MLB Player News

This seems like good news for Rodgers, who might well turn into something more on a major league team that, well, is trying for something more than being a placeholder and a punchline. Rodgers, 28, has posted OPS+s of 102, 97 and 94 in his three relatively full major league seasons, and he’s a solid enough defender at second base. The upside that made him the No. 3 overall pick in the 2015 draft seems long gone now, but he’ll probably be a pretty useful regular for some team. As for the Rockies, Adael Amador is likely the future at second base. He’s probably not ready yet, though.

Gillispie passed through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment earlier this week. The 27-year-old righty was claimed off waivers last month from the Marlins and has yet to pitch for Minnesota in the big leagues.

Biggio has been cut loose to pursue opportunities elsewhere after passing through waivers unclaimed. The 30-year-old was designated for assignment last Friday after receiving just 83 plate appearances over 37 games with the Royals.

It’s possible Kepler will avoid a trip to the injured list. The 32-year-old outfielder was scratched from the lineup after suffering a triceps strain while taking swings in the cage during Wednesday’s rain delay. He’s presumably day-to-day heading into Friday’s series opener against the Tigers.

Dombrowski’s remarks came after shipping prospects Mick Abel and Eduardo Tate to the Twins for closer Jhoan Duran. The results haven’t been spectacular for Painter this season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but he remains a big part of their long-term pitching plans. The 22-year-old top prospect has a chance to ascend to the big leagues at some point in the final two months.

Kowar heads back to the minors to make room for newly acquired lefty Caleb Ferguson ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Athletics. The 28-year-old righty has posted a strong 1.54 ERA across 11 2/3 innings (nine appearances) this season in the big leagues.

Fry’s first inning blast would be all the scoring Cleveland needed as they blanked the Rockies in what was a de facto bullpen game. That was Fry’s fifth homer of the season in what’s been a trying season for him after a sensational first half last year and All-Star berth. He’s been pushed back into just a weak-side platoon role and only starts against left-handed pitchers while Kyle Manzardo – who replaced Fry as a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning – has taken the lion’s share of starts at designated hitter.

This was just Allard’s third start of the season and first since May 28th. He was working as a multi-inning reliever for practically all of May June, but had transitioned to a one-inning guy recently. So, it wasn’t much of a surprise to see him pulled in the fourth inning after throwing 42 pitches. It was frustrating though, since it seemed like he could’ve cruised to a win if he’d been able to throw just 25 or so more pitches. He was only thrust into the rotation because the team needed an extra starter after a double-header this past weekend to keep the rest of their staff on regular rest.

Clearly uncomfortable from the start, Freeland’s velocity was down significantly and he was constantly keeled over in this abbreviated outing. Pulled after three innings with what the team called “illness effects”, it’s clear he may not have been well enough to start this game at all. Hopefully he feels better before his next turn at home against the Blue Jays.

For the first time, both of the White Sox’s young catchers, Quero and Kyle Teel, homered in the same game. Quero’s was only his third in 245 plate appearances, but he’s batting a fine .280.351/.381 at the tender age of 22. The White Sox have to be pretty thrilled with both his and Teel’s development, though it’s going to make for tough calls at some point.

This was Adrian Houser’s turn, but the White Sox scratched him in anticipation of a trade. Alexander managed to open up with three scoreless innings, but he was charged with one run before and one run after exiting in the fourth. He could return to middle relief now, though the White Sox will likely have at least one rotation spot opening up tomorrow.