MLB Player News

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde told reporters Wednesday that Eflin (lat) has been cleared to return from the 15-day injured list and will start this weekend against the Twins, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Eflin cleared his final test by throwing a clean bullpen session Wednesday, and the 31-year-old ace will return to the Orioles' rotation this weekend, though which day he'll pitch is to be determined. He went 2-1 over his first three starts prior to landing on the 15-day IL on April 9 due to a right lat strain, registering a 3.00 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 8:1 K:BB across 18 innings.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wednesday that Fitts (pectoral) will throw another bullpen session Thursday, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Fitts will throw off a mound for a second time since he landed on the 15-day injured list in mid-April with a right pectoral strain. He will eventually need to make a rehab start or two before being activated, at which point he will likely be optioned to Triple-A Worcester, as the Red Sox aren't expected to have a rotation spot available for him.

Valdez (2-4) picked up the win in Wednesday's 9-1 victory over the Brewers, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out seven.

The southpaw delivered his fifth quality start of the season on 101 pitches (59 strikes), with only a solo shot by Eric Haase in the fifth inning marring his line. Valdez generated 33 called or swinging strikes as he snapped a four-decision losing streak, and he'll take a 3.94 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 44:17 K:BB through 48 innings into his next outing, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Royals.

Allen came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 8-6 win over the Nationals, giving up three runs on seven hits and four walks over four innings. He struck out three.

The southpaw threw only 48 of 91 pitches for strikes before getting the early hook with Cleveland down 3-0, but an eight-run eruption by the Guardians in the sixth erased the loss on his ledger. Allen has yet to last six innings in an outing this season, limiting his fantasy utility in formats that value quality starts even in favorable matchups. He'll take a 4.33 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 25:19 K:BB through 35.1 innings into his next trip to the mound, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Brewers.

Double-A Chesapeake placed Pham on the 7-day injured list May 3 with right forearm inflammation, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Pham had an excellent first five appearances prior to the injury, logging a 3.42 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 35:9 K:BB in 23.2 innings. The 5-foot-11 righty is already 25 and in his third season at Double-A, as he came into the year with a lackluster scouting report highlighted by a solid cutter and decent control.

Double-A Chesapeake placed Reilly on the 7-day injured list April 23 with right elbow discomfort, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Reilly exited his third start of the year after just one scoreless inning due to the elbow issue. The 23-year-old righty has a 1.86 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 8:4 K:BB through 9.2 innings in his return to Double-A. Reilly's 10.8 percent walk rate this year is a career best.

Faedo (shoulder) has been shut down from throwing due to neck and shoulder tightness, MLB.com reports.

Faedo was scheduled to throw live batting practice Tuesday to begin a spring-training-type buildup. It's unclear when he'll be able to begin throwing again.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Wednesday that McClanahan (triceps) is playing catch from 60 feet, MLB.com reports.

McClanahan resumed simuated throwing in late April and continues to ramp up slowly. He also underwent imaging recently, which came back clean. McClanahan's progress is positive, but he remains without a clear timeline to make his 2025 debut.

Bibee (legs) is listed as the Guardians' probable starting pitcher for Saturday's game against the Phillies in Cleveland.

Bibee dealt with cramping in both of his legs during his most recent start Sunday at Toronto, but after receiving treatment, the right-hander won't have to miss a turn through the rotation. After being named the Guardians' Opening Day starter coming out of spring training, Bibee has disappointed through his first seven outings of the season, going 3-2 with a 4.26 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 7.5 K-BB% in 38 innings. The 7.5 K-BB% represents a drop of nearly 13 percentage points from his 2024 mark.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said that Morton will start Wednesday's game against the Twins in Minnesota, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Morton was demoted to the bullpen last week after getting roughed up over his first five starts and two bulk-relief appearances of the season, but the Orioles never called up a pitcher from the minors to replace him in the rotation. With the Orioles needing to add a fifth starter back to the mix Wednesday, Morton will get the nod, but he's expected to shift back to a relief role immediately after the game. Zach Eflin (lat) appears on track to return from the injured list by the time the Orioles would next require a fifth starter May 17.