MLB Player News

Luzardo (shoulder) completed a 30-pitch simulated game Saturday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Luzardo has been sidelined since mid-March with a left shoulder strain, but his progression to simulated games indicates he's nearing the end of his recovery. The Athletics have yet to announce the next step for the 21-year-old's rehab, but he could make his return to minor-league games within the next few weeks.

Lynch left Saturday's start for High-A Wilmington with a trainer after suffering an apparent arm injury, Clint Scoles of RoyalsAcademy.com reports.

He was apparently shaking his throwing arm after he released a pitch in the second inning. Lynch, a 6-foot-6 lefty, might be the Royals' best pitching prospect. He had a 3.00 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 51:14 K:BB in 54 innings prior to Saturday's start.

Kikuchi will have his next start skipped, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

The Mariners' plan heading into the season was to limit some of Kikuchi's starts to one inning in order to keep his workload light. They'll change plans slightly this time around, skipping him entirely. It certainly seems like a good time to give him a break, as he's given up 11 runs on 20 hits in just 6.2 innings over his last two starts. The Mariners have not announced his replacement in the rotation.

Gibson (6-2) struck out three and picked up the win in Saturday's 6-2 victory over the Rays, allowing one unearned run on six hits and a walk over five innings.

The Rays nicked Gibson in the second inning on three singles and an error by second baseman Jonathan Schoop. However, the 31-year-old was able to dance around trouble in the third inning, when he left the bases loaded, and the fifth, when he stranded two more runners. Gibson will take a 3.75 ERA and 63:15 K:BB over 62.1 innings into his next start Friday, on the road against Detroit.

Chirinos (6-2) took the loss against the Twins on Saturday, giving up four runs on nine hits and one walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out seven as the Rays fell 6-2.

Chirinos gave up two runs on third-inning back-to-back doubles by Jorge Polanco and Marwin Gonzalez and was nicked for single runs in the fourth and fifth frames, the latter on a Marwin Gonzalez solo homer. The right-hander still has a fine 3.25 ERA and 0.95 WHIP to go along with a 49:11 K:BB. He lines up for a tough matchup against the Red Sox in in Fenway Park on Friday.

Sale (1-7) allowed four runs on seven hits with 10 strikeouts and a walk across six innings while taking a loss against the Yankees on Friday.

It was another huge night for Sale in the strikeout category, but his ERA also rose to 4.35, which is a career-worst mark. Sale has posted a 1.4 HR/9 and 2.5 BB/9 this season, which aren't necessarily terrible numbers but also aren't what owners are accustomed to seeing from him. Combine that with some very poor run support, and Sale is 1-7 despite a 1.08 WHIP and 98 strikeouts in 68.1 innings this season. Sale will pitch next at the Royals on Thursday.

Mejia (calf) threw lightly off the mound Friday and is scheduled for a full bullpen session Saturday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

It doesn't sound like the Twins are in any rush to have him return from the IL since he may not have a spot in the bullpen when he returns. Mejia struggled to an 8.74 ERA with nine walks and 11 strikeouts in 11.1 innings before going on the IL. He'd need to clear waivers to be sent to the minors, however.

Turnbull (3-4) picked up the win after allowing one run on five hits and a walk while striking out two over six innings Friday against the Braves.

Turnbull surrendered his only run of the night in the third inning on a groundout to shortstop, but it was smooth sailing from there on. The 26-year-old had spent the last three days on the bereavement list but didn't miss a turn in the rotation while he was away from the team. Following Friday's impressive start, Turnbull sports a 2.84 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with a 64:22 K:BB through 66.2 innings this season.

Berrios didn't factor into the decision after surrendering three runs on three hits and three walks while striking out eight over 6.2 innings Friday night against the Rays.

Berrios surrendered two runs in the second inning on a two-run homer, but his only other run allowed came in the third. The 25-year-old had won six of his last eight starts heading into Friday's matchup, but his offense struck just a little too late for the right-hander to pick up the victory. He owns a 3.27 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 72 strikeouts across 77 innings this season.

Kikuchi could be limited to one inning in his next scheduled start, and it's possible he could simply skip his next outing completely, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Skipper Scott Servais will meet with Kikuchi on Saturday to discuss the matter, and considering the southpaw's struggles of late, now seems like a good time to give Kikuchi a breather. He's been rocked for 11 runs (10 earned) over his last two starts, lasting just 3.1 innings in each.