MLB Player News

Valdez (finger) threw a 20-pitch live bullpen Friday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

The lefty starter avoided season-ending surgery on the finger injury and has made rapid progress in his recovery, with Thursday's live session being the next step toward a return. Valdez was stellar in 2020 and, after recovering from the injury and rehabbing in the minors, will slot in as a key cog in the Houston rotation.

Arihara (finger) completed a bullpen session Thursday with no issues and will start Saturday versus the Mariners.

The 28-year-old was pushed back from Wednesday's scheduled start after receiving an injection in his right middle finger earlier in the week, but he'll only end up having his outing pushed back a few days. Arihara has a 5.76 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 14:9 K:BB through 25 innings this season, and he's surrendered 11 runs across his past two starts.

Verlander (elbow) has thrown from 90 feet and said Friday that he is feeling great, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The righty still has no timeline for his return from October 2020 Tommy John surgery, but his rehab appears to be progressing well. The upcoming free agent is intent on returning next season after making a full recovery, stating that his career is far from over and that he thinks he can get back to the pitcher he was pre-surgery.

Zulueta will undergoing season-ending knee surgery after suffering a significant injury during Wednesday's start, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports.

The 23-year-old was making his professional debut at Low-A Dunedin on Wednesday, and he suffered the knee injury while covering first base during the first inning. It's a tough break for Zulueta, who only recently returned from Tommy John surgery and will now have to look toward retaking the field in 2022.

Manoah allowed two hits over six scoreless innings in his debut for Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday. He struck out 12 without walking a batter.

The right-hander made it clear that his dazzling performance this spring was no fluke, as he carved up a Worcester lineup that included Jeter Downs and Jarren Duran while tossing 50 of 81 pitches for strikes. If there was one blot on his ledger it was that he plunked three batters, but it's hard to get too critical about a 6-6 hurler who isn't afraid to work inside with his high-90s heat. Between his talent and the Jays' need in the rotation, Manoah may not be long for the minors if he keeps pitching like this.

Arihara (finger) was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

An earlier report had Arihara throwing a bullpen Wednesday, but it was pushed to Thursday. If the right-hander comes out of the session without a setback, he is expected to start Saturday. If not, then Dane Dunning will start Saturday with Kyle Gibson going Sunday.

Ryu (2-2) gave up four runs on six hits and a walk while fanning six across five innings Thursday at Oakland. He was credited with the win.

Ryu didn't have his best stuff Thursday and tied a season high in runs allowed, but he still found a way to pick up his second win of the campaign. The veteran left-hander has done a good job limiting walks this season and owns an excellent 8.0 K/BB through 32.2 innings so far. He is slated to take the ball next week on the road against Atlanta.

Heaney did not allow a run on four hits and walked one while striking out 10 over 6.2 innings of work in Thursday's loss to the Rays. He didn't factor into the decision.

The lefty had his best outing of the year, as he threw 60 of his 95 pitches for strikes. The 29-year-old now holds a 4.20 ERA on the year, but his sterling 44:10 K:BB and 1.04 WHIP suggest that he'll be able to bring that number down.

McKenzie (1-1) pitched five scoreless innings on two hits and four walks while striking out five, earning the win over the Royals on Thursday.

McKenzie turned the tide Thursday, earning his first win of the season while holding the opposition off the scoresheet for the first time. However, the 23-year-old still walked four batters for the fourth start in a row. He'll carry a 4.94 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in 23.2 innings into Wednesday's start against the Cubs.

Cole allowed two earned runs on five hits and no walks while striking out four across seven innings Thursday against the Astros. He did not factor into the decision.

Cole allowed two solo home runs -- both to Yordan Alvarez -- but otherwise held Houston without an extra-base hit. It was something of a down performance in the sense that Cole only managed four strikeouts, but the rest of his line was still typically strong. For the season, Cole has a 1.61 ERA with a sensational 66:3 K:BB across 44.2 innings. He currently lines up to draw his next start Wednesday at Tampa Bay.