sox team that entered the evening collectively batting .220 with a 7.1 percent walk rate -- both qualifying as the second-worst marks in the majors. The five walks Valdez issued were the most since his first start this season against the Yankees on March 28, when he issued six free passes. The 30-year-old now sports a 3.91 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 56:24 K:BB over 73.2 innings. Valdez faces a difficult test in his next scheduled outing, slated to come against Baltimore at home this weekend.

Brebbia picked up the save in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over the Astros, retiring the only batter he faced in the ninth inning.

After rookie Jonathan Cannon turned in 8.2 scoreless innings, Brebbia entered with two men on via a pair of two-out singles. The veteran reliever induced a Victor Caratini groundout to lock down Chicago's 20th win on the season. Michael Kopech has struggled mightily of late -- sporting a 11.37 ERA over 6.1 innings with three blown saves in his last eight appearances -- opening a path for Brebbia to claim the White Sox closer role. The 34-year-old appears ready for more save opportunities, as he owns a 1.17 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 14:1 K:BB across 7.1 innings in June.

Cannon (1-1) earned his first career win Tuesday against Houston, allowing seven hits and one walk over 8.2 scoreless innings. He struck out four.

The 23-year-old rookie tossed the best game of his short career, leading the charge for the first White Sox shutout since May 21. Cannon has displayed masterful control in the majors, allowing just six walks in 32.1 innings. The Chicago right-hander now sports a 3.34 ERA and 1.24 WHIP this season. He is currently scheduled to make his next start against the Tigers on the road this weekend. Although Mike Clevinger (elbow) is rehabbing and nearing a return, Cannon's strong performance to date may keep him in the White Sox rotation long term.

Manager Brandon Hyde said that Westburg was diagnosed with a bruised left hip following Tuesday's loss to the Yankees, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Westburg collided with Juan Soto during the first inning of Tuesday's contest and eventually had to leave the game in the second. He appears to have avoided any significant damage, and it's possible he'll return to Baltimore's lineup Wednesday without missing any games.

Judge was removed from Tuesday's game against the Orioles after getting hit in the hand by a pitch, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Judge took a 94-mph fastball off his left hand during the third inning of Tuesday's contest. He remained in the game to run the bases and even went back out to cover center field in the top of the fourth, but Trent Grisham pinch hit for him during the bottom of the frame. Judge's willingness to initially stay in the game could signal that his removal was only precautionary, but the Yankees will take a closer look at him and should have an update on his status in the near future.

Blackburn (foot) will throw a bullpen session Thursday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Thursday will mark the first time Blackburn has thrown off a mound since he landed on the injured list May 13 due to a fracture in his right foot. He isn't expected to return until after the All-Star break, but a more precise return timeline for the 30-year-old may emerge after he throws a few additional bullpen sessions and progresses to facing live hitters.

Stripling (elbow) will throw a bullpen session in Oakland next Tuesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Stripling has already held catch sessions where he's thrown from 105 feet and the bullpen session will mark the next step in his recovery from a strained right elbow. The 34-year-old will likely toss at least one more bullpen session before embarking on some sort of rehab assignment prior to being activated from the 15-day injured list.

Westburg left Tuesday's contest with the Yankees in the bottom of the second inning with left hip discomfort, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Westburg struck out swinging to open the game in the top of the first inning and he was later removed from the contest in the bottom of the second. Westburg will certainly undergo imaging on his hip to determine the severity of the injury, but in the meantime, Ramon Urias has replaced him at third base against New York.

Trout (knee) said Tuesday that his recovery from meniscus surgery has gone slower than expected and that he's without an official timetable for return, Sam Blum of The Athleticreports.

The 32-year-old underwent the procedure to repair a torn meniscus in early May and has yet to start up a running program. Trout is currently trying to find exercises that allow him to progress with minimal soreness, so he doesn't appear particularly close to baseball work. Barring a significant improvement in the near future, Trout seems likely to be sidelined well beyond the All-Star break in mid-July.

White Sox GM Chris Getz said Tuesday that Moncada (adductor) is expected to return around the All-Star break, which runs July 15-18, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

The 29-year-old suffered the adductor strain in early May and was given an initial return timeline of 3-to-6 months, and it appears he's on track to be back at the front of that window. Jimenez will likely require at least a handful of games in the minors to get back up to speed before being activated.