MLB Player News

Norris (2-2) took the loss Friday as the Tigers fell 7-2 to the A's, coughing up six runs on seven hits and a walk over 5.1 innings while striking out two.

Two of Oakland's hits left the yard, including a two-run shot by Chad Pinder in the sixth inning that chased Norris from the game. The southpaw will take a 4.50 ERA and 28:11 K:BB through 40 innings into his next start Thursday, at home against the Marlins.

Jurado may start Saturday's game against the Cardinals, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Jurado was slated for a bulk-relief role Saturday, but now that the Rangers are unlikely to use Jesse Chavez as their opener, Jurado may be in line for the start. The pitching plan could very well be decided by how Friday night's contest unfolds.

Chavez is unlikely to open Saturday's game against the Cardinals, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Chavez was reportedly in line to open Saturday's ballgame, but it appears that Ariel Jurado or a different reliever will toe the rubber for the Rangers. A starter will likely be named following Friday night's matchup.

Swanson was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday.

Swanson was knocked around in his last start against the Twins, allowing eight runs and striking out three over just three frames, so his time in the big leagues has come to an end for now. Matt Festa was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Garton had his contract selected from Triple-A Tacoma on Friday.

Garton has posted a 3.46 ERA and 1.23 WHIP with a 28:9 K:BB over 26 innings this season for the Rainiers. Zac Rosscup was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Rodriguez underwent surgery for a pars defect (a stress fracture in his lower spine) Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Back issues cost Rodriguez the entirety of the 2018 season, and he made just three short starts this year before landing on the injured list. It's not clear when he's expected to return.

Rumbelow was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Friday.

Rumbelow made three appearances for the Mariners back in March but was removed from the 25-man roster after allowing four runs while recording just four outs. Since then, he's allowed 16 earned runs in 15.2 frames for Triple-A Tacoma, leading to him being removed from the 40-man roster as well. Andrew Moore was claimed off waivers in a corresponding move.

Mata (shoulder) will come off the minor-league injured list to start for High-A Salem on Friday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Mata has been on the IL since May 7 with a mild right shoulder strain, but only ended up missing two starts. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a strong start to the season with a 2.15 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 31:11 K:BB through six starts (29.1 innings).

Ramirez could cover multiple innings in relief behind Gregory Soto in Sunday's game against the Athletics, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Soto and Ramirez worked in tandem Wednesday against the Astros, with the former covering two frames and the latter pitching four. Since both pitchers will only be on three days' rest Sunday, a similar tag-team approach may be on the docket again. That said, Ramirez was pitching on three days' rest versus Houston and still tossed 77 pitches, perhaps making him a better bet than Soto to cover the most innings for Detroit. Looking ahead, the Tigers are expected to have two openings in the rotation for the foreseeable future with Jordan Zimmermann (elbow) and Tyson Ross (elbow) facing uncertain return timelines, so both Soto and Ramirez could pick up starts next week.

Mengden is listed as the Athletics' starting pitcher for Saturday's game against the Tigers.

Mengden was called up from Triple-A Las Vegas to make a spot start last weekend against Cleveland, taking the loss in that outing after giving up four runs on five hits and four walks over 5.1 innings. Despite the underwhelming numbers, the Athletics apparently elected to keep Mengden in the rotation over struggling fifth starter Aaron Brooks, who was used in a mop-up role out of the bullpen in Thursday's 17-3 win over Detroit. Mengden's career 17.6 strikeout percentage puts a major cap on his fantasy upside, though he did provide some assistance in the ratio categories last season with a 4.05 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 115.2 innings.