MLB Player News

Pomeranz allowed one run on four hits and three walks while striking out four over 6.1 innings but came away with a no-decision in Friday's 2-1 win over the Astros.

He threw 97 pitches (60 strikes) and got a quick hook in the seventh inning after serving up a solo homer to Brian McCann, but Pomeranz was still able to supply his fifth quality start of the season. The left-hander will next take the mound Wednesday in Kansas City.

Graveman (shoulder) felt good after throwing from 105 feet Friday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Graveman continues to progress well through his rehab program. If all continues to go as planned as he lengthens out his throwing, he could progress to bullpen sessions soon.

Smith (elbow) will be shut down for 4-to-5 days due to shoulder inflammation, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.

The Red Sox aren't too concerned about this issue, as it's pretty common for players returning from Tommy John surgery to have some residual soreness as they ramp up their activity level. However, this does mean that he won't be able to make his rehab appearance Sunday as planned, although he'll likely just slide it back a week or so to accommodate this development. Smith still has a chance of returning before the All-Star break if all goes as planned.

Gallegos was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Gallegos has struggled mightily with the big-league bullpen, mustering just a 7.15 ERA in 11.1 innings pitched. With the Yankees needing help at other positions, he was an easy choice to send back to the minors for more seasoning. To replace he and Adam Warren (shoulder) on the active roster, Kyle Higashioka and Mason Williams were summoned from the minors.

Hendriks (3-1) gave up an earned run on two hits and a walk over one inning in Thursday's 7-6 extra-inning win over the Yankees. He struck out two.

Hendriks notched his third victory of the season despite allowing a go-ahead sacrifice fly to Starlin Castro in the top half of the 10th, as Khris Davis knocked in Rajai Davis and Chad Pinder in the home half of the frame for the win. The 28-year-old right-hander has struggled despite his favorable won-loss record, giving up an earned run in each of his last four outings and in five of the last six overall. He offers plenty of strikeout upside, but he's now sporting a 5.63 ERA over the eight innings encompassing his eight June appearances.

Curtis was recalled from Double-A Arkansas on Friday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Curtis will return to the big leagues to offer Seattle a fresh arm after the team burned through its bullpen once again Thursday. He'll take over a middle relief role, replacing Chase De Jong on the roster.

McHugh (elbow) could face hitters in live batting practice within the next week, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The right-hander is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, and it seems like live BP could be the next step in his rehab process if all goes well in the bullpen. This would be a big step in McHugh's recovery, as it would potentially help him return before the All-Star break if all goes as planned.

Santiago (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday and could go on a rehab assignment before returning from the DL, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Santiago felt fine after throwing 31 pitches Thursday, but he still seems to have a couple hurdles in his way before he can make a full return to the team. News has also surfaced that the Twins are considering moving Santiago into a bullpen role when he's activated, which would severely limit the southpaw's fantasy value given his low strikeout rates and recent regression. No official word has been given on that possibility, although things certainly seem to be trending downward for Santiago.

Merrit will start Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Twins, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports.

The Indians have suggested throughout the week that Merritt would start one installment of the Tribe's upcoming doubleheader, and pitching coach Mickey Callaway has now confirmed that Merritt will take the ball for Game 1. Over 11 starts at Triple-A Columbus this season, Merritt has worked a 3.96 ERA along with a 1.44 WHIP across 72.2 innings. Saturday's outing with the Indians will likely be just a spot start, however, so look for Merritt to return to Triple-A later in the weekend.

Alvarez was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Friday.

With reliever Tony Barnette landing on the disabled list with a finger issue, the Rangers will summon Alvarez from Round Rock to fill the void. Alvarez's lone appearance in the minors was a scoreless one, which is consistent with his serviceable 3.27 ERA out of the major-league bullpen earlier in the season. He'll likely serve as a middle reliever for now.