News
Garrett Cleavinger struck out two batters in one inning of work to earn the save against the Padres on Friday.
Cleavinger was called upon for the save after Pete Fairbanks worked back-to-back days and filled in admirably. His sweeper was so nasty that Gavin Sheets reached first base after striking out against it when Ben Rortvedt couldn’t corral the pitch. That threat ended quickly thereafter when Kameron Misner made an excellent catch on a sinking liner in right field and doubled Sheets off first base. Expect Fairbanks to get the next save opportunity for the Rays.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters Tanner Houck will make his next start “as of now” on Sunday against Atlanta.
It’s not exactly a vote of confidence. It sounds like the Red Sox are leaving all options on the table before considering their next move, which could involve jettisoning Houck to the minors in what would essentially be a full-scale reset. The 28-year-old righty was torched for 11 runs on Monday in a loss to the Tigers. The move would leave rookie Hunter Dobbins in Boston’s rotation even after Walker Buehler (shoulder) returns next week from the injured list. We’ll have updates on the developing situation as it unfolds in the coming days.
Cubs selected the contract of C Moises Ballesteros from Triple-A Iowa.
Ballesteros joins the Cubs for Tuesday’s game against the Marlins after recording a sublime 368/.420/.522 triple-slash line with four homers and three steals over 34 games this season for Triple-A Iowa. The 21-year-old catcher still has some long-term defensive question marks left to answer, but his strong bat-to-ball skills enable him to avoid strikeouts, and he figures to offer enough power upside to make an impact for fantasy purposes. There may be some initial struggles as Ballesteros adjusts to life in the majors, but he’s worthy of a speculative roster spot in all fantasy formats.
Cubs placed OF Ian Happ on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to May 10, with a left oblique strain.
Happ heads to the injured list for some extra time off to rest and recover after missing three straight games with a lingering ailment. It doesn’t sound like the 30-year-old corner outfielder is facing a lengthy absence, but oblique issues can be tricky. The fantasy fallout is rather straightforward as Happ’s absence opens the door for burgeoning star Pete Crow-Armstrong to continue leading off for Chicago.
Cubs transferred RHP Tyson Miller to the 60-day injured list.
The procedural move frees up a spot on Chicago’s 40-man roster for top prospect Moises Ballesteros ahead of Tuesday’s game in Miami. Miller hit the injured list back in late March with a left hip impingement.
The Celtics announced Tuesday that Jayson Tatum underwent surgery to repair his ruptured right Achilles tendon.
Tatum was injured during the fourth quarter of Monday’s Game 4 loss to the Knicks, with his leg giving out as he attempted to corral a loose ball. The Celtics star could not put any weight on his leg while being helped to the locker room, and the worst fears have officially been realized. Not only will Tatum miss the remainder of this playoff series, which Boston trails 3-1, but he’ll likely miss most of the 2025-26 season. One would expect Kristaps Porzingis to return to the starting lineup in the short term, and the Celtics have serious long-term questions to answer following Tatum’s injury.
Yandy Díaz will miss a three-game series against the Blue Jays due to a passport issue.
Díaz was placed on the restricted list ahead of Tuesday’s series opener in Canada after there was a delay in the renewal process for his passport that was not able to be expedited. It’ll be Jonathan Aranda taking over at the cold corner in his absence. The 33-year-old veteran will return for Friday’s contest against the Marlins at loanDepot park.