MLB Player News

Blackburn (forearm) is throwing in extended spring training and could begin an official rehab assignment next week according to Athletics head trainer Nick Paparesta, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Blackburn has been progressively working his way to health while throwing to hitters over the last several days. It appears he's getting closer to game action, which could leave him poised for a June season debut if he remains free of setbacks.

Lynn (2-4) earned the win Tuesday, shutting out the Tigers over 6.2 innings with four strikeouts while allowing five hits and a walk.

Lynn stayed out of trouble by keeping the ball on the ground, as he recorded 14 groundouts versus just two flyouts. It was just the second time all season he walked fewer than two batters, and the improved command was a very welcome sight, as Lynn entered Tuesday's tilt with an abysmal 7.0 BB/9. The 31-year-old still carries a bloated 6.34 ERA and may be in jeopardy of losing his spot in the rotation at some point if his early-season troubles persist much longer, but he figures to be safe in the short term. His next start is slated to come Monday against the Royals.

Sale (5-1) allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks across 7.2 innings while earning the win Tuesday against the Rays. He struck out nine.

Sale pounded the strike zone at a 65 percent clip and finished with at least nine strikeouts for the fourth straight start. He allowed a solo home run in the fourth inning and was charged with an unearned run after a passed ball set up a sacrifice fly in the fifth. Sale has been simply outstanding this season, compiling a 2.17 ERA and a 12.3 K/9 while allowing two earned runs or fewer in eight of 11 starts. He'll look to keep it up Sunday against the Braves.

Hammel (1-5) picked up the win Tuesday, throwing seven innings with six strikeouts while allowing one run on nine hits against the Cardinals.

Hammel was finally able to get in the win column in 2018, and put together what was arguably his best start of the season. The 35-year-old threw first-pitch strikes to 20 of the 29 batters he faced, and induced 14 swinging-strikes en route to a season-high six strikeouts. The nine hits allowed were still a bit high, but all nine were singles and he was mostly able to scatter them thanks in part to a pair of unsuccessful stolen-base attempts. Despite the good performance Tuesday, Hammel will carry a 5.70 ERA into Sunday's tilt against the Rangers.

Boyd was pulled from Tuesday's game against the Twins with left oblique spasms, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Boyd lasted only four innings (61 pitches) and allowed two runs on one hit with two walks and four strikeouts. The 27-year-old started the fifth inning with back-to-back walks which prompted a visit from the athletic trainer, and he subsequently left the game. The initial diagnosis of oblique spasms rather than a strain is a good sign, but Boyd's status for his next expected start -- Monday against the Angels -- should be considered questionable for the time being.

Chirinos (forearm) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with High-A Charlotte on Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Chirinos has been on the disabled list all month with a forearm strain. He reported feeling good following a live batting practice session Monday, clearing the way for him to head out on what will presumably be a lengthy rehab stint.

Stroman (shoulder) resumed throwing Monday, Mike Wilner of Sportsnet 590 The Fan reports.

Stroman threw for the first time since landing on the disabled list earlier in May with shoulder fatigue. While he reported feeling good afterwards, the 27-year-old remains without a timetable for his return. Joe Biagini should continue to fill in for Stroman in the meantime.

Schmidt (elbow) threw a simulated game Tuesday, Steve Givarz of 2080 Baseball reports.

Schmidt, the Yankees' first-round pick in the 2017 first-year player draft, continues to slowly work his way back from Tommy John surgery that he underwent in April of 2017. His fastball velocity was apparently sitting around 92-93 mph in the simulated outing, which is around his pre-surgery velocity. The 22-year-old will continue to ramp up his throwing before hopefully joining a minor-league affiliate in the coming months.

Mejia (finger) will return from the disabled list to start for Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Mejia has been out since late April with a blister. He's thrown just nine innings for Rochester this season, allowing six earned runs. In 21 starts for the Twins last year, he posted a 4.50 ERA with equally unimpressive strikeout (19.2 percent) and walk (9.9 percent) rates.

Berrios (5-4) struck out nine and allowed just two runs on three hits and two walks through eight innings to earn the victory Monday over the Tigers.

Berrios had the nastiest of curves working Monday night, as he needed just 30 of them to induce six swinging strikes and four outs in play. When he can throw that pitch for a strike, it's almost impossible for hitters to keep their balance, as they have to not just be ready for the curveball, but a fastball that touched as high as 96.0 mph against the Tigers. Berrios has used consecutive quality starts to drive his ERA down to 3.82 and will look to stay hot Sunday against the Mariners.