MLB Player News

Blackburn (finger) allowed four earned runs on six hits and two walks over 2.2 innings in Triple-A Las Vegas' win over Salt Lake on Sunday. He struck out three.

Blackburn worked up to 62 pitches, but with only 37 finding the strike zone, it's evident that was largely due to control issues. The right-hander surrendered a two-run home run to Mickey Moniak among his six hits, and he's now allowed seven runs (six earned) on 15 hits and three walks across 7.1 frames in his three rehab appearances. Blackburn likely lines up for at least one more start with the Aviators before he's deemed fit for his 2023 big-league debut.

Lynn won't start Monday against the Phillies after the game was postponed due to inclement weather in Chicago, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

The White Sox and Phillies will make up the game as part of a straight doubleheader Tuesday. Expect Lynn to take the hill for one of those games, while Lucas Giolito starts the other half of the twin bill.

Bradley has been added to the Rays' taxi squad and is in line to start Tuesday in Cincinnati, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Bradley was optioned to Triple-A Durham a day after making his major-league debut last Wednesday, but he's now positioned for a long-term stay in the Rays' rotation with Jeffrey Springs (elbow) likely to miss at least the next two months. Bradley struck out eight in his debut versus the Red Sox, getting charged with three runs over five innings along the way. He should be scooped back up in fantasy leagues where he was dropped.

Rodriguez did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four runs on six hits with two walks over five innings in the victory over the White Sox. He struck out eight.

Despite giving up two home runs in the first inning, Rodriguez bounced back by working in more of his changeup, racking up a career-high eight strikeouts. The 23-year-old didn't allow another run for the remainder of his outing, pitching solidly until being relieved in the sixth. While Rodriguez struggled early this season, this performance showcased his potential to become a dominant force on the mound with continued refinement of his approach. He will bring a 6.91 ERA and 1.60 WHIP into his next start, scheduled tentatively for the upcoming series with Detriot.

Lopez and the Twins are expected to finalize a four-year, $73.5 million contract extension Monday, Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reports.

Lopez had been slated to hit free agency after the 2024 season but looks set to remain in Minnesota through the 2027 campaign. The right-hander has had a fantastic start to his Twins career, riding a new sweeper and velocity bump to a 1.73 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 33:6 K:BB across 26 innings through his first four starts.

Houck is listed as Boston's starting pitcher for Thursday's game versus the Twins, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Houck might eventually be booted from the rotation with Brayan Bello returning from the 15-day injured list Monday and James Paxton (hamstring) not far off from being activated either, but Houck will make at least one more start as the Red Sox use a six-man rotation this week. The right-hander has been effective in his career both as a starter (3.39 ERA) and reliever (2.68 ERA) and holds a 4.50 ERA in three starts this season.

Gambrell (ankle) made his season debut Thursday in High-A Greenville's 10-8 loss to Asheville, covering 4.2 innings and striking out six while allowing four earned runs on seven hits and four walks.

Though Gambrell wasn't sharp in his season debut, the Red Sox organization was likely just content to see the right-hander healthy again after he had his entire 2022 campaign wiped out by an ankle injury. The 25-year-old will likely need to string together several quality outings in a row before Boston will entertain promoting him to Double-A Portland.

The Red Sox activated Bello (forearm) from the 15-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Monday versus the Angels at Fenway Park.

After opening the season on the shelf due to a forearm issue, the right-hander was excellent in his lone rehab start at Triple-A Worcester on April 11, striking out four over six frames of one-run ball. Fantasy managers in shallower leagues may want to take more of a wait-and-see approach with Bello before inserting him into lineups, but he should be rostered in most deeper leagues.

Gray (elbow) said he was essentially pain free and is expected to throw his in-between starts bullpen session Wednesday, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports. "I really think I dodged a bullet," Gray said. "I came out of it less sore than I thought I'd be."

Gray intended to play catch Sunday and again Monday before Wednesday's bullpen. If all goes well, the right-hander is planned to start Friday against Oakland, which ranks 26th in OPS (.683).

Sears did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing two runs on four hits over six innings. He struck out three.

Sears pitched well overall but was punished by the long ball in Sunday's outing. The 27-year-old allowed a solo blast to Tommy Pham in the second to get the scoring started for the Mets. He eventually retired 13 straight batters before allowing another solo home run in the sixth, this time to Francisco Lindor to put the Mets back up 2-1. Sears earned his first quality start in three tries this season and now sits at a 4.60 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and a 12:2 K:BB over 15.2 innings. He's tentatively lined up to face the Rangers on the road next weekend.