MLB Player News

Norris will start the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Dodgers, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The 28-year-old has given up four earned runs over six innings out of the bullpen this season, though he's allowed only five hits and has a strong 8:1 K:BB. The doubleheader is a result of a postponement Friday, and Norris will start a bullpen game in the nightcap while Drew Smyly (personal) starts the matinee.

Milner tossed a scoreless ninth inning in Thursday's 10-5 victory over the Reds.

With the Brewers up five runs, Milner was called upon to finish Thursday's game, and he came through as expected. He resides near the bottom of the Brewers' bullpen pecking order but he has been sharp to kick off the 2022 campaign, posting a 2.08 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 8.2 innings over 10 appearances.

Otto and the Rangers won't play against the Yankees on Friday after the game was postponed due to inclement weather.

Friday's matchup will be made up as part of a doubleheader Sunday, while Otto will start Saturday's matchup against the Yankees, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports. Over his first two starts of the year, he's posted a 2.89 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 9.1 innings.

Underwood (hamstring) is scheduled to join Triple-A Indianapolis over the weekend to continue his rehab assignment, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Underwood has made two appearances with Single-A Bradenton, walking two with no strikeouts across 1.2 innings. He's been sidelined since Opening Day, so he's understandably showing some rust. He'll likely need a few more rehab appearances but is scheduled to be evaluated for a potential return Monday.

Kelly (biceps) has thrown two scoreless innings while striking out three and walking one while on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte.

Kelly began the rehab assignment May 1, and he pitched again three days later. He is targeting a return to the White Sox at some point during the team's upcoming series against Cleveland and appears to be on track to do so. The White Sox boast a deep bullpen, but Kelly should still have the chance to pitch in high-leverage situations upon his activation.

Chavez is starting Friday's game against the Brewers, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The right-hander's first eight appearances of the season have come as a reliever, and he's posted a 2.84 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 13:2 K:BB in 12.2 innings. However, Chavez will draw the start in Friday's series opener against Milwaukee after Bryce Elder and Kyle Muller were recently demoted. Chavez made just four starts in 2021, so it's possible he moves back to the bullpen following Friday's outing.

Montero struck out one and did not allow a baserunner in a scoreless eighth inning to earn a hold Thursday against the Tigers.

Montero shifted back to an eighth-inning role due to the return of Ryan Pressly (knee). Montero needed only 12 pitches to retire the side and maintain a 2-0 lead for Houston. While he should be projected for a setup role, it will be worth monitoring the effectiveness of Pressly, who blew the save chance Thursday in his first appearance since being activated from the injured list.

Fleming will pitch behind opener Matt Wisler against the Mariners on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Fleming has a 6.32 ERA, 1.85 WHIP and 16:6 K:BB through five outings this season, and he'll follow an opener Friday for the fourth time. The 25-year-old has a 3.12 ERA in his three previous appearances as a primary pitcher, so his outlook is significantly improved compared to when he works as a traditional starter.

Medina (1-0) picked up the win in Thursday's comeback victory over the Phillies, allowing one hit and striking out one over 2.2 scoreless innings of relief.

Facing the team that drafted him back in 2014, Medina entered the game with one out in the sixth inning and the Mets in a 7-1 hole, and the 25-year-old was rewarded for his efforts when New York rallied for an incredible seven runs in the top of the ninth. Medina has seen his prospect stock tumble in recent years in the Phillies' system, but he could be making a home for himself as a long reliever in the Mets' bullpen.

Littell (0-1) was tagged with the loss against St. Louis on Thursday, pitching two innings and allowing one run on two hits while striking out three.

Littell missed over a week while on the COVID-19 injured list, but he was activated Thursday and immediately thrust into action in a bullpen game for the Giants. The right-hander was the second pitcher to appear for San Francisco, and he was the only hurler on the team to complete two full innings. Littell looked good by throwing 26 of 36 pitches for strikes and fanning three, but a Yadier Molina solo homer in the third inning was enough to have him tagged with the loss. The run was the first allowed by Littell in seven appearances this season.