Yahoo Sports

Dylan Cease delivered an impressive performance in Wednesday’s victory over the Nationals, racking up nine strikeouts over seven innings of shutout baseball.

Advice: The 28-year-old right-hander allowed just one hit — a two-out single by Nick Senzel in the fifth inning — while issuing a pair of walks in the contest. Cease generated 16 swings and misses in the ballgame — nine of those on his slider — while registering a strong CSW of 33 percent. He now sits at 7-6 on the season with a 3.84 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and a 125/30 K/BB ratio over 98 1/3 innings through his first 17 starts on the season. He’ll try to replicate this brilliant outing when he squares off against the Rangers in Arlington on Wednesday. Rotoworld Today, 3:46 pm

Casas (ribs) took approximately 20 swings in the batting cage Wednesday at about 75-percent effort, Molly Burkhardt of MLB.com reports.

Advice: Casas resumed hitting for the first time since he was diagnosed with a cartilage tear in his left ribcage in late April. He said he felt great during the workout, but he noted that the real test will be to see how sore he is Thursday. If Casas isn't experiencing too much discomfort Thursday, he could be cleared to start hitting off a tee. Casas undoubtedly will require a rehab assignment before returning from the 60-day injured list, and it's uncertain when he might be ready for game action. Rotowire.com Today, 12:36 pm

Kirby (7-5) allowed one run on four hits while striking out seven over six innings to earn the win Wednesday over the Rays.

Advice: Kirby had his way with the Rays on Wednesday as he managed to get through six innings for his third win in his last five starts. Kirby has been on a tear, allowing two runs or less in six consecutive starts, posting a 1.70 ERA with three walks and 40 strikeouts in that span. He has the third best ERA in MLB since May and he'll look to keep it going in a tough matchup vs. the Orioles next week. Rotowire.com Today, 12:13 pm

The Reds announced Wednesday that Marte (suspension) has rejoined the team after completing his rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville.

Advice: Marte won't be eligible to return from his 80-game suspension until Thursday's series opener in St. Louis, but since he's back in Cincinnati rather than sticking around in Louisville, the Reds are presumably preparing to add him back to the 26-man active roster ahead of their four-game series this weekend. The 22-year-old struggled to regain his timing at the plate during the rehab assignment, slashing .151/.151/.170 with no walks and a 28.3-percent strikeout rate over 12 games. However, after Marte posted an .822 OPS in 123 plate appearances in his first taste of the big leagues in 2023, the Reds look as though they'll allow him to iron out the kinks in the majors. He's seen action at third base, second base and shortstop during his rehab assignment and may have to settle for more of a utility role with the Reds initially until he performs well enough to warrant everyday playing time. Rotowire.com Today, 7:15 am