MLB Player News

Winn (ankle) will make his next scheduled start Sunday at Salt Lake, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Winn was hit in the ankle by a comebacker in his previous start but escaped without serious injury. He'll return without missing a turn in the rotation and will look to build on his 2.20 ERA and 15:5 K:BB through his first four starts.

Manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Houck will continue to pitch out of the bullpen for now, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck's last two appearances came out of the bullpen to work around his placement on the restricted list, and he struck out six in 4.2 scoreless innings. Garrett Whitlock has impressed this season, so he'll draw the start Wednesday against the Angels. However, Cora didn't commit to Whitlock as a long-term starter, so it's certainly possible Houck rejoins the rotation at some point.

Whitlock will start Wednesday's game against the Angels, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Whitlock has been dominant over six appearances (two starts) this season, posting a 0.54 ERA and 0.78 WHIP in 16.2 innings. The right-hander's start against the Blue Jays on Thursday happened since Tanner Houck was on the restricted list due to his vaccination status. However, Whitlock made enough of an impression to draw at least one more start, while Houck will continue to pitch out of the bullpen. Manager Alex Cora didn't commit to Whitlock as a long-term starter and instead said that his role will be determined one turn at a time.

Wolf is on the 7-day minor-league injured list with an undisclosed injury.

Wolf, who was part of the package from the Mets in the Francisco Lindor trade, has yet to pitch in 2022. The right-hander posted a 5.35 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 67:34 K:BB at Single-A Lynchburg last season and will likely begin the season at that level once he's healthy.

Espino was removed from Friday's start at Double-A Akron due to patella tendinitis, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Espino apparently felt something in his knee during his last start, and he received treatment ahead of Friday's outing. He exited Friday's matchup after he aggravated the issue while covering first base. Prior to the right-hander's departure, he allowed a run on three hits and a walk while striking out five in 4.2 innings. Espino drew attention in spring training and has posted a 2.45 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 35:4 K:BB in 18.1 innings over four starts in Akron to begin the season. It's not yet clear whether his injury will force him to miss additional time.

Syndergaard (illness) returned to the Angels' clubhouse Saturday after being scratched from Friday's start against the White Sox, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Syndergaard's illness wasn't believed to be related to COVID-19, and his quick return to the clubhouse supports that optimism. Manager Joe Maddon said Friday that the right-hander could pitch later in the team's series against the White Sox, but it's not yet clear when that might occur. Left-hander Jose Suarez is slated to start Saturday's game.

Ober (groin) was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday, retroactive to April 29.

Ober exited Thursday's start against the Tigers due to a right groin strain and felt better Friday, but he'll still miss at least one turn through the rotation. Cole Sands was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday, while Josh Winder is a candidate to serve as a spot starter next week.

Ryu (forearm) threw three innings during a simulated game Saturday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Ryu looked healthy during Saturday's throwing session, so manager Charlie Montoyo is optimistic that the southpaw will begin a brief rehab assignment sometime next week. He'll presumably miss at least one more turn through the rotation, but Ryu appears likely to rejoin the Blue Jays sometime in May.

Bello allowed two runs on three hits and four walks while striking out eight over 5.1 innings for Double-A Portland on Friday.

The 22-year-old Bello, who is on Boston's 40-man roster, has struck out 38.5 percent of the batters he's faced through four starts (32 strikeouts, 83 batters). Friday's wayward walk total marked the first time Bello's encountered command issues. His changeup has become a plus pitch, which is effective alongside a triple-digit fastball, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. "It has very good action," Red Sox assistant general manager Eddie Romero said. "Out of his hand, it looks like a fastball and then at the last minute, it tends to fade into one direction or the other. So that's what really makes it tough. Even if you're sitting on it, it's still a good pitch." Bello was named the organization's minor-league Pitcher of the Year in 2021, when he went 7-3 with a 3.87 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 21 starts combined between High-A Greenville and Portland. He averaged 12.4 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9.

Montas registered a no-decision during Friday's 9-8 loss to the Guardians, allowing five runs on five hits and four walks with six strikeouts in five innings.

Montas pitched well aside from the third inning, when a single and two walks set the table for an Andres Gimenez grand slam, as the only other damage was a Jose Ramirez solo shot in the first. The 29-year-old has delivered three dominant performances and two subpar ones, which has led to a mediocre 4.25 ERA despite a 0.98 WHIP. Montas is set to pitch during next week's series against Tampa Bay.