MLB Player News

Montero is slated to handle a bulk relief role Friday versus the Reds, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Brant Hurter will open for the Tigers before handing things off to Montero. Montero is not unfamiliar with bulk relief, having pitched in that role in three of his last five outings. He has not pitched well following an opener this season, however, posting a 7.36 ERA.

Sykora dazzled for High-A Wilmington on Thursday, striking out 10 without walking a batter over five scoreless innings while allowing just two hits.

The Nationals' top pitching prospect sat through a brief rain delay before the game began, but Sykora didn't bat an eye -- he struck out the side in the first inning and didn't allow a baserunner to get past second base over 79 pitches (55 strikes) before leaving the mound. The 21-year-old righty sports a 1.00 ERA, 0.50 WHIP and stunning 32:2 K:BB over 18 innings since his promotion to High-A, and Washington may have little choice but to bump him up another level to Double-A in the near future just to try and find a challenge for him.

The White Sox acquired Civale from the Brewers on Friday in exchange for first baseman Andrew Vaughn, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Civale requested a trade after being told earlier this week that he would be demoted to the bullpen, and Milwaukee has quickly accommodated the request. The veteran right-hander last pitched Monday, so he could join Chicago's rotation as soon as Saturday against the Rangers. Civale held a 4.91 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 19:7 K:BB in 22 innings over his five starts with Milwaukee this season.

Yesavage gave up one run on one hit and four walks over four innings in his debut for Double-A New Hampshire on Thursday. He struck out four.

The 21-year-old righty walked the first three batters he faced as he showed a clear case of nerves, but Yesavage regained his focus and escaped the jam allowing only a sacrifice fly before shutting down Reading over the next three frames. He got lifted after 68 pitches (41 strikes), and the display of resilience should only boost Yesavage's prospect standing. In his first professional season after being the 20th overall pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, the East Carolina product has a combined 2.14 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 92:23 K:BB in just 54.2 innings across three levels.

Burns gave up two earned runs on four hits and four walks while striking out seven in 5.1 innings Thursday for Triple-A Louisville.

In his Triple-A debut, Burns held his own against a stacked Iowa lineup that includes Moises Ballesteros, Jonathon Long, Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara. The 22-year-old righty averaged 97.1 mph on his four-seam fastball and touched 98.6 mph, and his 89-mph slider got whiffs 50 percent of the time. Now that he's at Triple-A, Burns could be promoted to the majors at any point and is a must-stash where possible.

Blackburn appears to be the top option to replace the injured Kodai Senga (hamstring) in New York's rotation, Will Sammon of the Athletic reports.

Blackburn missed the first two-plus months of the season due to knee problems, but the veteran right-hander has been impressive since coming off the injured list, blanking the Dodgers over five innings in a spot start for his 2025 debut June 2 before recording his first career save in a long-relief stint against the Rockies last Sunday. He worked over 70 pitches in both appearances, so length wouldn't be an issue if he shifts back into the rotation. The Mets will wait and see how Frankie Montas (lat) looks in his rehab start Friday before making any decisions on who will take Senga's next turn, however.

Ginn (quadriceps) struck out five batters and allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and three walks across 3.1 innings in a rehab start Wednesday with Triple-A Las Vegas.

Ginn tossed 72 pitches (42 strikes) in his second rehab outing with Las Vegas since landing on the 15-day injured list May 20 due to a strained right quad. The Athletics haven't confirmed Ginn's next steps, but the right-hander could be ready to return from the IL as soon as Monday versus the Astros. Jacob Lopez or Mitch Spence are most at risk of falling out of the rotation when Ginn returns.

Eovaldi (triceps) could be ready to throw a bullpen session this weekend, MLB.com reports.

Eovaldi recently began playing catch after undergoing further testing back in Arlington. Rehab appears to be progressing as expected for the right-hander, but he remains without a clear timeline for his return to the Rangers' rotation.

Valdez (7-4) recorded the win Thursday against the White Sox after giving up two runs on seven hits and one walk in five innings. He struck out 12.

After fanning what was 11 in his last start, Valdez one-upped himself Thursday by setting another season high in strikeouts. The star left-hander produced a whopping 20 whiffs, and he also worked at least five innings while surrendering two runs or fewer for the 10th time in 14 outings during 2025. Valdez sports a reliable 3.10 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 96:28 K:BB over 90 innings, and his next start is slated for next week against an Athletics club that's slugging a dismal .291 versus lefties since May 14.

Martin (2-7) took the loss Thursday against the Astros after giving up four runs on six hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out five.

Martin continues to supply length for the White Sox, tossing at least six frames for his sixth start in a row. However, the long ball remains an issue for the 28-year-old right-hander, who has now served up at least one homer in four straight outings. Martin owns a 3.79 ERA and 1.21 WHIP but has just 53 punchouts through 80.2 innings, so his lack of strikeout potential will likely render him more of a deep-league streaming option versus the Cardinals his next time out.