MLB Player News

Keller did not factor into Monday's decision against Arizona, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk while striking out four across 5.1 innings.

Keller kept pace with Merrill Kelly in Monday's pitching duel before the former gave up the first runs of the game in the sixth on a Max Kepler double, though Keller came away with the no-decision after his Pirates teammates forced extra-innings. He's given up two earned runs or less in back-to-back starts and sports a 4.83 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 87:38 K:BB over 113.2 innings this season. Keller is lined up to face the Reds on the road this weekend.

Kepler went 3-for-5 with a two-run double during Arizona's 3-2 extra-inning loss to Pittsburgh on Monday.

Merrill Kelly and Mitch Keller were locked in a pitcher's duel, but Kepler was responsible for the first runs of the game with a bases-loaded double in the sixth inning that plated two runs for the Diamondbacks. Kepler is slashing .235/.280/.397 with two home runs and 14 RBI across 75 plate appearances this season.

Kelly did not factor into Monday's decision against the Pirates, allowing one unearned run on four hits and one walk while striking out six across 5.2 innings.

The only run Kelly allowed Monday was unearned, though it was his doing on a pickoff error to first, leading to Jake Mangum scoring on a Brandon Lowe single. It was the first time in 19 starts this season that Kelly did not yield an earned run, and his six punchouts tied a season high that he set three times prior to Monday's game. He'll take a 4.86 ERA and 1.45 WHIP over 109.1 innings into his next start, which is slated for this weekend on the road against the Guardians.

The Nationals optioned Alvarez to Triple-A Rochester following Monday's 3-2 loss to Toronto. He allowed one earned run on four hits and three walks while striking out three across 4.1 innings in bulk relief.

Alvarez put together a strong performance out of the bullpen, managing to keep his club in the ballgame after opener Eddy Yean allowed a pair of runs. However, the left-hander didn't show enough to keep his place on the big-league roster. Jake Irvin (shoulder) is nearing a return from the 60-day injured list and could slot into the fifth spot in the rotation the next time Alvarez's turn comes up.

Schmitt left Monday's game against the Brewers due to an apparent lower-body injury, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Schmitt looped a single into right field in the bottom of the second inning, but he looked to twist either his left knee or left ankle while putting on the brakes around first base. Christian Koss entered the game to pinch run for Schmitt, who wasn't able to put much weight on his left leg on his way off the diamond. The club should have another update on Schmitt's injury after sending him for further evaluation.

Hartshorn is slashing .283/.378/.533 with 11 home runs across 49 games since getting promoted to High-A South Bend earlier this season.

Hartshorn was playing well for Single-A Myrtle Beach to start the season, sporting an .884 OPS and blasting five home runs across 39 games. However, the 19-year-old has taken things to another level since his promotion to South Bend back on May 26. Hartshorn is showing off the power potential that makes him an intriguing prospect, and he could continue to climb quickly through Chicago's organization in the next few years if he keeps swinging the bat like this.

Through 85 games with Double-A Knoxville, Rojas is slashing .269/.335/.464 with 14 stolen bases, 15 home runs and 57 RBI.

Rojas made the jump from High-A to Double-A in 2025 as a 20-year-old, and he had some growing pains at the higher level, finishing with a .164 batting average and .484 OPS in 39 games. It's been a different story for the talented youngster this season, as he's showing off a dynamic mix of power and speed, and he's already set new professional bests in home runs and RBI. Rojas is probably still a year or two away from the majors, but the top prospect is flashing his potential and could earn a promotion to Triple-A at some point.

Monday's game between the Guardians and the Reds has been postponed due to inclement weather.

Monday's game will be made up Tuesday in a doubleheader, and Burns will start in Game 1, per Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati. The 23-year-old right-hander is having an outstanding season, sporting a 12-1 record over 19 starts with a 2.42 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 124:39 K:BB across 107.2 innings.

Valdez was removed during the fourth inning of Monday's game against the Diamondbacks after he was hit by a pitch on his left hand, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Valdez was plunked by a 91 mph fastball from Merrill Kelly in the fourth frame and was in visible pain. Valdez walked off the field with trainers, and the Pirates should have an update on his injury once he undergoes further tests. He was replaced by Jared Triolo, who has taken over at shorstop with Jacob Gonzalez moving to first base and Tyler Callihan shifting to right field.

Cabrera (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell relayed Monday that Cabrera will likely need three rehab starts before rejoining the rotation, which would put the right-hander on track to return to the majors in mid-August. Cabrera landed on the 15-day injured list in late June due to a left hamstring injury. In his 14 starts before the injury, he had a 5-4 record with a 5.10 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 65:29 K:BB over 72.1 innings.