MLB Player News

Romano (elbow) threw from 90 feet Friday, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Romano resumed his throwing program Monday and has already been stretched out to 90 feet. The 31-year-old has been brought along slowly since being placed on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation and it's unclear if he'll require a rehab assignment at this point. Yimi Garcia has earned three saves since Romano went down and should continue to operate as Toronto's closer in Romano's absence.

Francis is a candidate to start or serve in a bulk relief role Saturday against the Guardians, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The Blue Jays are declining to name a starter at this point, but Francis is likely to be their primary pitcher, whether it's as a traditional starter or a bulk reliever. Francis went four scoreless innings in a start his last time out but holds a 7.36 ERA over seven appearances (three starts) this season.

The White Sox optioned Leasure to Triple-A Charlotte on Friday.

Leasure earned a high-leverage role with a 2.52 ERA through his first 26 outings this season, but he'll head to the minors after giving up six runs in his past four outings. The right-hander is a decent bet to rejoin Chicago later in the summer, especially if the club offloads any bullpen pieces ahead of the trade deadline.

The White Sox selected Kuhl's contract from Triple-A Charlotte on Friday.

Kuhl will get his first taste of MLB action this year after making 11 starts among 13 appearances for Charlotte, compiling a 1-3 record with a 4.34 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP across 56.0 innings. While he'll likely start out in the White Sox's bullpen, Kuhl could be utilized as a starter if Chicago finds itself in a pinch. Jordan Leasure was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

The Angels reinstated Bachman (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list Friday and optioned him to Double-A Rocket City.

Bachman has spent the past few months recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, and after tossing three innings in his first rehab appearance with Rocket City, he'll remain at that level until the Angels have an opening on their big-league staff. The 24-year-old garnered a 3.18 ERA in 17.0 innings with the Halos in 2023.

Martin (personal) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester on Saturday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Martin hasn't pitched this month due to anxiety. The reliever is eligible for activation Monday and seems likely to return at that time, although the Red Sox have been careful not to project a return date given the sensitive nature of Martin's absence.

The Mariners recalled Bolton from Triple-A Tacoma on Friday.

He's absorbing the roster spot vacated by Emerson Hancock, who was sent back down following a spot start Thursday. Bolton has made 15 relief appearances for the Mariners this season, collecting a 4.41 ERA and 14:8 K:BB over 16.1 innings.

Yarbrough tossed three relief innings against Texas on Thursday, allowing one run on two hits and four walks while striking out three batters.

With Yoshinobu Yamamoto's scheduled start pushed back to Saturday, Los Angeles opted for a bullpen game in the finale of a three-game set against the Rangers. Michael Grove opened and took the loss after allowing two runs in one inning, before Yarbrough settled things down a bit despite issuing a season-high four free passes. Yarbrough has shifted between a starting role and a relief role throughout his career, but he's made all 19 of his appearances so far this year out of the bullpen. The southpaw has covered two or more innings in 11 of those outings, and overall he's posted a 3.11 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 22:16 K:BB over 46.1 frames.

The Marlins designated Smith for assignment Friday.

The right-hander was acquired from the Rays in late March and posted a 4.25 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 23:9 K:BB over 29.2 innings for the Marlins. Smith could head to Triple-A Jacksonville if he passes through waivers unclaimed.

The Marlins recalled Anderson from Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Anderson will start Friday's game against the Nationals. The right-hander's two major-league appearances this season came in relief with the Rangers, but he's posted a 2.51 ERA and 31:4 K:BB over 28.2 innings across six starts at Triple-A in 2024.