The Houston Astros have signed free-agent pitcher Tayler Scott to a minor-league deal. The right-hander split his time in the big leagues between the Dodgers, Red Sox, and A's in the 2023 season, working to a 5.60 ERA across 18 appearances (two starts) spanning just 17 2/3 innings of work. He has also spent time in the big leagues with the Mariners, Orioles, and Padres, posting a rough 9.00 ERA across 39 outings (four starts) over 46 innings pitched. The 31-year-old will most likely serve as minor-league depth as a long-relief option for Houston at Triple-A Sugar Land to begin the season.

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Tayler Scott will function as the opener for Sunday's game versus the Oakland Athletics. Fellow reliever Chris Murphy will piggyback off him and operate as the long man. Boston seeks for the hurlers to eat some innings with their injury-depleted rotation and one game remaining before the All-Star break. With Scott (7.71 ERA, 1.57 WHIP) unlikely to work more than an inning or two, Murphy (1.98 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) represents the preferred option for desperate fantasy managers turning to this situation on Sunday. Even so, neither arm signifies an exciting stream despite a very tempting matchup vs. the hapless A's.