MLB Player News

The Royals activated Kolek (oblique) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday.

Kolek is set to make his season debut for the Royals with a start Tuesday versus the Guardians, slotting in as a replacement for Noah Cameron (back). Out since spring training with an oblique strain, Kolek posted a 2.76 ERA and 14:4 K:BB over 16.1 innings in four rehab starts with Triple-A Omaha. He threw 72 pitches in his final rehab appearance, so he could be limited slightly from a workload perspective Tuesday.

The Astros announced Monday that Wesneski (elbow) is continuing to complete regular bullpen sessions as part of his throwing progression, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Wesneski could soon be ready to face hitters in live batting practice, as he's been throwing off a mound at the Astros' spring training facility in Florida for more than a month while he continues his rehab program for Tommy John surgery, which he underwent May 23, 2025. The right-hander will eventually require a lengthy minor-league rehab assignment prior to being activated from the injured list, so he won't be a realistic option to make his 2026 debut for the big club until some point after the All-Star break.

The Astros announced Monday that Blanco (elbow) is continuing to complete regular bullpen sessions as part of his throwing progression, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Still on the mend from June 2025 Tommy John surgery with an internal brace as well as a repair of the flexor tendon of his forearm, Blanco remains at the Astros' complex in Florida to conduct his rehab. He's been throwing off a mound for more than a month now, so Blanco could soon be ready to take the next step in his progression by facing hitters. Blanco is hopeful to return from the 60-day injured list at some point in 2026, though he likely won't be a candidate for activation until after the All-Star break.

Merryweather (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment with the Twins' rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate Tuesday, Theodore Tollefson of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

Merryweather has been shelved since spring training with a left hamstring strain, but he's finally ready for game action. The veteran reliever is signed to a minor-league contract with the Twins and will eventually move up to Triple-A St. Paul.

Slaten (oblique) allowed one hit and struck out two over a scoreless inning for Double-A Portland on Sunday.

Slaten opened the rehab assignment by serving as a game opener for the Sea Dogs. The right-hander's next outing will be Tuesday or Wednesday at Triple-A Worcester, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. It's uncertain if Slaten will require more rehab outings beyond what's coming up in the next two days. He last pitched for Boston on April 4.

Baker earned the save Monday against the Blue Jays, recording the final out of the ninth inning.

Baker entered the ninth with two outs and runners on the corners and induced a flyout from Kazuma Okamoto to seal the win. The quick appearance secured his ninth save of the season, tying him for the American League lead, and he now has five saves in his last six appearances. Baker has been highly effective this season, posting a 2.63 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 15:3 K:BB across 13.2 innings. After a two-pitch workload, he should be fully available for Tampa Bay's next save scenario.

Martinez (3-1) earned the win Monday against the Blue Jays, allowing one run on five hits and one walk while striking out four over five innings.

Martinez continued his efficient run, throwing 51 of 71 pitches for strikes and consistently working ahead in counts. The right-hander has now held opponents to two runs or fewer in all seven of his starts this season, resulting in a strong 1.71 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. The one drawback has been his lack of swing-and-miss, as he's recorded just 28 strikeouts over 42 innings, his lowest strikeout rate since 2017. Martinez is set to take the mound against Boston in his next outing.

Munoz earned a save against Atlanta on Monday, allowing one hit and striking out two batters over one scoreless inning.

Munoz had just a one-run lead to work with when he entered in the bottom of the ninth frame, but he maneuvered around a two-out single to close out the Seattle win. It was a nice rebound performance after the right-hander blew his previous save chance Saturday against Kansas City. Munoz is up to seven saves in nine opportunities on the campaign. His 5.79 ERA is far from pretty, but it's largely due to a five-run blowup over two-thirds of an inning April 15 versus San Diego.

Chapman earned the save Monday against the Tigers, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.

Chapman took care of business in the ninth, retiring the side in order on 13 pitches. Monday's performance tallied his seventh save in as many opportunities and the left-hander has now strung together eight straight scoreless appearances. Chapman continues to be nearly untouchable, boasting a 0.77 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and a 14:3 K:BB across 11.2 innings.

Soriano (5-2) took the loss against the White Sox on Monday, allowing five runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out five batters over four innings.

Soriano got off to a blazing start to the season -- in fact, he was recently recognized as the AL Pitcher of the Month for April. However, the right-hander couldn't sustain that success against the White Sox in his first real stumble of the campaign. Soriano gave up two runs in the first inning, then served up a pair of homers accounting for three total runs in the fourth. He ended up finishing just four frames, marking his shortest start of the season, while the five runs he surrendered were a campaign-worst mark. Soriano got through his first six starts spanning 37.2 frames having allowed just one homer, but he's now given up four long balls over his past two starts. He still carries a sterling 1.74 ERA overall, and he'll look to get back on track the next time he takes the mound, which is projected to be a road start in Toronto.