MLB Player News

Blalock is slated to start Saturday's game against the Reds at Great American Ball Park.

The Rockies called Blalock up from Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday, but after going unused out of the bullpen in the team's ensuing four games, he'll now slot into the rotation spot vacated by Chase Dollander, who was optioned to the minors earlier this week. Over five appearances (three starts) with Colorado on the season, Blalock owns a 12.94 ERA and 2.06 WHIP in 16 innings. He won't make for a reliable streaming option Saturday against a Reds squad that tagged him for six runs over four innings back on April 27 at Coors Field.

Gibaut (shoulder) has started playing catch, MLB.com reports.

Gibaut says he's feeling good again, but a targeted return date is unknown at this time. The right-handed reliever should take the usual steps -- bullpens, live batting practice and brief rehab assignment -- before rejoining the Reds.

Saggese will go through pregame workouts and possibly see game action in the outfield, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Saggese has never played the outfield in pro ball, but increasing his versatility would give him another path to playing time, particularly with the Cardinals being left-handed heavy in the outfield. The 23-year-old has not yet found his swing at the big-league level, slashing just .241/.256/.342 in 26 contests. It seems likelier that Saggese's test drive in the outfield ultimately comes at Triple-A Memphis, once Ivan Herrera (hamstring) and Jordan Walker (appendix) return from the 10-day injured list.

Fraley (shoulder) completed a three-game rehab assignment and could be activated from the 10-day injured list this weekend, MLB.com reports.

Fraley played three games for Triple-A Louisville from Tuesday through Thursday and reported no issues. He was given Friday off in preparation for a potential weekend return.

The Cubs optioned Wicks to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

After getting blown up for six runs on 10 hits and a walk over three innings during Friday's game, Wicks will head back to the minors in order to get back on track. Brooks Kriske will come up from Iowa to replace Wicks in Chicago's bullpen.

The Cardinals have no specific timetable for Walker's (appendix) activation from the 10-day injured list, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Walker is physically recovered from a bout with appendicitis, but the Cardinals are having him work on a swing change on his rehab assignment at Double-A Springfield and want to see some positive results at the plate before activating him. Those positive results have yet to come, as Walker is 5-for-38 with 14 strikeouts thus far in 10 rehab games between Springfield and Triple-A Memphis. He did homer Thursday at Springfield, so perhaps that was a step in the right direction. Walker's role with the Cardinals upon his return is also up in the air, especially with Ivan Herrera (hamstring) returning as a designated hitter, which will likely keep Alec Burleson in the outfield.

Backhus (0-1) was the losing pitcher in Friday's 6-5 loss to the Angels. He allowed one run on two hits and hit a batter over one-third of an inning.

Backhus entered a tie game in the bottom of the ninth inning and got the first batter out, before the Angles walked off with the win. The rookie has emerged as a name to monitor in the Diamondbacks' bullpen, which has suffered a string of injuries to closers. The left-hander entered Friday with a 1.86 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with five holds over his first 10 outings (9.2 innings).

Herrera (hamstring) was given pregame reps in the outfield with the Cardinals prior to beginning his rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Thursday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Herrera's playing time at catcher in the second half will be reduced -- if not outright eliminated -- as the Cardinals look to keep him healthy and also prioritize defense at the position. The 25-year-old will be the team's primary designated hitter down the stretch, but he's being worked out in the outfield "to see what that looks like," per manager Oliver Marmol. Herrera has played 14 games at catcher this season, so he is in danger of losing catcher eligibility heading into 2026, if your league uses a 20-game threshold. He is expected to be activated from the 10-day injured list for the first game after the All-Star break.

Miller (forearm) will seek a second opinion after receiving MRI results, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports. "They're gonna give him the information and then let him figure out what the next course of action is," Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. "The right flexor mass, flexor tendon and then the UCL, I think they're gonna do a whole workup and make sure that it's all stable and in a good spot."

What comes next will either be Miller coming back or having surgery. He had evolved into the Diamondbacks' closer following elbow injuries to Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk. If Miller is set to miss significant time -- either with or without surgery -- Lovullo will have to scramble to find a closing option. With Jalen Beeks (back) placed on the injured list Friday, veterans Kevin Ginkel and Kendall Graveman and rookie Kyle Backhus have emerged as candidates.

Shaw isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees.

Shaw has been held hitless in his last 21 at-bats and will get a day off Saturday to regroup. Jon Berti will start at third base and bat ninth for Chicago.