MLB Player News

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Thursday that Jansen (pelvis) remains on track to be activated from the 15-day injured list Friday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Hinch admitted that Jansen was "rusty" during his one and only rehab outing with Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday, yielding three earned runs while recording only two outs. However, the right pelvic inflammation that sent Jansen to the IL last month was not an issue, so the veteran reliever will return Friday in Cleveland when first eligible. Jansen has had an up-and-down 2026 campaign with a 4.80 ERA and four blown saves, but there's a good chance he'll get another opportunity to serve as the Tigers' primary closer.

Jansen (pelvis) retired two batters -- one via strikeout -- and yielded three earned runs on two hits, one walk and a wild pitch during his rehab appearance Wednesday with Triple-A Toledo.

Jansen took the hill for his first game action since May 27, when he exited early in an appearance against the Angels due to a right groin injury, which was relabeled as pelvic inflammation upon his move to the injured list a day later. The right-hander was able to put away the first two batters he faced on just four pitches, but he then allowed the next three hitters to reach base before he was lifted from the contest. Jansen spotted just 12 of his 22 pitches for strikes on the evening, so the Tigers may want to see him show more efficiency in another rehab appearance before bringing him back from the IL.

Smith (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Smith is working his way through a throwing progression after being placed on the 15-day injured list May 22 due to right shoulder inflammation. He'll likely need to complete another side session or two before advancing to facing live hitters and then heading out on a rehab assignment. Smith is without a definitive timeline for a return, but if he steers clear of any setbacks, he'll have a shot at rejoining the Detroit bullpen before the end of June.

Slaten allowed two runs on three hits over two-thirds of an inning in Wednesday's 7-5 loss to Tampa Bay.

Slaten's performance didn't result in him taking the loss, but it did take the starch out of a comeback bid. Boston had just closed the gap to 5-4 with four runs in the top of eighth inning before Slaten gave two of those runs back in the bottom of the frame. This was the right-hander's third harsh outing in the last five, during which he's allowed 10 runs on 11 hits and three walks over 4.1 innings (20.77 ERA). Until this stretch, Slaten could have been viewed as a closer candidate if the 27-39 Red Sox eventually trade Aroldis Chapman.

Mears (shoulder) began a throwing progression this week and could progress to a bullpen by the end of the week, MLB.com reports.

Mears was placed on the injured list May 29 with a right shoulder impingement, and this marks the first notable update on his status since then. The right-hander appears to be trending in a positive direction, and if his progression remains on track, he likely won't require much more time on the injured list. Prior to being sidelined, Mears pitched to a 5.12 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 15:11 K:BB across 19.1 innings.

Latz earned the save Wednesday against the Royals, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one over a scoreless 10th inning.

Working on five days of rest, Latz was tasked with protecting a two-run lead in the 10th inning and quickly found himself in serious trouble. With the automatic runner already on second base, he allowed a leadoff single to Jac Caglianone and then walked the next batter to load the bases with nobody out. The left-hander responded brilliantly, striking out the next hitter before inducing a game-ending double-play grounder to escape unscathed and secure his 10th save. Latz has now converted a save in each of his last five appearances and owns a 1.80 ERA, 0.67 WHIP and a 30:10 K:BB across 30 innings this season.

Hudson earned the save Wednesday against Atlanta, allowing a walk and no hits with no strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.

After Chicago leaned heavily on its bullpen Tuesday, Hudson was asked to handle the ninth inning Wednesday and protect a one-run lead. The left-hander worked around a one-out walk to Eli White and successfully closed out the victory for his third save of the season. The save comes on the heels of a rare rough patch, as Hudson had allowed multiple runs in back-to-back appearances after holding opponents scoreless in 26 of his previous 27 outings. Despite those recent hiccups, he still owns a strong 2.32 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 28:14 K:BB across 31 innings and should continue to operate as a setup man for Chicago.

Alvarado struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Brewers.

The right-hander was trusted to lock things down in the ninth inning while pitching for the second day in a row, becoming the fifth different Athletics' pitcher to record a save since May 30. Alvarado struggled early in the season after making the Opening Day roster and was demoted in mid-April, but he's allowed just one hit while striking out nine over 4.1 innings across three appearances since returning to the majors last week. He's collected a save, four holds and a 2-0 record on the year despite a 5.79 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 18:7 K:BB through 14 innings. Alvarado is the ninth pitcher overall to earn a save for the team this season, as the closer situation remains a muddled committee for the A's.

Perkins allowed three runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four over four innings in a no-decision versus the Brewers on Wednesday.

Perkins was a little better this time out, but he still wasn't very efficient in his second start of the year. He threw 56 of 89 pitches for strikes and allowed two home runs while pitching at hitter-friendly Las Vegas Ballpark. In his two starts, he's allowed eight runs on 10 hits and five walks while striking out 10 over eight innings. Combined with his work out of the bullpen this season, Perkins has a 6.25 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 43:12 K:BB through 36 innings over 19 appearances. If the Athletics still need his help in the rotation, Perkins would be tentatively lined up for a home start in Sacramento against the Pirates next week.

Gomez picked up the save in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Tigers, allowing one run on two hits and one walk with one strikeout over one inning.

The saves leader for the Twins secured another one Wednesday despite a shaky ninth inning that saw him give up his first earned run since May 24. Gomez has now converted all five of his save chances with Minnesota this season as he maintains a light grip on the closer role. Since coming over from Tampa Bay in early May, the right-hander has given up only two earned runs with a 19:7 K:BB across 15 innings.