MLB Player News

Giles (elbow) was activated from the injured list Thursday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Giles faced hitters earlier in the week and experienced no issues, clearing the way for him to return after a minimum stay on the injured list with elbow inflammation. The 28-year-old, who compiled a 1.08 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 42:7 K:BB and 11 saves in 25 innings prior to landing on the shelf, should immediately reclaim his role as Toronto's closer, pushing Joe Biagini, Daniel Hudson and Tim Mayza back to setup jobs. Justin Shafer was optioned to the minors in a corresponding move.

Phillips was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk prior to Thursday's game against the Mariners, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

The 24-year-old righty has been back and forth between the majors and Triple-A all season. He will serve as bullpen depth during this latest stint, likely pitching in low-leverage situations.

Covey (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a side session Thursday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

If Thursday's session goes off without a hitch, Covey will throw another side session in a few days before potentially being cleared to face live hitters. The right-hander has been on the shelf since June 9 with shoulder inflammation.

The Rangers confirmed Thursday that Chavez will enter the rotation as the club's new fifth starter, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

He'll fill the spot previously occupied by Drew Smyly and Joe Palumbo, who were both banished to the minors after ugly showings as a long reliever and starter, respectively, over the last two days. Chavez has made 74 career big-league starts, but he's been deployed as an opener for each of his four "starts" this season. As such, he could face a restricted pitch count in his first two turns through the rotation while he transitions from a bullpen role, though he did build up to a season-high five innings while working behind Palumbo in Wednesday's 10-4 loss. Chavez's first start will come Tuesday in Detroit, per Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

The Rangers optioned Palumbo to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

After Palumbo was roughed up for seven runs over two innings in Wednesday's loss to the Indians, the Rangers appear inclined to test their luck with another pitcher when the team requires a fifth starter again next weekend. Texas recalled Kyle Bird from Triple-A in a corresponding move to add a long-relief option to the bullpen.

Hearn (elbow) is not yet throwing off a mound and isn't likely to pitch before the end of July, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Hearn is progressing more slowly than the Rangers initially expected, but the team was quick to point out the left-hander has not suffered a setback. Hearn made his MLB debut earlier this season, giving up four runs in a third of an inning.

Burke (shoulder, blister) made his first rehab start for the Rangers' affiliate in the Arizona Rookie League, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports. He allowed two hits and struck out three over four scoreless innings.

The outing was Burke's first time in game action since April 22. Burke opened the season at Double-A Frisco before blisters and shoulder fatigue forced him to miss two months.

Chavez allowed one run on four hits while striking out three over five innings of relief in Wednesday's loss to the Indians.

Chavez was needed early and picked up the bullpen as rookie starter Joe Palumbo couldn't get out of the third inning. This was the second straight appearance in which Chavez threw multiple innings -- he tossed three scoreless frames as an opener last Friday. The Rangers bequeathed their fifth starter job to Palumbo prior to Wednesday's start, but they may be rethinking that decision. If they are, manager Chris Woodward may want to consider Chavez, who has made 70 career starts in the majors, not including his four appearances as an opener this season.

Yacabonis allowed one hit and had one strikeout over two innings as the opener in Wednesday's 8-3 loss at Oakland.

Yacabonis did his job as the opener Wednesday, but the pitchers to follow for the Orioles didn't fare nearly as well. The 27-year-old has a 4.91 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 13:10 K:BB over 22 innings this season.

Puk (elbow) who allowed an earned run on a solo home run over two innings in High-A Stockton's win over Modesto on Sunday, is likely to remain with the Ports for at least one more start, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Puk has pitched two innings apiece in his first pair of rehab outings following Tommy John surgery and has hit 97 mph regularly with his fastball. The promising left-hander could be a candidate for the big-league bullpen upon activation, but for the time being, he'll likely move his rehab to the upper levels of the minors after his next start with the Ports.