MLB Player News

Colome allowed one run one on one hit while striking out two to earn his 21st save Friday against the Orioles.

Despite allowing a solo homer to Mark Trumbo, Colome came into the game with a three-run lead, so he easily converted the save. Although he's blown four saves while posting a 3.72 ERA, he's an extremely valuable fantasy commodity based on his ability to pile up saves.

Kimbrel tossed a perfect inning with one strikeout to notch his 23rd save Friday against the Blue Jays.

Kimbrel had one of his easier save opportunities, as he came on with a three-run lead, and he easily closed the door on the Jays in the 11th inning. In addition to his saves, his 1.01 ERA and 0.48 WHIP make him on of the very best closers in the league.

Graveman (shoulder) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Friday and emerged without any setbacks, Alex Simon of MLB.com reports.

Graveman had last thrown off a mound May 19, so Friday was an important step toward an eventual rehab assignment. Manager Bob Melvin confirmed that the right-hander felt good during the session and announced that the next step in his rehab will be determined Saturday.

McHugh (elbow) lasted just one inning and allowed four runs on seven hits, two walks and a hit-by-pitch in his first rehab appearance Friday with Double-A Corpus Christi, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

McHugh threw 42 pitches and was replaced before he could get an out in the second inning. More important than his effectiveness is how he feels after throwing so many pitches, but it isn't a good sign that he was getting lit up by Double-A hitters. McHugh hadn't pitched at all this season prior to Friday and will likely need the full 20 days allowed on his rehab assignment; as such, his return likely won't come until a week or so after the All-Star break.

Beck has returned to action for the White Sox after suffering a minor knee injury last weekend.

His 3.23 ERA and 1.17 WHIP are solid marks, but his 22:13 K:BB in 30.2 innings illustrates his lack of upside, and likely regression over the rest of the season.

Junis was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

After getting knocked around for six runs in six innings Thursday, Junis was sent back to Omaha to make room on the roster for Eric Skoglund. The 24-year-old compiled a 6.00 ERA and 26:12 K:BB in six starts (33 innings) for the Royals. With Danny Duffy (oblique) nearing a return to the rotation, Junis may not see another start with the big club for the foreseeable future.

Merritt is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Columbus to serve as the 26th man for Saturday's doubleheader against the Tigers, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

While his role hasn't been confirmed yet, it seems likely that Merritt would start the nightcap for the Indians. The 25-year-old held his own in a spot start for the big club earlier in the month, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits through four innings. Regardless of his role Saturday, he'll likely be sent back to Columbus following the doubleheader to continue developing as a starter.

Castro was recalled from Double-A Bowie on Friday.

After spending less than a week in the minors, Castro will rejoin the big club to offer bullpen depth in the absence on Stefan Crichton (shoulder), who was placed on the disabled list in a corresponding move. Castro owns a 4.09 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 11 innings out of the Orioles' bullpen this season. He has combined for 24.1 innings in six appearances at Double-A, so he'll offer some length out of the bullpen for the Orioles.

Kolarek fired 1.1 scoreless innings in Thursday's 4-0 loss to the Pirates, allowing a hit and recording a strikeout.

The 28-year-old southpaw was making his first big-league appearance after being summoned from Triple-A Durham on Tuesday and was efficient while recording four outs on just 14 pitches. Kolarek's extensive minor-league career dates back to 2010, and his groundball tendencies and ability to neutralize left-handed hitters could afford him an extended stay in the Rays' struggling bullpen.

Kahnle might be called upon to handle some save opportunities in the near future when White Sox closer David Robertson has to go on the paternity list, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Robertson's wife is past her due date for the couple's second child, and Kahnle would be Chicago's likeliest choice to fill in as closer. The right-hander has excelled as the Pale Hose's top setup arm, with a 2.30 ERA, 53 strikeouts and only seven walks in 31.1 innings. Fantasy players looking to pilfer every save chance possible can use Kahnle, and he's worth starting in many deep mixed leagues even without closing opportunities because of his breakthrough skills.