MLB Player News

Stanek served as the opener in Sunday's win over the Athletics, allowing an unearned run on a hit and two walks while also recording three strikeouts over an inning-plus.

Stanek had a rather unusual outing in his latest stint as an opener, with the right-hander getting an unearned run tacked onto his ledger following his exit after facing one batter in the bottom of the second inning. Stanek did manage multiple strikeouts for the first time in the last five appearances, extending what has been a solid June overall. Factoring in Sunday's line, the 27-year-old boasts a 1.59 ERA and 13 strikeouts across 11.1 innings during the month.

Johnson is expected to work out of the Boston bullpen this week while the Red Sox get by with a four-man rotation due to off days Thursday and Friday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Since he last pitched Saturday, Johnson wouldn't be available until the upcoming weekend's two-game series with the Yankees in London on account of the back-to-back off days. Rather than slotting Johnson back into the rotation at that time, however, the Red Sox will simply have Rick Porcello and Eduardo Rodriguez pitch Saturday and Sunday, respectively, on five days' rest. After the London trip, the Red Sox can reset their rotation again following another off day July 1, so Johnson may not be needed to step back in as the club's fifth starter until July 6 in Detroit.

Banda (elbow) fired 1.2 perfect innings in High-A Charlotte's win over Lakeland on Sunday. He did not record any walks or strikeouts.

Sunday marked Banda's first return to game action since Tommy John surgery in May 2018. The 25-year-old southpaw threw a total of 25 pitches, with 18 of those finding the strike zone. It was certainly an encouraging start to Banda's rehab assignment, and he'll now look to progressively build up his innings and pitch count in upcoming appearances.

Sadzeck (elbow) threw from 60 feet Sunday without any issues, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The catch session marked Sadzeck's first time picking up a baseball since pausing his throwing program June 7. The right-hander will look to continue building up his work in coming days and is still aiming for a midseason return.

Heller (elbow) issued a walk and a hit while recording two outs -- one via strikeout -- during a rehab appearance with High-A Tampa on Sunday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Heller has been on the shelf all season while working his way back from Tommy John surgery that he underwent in April of 2018. Given the length of his absence, the right-hander will likely require a handful of additional rehab appearances before being cleared to rejoin the Yankees' bullpen.

Yarbrough (6-3) yielded one run on five hits over six innings Sunday, striking out four and earning the win over Oakland.

Opener Ryne Stanek kept Oakland off the board but walked Mark Canha to open the second inning before Yarbrough stepped in. His season ERA fell to 4.87 as he still looks to get some consistency working as a long reliever after the Rays' opener. The 27-year-old should see the mound again at home against the Rangers on Saturday.

Covey (shoulder) threw 30-to-35 pitches in a bullpen session Sunday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Covey landed on the injured list June 9 with right shoulder inflammation but is nearing his return to facing live hitters. The 27-year-old may require a minor-league rehab assignment, but the White Sox will wait to see how he feels in the aftermath of Sunday's session before deciding on the next step of his progression.

Norris (2-6) allowed six runs across seven innings Sunday to take the loss against Cleveland. He gave up eight hits and struck out eight as well.

Norris pitched pretty well outside of the second inning. However, that frame was particularly rough, as the lefty allowed five runs on six hits, including four in a row at one point. The eight strikeouts were a season high at least, but Norris remains an inconsistent fantasy option best saved for the right matchups. He'll take a 4.69 ERA into his next scheduled start Friday against Washington.

Manaea (shoulder) will be shut down from throwing after experiencing soreness around his right oblique, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Manaea was scheduled to pitch Tuesday and appeared to be closing in on a rehab stint, but he'll now have to press the pause button on his recovery program. Manager Bob Melvin wasn't sure when he might be cleared to resume throwing, though Manaea himself doesn't believe it to be a serious concern, according to Gallegos.

Biddle was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Sunday.

After opening the season with a 5.40 ERA in 11.2 innings for the Braves, Biddle recorded a 9.82 ERA in 11 frames since moving to Seattle. He could still be a desirable target on the waiver wire if another team thinks he can repeat his 3.11 ERA from his debut season last year.