MLB Player News

Bazardo was recalled from Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday.

The right-hander made his big-league debut April 14 during a doubleheader against the Twins while serving as the Red Sox's extra player, and he was sent down following the twin bill. Bazardo should work in a low-leverage role out of the bullpen.

Pivetta was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday while experiencing side effects from the vaccine.

The 28-year-old picked up the win Sunday against the Orioles with a quality start and apparently received the vaccine in the past couple days. Pivetta lined up to start Friday against the Angels, and he could still return from the COVID IL to pitch if he's feeling better.

Thompson (1-1) gave up an unearned run on a hit and two walks in two-thirds of an inning in Wednesday's extra-inning loss to Cleveland.

One of Thompson's walks was of the intentional variety to load the bases. He got Cesar Hernandez to pop up for the second out, but Amed Rosario lined a walkoff single to right. Thompson has yet to to be charged with an earned run in his first 8.1 big-league innings. He's posted a 1.56 WHIP and 2:6 K:BB in four appearances and is likely best suited for low-leverage work as he adjusts to the majors.

Karinchak (1-0) pitched a scoreless 10th inning with one walk and two strikeouts to earn the extra-inning win Wednesday versus the Cubs.

Karinchak kept the game tied at 1-1 in the top of the 10th, and Amed Rosario's walkoff single in the bottom half of the frame secured Cleveland's win. The 25-year-old Karinchak remains an effective option in the late innings with a 0.52 ERA, 0.46 WHIP and 33:5 K:BB across 17.1 innings this season. He's gone 3-for-4 in save chances and also owns five holds in 18 appearances.

Hentges allowed four hits and four walks over 4.2 scoreless innings while striking out six in a no-decision versus the Cubs on Wednesday.

Hentges made his first major-league start Wednesday, and it went reasonably well. He threw 46 of his 84 pitches for strikes and none of his mistakes ended up on the scoreboard. The southpaw owns a 3.29 ERA through 13.2 innings, although his 1.76 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB are a cause for concern. The 24-year-old tentatively lines up for his next start versus the Angels next week.

Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said Wednesday that Merryweather (oblique) has resumed playing catch off flat ground, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

While the news represents a tangible sign of progress for Merryweather, he's still only in the initial phase of a throwing progression that will likely span multiple weeks. He'll still need to throw multiple bullpen sessions, face hitters in live batting practice and complete a minor-league rehab assignment before Toronto is comfortable bringing him back from the 60-day injured list. Merryweather shouldn't be expected to return from the IL until early-to-mid-June at the soonest.

Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said Hatch (elbow) would throw a simulated game Thursday consisting of about 2-to-3 innings, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Hatch is ready to move on to the next phase of his rehab from a right elbow impingement, which has sidelined him since late in spring training. Due to his extended shutdown, Hatch will likely throw at least one more simulated game after Thursday's before the Blue Jays send him out for a minor-league rehab assignment. Hatch is unlikely to be activated from the 60-day injured list before the end of May.

Sims (2-1) pitched two perfect innings and struck out four, earning the win in Wednesday's 5-1 win over the Pirates.

The righty reliever posted his best outing to date in what's been a difficult season thus far. His ERA, now 5.54, has been inflated by three bad, multi-run outings. That being said, Sims is part of what's overall been an underwhelming bullpen and continues to pitch in close games, which leads to opportunities for winning decisions like he earned Wednesday.

Pagan has made 16 appearances out of the San Diego bullpen this season, posting a 2.57 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 18:6 K:BB to go with five holds over 14 innings.

The right-hander notably has a zero in the saves column, as manager Jayce Tingler committed to Mark Melancon as the team's closer Opening Day and hasn't wavered since. Melancon (0.60 ERA, 11-for-11 in save chances) has done his part to maintain his spot atop the depth chart, so those holding Pagan at this point should be doing so mainly for what he can provide in the ratio categories.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Suero (oblique) would be activated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Wednesday's game against the Phillies, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

Suero is ready to make his return from a nearly month-long absence due to a left oblique strain. Though he was tagged for two runs over his lone inning of relief Sunday in a rehab outing with Triple-A Rochester, Suero's oblique apparently checked out fine during the appearance. Prior to landing on the shelf, Suero posted a 1.42 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 6.1 innings out of the Washington bullpen.