MLB Player News

The Rays selected Curtiss's contract from their alternate training site Sunday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Curtis will assume the 40-man and active roster spot of catcher Kevan Smith, who was designated for assignment in a corresponding move. The 27-year-old has yet to make his 2020 debut, but Curtiss previously made 18 big-league appearances with the Twins and Angels over the last three seasons.

Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Chapman (COVID-19) will face hitters in a live throwing session Tuesday at the Yankees' alternate training site, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

Based on how Chapman fares in Tuesday's workout, Boone said the Yankees will map out the remainder of the reliever's throwing program, which should help pinpoint a potential target date for his season debut, per Marly Rivera of ESPN.com. While Chapman has been recovering from his positive test for COVID-19, Zack Britton has stepped in as the Yankees' closer, going a perfect 5-for-5 in save chances while having yet to allow a run.

Chapman (illness) completed a bullpen session Saturday and is expected to face hitters this week, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Chapman continues to build up his arm after missing over two weeks of summer camp due to a positive test for COVID-19. The veteran closer has now tossed multiple bullpens and appears ready to tackle his final hurdle -- facing hitters -- before joining the big-league club. While Chapman remains out, Zack Britton will continue to receive the bulk of save opportunities for the Yankees.

Johnson is a candidate to replace Ryan Weber in the starting rotation, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Boston manager Ron Roenicke indicated that someone from the alternate training camp in Pawtucket would replace Weber, so Dylan Covey, who was called up Saturday after Weber was optioned, is expected to pitch out of the bullpen. "We already have plans on who's going to come up and be one of the other starters. And like we talked about, we're waiting to see if somebody takes off. And who knows? Maybe that will be the third or fourth spot and every fifth day we won't have to worry about it," Roenicke said. Johnson pitched a simulated game Friday, per Christopher Smith of MassLive.com, which puts the left-hander on schedule to throw Wednesday on regular rest. The Red Sox would need to add Johnson to the 40-man roster.

Covey is expected to pitch as a reliever, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Covey was called up Saturday after Boston optioned Ryan Weber after three poor starts. While Covey was a starter for the White Sox the last few seasons, the Red Sox plan to call up a pitcher from the alternate camp to take Weber's spot in the rotation. The list of candidates includes Brian Johnson, Kyle Hart and Tanner Houck.

Texas manager Chris Woodward confirmed that Montero is the closer with Jose Leclerc (shoulder) on the injured list, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Montero closed out games Friday and Saturday and has emerged as the replacement closer. Earlier this week, Woodward was leaning toward a committee, but Montero's efforts the last two games stabilizes late-inning roles. Jonathan Hernandez will be the primary eighth-inning setup man.

Hamilton allowed two hits and one walk while striking out two over 1.2 scoreless innings in Saturday's 7-1 loss to Cleveland.

Hamilton made his third appearance of the season as part of Chicago's bullpen day Saturday and has yet to give up a run. White Sox manager Rick Renteria told Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times that Hamilton is one of three arms used Saturday that could be deployed in high-leverage situations going forward. "[Zack] Burdi now, and [Codi] Heuer and even Ian Hamilton and [Matt] Foster," Renteria said. "We're building some arms for our pen that could become high-leverage guys... I wouldn't be surprised if you see those guys at some point in high-leverage situations." The White Sox are looking at some of their young relievers as potential replacements for setup man Aaron Bummer (biceps), who was placed on the injured list Saturday.

Burdi allowed one hit and struck out two over a scoreless inning in Saturday's 7-1 loss to Cleveland.

Burdi was recalled from the alternate training site Saturday after the White Sox placed Aaron Bummer (biceps) on the injured list. This could be a chance for the Burdi to showcase his talent after dealing with significant elbow and knee injuries since joining the organization. Burdi featured a 99-MPH fastball and command of his slider in Saturday's scoreless inning. The right-hander might be used to pick up some of the slack from Bummer's injury if he continues to pitch well.

Misiewicz (0-1) was tagged with the loss Saturday against the Rockies. He gave up two runs on one hit and one walk while fanning two in one inning.

Misiewicz has made five appearances this season and has allowed runs in three, including each of the past two. As a result, he now owns a 6.75 ERA across 5.1 innings out of the bullpen in 2020.

Anderson faced one batter and induced a flyout to earn the save in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Yankees.

Tampa Bay held a 5-1 lead entering the final frame, but New York rallied for two runs, prompting Anderson to be called upon to face Aaron Judge with a runner on second base. It was the right-hander's second save of the season, both of which occurred with him entering with at least one runner on base and the tying run at the plate. Anderson is clearly one of manager Kevin Cash's most trusted relievers, but early on in 2020 that's meant he's been utilized in the most important situations, not necessarily as the closer. The 30-year-old should still record some saves along the way as he has thus far while firing 4.1 scoreless innings, but it won't be with the consistency of a traditional closer.