MLB Player News

Kittredge (elbow) threw a live batting practice session Friday, MLB.com reports.

The activity marked the first time that Kittredge had faced hitters since undergoing Tommy John surgery last June. The 2021 All-Star reliever will likely spend the next few weeks ramping up in controlled settings before likely heading out on an extended minor-league rehab assignment at some point shortly after the All-Star break. Kittredge remains on track to return from the 60-day injured list before the season comes to a close.

Faucher (elbow) began a rehab assignment Monday with the Rays' rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate, covering one inning while allowing an unearned run on two hits and one walk.

Faucher has been on the 15-day injured list since June 7 with right elbow inflammation, but now that he's out on a rehab assignment, he should be on the cusp of an activation. The Rays may want to see the reliever make another appearance or two at a higher-level minor-league affiliate before giving him the green light to rejoin the big-league bullpen.

Zimmermann (1-0) allowed two runs on four hits and struck out two without walking a batter over three innings to earn the win Monday over the Reds.

A rain delay caused Cole Irvin to exit after three innings, and Zimmermann was the beneficiary in earning his first win in three major-league outings. He has a 6.75 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with an 8:0 K:BB over eight innings this season. His grip on a long-relief role in the Orioles' bullpen is tenuous, as Zimmermann could be optioned out again whenever the team needs a fresh arm.

Munoz recorded his sixth hold in a win over the Nationals on Monday, firing a scoreless eighth inning during which he issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts.

Munoz had exited Saturday's appearance against the Orioles due to feeling light-headed, but the clean bill of health doctors gave him after checking him out appears to have been on target. The fireballing right-hander was back in his usual setup role and essentially breezed through his one frame, pounding 11 of 16 pitches in for strikes. Munoz has now recorded a hold in five of his seven appearances since returning from a near-two-month absence due to a shoulder injury.

White has been named to the All-Star Futures Game squad for the American League, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

White, 23, was recently promoted from Double-A Frisco to Triple-A Round Rock and made his debut at the latter on Friday. The right-hander allowed two runs on one hit and three walks while striking out four over five innings for the Express. White pitched to a 3.51 ERA over 56.1 innings in Double-A.

Burke allowed one run on two hits while striking out one over 1.1 innings in Monday's 7-2 loss to the Tigers.

A rested Burke threw 27 pitches during his first outing in seven days. The Rangers burned through the their more trusted arms during a stretch of close games before Monday presented an opportunity to dust off Burke, Yerry Rodriguez and Cody Bradford.

Bradford struck out one over a scoreless two-thirds of an inning in Monday's 7-2 loss to Detroit.

Bradford, a minor-league starter that made three starts for Texas this year, mopped up in the ninth inning with the Rangers trailing by five. This was his first relief appearance at any level since college at Baylor, and the first time pitching in 13 days. Texas manager Bruce Bochy didn't want Bradford's first relief appearance as a pro to be on short notice in a high-leverage situation, and Monday's large deficit presented an opportunity. The manager confirmed to Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News that the team doesn't have a firm plan for the left-hander at this time, but the 25-year-old could be of use while the team is in the midst of a stretch of 17 games in 17 days leading up the All-Star break.

Sewald earned a save against the Nationals on Monday by striking out the only batter he faced.

The Mariners held a five-run lead heading into the ninth inning, but Tayler Saucedo allowed a run and loaded the bases with two outs. That brought Sewald into the game, and he ended the threat with a strikeout of Jeimer Candelario. The save was the first for Sewald since June 16, though not due to a reduced role -- no Seattle pitcher earned a save during the 10-day span. The veteran right-hander continues to be the primary ninth-inning option for the Mariners, and he's converted 12 of 14 save opportunities on the campaign.

Thielbar (right oblique strain) has started throwing, but is not expected to return until after the All-Star break, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Thielbar missed more than a month with an oblique strain and aggravated the injury in his first appearance back from the injured list. Expect the Twins to be cautious with his return as a result, so his comeback may stretch into late July.

Vest was lifted from Monday's game against the Rangers due to right knee discomfort, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Vest is likely headed for further evaluation after exiting in the second inning of Monday's clash. The right-hander will be considered day-to-day until the Tigers provide an update on his status.