MLB Player News

Hatch (elbow) resumed his rehab assignment at Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday, pitching two scoreless innings while allowing no hits and one walk in a 29-pitch start.

After opening the season on the 60-day injured list with an inflamed right elbow, Hatch began his rehab assignment at Buffalo on May 20 with a three-inning start. According to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca, Hatch was omitted from Buffalo's pitching schedule for the next three weeks due to "mild tightness in his side," but he's apparently overcome that issue. He'll now turn his focus to building up his innings over his subsequent rehab outings, as Toronto views the 26-year-old right-hander as a potential option for the big-league rotation this season.

Junis was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Sunday, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports reports.

Junis picked up a relief win during his last outing, but he's posted a 5.19 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 34.2 innings across 15 innings (five starts) to begin the year. He'll head to the minors as part of a shuffle to make room for Jackson Kowar, who will be called up to make his major-league debut as Monday's starter against the Angels.

Kowar will be called up to start Monday's game against the Angels, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports reports.

Kowar was dominant in the minors to begin the season, and he was named the Triple-A East pitcher of the month in May. Across six starts for Triple-A Omaha, the right-hander posted a 0.85 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 41:10 K:BB in 31.2 innings. Kowar boasts a mid-90s fastball and an elite changeup and will fill in while Danny Duffy (forearm) is sidelined, though the 24-year-old could also make a case for a long-term rotation spot.

The Orioles optioned Lowther to Triple-A Norfolk following Sunday's 18-5 win over Cleveland, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports. Lowther covered the final two innings of the contest, giving up two runs on three hits while striking out three.

Baltimore summoned Lowther from Triple-A earlier Sunday after staff ace John Means (shoulder) was moved to the injured list in a corresponding move. Due to upcoming off days Monday and Thursday, the Orioles are expected to get by with four starters until June 15 in Cleveland, so the team didn't call up Lowther to serve as a direct replacement in the rotation. Lowther would be eligible to rejoin the Orioles on June 15, so he could still be an option to start that game if Means isn't ready to return from the IL.

Pressly allowed a walk in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Sunday's 6-3 win over Toronto.

Pressly was never in danger of giving up a three-run lead in the ninth inning. Houston's closer has gone 9-for-10 in save chances with a 2.16 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 25:5 K:BB across 25 innings this year.

Triple-A Omaha reinstated Lovelady (undisclosed) from its 7-day injured list Sunday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Lovelady's injury had prevented him from pitching since he was optioned to the minors April 17. The 25-year-old lefty has made 26 appearances out of the Kansas City bullpen over the past two seasons, logging a 7.71 ERA over 21 career innings.

General manager Ross Atkins said Sunday that Borucki (forearm) is pain-free and close to starting a throwing progression, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Borucki has been on the injured list since May 14 with the forearm strain and has taken longer than initially expected to return. He'll resume throwing in the coming days, which will likely be followed by a rehab assignment if all goes well. With that said, a mid-to-late-June return to the Blue Jays' bullpen appears to be the best-case scenario for the southpaw.

Manager A.J. Hinch said Fulmer, who was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday, will undergo further tests on his strained right shoulder later in the day when the Tigers return to Detroit, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

The Tigers don't believe Fulmer is dealing with structural damage to the shoulder, but the medical tests should provide more information about the extent of his injury and a potential timeline for his recovery. With Fulmer on the shelf for at least the next week and a half, Gregory Soto and Jose Cisnero look like the best options for saves out of the Detroit bullpen.

Balazovic (back) struck out five batters with two walks over 3.1 scoreless innings Saturday for Double-A Wichita in his 2021 debut.

Balazovic suffered a back injury during spring training that forced him to begin the minor-league season on the injured list. He likely had a limited workload in his first start as a result. The Twins' top pitching prospect also didn't get much work last summer as he was a late addition to the team's alternate training camp, so the Twins may keep him at one level for the full summer.

Staumont (knee) was activated from the injured list Sunday, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports reports.

Staumont was placed on the 10-day injured list with a knee sprain May 28, with the move being backdated to May 26. He'll now rejoin the Royals after missing just the minimum 10 days, though it's not clear if he'll carry on as the preferred closer option immediately.