MLB Player News

Fulmer (7-6) was charged with three runs (two earned) on seven hits over 8.2 innings in Thursday's win over the Royals. He struck out seven and did not walk a batter.

Fulmer was outstanding Thursday, facing just one batter above the minimum through eight. It looked like his third career complete game was in the bag, but the Royals began chipping away at the lead with two outs in the ninth and Fulmer was pulled following his 104th pitch of the outing. He now has a 2.42 ERA over his last three starts, and it's especially encouraging to see Fulmer go without a free pass after back-to-back four-walk showings.

Coulombe allowed an earned run on two hits in Wednesday's 11-8 loss to the Astros. He also recorded a strikeout.

It was only the lefty's second two-inning outing of the season, with the first having come way back on April 5. Although Coulombe did see his 13-appearance streak of not allowing an earned run come to an end, he's been a highly valued presence in Oakland's inconsistent relief corps, as evidenced by his 1.98 ERA and 1.06 WHIP.

Boxberger (back) will be activated from the DL prior to Thursday's game.

The Rays have already made room for Boxberger, designating Danny Farquhar for assignment. Boxberger gave up six runs on eight hits and seven walks in eight minor-league rehab appearances, but he also fanned 13 in 7.2 innings. The former closer may be eased back into regular action, but Boxberger figures to eventually work into the setup mix in front of Alex Colome.

Graveman (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session this weekend, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The Oakland starter hasn't pitched off a mound since his last start May 19, but his shoulder has progressed to the point that he can take the next step in his rehab and return to the pitching rubber. If all goes well, some rehab assignments in the minors will most likely follow, making it highly unlikely we'll see him in the majors before the All-Star break.

Mengden hasn't seen the field for Triple-A Nashville since May 23 due to a stress reaction in his ribs, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Mengden had been 2-1 with a 2.21 ERA and 0.93 WHIP over four starts prior to sustaining the injury. Despite making 16 starts last season, the right-hander wasn't considered an immediate rotation candidate, but that could change if Oakland decides to part ways with any of its starters, Sonny Gray in particular, prior to the deadline. Mengden needs to get healthy first, but seems to be on the right track, as he's already started a throwing program.

Giles struck out two in a perfect ninth inning against the A's on Wednesday, netting his 18th save.

He threw 11 of his 12 pitches for strikes, bouncing back effectively after struggling with his control in his most recent appearance Saturday and then receiving an extended rest. Giles' ERA is still inflated at 3.56, so he hasn't quite given fantasy owners all the help they were hoping for, but he's got a strong grip on the ninth-inning role for Houston.

Norris (4-6) allowed five runs on eight hits -- including two home runs -- and a walk over 3.2 innings while striking out three in Wednesday's 8-2 loss to the Royals.

It was the left-hander's shortest outing of the season, and while it's nice to see Norris limit his walks the control was not accompanied by better command, as he left too many hittable pitches dangling over the plate. He'll take a 5.00 ERA into his next start Tuesday at home against the Giants.

Farquhar was designated for assignment by the Rays after Wednesday's loss to the Pirates, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

With Brad Boxberger (back) expected to return from the 60-day DL on Thursday, Farquhar was the roster casualty. The 30-year-old struggled throughout June, compiling a 6.00 ERA and 8:6 K:BB through nine innings. His past major-league experience could help draw interest on waivers.

Diaz (2-3) pitched two-thirds of an inning, allowing two runs on two hits and one walk with one strikeout in Wednesday's loss to Philadelphia.

Diaz had his second straight awful outing against the Phillies, allowing two runs and blowing his third save of the year. He has now allowed a home run in three straight games, and his ERA has risen to 3.77. Manager Scott Servais was not pleased with his performance on Tuesday in a non-save situation, so this will probably not help. Diaz briefly lost his job in mid-May, so his hold on the closer role could become tentative if he doesn't turn things around quickly. It's a situation to monitor closely.

Boxberger (back) could be activated from the disabled list as early as Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Boxberger came through his last rehab appearance with no issues, and as long as there is no lingering soreness come Thursday, it sounds like the 29-year-old could rejoin the Rays' bullpen for their series finale with the Pirates.