MLB Player News

Taillon (ankle) could make a minor-league rehab start during the coming week, Max Goodman of SI.com reports.

Taillon tossed a bullpen session Saturday, and his next step is expected to be a short rehab start within the next several days. If that goes well, the right-hander could subsequently return to the Yankees rotation, per Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record. Taillon's last big-league appearance was Sept. 6 against Toronto, when he gave up three runs in seven innings and suffered the loss.

Junk will start Wednesday's game against the Astros, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The 25-year-old gave up one earned run in 4.1 frames during his previous start last week, and it appeared he was set to lose his rotation spot with Alex Cobb back from the injured list. Junk will instead receive at least one more turn through the rotation. He's allowed two earned runs on nine hits with four strikeouts and one walk in eight innings across his first two big-league starts.

Boyd (elbow) is scheduled for a second visit with Dr. Neal ElAttrache early next week, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Boyd recently had a visit with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister, and he's now scheduled to check in with Dr. ElAttrache, both of which are known for their experience with Tommy John surgery. A decision has yet to be made on whether the left-hander will require the procedure, but it appears to be a possibility and leaves his availability for 2022 in question.

Ryan (wrist) will make his next start in Wednesday's game against the Cubs, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Ryan was pushed back from starting Sunday while recovering from a bruised right wrist, but he'll rejoin the rotation Wednesday after receiving a couple extra days to recover. The 25-year-old has pitched well through his first three big-league starts with a 2.12 ERA, 0.53 WHIP and 14:2 K:BB in 17 innings.

The Yankees could activate Severino (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list as early as Monday, Max Goodman of SI.com reports.

Severino impressed during his most recent live batting practice session Friday, but it's unclear if that'll be enough for him to rejoin the big club, or if he'll need to complete another bullpen session or two prior to being reinstated. Regardless, Severino is slated to fill a relief role for the Yankees upon his return, and he may need to prove himself in lower-leverage scenarios before manager Aaron Boone trusts him in bigger spots. Severino's last big-league appearance came during the 2019 postseason, as he missed the entire 2020 season while requiring from Tommy John surgery last February. He's been sidelined throughout the 2021 campaign while continuing his recovery from surgery and having experienced groin- and shoulder-related setbacks during his rehab assignments this summer.

Valdez (finger) will start Monday's game against the Angels, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Valdez was considered questionable to start Monday while recovering from a cut on the index finger of his left hand, but he'll rejoin the rotation after being scratched from Thursday's scheduled start. The 27-year-old has a 3.26 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 109:50 K:BB across 116 innings this season.

Bassitt (face) could be activated from the 10-day injured list Thursday to start the Athletics' series finale against the Mariners in Oakland, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Sidelined since Aug. 17 after taking a line drive off the face and suffering facial fractures that required surgery, Bassitt initially looked like he could be at risk of missing the rest of the season. The right-hander has made tremendous progress in his recovery, however, and after tossing a simulated game Saturday without issue, he looks to be on the cusp of rejoining the 28-man active roster. The Athletics will likely have Bassitt complete a bullpen session Monday as a final test of his health before reinserting him into the rotation. Since he's slated to return from the IL without completing a rehab assignment beforehand, Bassitt could be subject to a limited workload in his first start in more than a month.

Lynch (calf) is expected to make his next scheduled start Tuesday versus Cleveland, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Lynch left his last start Thursday versus Oakland due to calf tightness in the third inning. It doesn't appear as if the injury will cost him any additional time. The southpaw has a 5.34 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 48:26 K:BB in 59 innings across 13 starts this year, and he carries a 4-5 record into Tuesday's start.

Singer is expected to be activated from the injured list and start Game 1 of Monday's doubleheader versus Cleveland, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Singer was placed on the injured list Friday for an undisclosed reason. The quick return indicates he's cleared COVID-19 protocols and will be able to pitch in the first game of the twin bill. He'll still need to be officially activated prior to the start.

Watkins was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday.

Watkins has an 8.42 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 33:19 K:BB over 51.1 innings this season and will head back to the minors. Recent waiver claim Brooks Kriske was added to the major-league roster in a corresponding move.