MLB Player News

Rodriguez (oblique) threw a bullpen session Monday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Rodriguez has thrown two bullpen sessions over the last few days and appears to be nearing a rehab assignment. He's been on the 15-day injured list since suffering a Grade 2 oblique strain on March 18 and remains without a firm timetable for a return.

Martin (shoulder) threw a bullpen before Monday's game against the Orioles and he could be activated off the injured list this weekend, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Martin was placed on the injured list retroactive to April 13 with shoulder inflammation, and it appears the right-hander will come off the IL right around when he's eligible to be a part of the Red Sox bullpen. He'll likely operate in the middle innings once he's with the club.

Oakland placed Martinez on the 15-day injured list Monday with a right elbow strain.

Martinez holds a 6.75 ERA and 14:5 K:BB over 17.1 innings this season while working exclusively out of the bullpen. It's not clear how long he might be sidelined.

Long, whom the Athletics acquired from the Giants on Sunday in exchange for cash considerations, was added to the 26-man active roster Monday.

Though Long has a minor-league option remaining and posted a 9.90 ERA and 1.90 WHIP across 10 innings at Triple-A Sacramento, the Athletics will have him report to the big club right away rather than joining their top affiliate in Las Vegas. Long is expected to fill a multi-inning role out of the bullpen after the Athletics placed one of their other long relievers, Adrian Martinez (elbow), on the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move.

The Blue Jays placed Cimber on the 15-day injured list Monday with a right rhomboid strain.

Right-hander Nate Pearson was summoned from Triple-A Buffalo to replace Cimber on the 26-man active roster and in the Toronto bullpen. Cimber opened the season with four scoreless innings and scooped up a save across his first four appearances, but he's logged a 7.50 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over his subsequent seven relief outings. Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Monday that Cimber is expected to resume throwing later this week and could be in line for a "minimal stay" on the IL, per Mitch Bannon of SI.com.

The Blue Jays recalled Pearson from Triple-A Buffalo on Monday.

As anticipated, the flamethrowing right-hander will move into the Toronto bullpen on the heels of a spectacular start to the season at Buffalo, with whom he posted a 2.16 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB over 8.1 innings. Though he has prior starting experience, Pearson wasn't asked to record more than four outs in any of his eight appearances with Buffalo, so he could be deployed as more of a traditional reliever than a multi-inning option out of the Blue Jays bullpen. If he can continue make bats miss at a prolific clip while keeping his walks in check, Pearson could quickly move into a high-leverage role in front of closer Jordan Romano.

Bernardino was recalled from Triple-A Worcester on Monday.

Boston claimed Bernardino off waivers from the Mariners last week. The 31-year-old has permitted eight runs over eight innings at the Triple-A level this season but also boasts a 13:1 K:BB. He'll operate in low-leverage spots as a left-handed weapon out of the bullpen.

The White Sox reinstated Kelly (groin) from the 15-day injured list Monday.

Kelly was cleared to return after a minimum-length stay on the shelf due to the right groin strain and didn't require a minor-league rehab assignment beforehand. With the White Sox apparently coming away satisfied with his health following side sessions and pitching in live batting practice, Kelly should be available as a late-inning option for Monday's series opener in Toronto.

Pearson is set to join the Blue Jays in Toronto on Monday and could be recalled from Triple-A Buffalo ahead of the big club's series opener versus the White Sox, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

The Blue Jays appear to have abandoned developing Pearson as a starter due to injuries having cost him extensive time in each of the previous three seasons, but the power right-hander still possesses the type of premium velocity that could make him a major weapon near the back end of the bullpen. He's flashed that potential thus far at Buffalo, pitching to a 2.16 ERA and 16:5 K:BB across 8.1 innings over his eight appearances. Once he's formally activated, Pearson could start out in a lower-leverage role out of the bullpen, but it's not difficult to envision him emerging as one of the top setup men for closer Jordan Romano if he can stay healthy and keep his free passes in check.

Smith allowed one hit and struck out one to record his second save in Sunday's 5-2 win over Oakland.

With a couple of left-handed batters due up in the ninth inning, Texas manager Bruce Bochy had Smith warming up to close out the game instead of a rested Jose Leclerc. Smith has been reliable in whichever role Bochy wants, so more save chances can be expected. The lefty reliever has allowed two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out 10 over 8.1 innings.