MLB Player News

Pomeranz (biceps, neck) threw off a mound Friday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Pomeranz hasn't pitched all month after being shut down with biceps tendinitis. It's his second arm issue of the year after he battled a forearm flexor strain at the start of the season. His return timetable is not yet clear, but throwing off the mound is an important step in his recovery. Steven Wright is expected to continue in the rotation while Pomeranz remains out.

Palumbo (elbow) will pitch with the Rookie-level AZL Rangers on Sunday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Palumbo underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2017, and Sunday will mark his return to game action. The 23-year-old will likely need to work his way up to an official minor-league rehab assignment, and currently seems to be looking at a return in mid-July.

The Rays optioned Pruitt to Triple-A Durham on Friday.

Pruitt has been solid over his last eight outings (33 innings) with a 3.27 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 21:4 K:BB, but he heads to the Bulls to make room for the return of Daniel Robertson (hamstring) from the disabled list. Pruitt allowed six runs on 10 hits over eight innings with Durham earlier this season.

Coulombe will be recalled for the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the White Sox as the club's 26th man, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Coulombe will provide added depth in the Athletic's bullpen after spending the past week at the Triple-A level. In 25 appearances with the big-league club this year, he's posted a 4.70 ERA and 1.35 WHIP.

Martin (knee) was reinstated from the 10-day DL on Friday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

As expected, Martin only missed the minimum 10 days while on the shelf after suffering a minor knee injury attempting to run on to the field during a benches-clearing brawl earlier this month. He will be available out of the bullpen for Friday's series opener in Minnesota. Through 23 appearances this year, he's logged a 3.92 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with an 18:3 K:BB over 20.2 innings.

Pagan owns a 2.35 ERA, .207 BAA and 14:3 K:BB across 7.2 innings over eight June appearances.

The right-handed reliever has been mowing down opposing hitters at an impressive clip, as he sports a 42.4 percent strikeout rate during that stretch. Pagan had hit a rough patch prior to a late April demotion to Triple-A Nashville, but he's bounced back to generate scoreless efforts in 10 of 11 appearances since returning to the Athletics on May 18. However, his lack of hold or save opportunities does cap his fantasy utility to an extent, and his 1.37 WHIP also has room for improvement.

Chapman picked up his 22nd save with a scoreless frame Thursday against the Mariners. He allowed one walk and notched a strikeout on 17 pitches.

Chapman's scoreless streak was extended to 11 with another strong outing. What's more, his WHIP is sub-0.70 over that stretch. He trails only Edwin Diaz (27) for the major-league lead in saves and is now tied with Boston's Craig Kimbrel in that category.

Rodriguez was sent back down to Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

Rodriguez will head back to Round Rock after joining the Rangers on Monday. The right-hander failed to make an appearance during this brief stay in the majors, though he will likely find his way back to the big leagues later on this summer. Look for a corresponding move prior to Friday's game, which will presumably be the activation of Chris Martin (knee) from the 10-day DL.

Martin (knee) threw batting practice Wednesday without issue, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Martin, who injured his knee and calf during a benches-clearing dust-up last week, is eligible to come off the disabled list Friday and appears to be on track to serve the minimum 10 days. He'll be evaluated Thursday and Friday, as the Rangers will want to see how he covers first and fields bunts before making a decision.

Junis (5-8) allowed three runs on five hits and four walks with four strikeouts through six innings in a loss Wednesday against the Rangers.

Junis managed to escape a bases-loaded jam in the second inning with just one run allowed, but the solo home run he allowed to Rougned Odor in the sixth inning put an end to his bid for a victory. This was Junis' first quality start since June 3 after allowing six runs (including six home runs) over his previous two outings. Junis has a decent eight quality starts in 15 turns, but his propensity for blowups has him with just a 4.43 ERA. He'll make his next start Tuesday against Milwaukee.