MLB Player News

MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis adds that Burns will receive a $9.25 million signing bonus as the second-overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest, narrowly surpasses the record-setting $9.2 million figure current All-Star Paul Skenes received last year from the Pirates as the top-overall selection. The 21-year-old right-hander projects as an impact fantasy contributor in the near future as he boasts a triple-digit fastball and arguably the best slider in the entire draft class. It’s easy to envision him blossoming into an upper-echelon fantasy starter down the road given his impressive stuff. He’ll be worth monitoring closely over the next few months as he kicks off his professional career.

Buxton is beginning his rehab assignment after being out for the last three weeks due to his hip inflammation. The 30-year-old will likely need a handful of games in Triple-A, and then he could be back with Minnesota early next week; maybe even by the end of the weekend if everything goes well.

Tatis Jr. will be in the lineup for Monday’s series opener. The outfielder has not been available for the Padres because of his femur injury, but now one of the most dynamic players in baseball joins San Diego for their playoff push. There could be some early issues for Tatis Jr. as he is coming back without a true rehab assignment, but obviously the reward outweighs the risk here.

The Astros are currently using a six-man rotation, but with the team likely to go to a five-man group in the next few days, that makes Blanco the odd-man out. The right-hander has pitched well for the overwhelming majority of the year, but it’s not surprising that the 31-year-old is the candidate most likely to make that move to relief. Unfortunately this would severely limit Blanco’s fantasy value, as it’s unlikely that he’s ever going to see a chance to pick up saves.

Gurriel exited Sunday’s game against the Dodgers with tightness in his left calf, and unsurprisingly is not available for Monday’s contest. The outfielder is considered day-to-day, and Pavin Smith gets the start in left field while Gurriel recovers.

Matz was just activated off the 60-day injured list Sunday, and the Cardinals will have the 33-year-old go while giving extra rest to their starts. With Matz getting the ball Tuesday, Sonny Gray will start Wednesday, and Erick Fedde will now get the ball Friday against the Mariners. Streaming Matz against a Milwaukee team that has performed well is probably a mistake in process.

“In my mind, my season’s not over” Pasquantino said. The 26-year-old still hasn’t been able to undergo surgery as of yet because of the swelling in his thumb, but he’s meeting with a surgeon Monday. Pasquantino seems very unlikely to return during the regular season because of his 6-8 week timeline of recovery, but it’s possible he could be a helper if the Royals are to play deep into the postseason.

Emmanuel Rivera is starting at third base and hitting ninth against Chris Flexen and the woeful Chicago staff. Mayo is one of the top hitting prospects in baseball, but his playing time is likely to be inconsistent at best, even with the Orioles dealing with a host of injuries.

Bench coach Paul Hoover will step in as manager. No word yet on when the Royals expect Quatraro back.

Maton will take on a utility role with Jordan Westburg, Jorge Mateo and Ramón Urías all on the injured list. He had a .262/.370/.477 line with 16 homers in 90 minor league games.

Bañuelos was just up for one day and did not play.