MLB Player News

Brasier (calf) threw Wednesday and will pitch a simulated game Friday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

The righty continues to progress in his recovery from a left calf strain and appears close to beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester. After an inconsistent 2019, Brasier flashed signs of improvement last year and could earn a considerable role in the Red Sox bullpen upon returning.

Harvey (oblique) is expected to be reinstated from the injured list this weekend, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Although manager Brandon Hyde didn't specify which day Harvey will be activated, the right-hander is nearing his 2021 debut after he missed the start of the year due to a strained left oblique. In four appearances (one start) during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk, he's posted a 4.26 ERA and 1.80 WHIP in 6.1 innings. Harvey could be in the mix for save chances once he rejoins the major-league bullpen.

Kowar was named the Triple-A East pitcher of the month Wednesday after he went 5-0 with a 1.01 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 36:9 K:BB across 26.2 innings in his first five starts of the season.

The Royals already gave Daniel Lynch a look at the big-league level earlier this season, and Kowar is putting himself in position to be the next high-profile pitching prospect to earn a call-up. Kansas City currently has Ervin Santana filling in as its No. 5 starter while Danny Duffy (forearm) is on the shelf, but the 38-year-old isn't viewed as anything more than a temporarily option for a 27-26 Royals squad that was beginning to fade from the wild-card race prior to its ongoing three-game winning streak. Expect Kansas City to eventually make developing its younger options a greater priority as the season unfolds, making the 24-year-old Kowar an attractive pitcher to stash in deeper leagues.

Megill (forearm) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Megill completed his rehab assignment Tuesday when he tossed 1.1 scoreless innings for Triple-A Iowa. He's tossed two scoreless innings with the major-league club this season but will remain with the Triple-A club for now.

Leone allowed a hit and struck out two in a scoreless inning in Tuesday's 8-1 loss to the Angels.

Leone kept the blowout from getting worse in the ninth inning of the loss. The veteran right-hander last appeared in the majors with Cleveland, where he had an 8.38 ERA and 1.97 WHIP across 9.2 innings last season. He'll likely begin his San Francisco career in a low-leverage relief role.

Menez pitched two perfect innings and struck out two in Tuesday's 8-1 loss to the Angels.

Menez hadn't pitched very efficiently in four appearances with Triple-A Sacramento, but his season debut for San Francisco went smoothly. The 26-year-old may not stay on the major-league roster for long, but he'll serve as a multi-inning option out of the bullpen.

Lowther will be recalled by the Orioles on Wednesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Lowther was scheduled to start for Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, but he'll instead rejoin the Orioles to serve as a long-relief option. Since starter Matt Harvey is pitching on three days' rest in Wednesday's game against the Twins, he's not expected to work deep into the contest, which could pave the way for Lowther to serve as a primary pitcher out of the bullpen. In three starts since he was optioned to Triple-A, Lowther posted a 7.15 ERA and 2.07 WHIP in 11.1 innings.

Nelson (forearm) threw a batting practice session Tuesday and could come off the injured list by the weekend, the Associated Press reports.

Nelson has been on the injured list since May 20, but he has been throwing often enough to potentially return to the club without first embarking on a rehab stint. The right-hander has pitched well in relief for the Dodgers this season, posting a 2.41 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, two holds, one win and a 30:11 K:BB across 18.2 innings.

Rodriguez (shoulder) showed increased velocity in a minor-league rehab appearance Monday and could return to the big club this weekend, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The outing with Triple-A Salt Lake was Rodriguez's second as he rehabs from a shoulder injury. Angels manager Joe Maddon indicated that the appearance went well while suggesting that Rodriguez is on the verge of a return. "His velocity was up, breaking ball felt very good and he felt upbeat and positive after he was done," Maddon said. "So we're looking to get him back relatively quick. He's on the verge of getting back up here."

Young (2-4) earned the win in relief Tuesday against the Mets. He gave up one run (unearned) on one hit across one inning.

Young gave up a run in the top of the 10th inning following an RBI double from James McCann that scored Jose Peraza. However, the Diamondbacks responded with two runs in the bottom of the frame, allowing Young to earn his second victory of the campaign. The left-hander has given up runs in four of his last six outings, though, and he's looked far from dominant on the mound of late.