MLB Player News

Fleming is expected to pitch in bulk relief behind starter Calvin Faucher in Wednesday's game against the Astros, Marc Topkin and Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times report.

Faucher built up to 46 pitches in his second start of the season last weekend against the White Sox and is returning to the hill on four days' rest, so he and Fleming could be used in more of a piggyback arrangement rather than an "opener"/"primary pitcher" pairing. In that same game against the White Sox, Fleming came on in relief of Faucher to strike out three batters over three scoreless innings, but he didn't factor into the decision. Another 3-to-4-inning workload could be on tap for Fleming on Wednesday.

The Dodgers optioned Jackson to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

Jackson looked like a candidate to fill multiple innings behind starter Tony Gonsolin (ankle) in the latter's return from the injured list Wednesday against the Pirates, but Jackson will instead be sent back to Triple-A to clear a spot on the 26-man active roster for Gonsolin. Over his 11.1 innings out of the Los Angeles bullpen this season, Jackson has posted a 7.94 ERA.

The Padres plan to call up Cosgrove from Triple-A El Paso prior to Wednesday's game against the Cubs, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Cosgrove has gotten off to a nice start at El Paso, having yet to allow a run over 7.1 innings out of the bullpen while striking out seven, although he has issued four walks in that timeframe. The 27-year-old left-hander will be making his MLB debut when he appears in a game with San Diego.

Bolton is expected to be promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis by the Pirates prior to Wednesday's game versus the Dodgers, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

The Pirates haven't announced anything yet, but a jersey bearing Bolton's name was spotted in the team's clubhouse. Bolton has made a full-time move to relief this season and has thrived, holding a 2.38 ERA and 14:2 K:BB over 11.1 innings at Indianapolis. He will need to be added to the 40-man roster.

The Rays selected Burdi's contract from Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Burdi was signed to a minor-league contract by the Rays in January, and the hard-throwing right-hander registered a 6.75 ERA with a 7:7 K:BB with Durham over six appearances. He'll likely operate in the middle innings while he's up with the Rays. Heath Hembree was designated for assignment to make room for Burdi on the 40-man roster and 26-man active roster.

Yarbrough is scheduled to start Wednesday's game in Arizona, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Yarbrough entered the rotation as a replacement for the injured Kris Bubic (elbow) last weekend against the Angels, but he served as a bulk reliever behind opener Taylor Clarke in that contest. After Yarbrough covered four innings and tossed 52 pitches in relief against the Angels, the Royals are seemingly convinced that he's stretched out enough to handle a traditional starting role in his second turn through the rotation. During his time in the Rays organization, Yarbrough frequently worked as a primary pitcher out of the bullpen, so it's possible that the Royals could occasionally deploy him in that capacity if manager Matt Quatraro wants to pair the left-hander with a right-handed opener in certain matchups.

Tate (forearm) will make his next four or so appearances with Double-A Bowie, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Tate made his first rehab appearance with High-A Aberdeen on Tuesday, allowing a run on two hits and striking out two in one inning. He's expected to need four or five more outings at a minimum, including two on back-to-back days, before he's ready to join the Orioles for his season debut.

Martin (shoulder) is scheduled to make a rehab appearance with Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Martin, who was placed on the 15-day injured list April 16 with right shoulder inflammation, is expected to require just one rehab appearance before rejoining the big club as soon as this weekend. Prior to landing on the shelf, Martin had posted a 2.57 ERA and 1.29 WHIP while collecting three holds across seven innings.

Manaea allowed a run on one hit and struck out two over 1.1 innings in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Cardinals. He did not factor in the decision.

Manaea was initially lined up to start Tuesday, but the Giants opted to go with John Brebbia as an opener. Manaea then appeared in the second inning and got four outs in what amounted to a bullpen game for San Francisco. With a 6.61 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 18:7 K:BB across 16.1 innings, it wouldn't be surprising to see the 31-year-old southpaw end up as a bulk reliever against some righty-heavy lineups later in the season. Manager Gabe Kapler is no stranger to using an opener, though it was typically out of necessity with a banged-up rotation in 2022. Since Manaea stayed on his typical schedule, he should be tentatively expected to make his next appearance in Houston next week.

Kahnle (biceps) threw a 15-pitch bullpen session at Target Field on Wednesday, and he'll throw another side session Sunday in Texas, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Kahnle said after his bullpen session Wednesday that he "felt great," but he will now need to see how he responds to the session in the coming days before the Yankees determine his next steps. The 33-year-old has yet to make his season debut after being diagnosed with right biceps tendinitis during spring training. Once healthy, Kahnle should be a middle-innings option out of the bullpen, but he'll likely make multiple rehab appearances before he's eligible to return from the 60-day injured list in late May.