MLB Player News

Bradford (1-0) earned a victory Saturday versus the Cubs, permitting two runs on three hits and a walk over five frames. He struck out six.

Bradford left a fastball up in the second inning to Dansby Swanson, who deposited it over the left-field wall for a two-run homer. That wound up being the only damage against the left-hander, as he needed just 76 pitches to cruise through his five frames. Bradford is expected to lose his spot in the Rangers' rotation once Michael Lorenzen (neck) is deemed ready, but he should get at least one more turn.

Perez's removal from Saturday's appearance against the Angels was due to lower-back discomfort, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

It sounds like a day-to-day situation, but Perez will be reevaluated Sunday before more is known. The left-handed reliever was charged with two runs and didn't record an out before exiting Saturday.

Armstrong will be used as an opener in Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It's not an unfamiliar role for Armstrong, who has been an opener on nine occasions for the Rays over the last two seasons. Tyler Alexander is poised to follow Armstrong as the bulk reliever.

Alexander will serve as a bulk reliever for the Rays in Sunday's game versus the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Shawn Armstrong will open things for Tampa Bay before Alexander takes over. Alexander won the final spot in the Rays' rotation with a solid spring, but him being used as a bulk reliever rather than a traditional starter could be a regular occurrence.

Swanson (forearm) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Swanson felt "really good" after his session Saturday, and the right-hander will likely throw another bullpen before progressing to facing live hitters. Swanson has been battling forearm inflammation since mid-March but seems to be trending toward a short stay on the injured list.

Perez was removed from Saturday's game against the Angels due to an apparent injury, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Perez looked to be grabbing at his right side near his hip/lower back before leaving the game with a trainer in the ninth inning. The Orioles will take a closer look at him and should offer more information in the near future.

The Yankees designated Ramirez for assignment Saturday.

Ramirez failed to win a spot on the Yankees' roster during spring training, and he'll now be squeezed off the 40-man to make room for Tanner Tully, who was selected from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday. The 34-year-old Ramirez posted a 2.66 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 40.2 innings last season and may receive some attention on the waiver wire from teams in search of bullpen depth.

The Yankees optioned Beeter to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

The move corresponds with the Yankees calling up Tanner Tully. Beeter made New York's Opening Day roster as part of the bullpen, and he threw a scoreless ninth inning in Friday's win over the Astros. Beeter will get some reps in Triple-A and work towards returning to the majors.

The Astros activated Abreu from the restricted list Saturday, per MLB's transaction log.

Abreu has served his two-game suspension for intentionally throwing at the Rangers' Adolis Garcia in Game 5 of the ALCS in 2023. Abreu will be available for Saturday's game against the Yankees.

Stephenson (shoulder) threw off the mound Friday and noted that he hopes to be back by the end of April, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Stephenson has been dealing with right shoulder soreness since late February. His availability for Opening Day was taken off the table during spring training before he was ultimately placed on the Angels' 15-day injured list Thursday. Stephenson spent the 2023 season between the Pirates and Rays, posting a 3.10 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 77:16 K:BB over 52.1 innings.