MLB Player News

Blanco (elbow) struck out five over three scoreless frames in his first rehab start with the Astros' Florida Complex League affiliate Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

He gave up only one hit and one walk. There's no word on what Blanco's velocity was, but it was an encouraging first rehab outing from a box score perspective. Blanco is working his way back from last June's Tommy John surgery with an internal brace. He will need several more rehab starts, but Blanco is tracking toward rejoining the Astros' rotation around the All-Star break.

Poulin will start Friday's game against the Rays.

The left-hander has served as an opener eight times this season and will pick up another start Friday after scheduled starter Cade Cavalli (illness) was scratched. Poulin hasn't covered more than two frames in any of his 29 outings this year, so he'll likely give way to the Washington bullpen after a frame or two.

Eisert will be the White Sox's opening pitcher for Friday's contest in Detroit, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Erick Fedde will follow in bulk relief. Eisert has had three previous opening assignments this season, yielding two runs with a 4:1 K:BB over 3.1 innings in those outings.

The Royals optioned Black to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

The right-hander was called up by the Royals in late May and will return to Omaha after giving up seven runs with a 10:9 K:BB over 13 innings during this stint in the majors. Black's demotion clears roster space for Seth Lugo (concussion), who is starting Friday's game against the Cardinals.

Smith parted ways with the Twins on Friday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Smith had an opt-out clause in his minor-league deal and decided to exercise it after not being called up. In his first season back from a second Tommy John surgery, Smith has posted a 4.74 ERA and 19:9 K:BB across 24.2 innings of work with Triple-A St. Paul.

Strzelecki parted ways with the Yankees on Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Strzelecki exercised an opt-out clause in his minor-league contract and is now a free agent. The 31-year-old reliever has collected a 4.81 ERA and 29:5 K:BB over 24.1 frames at the Triple-A level this season. He has not pitched in the majors since 2024.

The Blue Jays recalled Little from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday.

Little made the Opening Day roster but was sent down in early April after getting rocked for 11 runs (10 earned) over his first 3.2 innings. The 29-year-old appeared to get on track at Buffalo, authoring a 2.31 ERA and 32:19 K:BB across 23.1 frames. Little give the Blue Jays a second lefty in the bullpen alongside Mason Fluharty.

The Blue Jays optioned Dallas to Triple-A Buffalo on Friday.

Dallas was just recalled Wednesday and did not make an appearance during his time with the big club. He's being replaced on the roster and in the bullpen by Brendon Little.

Bachar will serve as the Marlins' opener in a bullpen game Friday against the Giants, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Rather than calling up a starter from the minors after Janson Junk (shin) joined Eury Perez (thigh) on the injured list May 31, the Marlins have been going with bullpen days when the fifth spot in the rotation has come around. Bachar will pick up his fourth start in that time, but he hasn't worked more than three innings in any of those outings. Dax Fulton, who threw 39 pitches Tuesday against the Phillies, might be called upon to work bulk relief behind Bachar.

Minter retired the only two batters he faced Thursday to record his first hold of the season in a win over the Phillies.

Entering the game with one on and one out in the seventh inning and the Mets ahead 6-3, Minter fired seven of eight pitches for strikes as he got Justin Crawford and Kyle Schwarber to fly out. Minter has been outstanding since making a belated season debut in late May after recovering from last summer's lat surgery, posting a 0.00 ERA, 0.63 WHIP and 7:1 K:BB over eight innings and nine appearances. The 32-year-old should continue to work as one of the primary left-handed setup men for closer Devin Williams.