MLB Player News

Howard (0-1) took the loss after allowing two runs on two hits in two innings while striking out four as the Rangers fell 2-0 on Sunday in Oakland.

Howard returned from the 10-day injured list due to a finger injury and relieved opener Garrett Richards. The former retired the side in order in the third but ran into trouble in the fourth, allowing a single and, later, a two-run home run to Stephen Piscotty. The appearance actually lowered the 25-year-old's career ERA as a Ranger to 10.59. That high number is partially due to having allowed 10 home runs in 26.1 career innings for Texas. After allowing only 11 home runs in 235 minor-league innings, Howard has allowed 18 homers in 79 innings in the majors.

Hendriks is dealing with back tightness following Sunday's loss to Minnesota, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Hendriks took the loss Sunday when he allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits and a walk while striking out one in 1.1 innings. Manager Tony La Russa downplayed the severity of the issue and indicated Hendriks said during the outing that he was fine. However, he'll receive treatment following Sunday's series finale and will have a day to rest ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Royals.

Alexander (0-2) allowed five runs on eight hits across 3.2 innings to take the loss Sunday against the Rockies. He walked one and struck out two.

Alexander was ineffective for the second straight start, as he only lasted one inning and took the loss against the Yankees his last time out. The big blow against the lefty was a two-run home run by Randal Grichuk in the third inning. Alexander now has a rough 7.20 ERA on the season, though he should stick in the rotation for now with Casey Mize (elbow) and Matt Manning (shoulder) on the injured list. He lines up to face a tough Dodgers team in his next scheduled start Saturday, so fantasy managers will probably want to stay away.

Taylor (back) covered two-thirds of an inning and gave up two earned runs on three hits in his second rehab appearance Sunday for Double-A Portland. He struck out one in the 21-pitch outing.

Taylor, who is working his way back from a strained back, made his first rehab appearance April 17 at Triple-A Worcester before moving down to Portland after a week-long stay in the COVID-19 protocols as a close contact. Though the lefty was roughed up in Sunday's appearance, he at least pumped 14 of his 21 pitches in for strikes. The Red Sox may want to see Taylor turn in one quality rehab appearance for either Portland or Worcester before welcoming him back from the 10-day injured list.

Ramirez was charged with a blown save in Saturday's win over the Royals, giving up three earned runs on two hits and a hit batsman over one-third of an inning while recording one strikeout.

Ramirez unraveled Saturday after three straight scoreless efforts, allowing the Royals to get in position to eventually pull ahead after he entered the seventh inning with the benefit of a 6-4 lead. The right-hander plunked Salvador Perez before promptly allowing a two-run home run to Carlos Santana that knotted the game at 6-6. Ramirez would also be charged with another run after his exit, and the poor outing marked his second time yielding multiple runs in his first five appearances.

Swanson recorded his first hold in a win over the Royals on Saturday, firing a perfect sixth inning during which he recorded two strikeouts.

The right-hander's sparkling start to the season continued Saturday, with Swanson needing just 11 pitches, 10 which he threw for strikes, to get through his one frame. Swanson now has an unblemished ERA through 6.2 innings across five appearances, generating a stellar 8:0 K:BB in the process.

Snead (undisclosed) fired a scoreless ninth inning in a loss to the Rangers on Saturday, allowing a hit while recording a strikeout.

Snead had spent the prior eight days on the COVID-19 IL, but he didn't miss a beat in his return to action. The southpaw has been serviceable in a relatively low-leverage role thus far, recording a pair of holds alongside a 4.15 ERA across five appearances.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Pressly (knee) showed impressive velocity and location of his pitchers while throwing a live batting practice session Sunday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The Houston training staff will likely check back with Pressly on Monday to see how he feels 24 hours after the throwing session, but if the right-hander reports no setbacks with his right knee, he could be activated from the 10-day injured list by Tuesday. Once activated, Pressly is expected to immediately step back in as Houston's closer.

The Rangers activated Santana from the COVID-19-related injured list Sunday.

Santana was inactive for the past week and a half after testing positive for the virus, but he looks like he'll be an available option out of the Texas bullpen for Sunday's series finale in Oakland. Before falling ill, Santana made three relief appearances for the Rangers, gathering two holds while allowing one earned run over 3.1 innings.

The Rangers activated Howard (finger) from the 10-day injured list Sunday.

Though Garrett Richards is slated to open Sunday's game against the Athletics, Howard is expected to serve as the primary pitcher behind him as the righty makes his return from a brief stay on the IL with a blister and cracked nail on his throwing hand. The Rangers will likely wait and see how the Richards/Howard pairing fares Sunday before deciding whether Howard will serve a traditional starting role in his subsequent turns in the rotation or continue to work as a primary pitcher.