Texas Rangers right-handed reliever Hunter Strickland, who had been pitching at Triple-A Round Rock on a minor-league deal, was granted his release on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Rangers signed left-hander Ty Blach and right-hander Robert Dugger to minor-league deals, and they will both report to Round Rock. Strickland appeared in 12 games out of the bullpen for Round Rock and was just not good, allowing 20 hits (three homers) and 14 earned runs while walking nine and striking out 15 in 15 1/3 innings pitched. The 36-year-old veteran has 29 career saves in 10 big-league seasons and was decent last year with the Los Angeles Angels with a 3.31 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and one save, though, so he could get another chance to prove himself on a minor-league contract now that he's on the open market.

Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez said that right-hander Michael Soroka (biceps) will come off the injured list and start on Wednesday against the visiting Cleveland Guardians. The plan is to move rookie right-hander Brad Lord back to the bullpen. The move comes after Soroka threw a successful bullpen session on Monday. The 27-year-old Canadian has been out since early April due to a strained biceps that he suffered in his lone start of the season on March 31 against the Toronto Blue Jays, when he allowed four earned runs on five hits (one homer) while walking one and fanning three in five innings for a loss. In his three minor-league rehab starts with Double-A Harrisburg (two starts) and Triple-A Rochester, Soroka allowed five earned runs while walking five and punching out 18 in 12 innings. Soroka is still young, but he has limited upside and has been injury-prone in his career.

Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Owen Caissie went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk for Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday. It was his fifth home run of the season and third straight game with an extra-base hit. The average doesn't jump off the page at .230, but the ability to draw walks continues to keep his OBP afloat, now sitting at a robust .343 for the year. With the Cubs' outfielders rolling at the plate, there is no path to at-bats for Caissie, so it looks like the former second-round draft pick remain in the minors until there is a need, and he'll likely need to show some improvement upon his 35.3 percent strikeout rate he's posted thus far. The 22-year-old left the game early on Tuesday due to muscle cramps, but isn't expected to miss time. Nevertheless, expect a debut later this year, but he is not a stash candidate at this time.

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) had another successful rehab start on Tuesday with Triple-A Nashville. Woodruff pitched five innings, allowing two runs on seven hits (including a solo home run) and a walk with six strikeouts over 83 pitches. The 32-year-old has now made two starts with High-A Wisconsin and three with Nashville, allowing eight runs (seven earned) on 22 hits, seven walks, and 22 strikeouts in 23 1/3 IP. Woodruff missed all of the 2024 season due to right shoulder surgery, but he has been trending in the right direction to making his 2025 debut. While he has been a fantasy ace in the past, fantasy managers may want to temper expectations even though he has pitched well in his rehab assignment.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale strung together his third consecutive solid start in Tuesday's 2-1 extra-inning win over the Reds. Sale pitched 6 2/3 shutout innings, allowing five hits and two walks with 10 strikeouts. Unfortunately, the Braves weren't able to get on the board until the ninth inning, sticking him with a no-decision. The 2024 National League Cy Young Award winner had a slow start to the season but has picked things up lately, including back-to-back 10-strikeout performances. He is now 1-3 with a 4.07 ERA, a 1.36 WHIP, and a 12.00 K/9 rate in eight starts and 42 IP. He should have a good chance to keep things rolling in his next start, which will be a great matchup at the Pirates.