MLB Player News

Lopez (undisclosed) was activated from the 10-day injured list Saturday.

Lopez made one appearance for the Royals this season before being put on the bereavement list and then being designated for assignment upon his reinstatement to the ballclub. He was quickly claimed off the waivers by the Orioles and now will look to assume a role in the bullpen. Lopez posted a 6.33 ERA in 2019 while striking out 109 batters in 123.2 innings and will likely pitch in middle relief.

Junis suffered back spasms while warming up for Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Twins and was shut down, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Junis was slated to serve as the primary pitcher behind Ian Kennedy for the first game of Saturday's twin bill. While Kennedy provided him with a nice foundation over the first two innings, Junis wasn't able to take the mound as a result of back spasms, and Gabe Speier took his place instead. The severity of the injury is unclear.

Norris will no longer be the team's primary pitcher Sunday against Cleveland as the Tigers announced Saturday that Tyler Alexander will assume that role instead, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Norris worked as the primary pitcher behind Michael Fulmer last Monday and was effective, throwing two scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out two batters. However, he made a relief appearance Friday, which may have impacted Manager Ron Gardenhire's decision to use him on short rest. It's unclear what's in store for Norris in terms of how he may be used moving forward. The Tigers have a lot of questions in their rotation that need to be answered in the coming days.

Alexander will be the Tigers' primary pitcher Sunday, following opener Michael Fulmer, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

In a flurry of moves following Ivan Nova's (triceps) trip to the injured list Saturday, Alexander will be the Tigers' primary pitcher following a few innings of work by Fulmer. Alexander was originally scheduled to start Monday, so now the Tigers have some decisions to make as to who they would like to take the mound Monday and Tuesday against the White Sox. A lot of people are speculating top pitching prospect Casey Mize will be called up, although nothing has been made official yet.

Chapman (COVID-19) could join the active roster as soon as Sunday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Chapman unofficially threw 25 pitches in a simulated game Friday and topped out at 98 mph, per Conor Foley of the Scranton Times-Tribune. The sim game was the second this week for the veteran closer, who has yet to pitch in a regular-season game in 2020 after testing positive for COVID-19 during summer camp. Despite Zack Britton's success in the closer role, Chapman is expected to slide back into ninth-inning duties immediately upon his return.

Manaea will start Saturday's game against the Giants, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Manaea will make his scheduled start a day earlier than anticipated since the team hopes that Frankie Montas (back) is available Sunday. Manaea has struggled to begin the year, as he hasn't completed five innings in any of his first four starts. He carries a 9.00 ERA and 1.87 WHIP over 15 innings to begin the 2020 campaign.

Flores was recalled from Chicago's alternate camp to serve as the 29th man during Saturday's doubleheader against the Cardinals.

Flores was optioned to Double-A Birmingham in April but spent camp with the alternate squad. He'll be available out of the bullpen for Saturday's twin bill before he's returned to the alternate training site.

Hamilton was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with right shoulder soreness.

Hamilton began his season with three scoreless relief appearances, but he faltered Tuesday by giving up two runs on one hit and two walks while recording just one out. His shoulder issue could provide an explanation for the rough performance, and he'll be sidelined as a result. It's unclear whether he'll have to spend more than the minimum of 10 days on the injured list. The move is retroactive to Aug. 12, and southpaw Bernardo Flores was recalled to serve as the 29th man for Saturday's doubleheader.

Hendriks earned his sixth save of the season in Friday's game against the Giants, pitching a scoreless inning while striking out the side.

Hendriks came out firing in the bottom of the 10th, as he struck out the side and only needed 13 pitches -- 10 strikes -- to get the job done. This was Hendriks' sixth save in seven opportunities, and he has allowed runs in just two of his 10 appearances out of the bullpen, posting a 14.8 K/9 in 10.1 innings in 2020.

Richards allowed three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out three over 4.1 innings in Friday's loss to the Blue Jays. He didn't factor into the decision.

Richards had served in long relief to begin the season but made a spot start against the Blue Jays on Friday. However, he struggled to limit their production at hitter-friendly Sahlen Field. The Rays did some hitting of their own early in the game, however, allowing him to escape with a no-decision. If the right-hander remains in the rotation, his next start should come on the road Thursday against the Yankees.