News
Javier Assad (oblique) made an early exit from Tuesday’s minor league rehab start for Triple-A Iowa.
Assad grabbed at his side and immediately left the contest while warming up for the fifth inning. He had thrown 67 pitches (40 strikes) through four frames. He’s been on the shelf since spring training working his way back from an oblique strain. There should be an update on his status in the coming days.
Spencer Strider (hamstring) will come off the 15-day injured list next week to start against the Nationals.
The exact date of the start hasn’t been announced yet, but either way it’s good news. Strider only threw 65 pitches in his simulated start and reportedly had diminished velocity during that outing Wednesday, but Atlanta doesn’t seem too concerned. Even with some risk, fantasy managers should have Strider in their lineup for that bout against Washington.
Byron Buxton has entered the concussion protocol after leaving Thursday’s game against the Orioles.
Both Buxton and Correa collided head-to-head and had to leave the game, and both players have entered the protocol. Both players will need to be cleared of symptoms before they are able to play again, and fantasy managers should be prepared to not have either player for at least the next couple of games.
Nick Martinez shut out the White Sox for seven innings in the Reds’ 7-1 victory Thursday.
Martinez allowed two hits, walked none and struck out three in one of the easiest outings of his career. He’s turned in four straight quality starts and lowered his ERA from 5.40 to 3.66 in the process. He’ll again be worth playing in mixed leagues next week, as he’s due to face the Pirates on the road.
Bryse Wilson was tagged for seven runs in 5 1/3 innings by the Reds in Thursday’s loss.
Wilson gave up runs in every inning he pitched, other than the second. He’s sporting a 6.00 ERA and a 19/14 K/BB ratio in 33 innings on the season, and if he remains in the rotation, he’ll face the Mariners next time out.
Matt McLain homered, doubled and walked as the Reds’ No. 8 hitter Thursday against the White Sox.
McLain was dropped in the Reds lineup earlier this week, even though his OBP was already up this month. He’s batting .220/.371/.380 with two homers and five steals in 14 games during May. His replacement in the second spot in the order, Santiago Espinal, is hitting .226/.281/.264 during the same span.
Will Benson went 2-for-3 with a homer, three RBI and a walk against the White Sox on Thursday.
Taking advantage of Jake Fraley’s absence, Benson is 5-for-14 with three walks in five games since being recalled last week. Fraley’s IL stay figures to be a short one, but Benson should stick around as a part-timer if he continues to produce.