Orioles 3B Manny Machado, who had knee surgery last October, will begin a rehab assignment at Class A Frederick on Friday. It sounds like Machado will spend the weekend with Frederick before moving up to Double A or Triple A, and he might only need 7-10 days of rehab before being activated. If you own Machado, you might get him back as soon as next weekend.
On to the rest of the news:
Congratulations, Albert Pujols!
Cardinals' ace Adam Wainwright left his Tuesday start with a hyperextended right knee, but he thinks he'll be able to take his next turn on Sunday. Stay tuned.
Streaming starters: Edinson Volquez was pretty good again last night, so we're up to 13-9 for the season. Tonight's pick is Miami's Nathan Eovaldi (owned in 20.8 percent of FOXSports.com leagues), while Thursday's selection is the underappreciated Jose Qunitana (17.6 percent owned) at Detroit.
Who is Collin McHugh, the Astros' starter who whiffed 12 Mariners in six-and-two-thirds scoreless innings last night? He's a 26-year-old non-prospect, and you probably shouldn't get too excited.
The highest-profile suspension victim of Sunday's Pirates-Brewers brawl was Carlos Gomez, who received a three-game ban. Gomez will appeal, so those in daily leagues will need to keep a close eye on his status. Those with weekly lineup changes should consider benching Gomez next week if nothing happens by the weekend.
Nationals SP Doug Fister (back) had a good extended spring training outing yesterday, and could be on track for a May 7 return to the Nats' rotation.
The Rangers are still hoping that OF Shin-Soo Choo (ankle) will be ready to play by Friday. Even if he's not ready by then, the team is trying to avoid putting a player on the DL for the 98th time this season.
Josh Fields got his second save for the Astros last night. Luke Gregerson blew another save for the A's. Aren't closer committees fun?
Joba Chamberlain got a one-out save last night for the Tigers, but only because Phil Coke came in with a five-run lead and gave up three runs before needing to get bailed out. Don't read anything into this.
The Braves will have Mike Minor make one more rehab start on Friday before returning to the rotation next week.
With Shane Victorino ready to come off the DL for the Red Sox, it's possible that Daniel Nava could get sent to the minors.
Reminder: Cole Hamels starts tonight for the Phillies.
Here's some news on Mariners SP Hisashi Iwakuma, who could be ready to rejoin the rotation next weekend.
Orioles SS J.J. Hardy (hamstring) didn't play Tuesday, and is still day-to-day.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
