MLB Player News

Pomeranz (2-1) allowed two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out seven over six innings in a 5-4 win over the Cubs on Friday.

The runs came on solo shots by Kris Bryant and Albert Almora, but the lefty was otherwise able to keep Chicago's bats in check. Pomeranz's 4.15 ERA doesn't look impressive, but his 27:7 K:BB through 21.2 innings is exceptional. His next start will come Wednesday at home against an Orioles squad that he'll be facing for the third time already in 2017.

Martinez allowed three runs on five hits with no walks across six innings Friday in a no-decision against the Angels. He struck out seven.

Martinez was solid in his second start of the season, throwing 66 percent of his pitches for strikes and delivering uncharacteristic strikeout totals. His only real mistakes came back to haunt him, however, in the form of a solo home run by Yunel Escobar in the first inning and a two-run shot by Mike Trout in the sixth. The Rangers have been desperate for solid starting pitching this season and Martinez has been just that over 13 innings, with a 2.77 ERA, a 0.77 WHIP and a 6.9 K/9. He is not currently scheduled to make another start at this level, but the results have been so positive that the club could elect to alter their rotation to incorporate him.

Mengden (foot) will throw live batting practice at extended spring training Saturday, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports.

Mengden's throwing sessions have gone well, and this will be the next step on the road back from foot surgery. Mengden will likely require a minor-league rehab stint before he can return to the majors, but a return in the first half of May is looking possible.

Manaea (shoulder) is not likely to make his next scheduled start and could land on the disabled list, NBC Sports Bay Area's Joe Stiglich reports.

It seemed like Manaea might be able to rejoin the rotation in the coming days, but it now looks like a DL stint could be in the cards. Assuming Manaea is unable to make Tuesday's start against the Twins, Sonny Gray will likely take the ball, with Kendall Graveman starting Wednesday.

Smith was sent to the Rays to complete the Mikie Mahtook trade that took place in January, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Smith represents the player to be named later in the offseason trade with the Tigers. The 23-year-old was taken in the third round of the 2015 draft out of Dallas Baptist University. He owns a combined 1.77 ERA with a 112:32 K:BB in three seasons (91.1 innings) across the low minors. Smith will report to High-A Charlotte.

Bass was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday.

He gave up four earned runs in three innings with the big-league club, and is essentially an up-and-down bullpen arm at this point in his career. The move was made to open up a roster spot for Sam Dyson, who was activated from the DL.

Lawrence was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet reports.

The 29-year-old got off to a rough start with the Blue Jays to start the season, posting a 8.78 ERA and 6.35 FIP across 13.1 innings of work. He'll look to rediscover his potential effectiveness against minor-league hitters with Triple-A Buffalo.

Zych pitched a scoreless 1.2 innings in Thursday's 2-1 win over the Tigers, issuing a walk.

The young righty could only get half of his 26 pitches into the strike zone but issued just one free pass. Zych has now put together five consecutive scoreless appearances to open the season and has allowed just one hit, helping to alleviate concerns about his health following offseason biceps tendon transfer surgery.

Diaz notched his third save of the season in Thursday's 2-1 win over the Tigers, giving up a hit and recording two strikeouts.

The young closer fired nine of 11 pitches for strikes while disposing of Justin Upton, Alex Avila and James McCann. Diaz worked around a pinch-hit single by Andrew Romine to post his third straight scoreless one-inning appearance. The 23-year-old has now racked up nine strikeouts over 8.2 innings and has lowered his ERA from 6.35 to 4.15 over his last three trips to the mound.

Lawrence (0-3) allowed six runs on 10 hits and three walks with a strikeout over five innings in Thursday's loss to the Cardinals.

With the team's pitching staff already taxed, manager John Gibbons had no choice but to endure a bumpy ride with Lawrence in the nightcap of Thursday's doubleheader. His ability to gut through five innings did help minimize the wear after the Jays used six pitchers in the early game, but the right-hander's valor won't save his job. The start was likely Lawrence's last in the rotation for now, as he is expected to be bumped when Aaron Sanchez (finger) returns from the disabled list this week.