MLB Player News

Akin was optioned to the Orioles' alternate training site Friday.

Akin had a rough outing in Friday's loss to the Nationals as Baltimore's pitching staff was unable to quiet Washington's bats. The southpaw threw 48 pitches over three innings, 29 of which were strikes. He'll work on improving at the alternate training site, but he could rejoin the major-league bullpen at some point in 2020.

Norris should be ready to pitch Sunday despite entering Friday's game as a reliever, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Although Norris is scheduled to serve as the primary pitcher behind Michael Fulmer in Sunday's contest, he was brought in during the fourth inning of Friday's loss. He threw 32 pitches over 1.2 innings, but manager Ron Gardenhire said after the game that he should still be ready to make his scheduled appearance Sunday.

Junis will serve as the primary pitcher behind Ian Kennedy in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Twins on Saturday, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Junis was initially scheduled to serve behind an opener Friday, but the game was postponed due to rain. The seven-inning format of the doubleheader could benefit Junis since he hasn't been able to last very long in either of his first two appearances this season.

Weems (lat) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Friday and optioned to the Athletics' alternate training site.

Weems was placed on the injured list with a strained right lat at the beginning of August, but he's healthy enough to return to the mound. While he'll no longer be on the active roster, he'll be able to build back up at the alternate training site and could be an option to fill in as a reliever at some point this season.

Thornton (elbow) threw a bullpen session Friday without issues, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Thornton hit the injured list with elbow inflammation in early August, but the fact that he's already throwing a bullpen session just over a week later is certainly a positive sign. It's not yet clear when he's expected to return.

Curtiss was one of the candidates mentioned by manager Kevin Cash to serve as an opener during one of the two weekend games against the Blue Jays in Buffalo, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The 27-year-old right-hander has been impressive out of the bullpen through his first two appearances, allowing an earned run on four hits over 4.2 innings while posting a 5:0 K:BB. Curtiss' most recent outing was a 2.2-inning stint against the Red Sox on Tuesday, so his arm should be sufficiently rested to work the 1-to-2 innings Cash has typically asked his openers to cover in the past.

Manager Kevin Cash mentioned Fairbanks as a candidate to serve as an opener during one of the two weekend games against the Blue Jays in Buffalo, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Fairbanks last logged an appearance Wednesday, a one-inning outing against the Red Sox. The right-hander would likely only be needed for a couple of frames if used as an opener in the same way Cash has deployed pitchers in that role the last couple of seasons, so his arm should certainly be rested sufficiently if called upon. Fairbanks has had an up-and-down start to the campaign, surrendering at least one run in half of his eight appearances on his way to a 5.63 ERA and 1.75 WHIP over eight innings.

Rodriguez cleared waivers Thursday and has been outrighted to the Angels' alternate training site.

Rodriguez lost his spot on the 40-man roster when he was designated for assignment Monday, but he'll remain with the Angels and train with their satellite squad for the time being. The 24-year-old has appeared in only one game with the big club this season, throwing 1.2 scoreless innings against Houston on Aug. 2.

Giles (forearm) played catch Friday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Giles has been out with a forearm strain since late July and had been shut down from throwing for two weeks. While he remains without a clear timeline for his return, his latest MRI looked good, and he continues to progress in the right direction.

Farmer (groin) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Farmer landed on the injured list with a left groin strain Monday. The fact that he'll resume throwing within a week is certainly good news, though it's not yet clear when he's expected to return.