MLB Player News

Gomez allowed three runs on four hits while striking out two in two-thirds of an inning in Friday's 7-2 loss to Houston.

Gomez had been a reasonably serviceable arm out of the Rangers' bullpen until he had to face the hottest hitting team in baseball. The Astros pummeled starter Drew Smyly, who lasted just 3.2 innings, setting the stage for a line of Texas relievers. Gomez squelched a threat in the fourth inning but was tattooed for three consecutive doubles and a single in the fifth inning before getting pulled. The 31-year-old will continue in a middle-relief role for now.

Martin pitched a clean ninth inning in Friday's 7-2 loss to Houston.

He made his major-league debut hours after being called up from Triple-A Nashville on Friday. Since being converted to a reliever in 2018, Martin has had better results and was cruising with the Sounds prior to his callup. With Texas, Martin will pitch in low-leverage spots.

Norris won't make his scheduled start Saturday against the White Sox after the game was postponed due to inclement weather in Detroit, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Named as a replacement in the rotation for the injured Matt Moore (knee) back on April 6, Norris still has yet to make his first start with the Tigers thanks to a pair of postponements and multiple off days in Detroit's schedule. Assuming the Tigers elect to skip his turn and keep their other four rotation members on schedule, Norris is likely to make his first start of the season Thursday in Boston.

The Tigers reinstated Soto (suspension) from the restricted list Saturday and optioned him to High-A Lakeland.

Soto will now begin his 2019 campaign in earnest after finishing out the 20-game suspension he received in January for conduct detrimental to baseball. Though the 24-year-old lefty possesses a spot on the Tigers' 40-man roster, he has yet to pitch above the High-A level and isn't a realistic candidate to contribute for the big club this season.

Ottavino was credited with a hold in Friday's 6-2 victory over the Royals, striking out one and walking one over one scoreless inning.

The right-hander continues to be virtually lights out coming out of the bullpen for the Yankees, as he's conceded just one earned run and four hits over his 10 innings to leave him with a minuscule 0.90 ERA to go along with 15 strikeouts. He picked up his third hold of the season in this contest, and so far he looks like he'll provide excellent ratios and high strikeout totals this year, much like he did with Colorado last season.

Braiser posted one strikeout and didn't allow a baserunner to record his fourth save in a 6-4 victory against the Rays on Friday.

It was a nice way to rebound after Braiser blew his first save of the year Wednesday. Even with that blown save, Braiser has strong numbers -- 1.93 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and nine strikeouts in 9.1 innings. He's also recorded a hold and has walked only two batters.

Stanek didn't give up a hit and walked one batter in two innings as an opener against the Red Sox on Friday.

The right-hander was very efficient, recording six outs on just 14 pitches. Stanek has a sparkling 1.59 ERA and 0.79 WHIP but his limited role hurts his fantasy value. He has made nine appearances -- including five starts -- but has thrown only 11.1 innings. Stanek also doesn't have a decision or save, but does have two holds.

Junis (1-2) took the loss Friday after allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out two over 5.1 innings against the Yankees.

Junis gave up a two-run blast in the third inning, a solo homer in the fifth and two more runs in the sixth before exiting the contest with his team down by three. The 26-year-old right-hander has yet to figure things out this season, and he's surrendered four or more runs in each of his last three outings. Following an unimpressive showing, Junis has accrued a 6.26 ERA and 1.54 WHIP with 26 strikeouts over 27.1 frames in 2019.

Martin was called up from Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

Martin spent all of 2018 at Double-A Frisco and struggled with a 7.28 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 96:29 K:BB over 89 innings. However, the 23-year-old started much better this season at Nashville with only one run allowed over eight innings while recording 10 strikeouts. Martin figures to begin in a low-leverage bullpen role as he gets set for his major-league debut with the Rangers.

De Leon (elbow) was moved to the 60-day injured list Friday.

De Leon remains without a clear timeline in his recovery from last spring's Tommy John surgery, but this transaction confirms that his return won't come until late May at the earliest. He'll make way on the 40-man roster for Casey Sadler, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move.