MLB Player News

Howard (finger) will now start Sunday's game against the Athletics, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

Howard was expected to return from the 10-day injured list for Friday's series opener in Oakland, but he'll be pushed back two days since Jon Gray (knee) is expected to require a trip to the IL. Glenn Otto will now start Friday, while Howard will get a few extra days of rest. Howard allowed six runs on six hits and no walks while striking out five in three innings during his season debut against the Blue Jays.

Otto is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to start Friday's game against the Athletics, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

Otto began the year in the minors and struck out nine in seven scoreless frames in his first two starts in Round Rock. He made his last start April 15, so he'll be fully rested while filling in for Jon Gray (knee) as the starter in Friday's series opener in Oakland. Otto made six starts for the Rangers last year and posted a 9.26 ERA and 1.71 WHIP in 23.1 innings.

Romano earned the save after allowing one run on one hit during the ninth inning of Thursday's 3-2 win over the Red Sox. He walked one and didn't record a strikeout.

Romano came on in the ninth inning in relief of starter Kevin Gausman, who allowed a leadoff single to Trevor Story. Romano proceeded to walk the first batter he faced and allowed an RBI double to the subsequent hitter Xander Bogaerts. However, the closer was able to lock down his seventh straight save to start the season after getting three consecutive groundouts to end the game.

Pagan earned the save Thursday against the Royals after not allowing a hit during a scoreless ninth inning. He walked one and didn't record a strikeout.

The veteran journeyman got the his first save opportunity of the season with a one-run lead after Tyler Duffey blew his second save earlier this week. Pagan walked Michael Taylor to lead off the inning, but he proceeded to retire the top of the Royals lineup in order on just four pitches. Pagan notched 20 saves in 2019 with Tampa Bay, but Tuesday's outing was just third since. For now, Pagan and Duffey appear to be in a timeshare for closing duties in Minnesota, but Pagan could earn more opportunities if Duffey continues to trend in the wrong direction.

Morgan is starting Friday's game against the Yankees, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Morgan's first three appearances of the year have come as a reliever, and he's posted a 4.50 ERA and 0.83 WHIP in six innings. However, he made 18 starts for Cleveland last year and will step in as a starter in Friday's series opener after Cal Quantrill was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday. Morgan is likely to be limited to about 60 pitches given his highest pitch count of the season so far is 46.

Gomez had elbow surgery last August and should return for Low-A Tampa sometime in the first half of this season, Jim Callis of MLB.com reports.

Given this timetable, we can rule out Tommy John surgery, so it may have been some kind of cleanup procedure. Gomez is already 22 and has not pitched above Low-A.

Brieske will have his contract selected by the Tigers on Saturday and start at home against the Rockies, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Brieske has made two appearances at Triple-A Toledo this year and has struck out nine while giving up five runs in 10 innings. The right-hander will make his major-league debut as Saturday's starter, but his status on the big-league roster following the outing will likely depend on when Matt Manning (shoulder) and Casey Mize (elbow) are cleared to return from the injured list.

Henriquez was held back in extended spring training, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

Henriquez, who was acquired from Texas in the Mitch Garver trade, logged 93.2 innings across High-A and Double-A last year, so there wouldn't be a workload reason to hold him back. With this in mind, he is likely either injured or working on his mechanics. He should eventually be assigned to Double-A Wichita.

Harvey landed on the 10-day injured list Thursday with a pronator strain in his right arm, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Harvey simply hasn't been able to stay healthy throughout his career, and he was unable to even make it to the end of April before hitting the injured list yet again. He's pitched well in his four appearances for the Nationals, throwing 2.2 scoreless innings with three strikeouts, one walk and one hit, but it could be a while before he pitches again. He'll be out until the start of May at a minimum but could miss at least several more weeks. The Nationals have yet to specify when he's expected to return.

Alcala (elbow) has been shut down from throwing, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Alcala made just two appearances this season before hitting the injured list with elbow inflammation. He resumed throwing Friday, just four days after being placed on the injured list, but he didn't feel right and will now back off again. Manager Rocco Baldelli said the Twins will have him "reset to zero," so this may be more than a brief pause. He'll still have to build back up once he's ready to go again, so it seems likely that he'll miss at least several more weeks.