MLB Player News

Pruitt (forearm) is scheduled to throw live batting practice against JJ Bleday (knee) on Friday, the team's official site reports.

Pruitt remains without an exact timetable for return after hitting the injured list back on Aug. 20, but Friday's planned activity level is naturally encouraging. The right-hander had generated a career-best 2.98 ERA alongside a 2-6 record and four holds over 38 appearances (six starts) when the injury bug bit.

Stephenson struck out the only batter he faced to earn the save Wednesday against the Twins.

Colin Poche was called upon to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning and got the first two outs while also allowing a walk. Stephenson followed and struck out Christian Vazquez on three pitches to end the game and tally his first save of the season. Stephenson has been excellent since joining the Rays by maintaining a 2.43 ERA and 0.69 WHIP with a 53:8 K:BB across 33.1 innings. However, he isn't likely to see more save chances with Pete Fairbanks -- who was likely unavailable Wednesday due to a heavy recent workload -- locked in as the team's closer.

Pressly allowed two earned runs on two hits and a walk while striking out one Wednesday against the Athletics.

Pressly was called upon to pitch in the ninth inning with a six-run lead, as he had not taken the mound since Saturday. After retiring the first batter he faced, he allowed three straight batters to reach base, which ultimately accounted for the two earned runs surrendered. Pressly has a 5.23 ERA and 1.35 WHIP since the All-Star break while allowing at least one earned run in six of his 21 appearances, but there's no indication that his role as closer is in jeopardy.

Munoz picked up the save in Wednesday's 3-2 victory over the Angels. He allowed one hit while striking out two in a scoreless inning.

Munoz struck out a pair of Angels, reaching 101.9 mph on his fastball before Brett Phillips was caught stealing to end the game. The 24-year-old Munoz has delivered three consecutive scoreless appearances after allowing a run in each of his previous three outings. He improves to 13-for-16 in save opportunities this season with a 2.89 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 62:21 K:BB across 43.2 innings.

Hernandez was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

The right-hander was optioned to Round Rock in late August but will rejoin the Rangers on Wednesday with Max Scherzer (shoulder) headed for the injured list. Hernandez has struggled to a 6.45 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 25:14 K:BB across 22.1 big-league innings this season.

Boston recalled Walter from Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Walter is replacing Kenley Jansen, who landed on the COVID-19-related injured list Wednesday after testing positive for the virus. Walter, 27, has allowed 17 runs -- 16 earned -- on 30 hits and seven walks in 20 major-league innings this season.

Crochet (shoulder) advanced his rehab assignment Wednesday from Double-A Birmingham to Triple-A Charlotte, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Crochet struck out five batters and issued no walks over two scoreless -- and hitless -- innings of relief at the Double-A level. Out since June 20 due to left shoulder inflammation, he could return to the White Sox as early as this weekend.

Stanek (ankle) will throw a bullpen session Wednesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Stanek landed on the 15-day injured list after spraining his right ankle early last week, but it's looking like he'll have a shot to return when his 15 days are up. He holds a 4.07 ERA and 49:21 K:BB over 48.2 innings this season.

Wantz will serve as the Angels' opening pitcher Wednesday in Seattle, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The Angels haven't designated a bulk reliever to work behind Wantz, but Jose Suarez (shoulder) -- who was activated from the 60-day injured list Monday -- could be the top option to fill multiple innings out of the bullpen. Wantz holds a 4.13 ERA and 24:11 K:BB over 28.1 frames for the Halos this season.

Stewart (elbow) is headed to Triple-A St. Paul to begin a rehab assignment, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Stewart hasn't appeared in a game in nearly three months while dealing with elbow tendinitis and a subsequent setback. It appears he's made some recent progress, though, and he would seem to have a shot to make it back before the end of the regular season. Stewart has been a pleasant surprise out of the Twins' bullpen this season with a 0.70 ERA and 35:11 K:BB over 25.2 innings of work.