MLB Player News

Martinez (elbow) will throw an extended bullpen session Friday, the Associated Press reports.

The right-hander was knocked around for nine earned runs across 6.1 innings over his last two relief appearances before going on the injured list April 24 with right forearm inflammation and a strained right elbow. Martinez was able to throw a bullpen session Tuesday without any residual effects, setting up what is likely to be a longer session Friday. It's possible Martinez will embark on a rehab assignment sometime next week.

Armstrong (neck) is close to beginning a rehab assignment, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Armstrong missed all of spring training and the first month of the season with a neck injury, but he's almost ready for game action. He's on the 60-day injured list and not eligible for activation until late May.

Rodriguez (oblique) allowed one hit and struck out one over one scoreless inning for Triple-A Worcester on Thursday.

Rodriguez was making his first appearance on a rehab assignment. The 31-year-old lefty has been out of commission since a mid-March Grapefruit League game.

Pop exited Thursday's game against the Red Sox with right hamstring discomfort, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

The Blue Jays said they will give Pop the night to rest and reevaluate him tomorrow. However, the injury appears to be a longer-term issue that will ultimately force him to the injured list. Pop has struggled early on this season, posting a 6.59 ERA across 13.2 innings.

Lopez (biceps) blew the save Thursday against the Twins. He allowed one run on one hit while striking out one over one inning.

Lopez had been dealing with bicep fatigue since exiting Sunday's outing due to the issue but was cleared for action Thursday and ended up toeing the rubber in the eighth inning. Though Lopez allowed just one hit in his only frame of work, it was a costly one, as Byron Buxton clubbed a solo home run to equalize the score 2-2. The 29-year-old righty is off to a poor start to 2023, holding an 8.78 ERA to pair with an 0-2 record while converting on just three of seven save attempts. The only saving grace for Lopez has been his strikeout ability, fanning 20 in 13.1 innings. With Liam Hendriks (illness) on the 15-day injured list, Lopez could still see some opportunities moving forward, though Keynan Middleton or Kendall Graveman could push him for temporary closing duties given Lopez's struggles.

Pop was helped off the field by a trainer after suffering what appeared to be a right leg injury Thursday against the Red Sox, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Pop struck out Jarren Duran in the eighth inning, but he started to limp after the final pitch of the at-bat and had to be removed from the game. It's unclear if a stint on the injured list will be required.

Assad tossed five scoreless innings of relief in Thursday's loss to the Nationals. He allowed two hits and struck out one.

With Jameson Taillon (groin) returning from the injured list and only going three innings to start the game, Assad was needed to provide some length. He did that and kept the Cubs in the game, though they fell 4-3 on a walkoff home run. Assad entered the contest with an ugly 9.82 ERA but was able to lower that figure to 5.84. The righty doesn't have a ton of fantasy value as a long reliever, though he could enter the rotation at some point this year.

Adam picked up the save Thursday against Pittsburgh. He allowed two runs (none earned) on one hit and one walk while striking out three during the ninth inning.

Adam nearly blew his second save of the season Thursday, with Tucupita Marcano's hit-by-pitch with one out starting the trouble. Bryan Reynolds then reached via an error, and both runners came around to score on a two-out double by Carlos Santana. However, Adam managed to stave off the Pirates' comeback efforts, striking out Connor Joe to end the game. The right-hander has a 1.46 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB over 12.1 innings this season, and he should continue to receive closer's work with Pete Fairbanks (finger) on the 15-day injured list.

Minter allowed a hit and struck out two in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Thursday's 6-3 win over Miami.

Minter has dealt with some trouble in recent outings, but Atlanta's lead was never in danger Thursday. This was just his third scoreless effort in his last seven appearances. He has a 7.47 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 19:3 K:BB across 15.2 innings this season and is 7-for-9 in save chances, though Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) is nearing his return to the injured list and should quickly reclaim closing duties.

Lange picked up the save in Thursday's 2-0 victory over the Mets. He allowed one hit while striking out two over one scoreless inning.

Lange turned in another scoreless outing, marking his 11th consecutive appearance without giving up a run while nabbing his fifth save of the campaign. He has bounced back from a poor start to the season, striking out at least one batter in every appearance since April 9 after failing to record a punchout in his first 3.2 innings. Though Lange has shown the ability to be a trustworthy closing option, save opportunities will likely come at a premium considering the Tigers are 13-17 and tout one of the least talented MLB rosters.