MLB Player News

Borucki (finger) was activated off the injured list Saturday, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports.

Borucki had been out since late April with a blister. He made just two appearances prior to suffering the injury, throwing 1.1 scoreless innings. His return gives the Blue Jays another fresh arm for the second half of their doubleheader against the Guardians, with Julian Merryweather, who tossed two innings in the afternoon game, heading to the minors to clear a roster spot.

Merryweather was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports.

Merryweather threw two scoreless innings in the afternoon portion of Saturday's doubleheader but will make way on the roster as the Blue Jays activate Ryan Borucki (finger) ahead of the nightcap. Merryweather had struggled prior to Saturday's outing, which was only enough to cut his season ERA to 6.94.

Cousins' elbow injury is a concerning one and may involve issues with his UCL, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Cousins has been on the injured list for six days with what was originally called a right elbow effusion. Any mention of the UCL implies that Tommy John surgery could be on the table. The Brewers expect to know more about the problem next week.

Fleming was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Saturday.

Fleming served as the primary pitcher Friday against the Mariners and allowed two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out one in 2.2 innings. After posting a 6.38 ERA and 1.96 WHIP in 18.1 innings over six appearances (two starts) in the majors, the southpaw will attempt to sort things out in the minors. The Rays haven't indicated who will take Fleming's place in the rotation, but Ralph Garza will likely be a candidate after he was recalled Saturday.

Frias was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Friday.

Frias' stay on the big-league roster lasted just over a week. He made two relief appearances, giving up five runs in 2.1 innings while striking out two and walking four. He'll return to the minors as J.B. Wendelken returns from the COVID-19 injured list.

Mills, who fired a scoreless two-thirds of an inning in a loss to the Rays on Friday, has posted a 1.59 ERA and 0.53 WHIP across 5.2 innings over his first four appearances.

The right-hander has been a pleasant surprise since being recalled from Triple-A Tacoma, where he'd been similarly impressive with a 1.93 ERA and 0.77 WHIP over six appearances. Mills has primarily been utilized in low-leverage scenarios thus far after posting a 9.95 ERA and 2.05 WHIP in 11 outings with the Mariners last season, but that could certainly change if he continues to impress.

Hjelle was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday.

Hjelle was recalled by the Giants on Friday, and he struck out one in a scoreless inning during the team's loss to St. Louis. However, he'll head back to the minors after Dominic Leone (illness) was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Saturday.

Moreta will serve as the opener in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Pirates, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Robert Dugger was initially listed as the starter for Saturday's nightcap, but the Reds will instead elect to use Moreta as an opener. Over his first 12 relief appearances this season, Moreta has posted a 5.11 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 12.1 innings.

Hernandez and the Royals won't play Saturday against the Orioles after the game was postponed due to inclement weather.

The Royals and Blue Jays are already scheduled for a doubleheader Sunday after Friday's matchup was called off, so Saturday's matchup will be made up Monday. Hernandez will take the mound Monday since Daniel Lynch is pitching in Sunday's matinee with Zack Greinke starting in the nightcap, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Bachman pitched three scoreless innings for Double-A Rocket City on Friday, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one.

Bachman opened the minor-league season on the injured list due to back spasms, but he was activated prior to making his season debut Friday. The right-hander needed only 32 pitches to get through three scoreless frames, and his fastball sat in the 92-95 mph range, per Jared Tims of Talkin' Halos. Bachman was a first-round pick by the Angels in last season's first-year player draft and is among the team's top prospects after posting a 3.77 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 15:4 K:BB across 14.1 innings at the High-A level in 2021.