MLB Player News

Norris appears to have been lifted early from Friday's start against the Nationals with a finger injury, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

There is a photo circulating of blood dripping down Norris' left thumb, and he was pulled after throwing only 77 pitches in five innings, so an injury would make sense. Norris was part of a collision at first base earlier in the game, but he stayed in for several innings after that. He gave up two earned runs on five hits and one walk while striking out three.

Merryweather (elbow) is scheduled to throw four innings Saturday for High-A Dunedin, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports.

The 27-year-old righty was a bit of a sleeper in the Indians' farm system prior to needing Tommy John surgery and subsequently getting dealt to Toronto. He will likely head to Triple-A once fully healthy, and it's possible he could make his big-league debut as a starter for the Blue Jays at some point in the second half.

Hamilton needs surgery to repair multiple facial fractures after getting struck in the face by a line drive and will miss the remainder of the season, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

He lost some teeth and will need multiple surgeries to reconstruct his jaw. Hamilton was seen as having a chance to develop into a big-league caliber setup man, but he has logged just 16.1 innings at Triple-A this season due to injury.

Burdi will miss the remainder of the season with a tear in the ligament of his right patella.

He had a 6.75 ERA and 1.85 WHIP in 22.2 innings, primarily at Double-A, prior to the injury. Once seen as a future big-league closer, Burdi would now do well just to make it to the majors at all.

Solter will serve an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

Solter signed a minor-league deal with the Indians in February and had a 3.66 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 62:32 K:BB over 66.1 innings between Double-A Akron and High-A Lynchburg. The 26-year-old spent the 2018 season in the independent American Association.

Littell was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Friday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Littell's two-week stint with the big club was largely uneventful -- he made a total of three appearances, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out two over four scoreless innings. Expect Littell to remain on the shuttle up and down until rosters expand in September, providing a fresh arm when needed.

The Rangers claimed Biddle off waivers from Seattle on Friday.

As with any waiver claim, Biddle will go on the 40-man roster, and the team has confirmed that the lefty will join the major-league roster as well upon arrival. Biddle has struggled to a 7.54 ERA and 2.43 WHIP in 22.2 innings so far this season, leading to DFAs by both the Braves and Mariners. He's still only 27 and is just a year removed from posting a 3.11 ERA and 1.27 WHIP.

Beeks was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Friday, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Beeks delivered 3.1 scoreless frames as the bulk reliever Thursday but will head to Triple-A with the Rays adding Jose Alvarado (personal) and Casey Sadler to the major-league roster. Beeks has a 2.79 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 51:22 K:BB this season and figures to rejoin the Rays before too long.

Alvarado (personal) was activated off the restricted list Friday, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Alvarado has been throwing bullpen sessions over the past couple weeks following his absence from the team at the start of June to tend to a family matter. The 24-year-old has a 3.09 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 32:16 K:BB over 23.1 innings this season, and he should rejoin the Rays' closing committee.

Beeks worked as a bulk reliever behind opener Ryne Stanek in Thursday's extra-innings win over the Twins and fired 3.1 scoreless innings during which he allowed two hits and three walks while also recording a strikeout. He did not factor into the decision.

Beeks threw 48 pitches and, except for some control issues, he was largely effective. The young southpaw's scoreless effort was particularly welcome after he'd allowed two earned runs apiece over his previous pair of outings. Beeks has been a valuable long reliever for manager Kevin Cash this season despite the occasional stumble, as evidenced by his 5-0 record and 2.79 ERA across 61.1 innings.