MLB Player News

McCulloch, a 2006 first-round pick of the White Sox, has a 4.64 ERA over parts of six seasons in the minors. He posted a 5.25 ERA and 55/30 K/BB ratio across 106 1/3 innings in 14 starts and 18 relief appearances between Double-A Carolina and Triple-A Louisville last season.

Cruz received a cortisone shot yesterday and hasn’t pitched since Sunday. The Yankees don’t seem overly concerned about him being out for an extended period of time, but they’ll shut him down from throwing for a bit.

Hall took over for Brandon Woodruff and closed the game with three innings, allowing just two hits while striking out six. The left-hander threw 39 of his 57 pitches for strikes and has now thrown 10 2/3 shutout innings during his rehab assignment with 15 strikeouts and six walks. If the Brewers are planning to keep him in the bullpen for the time being, then it would seem that he’s ready to rejoin the big league team.

The veteran allowed three hits while walking two and striking out two. He only needed 59 pitches to get through four innings in his first start since dealing with right ankle tendinitis last week. There’s no word yet on if Woodruff’s next start will be with the Brewers or in the minors, but he’s worth a stash in fantasy leagues right now. Just don’t expect him to reach the highs he showcased before his shoulder capsule surgery.

Ullola struck out six but also walked four on the day. That command has been a bit of an Achilles heel for the 22-year-old during his minor league career. He had seemed to turn a corner earlier in the month, walking just three total batters in two starts, but he’s now up to seven walks in 14 innings this month. However, he has also struck out 21 and not allowed a single run over that stretch. The Astros’ rotation is banged up right now, and Ullola is the highest upside pitcher for them at Triple-A. He just needs to show that he can get his command in check consistently.

Santander left the game on Wednesday with left hip inflammation, and with a day game after a night game, the Blue Jays won’t risk him aggravating the injury. There is no word yet on how long Santander might be out, but Daulton Varsho will slide to the DH spot on Thursday with Myles Straw in centerfield and Jonatan Clase in left field. George Springer will also get the day off.

With left-hander Carlos Rodon on the mound, Josh Smith will get the day off. Duran will slide into the lineup at shortstop, but Sam Haggerty will bat leadoff. Duran is not a recommended add in any formats.

García is hitting just .209/.253/.343 in 19 games in May with a 27 percent strikeout rate. His quality of contact has been good with a 90.2 mph average exit velocity over that stretch, but he also has a 19 percent infield fly ball rate, which suggests he’s simply getting under the ball too much. It could be a timing issue or a bat path issue, but the power is still in there if he can iron out his contact point issues.

The 23-year-old is the 5th-ranked prospect in the Guardians’ system and is inching ever closer to his big league debut. He’s now hitting .364/.434/.652 in 17 games at Triple-A with four home runs, 13 RBI, and a steal. With Lane Thomas coming off the IL soon, there is no immediate spot for Kayfus to play, but Cleveland may have to find a spot for him this summer if he keeps producing.

Díaz walked two and struck out one, giving up a three-run homer to Jarred Kelenic. Díaz now has a 5.91 ERA in Triple-A and doesn’t seem close to being brought back up to Cincinnati.

Martinez looked good in his rehab outing at Triple-A, consistently hitting triple digits with his fastball. The MRI showed no structural damage in his shoulder, so perhaps this was just a dead arm period due to overuse. However, that also means the Diamondbacks may be cautious about how they deploy him once he’s back. We wouldn’t cut Shelby Miller right away until we see how the team plans to manage the end of games with all of their relievers healthy.