MLB Player News

Junk (shin) was able to throw a light bullpen session earlier this week and could throw a higher-intensity side session in the coming days, MLB.com reports.

Once Junk incorporates all of his pitches in a full-intensity session, he'll move on to facing hitters before eventually heading out on a rehab assignment. After landing on the 15-day injured list May 31 due to right shin bone inflammation, Junk appears to be tracking for a late-June or early-July return from the shelf.

Bieber (elbow) built up to 80 pitches Wednesday in what's likely to be his final rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo, giving up five runs on seven hits and four walks over five innings. He struck out two.

The results weren't pretty, as Bieber served up homers to career minor leaguers Ryan Galanie and Andy Weber -- neither of whom are even on the 40-man roster for the White Sox -- but the veteran right-hander was sitting 91-92 mph with his fastball and topped out at 93.0 mph. With Max Scherzer (back) landing on the IL on Wednesday, the Blue Jays likely can't afford to give Bieber another rehab start to round into form. If he stays on turn, he lines up to make his 2026 big-league debut early next week at home against the Astros.

Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said Tuesday that Miller will start Friday's game against the Red Sox and will be piggybacked by Luis Castillo, Adam Jude of The Seattle Times reports.

Miller and Castillo both made standalone starts in their last two appearances as part of a six-man rotation, but the two will be deployed in tandem Friday while Seattle shifts back to a five-man setup. The Mariners previously used Miller and Castillo in a piggyback arrangement on three other occasions back in May, with Miller working between five and 5.2 innings in those contests while logging a 1.15 ERA and 0.57 WHIP. Expect Miller to handle a similar workload Friday, as Jude notes that the right-hander will be limited to around 75-to-80 pitches before turning the ball over to Castillo. Hollander relayed that all six of the team's starters will rotate through and have one piggyback outing until the All-Star break, so Miller and Castillo will likely be separated and make traditional starts when their turn in the pitching schedule comes up again next week.

Civale (5-3) allowed six runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out two over three-plus innings to take the loss versus the Pirates on Wednesday.

Civale missed about three weeks due to right shoulder tendinitis before rejoining the rotation Wednesday. He threw 46 of 71 pitches for strikes in his return, but his early exit was likely performance related rather than a workload consideration. He's allowed 18 runs over 12 innings across his last three starts in the majors. Civale now has a 4.91 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 41:19 K:BB over 58.2 innings through 12 outings this season. His next start is projected to be on the road in San Francisco, which is about as favorable a matchup as a struggling pitcher can ask for, though Civale's recent performance means he'll still carry some risk.

Ashcraft (6-3) allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks while striking out seven over six innings to earn the win over the Athletics on Wednesday.

Ashcraft had his best start of June in this outing, throwing 58 of 93 pitches for strikes while issuing his most free passes since late April. This was his ninth quality start in 15 games this season. He has a 3.18 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 97:22 K:BB through 90.2 innings on the year. Ashcraft has largely taken care of business in easy matchups, giving him a reliable floor in fantasy. His next start is projected to come at home versus the Mariners.

Kirby (5-7) allowed three runs on eight hits and struck out five without walking a batter over six innings to take the loss versus the Orioles on Wednesday.

Kirby gave up just two extra-base hits, but they were critical. Gunnar Henderson tagged him for a two-run home run in the third inning and Leody Taveras added an RBI triple in the sixth. This was Kirby's second quality start in a row, but he's allowed at least three runs in six straight outings, going 0-5 in that span. He's now at a 4.10 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 79:21 K:BB in 90 innings through 15 starts. Kirby will look to shake off the funk in his next start, which is tentatively projected to be on the road in Pittsburgh.

Bradish (4-7) allowed one run on five hits and two walks while striking out 12 over 7.2 innings to earn the win over the Mariners on Wednesday.

Bradish set season highs in innings pitched and strikeouts during this dominant performance. It was a big bounce-back effort after he allowed five runs in each of his previous two starts. The right-hander now has a 4.00 ERA with a 1.51 WHIP and 85:41 K:BB across 81 innings through 15 starts this season. He has issued multiple free passes in seven straight outings and in 13 of his 15 games this year, which continues to limit his overall effectiveness. Bradish is lined up for a favorable road start early next week against the Angels.

Sullivan (0-1) allowed eight runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out two over four innings to take the loss versus the Cubs on Wednesday.

Sullivan threw 56 of 82 pitches for strikes, but the Cubs had no trouble getting to him. The southpaw threw three scoreless innings against the Athletics last week before his major-league debut was cut short by an illness. Sullivan pitched to a 5.76 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 50:10 K:BB over 54.2 innings with Triple-A Albuquerque prior to his call-up, and given his tough home park, he's a risky option at best in fantasy. If Tanner Gordon (hip) remains out next week, Sullivan is tentatively projected to make a home start versus the Red Sox.

Ritchie (1-2) was tagged with the loss Wednesday in the 7-5 defeat to the Giants after he allowed five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four in five innings.

Ritchie was tagged for five runs early as he gave up three home runs in the first two innings Wednesday. This was Ritchie's first start since being recalled from the minors last week. The 22-year-old was also a bit wild in the game, throwing strikes on only 54 of his 90 pitches and issuing at least three free passes for a fourth time in seven MLB outings. Spencer Strider's (elbow) presence on the injured list should allow Ritchie to pick up another start next week in San Diego.

Espino recorded two strikeouts over one perfect inning against the Brewers on Wednesday.

Espino came in to relieve Gavin Williams in the sixth inning and struck out Garrett Mitchell and Cooper Pratt before inducing a flyout for a clean MLB debut. The 2019 first-round pick, who was once one of the top prospects in baseball before injuries took a toll, had a 5.30 ERA and a 29:15 K:BB in 22 appearances (18.2 innings) for Triple-A Columbus this year prior to being promoted last week.