MLB Player News

Garza will serve as the Red Sox's opening pitcher Thursday against the Twins, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Garza will start on the mound Thursday and likely stay in the game for an inning or two before turning things over to Brandon Walter, who will be making his MLB debut. Garza holds a 3.46 ERA and 1.23 WHIP through 13 innings on the season and threw two scoreless frames Monday against Minnesota.

Crochet received a cortisone shot Wednesday to treat the inflammation in his left shoulder, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Early estimates put Crochet somewhere between 2-to-3 weeks out from returning to game action, making it likely he returns shortly after the All-Star break. The 24-year-old lefty already missed over a month earlier this year while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Walter will be promoted from Triple-A Worcester and appear in Thursday's game against Minnesota, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

It's unclear whether or not Walter will be granted the start Thursday or follow behind an opener, but either scenario will allow for the 26-year-old lefty to make his first appearance in a major-league game. Walter has been rather unspectacular in Worcester this season, recording a 6.28 ERA and 1.67 WHIP through 61.2 innings.

Cuas will serve as the Royals' opener Thursday against the Rays, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

It will be his first career start, though Cuas is probably only going to work the first inning before giving way to a parade of other Kansas City relievers. Austin Cox could be the bulk man, per Rogers, and Brooks Kriske should also be available to cover a frame or two. Cuas, 28, carries a 4.15 ERA and 1.45 WHIP through 32 appearances this year.

Walter is in consideration to start for the Red Sox on Thursday at Minnesota, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Boston is in desperation mode after Tanner Houck suffered a facial fracture on a comebacker last Friday versus the Yankees. Walter, 26, has never appeared in a major-league game and holds an ugly 6.28 ERA and 1.65 WHIP through 61.2 innings of work this season at Triple-A Worcester. He wouldn't be a recommended fantasy streamer versus the Twins.

The Guardians designated Norris for assignment Wednesday.

Cleveland moved Norris off the 40-man roster and 26-man active roster to clear room for top pitching prospect Gavin Williams, who is set to make his MLB debut Wednesday against the Athletics. Norris' stay with the big club lasted just four days, with the veteran lefty tossing two scoreless innings out of the bullpen over his lone appearance. If Norris passes through waivers and opts not to elect free agency, he'll remain in the organization and will report back to Triple-A Columbus.

Oakland transferred Jackson (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Wednesday.

Jackson won't be eligible to rejoin the Athletics until after the All-Star break, as he was initially placed on the 15-day IL on May 19 with a flexor tendon strain in his right elbow. The move clears a 40-man roster spot for right-hander Angel Felipe, whom Oakland claimed off waivers from San Diego.

Oakland claimed Felipe off waivers from the Padres on Wednesday and sent him to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Felipe was designated for assignment by the Padres on Sunday to clear a spot on their 40-man roster, and he finds a new home a few days later. The right-hander has struggled in 2023 with a 6.20 ERA and 1.82 WHIP with Triple-A El Paso, but he did impress in 2022 with 14 saves with 84 strikeouts over 62 innings in the minors, and Oakland will hope he can find that form again in the second half of 2023.

Chicago optioned Padilla to Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

He'll head back to the minors with right-hander Touki Toussaint officially joining the 26-man active roster before Wednesday's game versus the Rangers. Padilla has made a pair of appearances for the White Sox in 2023 while registering a 4.91 ERA, 2.18 WHIP and 5:1 K:BB over 3.2 innings of work.

Blanco is scheduled to start Saturday's game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

After a brief move to the bullpen, Blanco shifted back into the Houston rotation last weekend against the Reds when the Astros opted to build in an extra day of rest between starts for rookie Hunter Brown. Blanco had been expected to return to the bullpen this week, but the Astros' recent decision to demote Brandon Bielak to Triple-A Sugar Land now opens up a more permanent starting role. Given that he's turned in a 4.76 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 15:9 K:BB in 17 innings through his first three starts with Houston, Blanco hasn't yet established himself as a trustworthy streaming option.