MLB Player News

Cortes gave up two earned runs on five hits and zero walks while striking out seven over seven innings against the Twins on Friday. He did not factor in the decision.

Cortes deserved the win, but Clay Holmes blew a 3-2 lead in the eighth inning. This was Cortes' best and longest start of the season, but his first without a victory. He threw 93 pitches and appears to be in midseason form. Per usual, he leaned on his 87-mph cutter (43 percent usage) while getting four whiffs on nine swings against his offspeed pitches.

Varland gave up three earned runs on six hits and one walk while striking out eight in six innings Friday against the Yankees.

He did not factor in the decision, but Varland's eight strikeouts were a career high. His velocity was up across the board compared to 2022, as he averaged 96.2 mph with his four-seam fastball and 91.4 mph on his cutter, which he threw 39 percent of the time. It was an impressive showing from Varland, but it's possible this will end up just being a spot start if Kenta Maeda (arm fatigue) will indeed be ready to start next week after having his turn skipped this weekend.

Berrios was limited to 77 pitches Friday against the Rays after taking an 111.8 mph Yandy Diaz comebacker off the inside of his left knee, but he is expected to make his next start, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports.

Despite the early exit, this was still easily Berrios' best start of the year, as he gave up one earned run on four hits and zero walks while striking out six in five innings en route to his first win of the season. There's always a chance the knee feels worse in the coming days, but it's encouraging that manager John Schneider gave Berrios a vote of confidence right after the game. Assuming he stays on turn, Berrios would face the Astros in Houston next week.

Bradish built up to 83 pitches in Friday's rehab start for Double-A Bowie and said his foot is 100 percent healed, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

He gave up three earned runs on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts in five innings Thursday, and his comments after the outing suggest he's ready to return to the majors. Assuming he does get activated next week, he could start Wednesday in Washington on normal rest or in a weekend series at home against the Tigers on extra rest following Thursday's off day.

Ray (elbow) will be re-evaluated Monday, after which a throwing program could be mapped out, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Manager Scott Servais said Ray looks good and feels good, so it sounds like doctors will evaluate him before clearing him to begin a throwing program. Ray could require multiple rehab starts to get built back up, so a return in early May seems like a best-case scenario.

Springs (arm) is expected to miss a minimum of two months, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Springs underwent an MRI on his left arm Friday after experiencing some nerve discomfort during his start Thursday afternoon against the Red Sox. Topkin notes that the Rays are seeking out multiple opinions, but the early indications are not good. The elbow issue could even be an injury that requires surgery and leads to a long-term absence. Springs landed a four-year, $31 million contract extension in January and had posted excellent numbers out of the gate this season.

The Mariners selected Milone's contract from Triple-A Tacoma on Friday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

He'll make a spot start Friday at home against the Rockies, filling in for Marco Gonzales (paternity). Milone tossed five scoreless frames in his lone start for Tacoma this season and holds a career 4.60 ERA over parts of 12 major-league seasons. Chances are, he'll be designated for assignment after Friday's outing.

Seattle placed Gonzalez on the paternity list Friday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Gonzales had been slated to start Friday against the Rockies, but those duties will now fall to Tommy Milone. While a specific return date to the Mariners' rotation for Gonzales isn't clear, he should be ready sometime next week.

Paxton (hamstring) will make at least one additional rehab start after Friday's outing before being considered for activation, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Paxton was a little wild but generally effective over three innings in his first rehab start with Triple-A Worcester and will look to get a little more stretched out Friday. If he has just one more rehab outing after that, it could potentially set him up to join Boston's rotation as soon as April 24. Nothing has been decided regarding Paxton's return date or role, however.

Sale's next start will come Tuesday against the Twins, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

With Brayan Bello (forearm) ready to return from the injured list Monday, the Red Sox have elected to give Sale an extra day of rest. The veteran left-hander could probably use an extra day to work on things, as he'll carry an 11.25 ERA into next week's matchup versus Minnesota.