MLB Player News

Kittredge (5-1) allowed two runs (one earned) on a home run and also issued two walks over 1.2 innings, taking the loss in an extra-innings defeat at the hands of the Yankees on Tuesday.

The right-hander went into the outing with a seven-appearance scoreless streak in tow, but that fell apart when he surrendered a game-winning two-run home run to Clint Frazier in the bottom of the 11th after a shaky 10th frame when he'd navigated around two walks. Kittredge still hasn't been charged with more than one earned run in 19 appearances this season, however, and he sports an impressive 1.38 and 0.92 WHIP across 26 innings.

Brasier (calf) threw Wednesday and will pitch a simulated game Friday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

The righty continues to progress in his recovery from a left calf strain and appears close to beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester. After an inconsistent 2019, Brasier flashed signs of improvement last year and could earn a considerable role in the Red Sox bullpen upon returning.

Harvey (oblique) is expected to be reinstated from the injured list this weekend, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Although manager Brandon Hyde didn't specify which day Harvey will be activated, the right-hander is nearing his 2021 debut after he missed the start of the year due to a strained left oblique. In four appearances (one start) during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk, he's posted a 4.26 ERA and 1.80 WHIP in 6.1 innings. Harvey could be in the mix for save chances once he rejoins the major-league bullpen.

Kowar was named the Triple-A East pitcher of the month Wednesday after he went 5-0 with a 1.01 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 36:9 K:BB across 26.2 innings in his first five starts of the season.

The Royals already gave Daniel Lynch a look at the big-league level earlier this season, and Kowar is putting himself in position to be the next high-profile pitching prospect to earn a call-up. Kansas City currently has Ervin Santana filling in as its No. 5 starter while Danny Duffy (forearm) is on the shelf, but the 38-year-old isn't viewed as anything more than a temporarily option for a 27-26 Royals squad that was beginning to fade from the wild-card race prior to its ongoing three-game winning streak. Expect Kansas City to eventually make developing its younger options a greater priority as the season unfolds, making the 24-year-old Kowar an attractive pitcher to stash in deeper leagues.

Lowther will be recalled by the Orioles on Wednesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Lowther was scheduled to start for Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, but he'll instead rejoin the Orioles to serve as a long-relief option. Since starter Matt Harvey is pitching on three days' rest in Wednesday's game against the Twins, he's not expected to work deep into the contest, which could pave the way for Lowther to serve as a primary pitcher out of the bullpen. In three starts since he was optioned to Triple-A, Lowther posted a 7.15 ERA and 2.07 WHIP in 11.1 innings.

Rodriguez (shoulder) showed increased velocity in a minor-league rehab appearance Monday and could return to the big club this weekend, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The outing with Triple-A Salt Lake was Rodriguez's second as he rehabs from a shoulder injury. Angels manager Joe Maddon indicated that the appearance went well while suggesting that Rodriguez is on the verge of a return. "His velocity was up, breaking ball felt very good and he felt upbeat and positive after he was done," Maddon said. "So we're looking to get him back relatively quick. He's on the verge of getting back up here."

Mejia won't pitch Wednesday against the White Sox after the game was postponed due to inclement weather, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Mejia was expected to make his first career start Wednesday. However, Mejia will now start Friday's game against the Orioles, while Aaron Civale will serve as the starter Saturday, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports. Since Mejia hasn't recorded more than seven outs in any of his three relief appearances with Cleveland and hasn't started from Triple-A Columbus since May 12, he may not be asked to work deep into Friday's game. If that's the case, Eli Morgan could be called on to serve as a primary pitcher behind Mejia.

Crochet struck out two over two scoreless innings in Tuesday's 6-5 loss to Cleveland.

On the day it was announced that Crochet would make only single-inning appearances, the left-hander shut down Cleveland over two perfect innings. His usage may be more about pitch count than innings. He needed just seven pitches to dispatch Cleveland batters in the seventh inning, then came out for a second frame.

Sulser allowed a hit and a walk while recording a strikeout over a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save during Tuesday's 7-4 win over the Twins.

The right-hander received his first save chance of the season and came through despite allowing a couple baserunners. Sulser had five saves for the Orioles before losing the closer's role last season, but he's primarily been limited to middle relief in 2021.

Sewald (2-1) took the loss Tuesday against Oakland after allowing three runs on a hit and two walks without recording an out.

Sewald was one of three pitchers Seattle deployed in a seventh inning that saw Oakland score six times. He entered with a one-run lead and a runner on third, and promptly allowed a single followed by two walks before being removed. Daniel Zamora came in and allowed all three runners to score, which resulted in a disastrous outing for Sewald, whose ERA quadrupled from 1.00 to 4.00.