MLB Player News

Kieboom was 8-for-46 with no homers this month, and the start tonight was his first in five days. He hasn’t embarrassed himself in hitting .213/.276/.388 in 87 PA since his callup last month, but he also hasn’t looked like someone who needs to be penciled in for a starting job next spring. The Nationals, who signed Jeimer Candelario last winter, might again look for a stopgap at third.

Santos had been out since the beginning of the spring with a lat strain, so bringing back after just two rehab appearances suggests some desperation from the Mariners. At least he was good in both appearances, allowing just one baserunner over a total of two innings. If he can stay healthy, he should turn into Seattle’s seventh- or eighth-inning guy in time.

Hancock took a loss in his spot start Saturday, giving up two runs in four innings against the Mariners. He still likely remains next in line for any openings in Seattle’s rotation.

That sounds like more than a 10-day thing. Rece Hinds was called up to replace Fairchild, who was seeing regular playing time with TJ Friedl on the injured list. The newly acquired Austin Slater, who isn’t yet on the active roster, will probably take over most of Fairchild’s at-bats.

The 23-year-old Hinds will be making his major league debut. Hinds hits the ball very hard when he makes contact, but he was striking out 38 percent of the time while batting .216/.290/.409 for Louisville. It’s doubtful that he’s ready for the majors now, so this could be a short stay. He’ll probably play versus lefties while he’s up.

Zulueta was up briefly last month and allowed one run over three innings in his lone appearance. He’ll be available as a middle reliever for now, but he might head back to the minors on Thursday.

Ashcraft returns to Triple-A despite allowing one run over 4 2/3 innings in his start Sunday. The Reds are getting Nick Lodolo back Thursday to fill the open rotation spot.

Jordan’s versatility wasn’t enough to get him claimed on waivers. He was designated for assignment last week after going 1-for-10 in seven games with the Reds.

We’re not sure what exact home run/arrest ratio is necessary to get back into MLB’s good graces, but Ozuna seems to have exceeded it. On performance alone, he’s obviously a deserving choice. He’s at 23 homers right now after finishing with 40 last year.

Coming off consecutive subpar outings, Keller was terrific today, at least aside from a Brandon Nimmo two-run homer. He allowed nothing but singles otherwise, and he wound up with six strikeouts and no walks. Keller improved to 10-5 with a 3.40 ERA. That’s about what he was at this time last year, when he made his first All-Star team, but at least for now, he’s currently set to stay home next week.

Scott allowed just one hit and one walk today, but unfortunately, the former followed the latter and happened to be an Oneil Cruz home run. That was enough to keep Scott winless once again. He’s gone without a victory in spite of allowing two runs or fewer in four of his seven big-league starts and no more than four runs in any.