MLB Player News

Bieber will make his next start Sunday against the Orioles, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Adam Plutko will join the rotation Saturday, allowing Bieber to make his next start on an extra day of rest. The 23-year-old is looking to bounce back after allowing five runs on seven hits across 6.1 innings in a loss to the White Sox his last time out. Bieber owns a 3.81 ERA and 9.8 K/9 through eight starts this season.

Manager Chris Woodward confirmed Smyly (ankle) would make his next start Sunday against the Cardinals, Robert Falkoff of MLB.com reports.

Initially lined up to start Friday in the series opener, Smyly will be pushed back a couple days to afford him more time to recover from the left ankle sprain he sustained in his previous outing last weekend against the Astros. Smyly was deployed behind an opener in that contest, but he's slated to work in a more traditional starting role in his return to the mound.

Urquidy has been promoted to Triple-A Round Rock, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Urquidy was the Opening Day starter for Double-A Corpus Christi, for whom he went 2-2 with a 4.09 ERA while striking out 40 in 33 innings. The 24-year-old right-hander has been with the organization since 2015 and pitched effectively during his first two years, but he disappeared after 2016 due to Tommy John elbow surgery. He returned midseason last year, and 2019 is his first full season since the surgery.

Javier was promoted to Double-A Corpus Christi on Wednesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Javier, who was the organization's pitcher of the month for April, racked up a 0.94 ERA and 40 strikeouts over 28.2 innings for High-A Fayetteville. The 22-year-old right-hander from the Domincan Republic pitched as both a reliever and starter upon entering the organization, but the Astros have committed him to being a starter since the beginning of 2018.

Odorizzi (6-2) allowed three runs on nine hits with three strikeouts and two walks across 5.1 innings during a victory against the Angels on Wednesday.

For the first time since April 22, Odorizzi gave up runs, snapping a streak of 22 straight scoreless innings. All three runs came via the long ball against Odorizzi -- it was the first time this year he's allowed more than one homer in a game. Although snapping the streak was disappointing, Odorizzi still improved to 6-2, and he owns a 2.63 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 46 strikeouts in 48 innings this year. His next scheduled start will be against these same Angels.

Rodriguez allowed five runs on nine hits and a walk, striking out 10 and taking a no-decision after pitching six-plus innings in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Rockies.

Rodriguez got into trouble to start the seventh inning, and Matt Barnes was unable to stop the bleeding as the Rockies rallied to tie the game. Rodriguez sees his ERA jump back up to 4.89 across 49.2 innings this year, and he's racked up 56 strikeouts. The lefty will try to get back on track Monday in Toronto.

Verland (7-1) allowed a run on two hits and two walks, striking out nine batters over seven innings to earn the win in Wednesday's 5-1 win over the Tigers.

Verlander gave his former team very little to work with in this outing. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 2.38 in 64.1 innings this year. He also has a 0.79 WHIP and 77 strikeouts. Verlander has allowed one run or fewer in seven of his 10 starts, and he will look to continue his early-season success against the White Sox on Tuesday.

German (8-1) allowed one earned run on six hits and a walk while striking out eight across seven innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Orioles.

German took advantage of a matchup against the Orioles, allowing only one run on a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning. He worked efficiently, needing only 85 pitches to record 21 outs (64 of his offerings found the zone). German appears to be in the midst of a breakout campaign, posting a 2.50 ERA and 0.95 WHIP across 50.1 innings. He'll look to maintain the strong results in his next start, currently scheduled for Monday at Baltimore.

Smyly (ankle) could have his next scheduled start pushed back a day or two, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Smyly is tentatively scheduled to start Friday against the Cardinals, though that could change due to a minor ankle sprain he's currently nursing. It doesn't sound like the issue is serious enough to force him onto the injured list, but the Rangers could play it safe and give the left-hander some extra rest before his next outing to ensure the injury doesn't linger. Should Smyly have his start pushed back, Ariel Jurado is a candidate to get the ball Friday.

Heaney (elbow) threw four innings in an extended spring training game Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Heaney fired 58 pitches in Wednesday's outing and said he felt fine afterward. Assuming the southpaw checks out OK in the coming days, he'll likely be cleared to join a minor-league affiliate for his next outing. Heaney is expected to make two rehab starts before rejoining the Angels.