MLB Player News

Smith (elbow) has increased his level of throwing and is now participating in bullpen sessions, Evan Drellich of CSN New England reports.

Manager John Farrell said that Smith threw too aggressively in his first bullpen session and experienced some soreness afterwards, but has had a series of healthy workouts since. Although the team has yet to lay out an official timeframe for Smith's return, it appears that returning at some point in June is still attainable.

Santiago (1-1) gave up two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out out one over 6.1 innings Tuesday but took the loss as the Twins fell 2-1 to the Tigers.

On an afternoon when offense was at a premium, Santiago made only one mistake, but that was enough as James McCann drilled the first pitch he saw in the fifth inning to left-center field for a two-run homer. Much as he did last season Santiago has gotten off to a good start to 2017, posting a 2.38 ERA through his first two outings, but his 5:3 K:BB in 11.1 innings suggests fantasy GMs shouldn't expect that success to continue. The left-hander's next trip to the mound will come Sunday at home against the White Sox.

Barnes is expected to continue being used as Boston's primary setup reliever, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Although Barnes is in a position to see plenty of high-leverage situations in the near future, his status as the team's go-to setup man may be in jeopardy once Tyler Thornburg (shoulder) comes off the DL. After pitching in three games (3.2 innings) this season, Barnes has struck out five batters, allowed just two hits and picked up a win.

Strahm was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

Strahm's season hasn't gotten off to the best start. Over three games (1.1 innings) he's given up seven runs and been tagged with two losses. Control has been one of his biggest weaknesses as he's allowed more walks (six) than hits (four) during his limited usage.

Lawrence was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday, Mike Wilner of Sportsnet reports.

With Roberto Osuna (neck) coming off the disabled list, the club opted to send Lawrence back to its Triple-A affiliate. Lawrence struggled during his first-ever stint in the majors, as he allowed three runs off three hits and five walks over two innings (two games).

Pruitt gave up three runs (two earned) on four hits over two-thirds of an inning in Monday's 8-1 loss to the Yankees.

As per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Pruitt reportedly retains the confidence of manager Kevin Cash despite the fact that he's now posted a 19.29 ERA. He's allowed at least one run in each of his five appearances while also surrendering nine hits, two walks and one home run over 2.1 innings.

Pomeranz (forearm) was reinstated from the DL on Tuesday, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

As expected, Pomeranz was brought off the disabled list, as he's scheduled to start Tuesday's game against the Orioles. Pomeranz finished the 2016 season with a 3.32 ERA and 1.18 WHIP, but struggled after being traded to the Red Sox from the Padres. Over 14 games (68.2 innings) with Boston he put together an ERA and WHIP of 4.59 and 1.37, respectively.

Covey is scheduled to start April 14 against the Twins, Daryl Von Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The White Sox originally said on Twitter that Covey would start Saturday, but it seems that was a mistake as several media outlets are reporting that Covey will go Friday. The 25-year-old has had his previous two scheduled starts rained out, though he has been staying sharp in Arizona. Barring another rainout, it appears his major-league debut will come against the Twins, who are off to an impressive 5-1 start to the year.

Wilson (1-0) picked up the win in Monday's game against the Red Sox, pitching a scoreless eighth inning with a walk and a strikeout.

With Chris Sale and Justin Verlander keeping it 1-1 through seven innings, Wilson was able to pick up the win when the Tigers scored a run in the bottom of the eighth. Wilson now has a save and a win in his last two outings, and he should continue to pitch in high-leverage situations for Detroit.

Zych (biceps) tossed one inning during a rehab appearance Sunday with Triple-A Tacoma, conceding three hits, including a three-run homer, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

With Zych getting touched up a bit in his second rehab appearance with Tacoma, it doesn't look like the Mariners are eager to activate him from the 10-day disabled list just yet. Manager Scott Servais noted that Zych feels fine physically, but he'll likely need to turn in a couple quality outings in the minors before the organization feels comfortable moving him back to the big leagues.