MLB Player News

Montero is removed from the 40-man roster as well as the active one with Elias Diaz coming off the injured list Sunday. Montero was ineffective to say the least in 2024 with a .205 average and .571 OPS while providing no defensive value whatsoever. It’s possible a team will put a claim in on Montero hoping to unlock his upside, but it’d be a mistake to do the same on fantasy rosters.

He’s currently being evaluated and treated by the Pirates’ medical team. Despite the vagaries of the diagnosis, anything related to the arm isn’t encouraging. The 27-year-old’s southpaw next start should be in question at a minimum and it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see him land on the injured list. The Pirates should have more information on his status at some point before Sunday’s series finale.

The 25-year-old hurler has an opportunity to play with the Doosan Bears in the Korea Baseball Organization, so the Twins granted him his release so he can play overseas. Balazovic posted a 5.60 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and a 49/15 K/BB ratio over 35 1/3 innings at Triple-A St. Paul this season.

Muncy has been sidelined since the middle of May due to a right oblique strain and any hopes of him returning in July are now out of the picture with this setback. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues that don’t have IL spots may be better served cutting bait and finding better use of the roster spot. Muncy has hit .223/.323/.475 with nine homers and 28 RBI in the 40 games that he has been able to play in this season.

In fact, the session went so well that the 31-year-old superstar is going to repeat the process on Sunday. Kyle Schwarber is expected to be activated from the injured list on Tuesday, and Harper isn’t expected to be far behind him. If Sunday’s session goes well, it’s not out of the question that he could be ready on Tuesday as well. The Phillies’ offense should be getting some strong reinforcements next week.

The 26-year-old right-hander has made nine starts in the minors this season, primarily at Triple-A Albuquerque, where he has compiled a 4.91 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and a 36/10 K/BB ratio over his 40 1/3 innings of work. Ryan Feltner, who had originally been scheduled to pitch on Sunday, will be pushed back until next week.

Alvarez was pulled from Saturday’s battle against the Twins after being plunked by a pitch on his right knee in his previous plate appearance. It appears to have been a precautionary measure though as the Astros won’t even have any imaging done on their 27-year-old slugger. There’s a chance that he gets Sunday off to be on the safe side, but Alvarez shouldn’t be looking at any sort of extended absence.

Someone needed to get the boot from the Royals’ 40-man roster to make room for the triumphant return of Kris Bubic (elbow) on Saturday and unfortunately Selby drew the short straw this time around. There’s a decent chance that he’ll slip through waivers unclaimed and continue to function as extra bullpen depth at Triple-A Omaha.

Pennington, 26, made his big-league debut with the Royals on Friday night, retiring both of the batters that he faced including a strikeout. He was sent out this time to make room on the team’s active roster for the return of Kris Bubic (elbow) from the 60-day IL. He’ll bide his time at Triple-A until the Royals need another left-hander in their bullpen.

The 26-year-old southpaw will work out of the Royals’ bullpen for the time being as he continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery. Bubic logged 35 2/3 innings on his minor league rehab assignment, registering a 3.53 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and a 42/13 K/BB ratio. Walter Pennington was optioned to Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move on Saturday.

Falter delivered five straight balls in the third inning — including a walk of J.D. Martinez to load the bases — which prompted a visit from the training staff. After a quick consultation, the decision was made to remove Falter from the ballgame. He’ll head for further evaluation. Expect the Pirates to provide an update on his status before the game concludes.