MLB Player News

Graveman (shoulder) will start Thursday against the Giants, Joe Stiglich of NBC Sports California

With Sonny Gray gone, the Athletics have an opening for Graveman in their upcoming interleague series against their Bay Area rivals. Graveman owns a 3.83 ERA and 1.28 WHIP through eight starts this year; both would be the best of his young MLB career. He was also flashing a career best 93.8 mph average fastball velocity before being hurt, and with Graveman coming off an extended absence, owners should keep an eye on the radar gun in his first start back.

Martinez was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Monday, indicating he will likely start Tuesday's game against the Mariners.

Yu Darvish was dished to the Dodgers in a deadline deal, opening up a spot for Martinez to rejoin the major-league rotation for the time being. It's unclear whether he'll take more than one turn in the rotation; that could ultimately depend on the status of A.J. Griffin (oblique). Martinez compiled a 4.79 ERA and an unimpressive 32:15 K:BB in 11 starts (62 innings) this season before he was sent back to the minors, so it wouldn't be wise to expect much for fantasy purposes.

Schultz (elbow) threw for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in March, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

This is good progress for Schultz, who underwent the procedure on March 29. He won't be able to appear in a game until next season, but it appears that he's still on schedule with his rehab program.

Barnes (shoulder) felt good after throwing a side session Sunday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Barnes landed on the disabled list July 25, so it's a very good sign that he's already back to throwing. It's unclear whether he'll be ready to return right when he's eligible on Friday, although it seems like he won't be out for too much longer.

Rogers is likely to be used as Minnesota's closer in the short term after Brandon Kintzler was traded to Washington, MLB.com reports.

Minnesota's bullpen didn't have a clear option at closer after Kintzler, as almost every setup man has struggled recently. Rogers was given a save chance Saturday with Kintzler unavailable, but he blew the chance by giving up a two-run homer. However, the team hasn't made a formal announcement, and the closer role may be in flux the rest of the season. Even if Rogers does get the first shot at the role, he may not keep it as, he's given up nine earned runs in his last three innings, including issuing four walks and serving up two home runs.

Smith (elbow) threw 25 pitches in a simulated game Monday, Tim Britton of The Providence Journal reports.

This is the first time Smith has been able to face hitters of any sort since going under the knife last year. The right-hander was also able to mix in his slider and changeup, so he very well could progress to live batting practice relatively soon. He likely won't be able to return until mid-to-late August, however.

Martinez could be recalled in order to start Tuesday's game against the Mariners, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Martinez was demoted after struggling in his most recent MLB start, but after Yu Darvish was dealt to the Dodgers prior to the trade deadline, a spot in the rotation opened up. A.J. Griffin (oblique) is also a candidate to fill the void, although it's unclear whether he'll be healthy enough to return from the DL on Tuesday. More information should come forth as Tuesday's contest approaches.

Kelly (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket on Wednesday, Evan Drellich of CSN New England reports.

Kelly just progressed to throwing to hitters over the weekend, but it seems like the Red Sox are confident enough in his health to send him into game action just a few days later. No word has surfaced as to how long he'll stay on his assignment, but his timeline should become clearer once the team sees how his ailing hamstring reacts to Wednesday's appearance.

Scott was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday, Tim Britton of The Providence Journal reports.

His latest big-league stint was short. Scott was recalled Friday when David Price (elbow) was placed on the disabled list. He's been a solid relief arm when called upon, though, posting a 3.38 ERA in 41 games for the Sox. He'll probably rejoin the club when rosters expand in September if he's not needed before then.

The Tigers promoted Jimenez from Triple-A Toledo on Monday, Matthew Mowery of The Oakland Press reports.

The right-hander earns a roster spot as Detroit completes the trade that sent Justin Wilson and Alex Avila to the Cubs. Wilson's departure opens up a chance for Jimenez to occupy high-leverage relief spots, which may include some save chances. He's converted four of them with Toledo this year to accompany a sparkling 1.44 ERA and 13.0 K/9 in 26 appearances.