Pearson (elbow) has progressed to throwing a live batting practice session, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pearson developed soreness in his surgically repaired right elbow a month ago and has been brought along slowly since then. That he's now facing hitters suggests a rehab assignment could be right around the corner. Pearson signed with the Astros over the offseason with the intent to be a starting pitcher, but his best path to a role right now is as a reliever.

The Dodgers transferred Cousins (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for righty Jake Eder, who was acquired from the Nationals on Wednesday. Cousins is recovering from Tommy John surgery and will be sidelined until after the All-Star break.

The Dodgers acquired Eder from the Nationals on Wednesday in exchange for cash considerations, Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic reports.

Eder had been designated for assignment by the Nationals and is now headed to a new organization. The left-hander has minor-league options remaining and is likely to be assigned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Eder has made nine relief appearances at the big-league level, allowing 11 runs with a 16:10 K:BB over 20.1 innings.

Ponce will visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Monday to determine whether he needs surgery to repair a sprained right ACL, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Ponce suffered the injury during his first start of the season Monday against the Rockies. He will have an outside chance to return later this season if surgery is not required, but if he does need an operation, he'll be shelved until 2027. In either scenario, Ponce appears safe to drop in most redraft fantasy leagues.

Kerkering (hamstring) will make the second of back-to-back rehab appearances Wednesday at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Kerkering is eligible for activation from the 15-day injured list April 6, and making back-to-back appearances points to him being ready to go on that date. He's been working his way back from a strained hamstring that knocked out most of his spring training.

Bowden (lat) struck out a batter and allowed one earned run on three hits over an inning of relief Monday in Triple-A Las Vegas' 13-8 loss to Oklahoma City.

After closing out the 2025 season on the Athletics' injured list while recovering from a left lat strain, Bowden re-signed with the franchise on a minor-league deal over the winter but didn't end up appearing in any games during the Cactus League. However, the veteran southpaw was evidently healthy enough to avoid a stint on Las Vegas' injured list to begin the season. He should serve as a key reliever for the Triple-A club while he awaits a potential call-up to the big-league bullpen.

The Orioles selected Suarez's contract from Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday.

Suarez joins the active roster as a replacement for Zach Eflin (elbow), who was placed on the 15-day injured list. The 36-year-old Suarez will provide some length out of the Orioles bullpen.

Bolton earned the save in Tuesday's 9-2 win over the Red Sox, allowing a run on three hits and a walk over three innings. He struck out five.

Making his first appearance with the Astros, Bolton earned his first career save, pitching the final three innings in Tuesday's decisive victory. The 27-year-old right-hander made Houston's Opening Day bullpen with numerous pitchers starting the year on the injured list. Bolton has a career ERA of 5.60 with a 1.78 WHIP over 45 innings across four seasons.

Junk didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 9-2 win over the White Sox, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk over 4.1 innings. He struck out five.

The 30-year-old right-hander was comfortably sitting 94-96 mph with his four-seam fastball while mixing in a curve, changeup, slider and sweeper, but Junk threw just 50 of his 79 pitches for strikes and couldn't last long enough to quality for the win, despite getting plenty of support from the Marlins' offense. He's just keeping a spot in the rotation warm for a younger arm like Braxton Garrett or Robby Snelling, but there's been no suggestion he's getting replaced just yet. Junk lines up to make his next start at home early next week against the Reds.

Duran gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his second save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Nationals.

The right-hander fanned Jose Tena and Joey Wiemer while touching 99.9 mph with his fastball. Duran is 2-for-2 in converting save chances with a 3.38 ERA and 5:0 K:BB through 2.2 innings and three appearances as he begins his first full season as the Phillies' closer.