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  • Covers three innings Saturday
    Junis tossed three innings out of the bullpen in Saturday's 6-4 loss to the Padres, giving up two runs on four hits and no walks while striking out two.

    Advice: Though it might not have been manager Pat Murphy's plan heading into the day, Junis essentially piggybacked starter Carlos F. Rodriguez, who was pulled from the contest after laboring through four innings and racking up 72 pitches. Meanwhile, Junis -- who was making his first appearance since April 2 following his recent reinstatement from the 60-day injured list -- was far more efficient, needing just 39 pitches to record nine outs while largely steering clear of damage until Kyle Higashioka took him deep in the seventh inning for a two-run home run. With Rodriguez now 0-3 with a 7.30 ERA through his first three big-league starts, it wouldn't be surprising if the Brewers optioned him to Triple-A Nashville to open up a starting spot for Junis, who had previously been part of the Opening Day rotation before landing on the shelf in April. Rotowire.com Today, 9:54 am
     
  • A’s bring up Aaron Brooks on Sunday from Triple-A
    Athletics selected the contract of RHP Aaron Brooks from Triple-A Las Vegas.

    Advice: Brooks gets the call to fortify Oakland’s bullpen ahead of Sunday’s game against the Twins with Dany Jiménez heading to the injured list. The 34-year-old journeyman righty made four starts earlier this season for the Athletics before being jettisoned from the club’s 40-man roster. He’s likely to operate as a swingman or multi-inning low-leverage option. Rotoworld Today, 9:48 am
     
  • Activated ahead of start
    The Rockies reinstated Freeland (elbow) from the 60-day injured list Sunday.

    Advice: Freeland has been on the shelf since mid-April due to a strained left elbow. He was able to make three rehab starts without any issues, posting a 2.70 ERA and 1.10 WHIP over 10 innings, and he'll now match up against a relatively-weak Nationals offense in the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field. The 31-year-old southpaw didn't find much success before landing on the IL, accumulating a 13.21 ERA and 2.55 WHIP in 15.2 innings across four starts. Until he's able to bring those numbers down significantly, fantasy managers would likely be wise to stay away from Freeland. Rotowire.com Today, 9:29 am
     
  • Focus on changeup
    Ashcraft has thrown 12 innings at Triple-A Louisville since his demotion, allowing four runs on 10 hits and two walks while striking out 12. He's been instructed to work on his changeup to improve his off speed offerings, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

    Advice: Ashcraft could be back in the majors soon. "It's a matter of time," Reds pitching coach Derek Johnson said. "If he has another good start or whatever, we have a decision to make." Rotowire.com Today, 9:29 am
     
  • Rockies activate Kyle Freeland for Sunday start
    Rockies activated LHP Kyle Freeland from the 60-day injured list.

    Advice: Freeland returns to Colorado’s starting rotation to take the ball for Sunday’s series finale against the Nationals at Coors Field. The 31-year-old southpaw has been on the shelf since mid-April recovering from a left elbow strain. He doesn’t offer enough strikeout upside to warrant a speculative roster spot in shallow mixed leagues, but there’s occasional streaming potential in favorable road matchups moving forward. Rotoworld Today, 9:19 am
     
  • Rangers activate Mad Max for ’24 debut on Sunday
    Rangers activated RHP Max Scherzer from the 60-day injured list.

    Advice: Scherzer will make his highly-anticipated season debut on Sunday afternoon for the defending World Series champions against the Royals at Globe Life Field. The 39-year-old veteran right-hander missed the first few months of the year recovering from offseason back surgery, and a nerve-related issue in his thumb that sprung up during his rehabilitation process. He’s no longer an elite fantasy contributor at this advanced stage of his legendary career. However, he’s likely to have flashes of occasional brilliance, and make a tangible impact for fantasy managers, even in shallow mixed leagues, when healthy. Rotoworld Today, 9:15 am
     
  • Confirmed for Tuesday
    The Cardinals list Gibson (back) as their probable starter for Tuesday's game against Atlanta at Busch Stadium.

    Advice: After coming off the bereavement list Wednesday, Gibson had been scheduled to start the Cardinals' series finale versus the Marlins later in the day, but he ended up being scratched shortly before opening pitch due to his back tightening up on him while he was going through his pregame routine. Matthew Liberatore was called upon for a spot start Wednesday in his stead, but Gibson looks like he'll be ready to go for his next turn through the Cardinals rotation. The veteran right-hander has submitted quality starts in three of his last five outings while turning in a 2.20 ERA and 1.05 WHIP over that stretch. Rotowire.com Today, 9:13 am
     
  • Reinstated from IL
    The Rangers activated Scherzer (back/thumb) from the 60-day injured list ahead of his start in Sunday's series finale against the Royals.

    Advice: Scherzer will make his season debut Sunday after having his start Saturday pushed back in favor of Jon Gray. Scherzer began the season on the injured list following offseason back surgery, and his rehab assignment was delayed due to separate thumb and forearm issues. In his last rehab start June 15, Scherzer allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out eight over 4.2 innings. Sunday's start should provide clarity on whether the 39-year-old right-hander will work under any restrictions in his first big-league action since Game 3 of the 2023 World Series in October. Rotowire.com Today, 9:00 am
     
  • Moved to 60-day IL
    The Marlins transferred Luzardo (back) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday.

    Advice: Manager Skip Schumaker said Saturday that Luzardo would likely be out for 4-to-6 weeks as a result of his lumbar stress reaction, but his move to the 60-day IL ensures that he'll out until at least Aug. 18. He will be joined on the 60-day IL by Edward Cabrera (shoulder), and the Marlins will bring up Kyle Tyler and Kent Emanuel from Triple-A to fill their open 40-man roster spots. Rotowire.com Today, 8:52 am