MLB Player News

Eovaldi (elbow) will start a rehab assignment at Triple-A Pawtucket on Wednesday or Thursday, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Eovaldi has been out since undergoing elbow surgery in mid-April, but reports from Saturday suggested that he'd be back within a week. He's being converted to a closer role, so he'll apparently need just a brief rehab assignment before returning to Boston.

Eovaldi (elbow) threw a live batting practice session Monday, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Assuming Eovaldi reports no renewed discomfort in his elbow coming out of the workout, he could be sent out to a minor-league affiliate later in the week to begin a rehab assignment. With the Red Sox already deciding that Eovaldi will likely fill a bullpen role -- and potentially step in as the team's closer -- once he's activated from the 60-day injured list, a lengthy stint in the minors shouldn't be on tap.

Severino (lat) said Monday that he would be willing to fill a bullpen role if the Yankees prefer to bring him back from the 60-day injured list in that capacity later this season, Coley Harvey of ESPN.com reports.

After a shutdown period of just over two weeks, Severino was cleared to resume a throwing program Monday now that his strained right lat has fully healed. Because he's been on the shelf since March with a shoulder injury that later morphed into the lat issue, Severino will need to go through his own version of spring training before making his 2019 debut. Severino, who threw approximately 25 times from 60 feet Monday, would be able to expedite his return to the big club by working in a relief role, but it's unclear if the Yankees are willing to abandon the idea of bringing the righty back as a member of the rotation. Expect the Yankees to provide more clarity on Severino's role once he advances further along in the rehab process.

Gilbert was promoted from High-A Modesto to Double-A Arkansas on Monday, Modesto radio broadcaster Keaton Gillogly reports.

Gilbert will be joined in Arkansas by two of the Mariners' other more highly regarded prospects in right-hander Ljay Newsome and catcher Cal Raleigh. The 22-year-old Gilbert, who began the season in the South Atlantic League before making the jump to High-A, turned in a 1.73 ERA and 1.03 WHIP over his 12 starts with Modesto.

Suarez allowed three runs on seven hits and one walk across 4.1 innings in a no-decision Sunday against the Mariners. He struck out seven.

Suarez labored through the first three frames and was perhaps a bit lucky to escape with only three runs against him. He settled down after that but was removed with an elevated pitch count after recording one out in the fifth. Suarez has struggled to go deep into games of late and has failed to complete five innings in each of his last three starts. He will take a 5.51 ERA into his next outing on the road against this same Mariners team.

Kikuchi allowed three runs on two hits and four walks across four innings in a no-decision Sunday against the Angels. He struck out three.

It was a strange start for Kikuchi, who pitched well over his first four innings aside from a solo home run off the bat of Kole Calhoun. Unfortunately, he allowed the first two hitters to reach before his removal in the fifth and watched as the bullpen allowed both to score. This lackluster outing is a bit discouraging after Kikuchi turned in a stellar performance in his previous start. He will look to get back on track in his next start at home against this same Angels team.

Verlander (11-4) allowed two runs on four hits with one walk and seven strikeouts across six innings while earning a victory against the Rangers on Sunday.

It's no secret that Verlander's biggest problem this season has been tossing up homers, but he kept the ball in the park Sunday. It was the first outing for Verlander without allowing a home run since June 6. Despite the long ball, Verlander is still experiencing a great season with 11 wins, 2.98 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, .169 batting average against and 160 strikeouts in 132.2 innings. Verlander will face the Rangers again at home Friday.

Montgomery (shoulder) threw batting practice over the weekend, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Montgomery was shut down from throwing in June due to shoulder inflammation, but he's progressed to throwing batting practice, which likely means he's closing in on a rehab stint. Skipper Aaron Boone also mentioned that Montogmery has a chance to join the team before the end of the season and become a key contributor. Even so, the Yankees figure to exercise caution with the southpaw, especially considering he's coming off of Tommy John surgery.

Stroman (5-10) was hit with the loss after surrendering three runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out seven over six innings Sunday against the Yankees.

Stroman gave up a two-run single in the second inning, and the Yankees took the lead in the bottom of the fifth on a wild pitch. The 28-year-old did turn in a quality start, though his team wasn't able to provide enough offense for Stroman to come away with the win. He owns a 3.25 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 88 strikeouts over 110.2 innings this season.

Valdez will serve as the primary pitcher Monday against the Angels, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Valdez is set to piggyback off of Josh James, who will toss the first inning or so of Monday's series opener. Valdez owns a 5.28 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with a 41:22 K:BB across 46 innings this season in the big leagues.