MLB Player News

The Orioles will decide Monday whether reliever Pedro Strop (back) throws in a simulated game or a minor-league rehab outing, according to MLB.com.

Strop will throw a bullpen session this weekend. and the team will see how he responds before making a decision. Strop could also travel with the team to Tampa for a road trip and head to Sarasota to work at extended spring training. 

Rays manager Joe Maddon said that closer Fernando Rodney is unavailable for Friday's game against the Indians. Normally, this would mean closing duties would fall to Joel Peralta, but he and Jake McGee are out as well.

Rodney has pitched for four consecutive days, tallying 3 1/3 hitless innings. He owns a 5.16 ERA and 11 saves this season.

The Astros announced Friday that relief pitcher Josh Fields has been activated from the 15-day disabled list. He has appeared in just two games this season, facing one batter in each and getting both batters out, one via strikeout.

Fields was the first pick of this past offseason's Rule 5 draft after going 4-3 with a 2.01 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 78 strikeouts in 58 1/3 innings between two levels last season. He allowed two earned runs on nine hits over 10 innings during his rehab assignment, striking out eight and walking none.

Orioles reliever Pedro Strop is expected to throw a simulated game soon, as he recovers from a strained lower back, MLB.com reports. Strop will need at least one minor-league rehab outing before the team considers activating him from the disabled list.

Strop has already started throwing off a mound, despite being on the disabled list for just six days. 

After he made his major-league debut, the Rays optioned starting pitcher Alex Colome to Triple-A Durham Friday. The team recalled Jeff Beliveau.

Colome earned the win with 5 2/3 innings against the Marlins Thursday. He made a spot start in Alex Cobb's place in the rotation. 

Red Sox pitcher Rubby De La Rosa was back on the mound Monday, after he had to be scratched from his previous start due to a muscle tweak in his left side. He continued his strong pitching in the outing, holding Triple-A Indianapolis to one run on two hits in four innings of work.

De La Rosa has allowed just one earned run in his last six starts, a span of 22 innings. 

Rays closer Fernando Rodney threw a 1-2-3 ninth inning Thursday against the Marlins to secure his 11th save. It was his fourth straight scoreless outing after surrendering seven earned runs over a five-game stretch.

Rodney has allowed a walk and no hits in 3 1/3 innings in four appearances over the last four days. He seems likely to get Friday off, though he threw just two pitches Wednesday.

Rays pitcher Alex Colome earned the win in his 2013 debut Thursday, holding the Marlins to an unearned run on five hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings, striking out seven and throwing 96 pitches.

Colome started in place of Alex Cobb, who was out with a fingernail issue. Cobb is expected to return next week, but the Rays could choose to stick with Colome until David Price is healthy. If so, Colome would likely face the Tigers next week.

The Rays will start Matt Moore Friday in Cleveland instead of Thursday in Miami due to Alex Cobb's fingernail injury, the Tampa Bay Times reports Wednesday night. 

Alex Colome will start Thursday with Moore going Friday against the Indians. Moore has been phenomenal this season with an 8-0 record and a spotless 2.21 ERA with 56 Ks over 61 innings. 

Tampa Bay will hand the ball to recent call up Alex Colome to start Thursday in Miami, the Tampa Bay Times reports. The Rays had to scratch Alex Cobb with a fingernail issue. 

Colome was called up earlier Wednesday and had been expected to pitch in relief. Colome has gone 4-5 this season with Triple-A Durham over 10 starts with a 2.60 ERA. He has 61 Ks over 55 1/3 innings.