MLB Player News

Slaten (oblique) is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list Saturday or Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Slaten made two strong rehab appearances for Triple-A Worcester and was seemingly available to be activated Friday after Boston optioned Jake Bennett following his start Thursday. Instead, the team recalled Jack Anderson for Friday's game against the Rays. "I think you'll see Slaten this weekend at some point active," interim manager Chad Tracy told Christopher Smith of MassLive.com before Friday's game. The manager believed that Anderson could provide length if needed. Slaten, who hasn't pitched since April 8, recently threw for the WooSox on Wednesday.

Lopez (3-2) picked up the win Friday, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over 5.1 innings in a 4-3 victory over the Orioles. He struck out five.

Solo shots by Pete Alonso in the fourth inning and Adley Rutschman in the sixth accounted for all the offense against Lopez, who tossed 57 of 91 pitches for strikes before leaving the mound. The southpaw has yet to work more than 5.1 innings in any of his appearances this season, either in a starting role or as a bulk reliever, and he's been taken deep eight times in just 35.1 innings, giving him little margin for error. Lopez will carry a 6.11 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 28:24 K:BB into his next outing, which is set to come at home next week against the Cardinals.

Armstrong (groin) threw a bullpen session Friday, MLB.com reports.

The Guardians will evaluate Armstrong's response to the session before sending him out on a rehab assignment. The right-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to April 23 and can rejoin the club at any time.

Smith will serve as the opening pitcher during Saturday's game against the Royals, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Smith has been one of the Tigers' most reliable bullpen options so far this season, logging a 1.59 ERA and 1.15 WHIP alongside a 16:4 K:BB in 11.1 innings. He'll be trusted to handle the first inning or two of Saturday's contest before turning things over to bulk reliever Ty Madden.

Scholtens (3-2) took the loss against the Red Sox on Friday, allowing two runs on two hits and four walks with four strikeouts over 4.2 innings.

Scholtens limited the Red Sox to just two hits, though both were home runs. It was still an improvement from the five-run loss he took in his only other start of the season April 20, and the 32-year-old has now yielded two earned runs or fewer in five of six outings while working mostly in bulk relief. Overall, he owns a 3.29 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 21:10 K:BB across 27.1 innings. If he draws another start, it would likely come in a road matchup against the Blue Jays next week.

Chapman earned the save in Friday's 2-0 win over the Rays, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

Chapman was summoned to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning and slammed the door on 18 pitches. The 38-year-old has been flawless in back-to-back appearances and has now held opponents scoreless in nine straight outings. For the year, he's converted all eight of his save chances while posting a 0.71 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 16:3 K:BB across 12.2 innings.

Martin (biceps) will throw live batting practice Saturday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

This will mark the first time Martin has faced live hitters since biceps soreness sent him to the injured list in mid-April. Assuming he doesn't suffer any setbacks, he may be cleared to begin a rehab assignment in the minor leagues early next week.

Garcia (shoulder) began throwing from 80 feet out Friday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Garcia is seeing improvement in his shoulder every time he throws, but he is still dealing with some discomfort and isn't close to returning to Texas' bullpen. The Rangers may offer an update on his return timeline after he is cleared to resume mound work.

Vest (forearm) received a cortisone injection Friday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Vest landed on the injured list Saturday due to inflammation in his right forearm. He's expected to resume throwing within the next several days, though it's unknown whether he'll be ready to return from the IL when eligible Thursday.

Gray (forearm) will play catch Friday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Gray was removed from Thursday's game versus the Yankees after being struck in the forearm by a comebacker. His exit was deemed precautionary, however, and it's not expected to be an issue moving forward. Gray has yielded just one run but has a 6:6 K:BB over seven frames with Texas.