MLB Player News

Morton (6-3) allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out three over six innings to earn the win Friday against the Blue Jays.

Morton was making his first start since May 24, and was provided an eight-run lead after two innings as he coasted to an easy win. On the season, he has a respectable 3.82 ERA, and pitching behind a potent Astros offense he's a player who can be a very useful fantasy option. He'll make his next start at a time yet to be determined after the All-Star break.

McKenzie was named to Team USA for Sunday's All-Star Futures Game in Miami, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The Tribe's first-round selection in 2015 has coasted up the organization's ladder since being drafted out of high school. The 19-year-old owns a 2.91 ERA with 115 strikeouts in 89.2 innings over 16 starts this season for High-A Lynchburg. At this rate, McKenzie could earn a ticket to Double-A Akron before the end of 2017, but first he'll enjoy a weekend under the spotlight in south Florida.

Bassitt (elbow) is likely to return to the Athletics as a reliever, Joe Stiglich of NBC Sports California reports.

Bassitt hasn't appeared at all in 2017, and the Athletics are concerned that he won't have enough time to stretch out as a starter. He has averaged as high as 93.0 mph with his fastball out of the rotation, so it's possible he could really bring the heat in a relief role. Bassitt is currently on a rehab assignment and will likely return a week or two after the All-Star break concludes.

Miley will take the hill for Saturday's game against the Twins, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Miley was knocked around for his worst appearance of the season during Monday's loss to the Brewers, but manager Buck Showalter will give him the ball for another opportunity this weekend. Showalter stated that Chris Tillman wasn't as prepared as he would've liked heading into the game, so Miley drew the start heading into the All-Star break.

Stroman (finger) will be able to make his scheduled start Saturday against the Astros, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Stroman was dealing with a blister following his previous start versus the Yankees on Monday. The right-hander left after just 79 pitches, giving up two earned runs on five hits and two walks while earning the loss. He should be at 100 percent going into Saturday's game with no cause for concern moving forward.

Grube was put on the 7-day DL on Friday with right hand discomfort.

Grube has put together a decent year at the Triple-A level this season, posting a 4.80 ERA with a 1.43 WHIP and 61 strikeouts in 75 innings of work. He will miss the next week with this injury, and could be out for an extended period of time if it's determined that this is a significant issue.

Morton (lat) was reinstated from the 10-day disabled list Friday.

As anticipated, Morton will return from injury to start Friday against the Blue Jays. He ramped up his pitch count during his rehab assignment to the point where he should be able to approach 100 pitches from here on out. To make room for him on the active roster, Dayan Diaz was sent back to the minors.

The Twins recalled Jorge from Double-A Chattanooga on Thursday.

The right-hander will toe the rubber Friday against the Orioles, a daunting matchup. Jorge allowed three runs in five innings against the Royals on July 1 and may only be up again on a temporary assignment.

The Brewers are doing background work on Gray as they appear to be in the trade market for a starting pitcher, Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com reports.

Gray holds a 4.00 ERA with an 8.5 K/8 and 2.9 BB/9, though his season was much worse before he turned things around in June. The Athletics right-hander is the type of innings eater that a contender could use, and if the Brewers decide they want to chase the pennant, he'd be a prime target. For fantasy purposes, Gray would be worth a sizable FAAB bid from NL-only GMs if he changes leagues, even with the concern that his home starts would now come in Miller Park, which is friendlier to hitters than Oakland Coliseum.

The Brewers are doing background work on Quintana as they appear to be in the trade market for a starting pitcher, Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com reports.

The White Sox southpaw holds a 4.45 ERA with 9.0 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9, though his numbers were much worse through the end of May. Quintana is the type of innings eater that a contender could use, and if the Brewers decide they want to chase the pennant, he'd be a prime target. For fantasy purposes, Quintana would be worth a sizable FAAB purchase for NL-only GMs if he changes leagues.