MLB Player News

The Rays placed Lovelady on the 15-day injured list Saturday due to a left forearm flexor strain.

Lovelady has been with the Rays since May 18 after being traded by the Cubs. He's appeared in eight games for Tampa Bay since the trade, registering a 7.36 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 7.1 innings. The Rays reinstated left-hander Colin Poche (back) from the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move.

The Rays reinstated Poche (back) from the 15-day injured list Saturday.

Poche landed on the injured list April 26 due to mid-back tightness. He began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Sunday, and over three appearances he allowed two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out one over 2.2 innings. Southpaw Richard Lovelady was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left forearm flexor strain in a corresponding move.

Munoz (back) threw a light bullpen session before Friday's game against the Royals, per Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, but the reliever did not appear in the contest.

Divish had noted there was a possibility Munoz would be available for the first time since exiting Tuesday's game against the Athletics, but it was Ryne Stanek who got the ninth-inning call and ultimately failed to protect a 9-7 lead. With Stanek having appeared in three of the last four games and having thrown 39 pitches in the last two nights, Munoz would certainly be in line for any high-leverage work Saturday if he's healthy enough to handle it.

Erceg (forearm) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Thursday and could complete another one Sunday, the Associated Press reports.

The right-hander has had a productive last few days on the recovery front, as he began playing catch at the beginning of the week and now has a bullpen session under his belt. Erceg is expected to be evaluated after Sunday's activity, when a determination is likely to be made on whether he'll require a brief rehab assignment before activation.

Brieske allowed two runs on three hits across two innings of relief in Friday's 10-0 loss to the Brewers. He walked two and struck out two.

The game was already essentially over after Detroit starter Reese Olson allowed eight runs over four innings, but Brieske didn't help matters. Even after the rough appearance, the righty still has a 2.70 ERA, and he's only been scored upon twice in seven appearances this season. Brieske should stick in a long-relief role for the Tigers, giving him limited fantasy appeal at the moment despite his good play.

Kimbrel worked a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 14th save of the season in a 6-3 win over the Rays. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

The veteran closer let his defense do the work, getting outs on a flyball, a groundball and a popup in foul territory. Kimbrel hasn't been tagged with an earned run in 10 straight appearances, converting all six of his save chances during that stretch with a 10:0 K:BB as he puts his early season struggles behind him.

Anderson (3-1) struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the win over the Mariners on Friday.

It didn't look like any Royals pitcher would be in line for the win after the Mariners put up seven runs in the first inning, but Anderson was the beneficiary of a late rally that ended in a walk-off. He's had mixed results since the start of May, allowing seven runs (six earned) with a 12:6 K:BB over his last 12.1 innings. For the year, Anderson has a 3.86 ERA despite a 1.63 WHIP and 17:12 K:BB across 23.1 innings while adding a save and two holds. The right-hander's numbers are far from elite, but he's done a decent job at preventing runs for a bullpen that is 21st in the majors with a 4.21 ERA this year.

Smith (3-1) allowed a run on three hits and struck out one over one inning Friday, taking the loss versus the Marlins.

It was a rare hiccup for Smith, who gave up a run-scoring single to Jazz Chisholm in the eighth inning. This appearance ended Smith's 12-inning scoreless streak, during which he had a 14:1 K:BB. He's at a 1.82 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 39:7 K:BB over 29.2 innings with a save and six holds as he continues to grow into a high-leverage role as a rookie.

Stanek (3-1) blew the save and took the loss Friday against the Royals. He allowed three runs on two hits and three walks over two-thirds of an inning with no strikeouts.

Stanek entered the ninth to protect a two-run lead in place of Andres Munoz (back) and melted down in epic fashion. The 32-year-old righty struggled with his command, issuing three walks in an appearance for the first time this season en route to his second blown save. With the outing, his ERA and WHIP rose to 4.56 and 1.35, respectively. Despite the ugly evening, Stanek is likely still in line for Seattle saves while Munoz is unavailable.

Bachman (shoulder) started a game for the Angels' Arizona Complex League team June 3 and is slated to throw three innings for the club Saturday, per MLB.com.

Bachman removed himself from a rehab outing May 30 due to neck stiffness, but he said he felt better the next day and was able to toss two innings June 3. That outing went well, as the right-hander didn't allow any runs or hits and struck out four batters. Bachman will look to increase his workload by an inning in his next appearance as he continues to build up following offseason shoulder surgery.