MLB Player News

Banda was credited with the save in a win over the Red Sox on Thursday, allowing three earned runs on four hits, a walk and a hit batsman over three innings. He struck out two.

The southpaw came on in a low-leverage scenario after the Rays already had a 16-5 lead through six innings, but because he logged three full innings, he still was credited with his first big-league save. Banda wasn't exactly sharp -- he threw only 35 of 58 pitches for strikes and plunked Kevin Pillar -- but his ability to throw multiple innings came in handy on a night when the potential was there for the Rays to dig deep into the bullpen. Banda was promoted from the taxi squad earlier in the day Thursday, and he could remain on the active roster until at least one of Yonny Chirinos (triceps) or Charlie Morton (shoulder) comes off the injured list.

Beeks (2-0) was credited with the victory in Thursday's win over the Red Sox, firing two scoreless innings in which he allowed a hit and issued a walk.

After Tyler Glasnow scuffled through another rough outing, Beeks came on in the fifth inning to give manager Kevin Cash a pair of effective frames. It's exactly the type of role the left-hander is suited for considering his arm is built up for multiple innings, and Thursday's performance was a welcome bounce-back effort after he surrendered a pair of runs against the Yankees over 1.2 innings in his most recent outing.

Lopez (shoulder) threw a pair of simulated innings Friday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Lopez recorded just two outs this season before landing on the injured list with shoulder inflammation. While it's certainly positive news that he appears to be tracking towards his return, the fact that he's throwing just two innings seemingly indicates he isn't particularly close to being ready to handle a starter's workload. It's possible the White Sox bring him back in a long-relief role or to make a handful of shorter starts before he's ready to approach 100 pitches, however.

Junis will serve as the primary pitcher behind Ian Kennedy against the Twins on Friday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Manager Mike Matheny wants Junis to only go through the lineup twice, so Kennedy will serve as the opener to help get him deeper into the game. Junis has a 4.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 4;4 K:BB through his first two starts (nine innings) of the season.

Richards will start Friday's game against the Blue Jays, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Richards being named as Friday's starter does not come as a surprise as the right-hander logged four innings while allowing two unearned runs in relief of Charlie Morton (shoulder) in Sunday's win over the Yankees. Richards started 23 games last season between Miami and Tampa Bay.

Gearrin was designated for assignment by the Twins on Thursday.

Gearrin made just one appearance for the Twins before being cast off their 40-man roster. He'll likely report to the team's alternate camp site if he clears waivers untouched.

Littell (hamstring) was activated from the injured list Thursday.

As expected, Littell has been cleared to return after a brief stay on the IL with a left hamstring strain. Prior to landing on the shelf, the right-hander allowed four runs on six hits and three walks in three innings. Cody Stashak (back) was sent to the IL in a corresponding move.

Trivino, who sports an elevated 7.50 ERA over his first five appearances this season, has nevertheless impressed manager Bob Melvin with how he's looked in his last pair of outings, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. "Sometimes the league catches up to you and has a really good idea what you're going to throw and when you're going to throw it, and I think that was the case at times last year with Lou," Melvin said. "I think incorporating at least three pitches in his repertoire, one a little bit slower than the fastball and the cutter is going to be beneficial for him."

Trivino struggled to a career-worst 5.25 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 2019 over 61 appearances, and due to having allowed multiple earned runs in two outings this season, he once again sports an unappealing ERA. Nevertheless, Melvin sees a more effective pitcher thus far this season, noting the right-hander's fastball is showing "good life" and that Trivino's decision to mix in more off-speed pitches is one that's paying off. The 28-year-old boasts three scoreless one-inning efforts in his other two appearances, and his 8:2 K:BB over six innings underscores that he's exhibiting better control early than during a 2019 campaign when he generated a bloated 4.7 BB/9.

Manager Ron Roenicke said Taylor (not injury related) "has a chance" to return this weekend in New York, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Taylor has been building up at the team's alternate training site after missing most of summer camp due to a positive COVID-19 test. Once he's cleared to return, the lefty -- who posted a 3.04 ERA and 62:16 K:BB in 47.1 innings last season -- should settle into the back end of Boston's bullpen.

Honeywell (elbow) threw live batting practice Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Honeywell fired 15 pitches in what was his first time throwing against hitters since April 2019. While this is an encouraging step for the right-hander, he remains without a concrete timetable for his return. Seeing as Honeywell has undergone three different operations on his throwing elbow since last appearing in a game back in September 2017, the Rays figure to handle him with care once he's ready to go.