MLB Player News

Mize (elbow) will throw off the slope of the mound Wednesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

It will be the first time Mize has thrown off of any kind of incline since he underwent Tommy John surgery last June. The right-hander had a bit of a hiccup when he had to be shut down a while with back soreness, but he's back on track now. A late-season return remains possible.

McKenzie (elbow) will be shut down from throwing for "several weeks" after he was diagnosed Tuesday with a UCL sprain, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The elbow sprain prompted McKenzie's move to the 15-day injured list Saturday. He'll receive a second opinion on his injury, but McKenzie estimated it could be a month before he starts throwing again, which likely pushes his earliest potential return date into August.

Minnesota optioned Varland to Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday.

Varland was lit up for six earned runs over 4.1 innings in his last turn through the Twins' rotation Sunday versus the Tigers. The 25-year-old right-hander carries a 3-3 record with a 5.30 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 54:16 K:BB in 56 major-league innings (10 starts) this season. This move likely clears the way for Kenta Maeda (triceps) to rejoin the Minnesota rotation later this week.

Rodriguez (finger) will throw live batting practice Saturday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

It will be the first time Rodriguez has faced hitters since he landed on the injured list late last month with a ruptured A4 pulley in his left index finger. Assuming he gets through Saturday's session with no issues, Rodriguez could be ready for a rehab assignment soon.

Brito will start for the Yankees on Wednesday against the Mariners, Max Goodman of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Brito was spotted in the clubhouse Tuesday, and manager Aaron Boone later confirmed that the righty would indeed be taking the ball versus Seattle, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. Brito has collected a 5.58 ERA and unimpressive 30:18 K:BB over 40.1 innings in the majors this season. Even in a pretty favorable matchup, he's not a great streaming option.

The Angels transferred Suarez (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

Suarez has been on the injured list since May 8 with a left shoulder strain, and his recent transfer to the 60-day IL will keep him out for at least the first week of July. The move opens up a spot for Kevin Padlo to be selected from Triple-A Salt Lake and join the Angels' infield.

Oakland transferred Rucinski (illness/knee) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

This move clears out a 40-man roster spot for Yacksel Rios, who is joining the A's bullpen. Rucinski originally landed on the 15-day IL in late May due to a stomach illness and then recently suffered a low-grade MCL sprain in his right knee. He won't be eligible for activation until late July.

Williams will be called up by the Guardians from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday to make his major-league debut versus the Athletics, Guardians Perspective reports.

Williams was arguably the best pitching prospect in baseball still in the minors and now he's on his way to the big leagues. A first-round pick in the 2021 first-year player draft, Williams has collected a 2.39 ERA and 81:24 K:BB over 60.1 innings covering 12 starts between Columbus and Double-A Akron this season. With Triston McKenzie (elbow) and Cal Quantrill (shoulder) out indefinitely, Williams should have an opportunity to stick in the majors over the long haul if he pitches well. He should be rostered in all fantasy formats.

Lyles did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk over six innings against the Tigers. He struck out three.

Lyles notched his second quality start of the year and first since April 17. The right-hander hasn't exactly been sharp in 2023, boasting a 6.72 ERA, but he has been able to eat up innings, completing at least five frames in 13 of his 15 outings (85.2 innings total). However, that alone isn't enough to warrant much fantasy attention, so until Lyles turns things around, he can safely be left on the waiver wire in standard leagues.

Berrios (7-5) took the loss Monday, allowing five runs on eight hits and one walk over four innings against the Marlins. He struck out four.

Berrios flirted with a no-hitter last time out, but he couldn't replicate that form and struggled mightily versus Miami. It was just the third time all season that the right-hander had given up at least eight hits and five runs in a game and the first time since May 1. Despite the poor outing, Berrios still sports an above-average 3.64 ERA and 1.21 WHIP while posting a modest 79:26 K:BB through 15 starts (89 innings). He'll look to shake off Monday's outing in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for a home matchup versus the Athletics.