MLB Player News

Lugo (3-3) earned the win Thursday over Tampa Bay, allowing two runs on five hits over six innings. He struck out five.

Lugo was sharp Thursday, allowing just a solo homer to Yandy Diaz in the first inning before the Rays added a second run with two outs in the sixth. It's the third straight quality start for Lugo, who's allowed just five runs over 20.2 innings in that span. His ERA is down to 3.07 with a 1.05 WHIP and 34:12 K:BB across seven outings (44 innings) this season. Lugo will look to keep rolling in his next start, currently lined up for next week against the White Sox.

The Athletics plan to recall Hoglund from Triple-A Las Vegas to start Friday's game against the Marlins, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

Hoglund has been dominant through six starts in Triple-A, logging a 2.43 ERA and 1.06 WHIP alongside a 30:7 K:BB across 29.2 innings. Thanks to his success, the 25-year-old righty will now come up from the minors to help out an Athletics rotation that owns a 4.66 ERA on the year.

The Astros optioned Blubaugh to Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday.

With the Astros opting to skip Hayden Wesneski's turn through the rotation this week, Blubaugh was summoned from Triple-A on Wednesday to make a spot start in his MLB debut. The 24-year-old was the pitcher of record in Houston's 7-4 loss to Detroit, covering four innings and allowing seven runs (two earned) on five hits and one walk while striking out six. Wesneski is expected to return to action next week and Lance McCullers (forearm) is slated to come off the injured list and start Sunday against the White Sox, so the Astros didn't have room for Blubaugh in the rotation beyond Wednesday.

Bradford (elbow) threw from 90 feet on flat ground this week, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The left-hander will begin throwing breaking balls next week and believes he will be ready to throw off a mound within the next three weeks. That timeline suggests Bradford will not be back before the end of May, but he is making progress. The southpaw is on the 60-day injured list and working his way back from a left elbow sprain.

Gray (wrist) has been cleared to do some light throwing next week, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Gray received clearance after getting good results from an X-ray earlier this week. It will be a slow and steady progression for the right-hander as he works his way back from a fractured right wrist. Gray doesn't have a timetable, but a return before the All-Star break seems unlikely.

Rocker (shoulder) said Thursday that he will likely throw a bullpen session next week, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Rocker -- who was placed on the 15-day injured list last week with a right shoulder impingement -- has been throwing on flat ground and should take the next step of his progression soon. The rookie right-hander is eligible for activation late next week, but it does not sound like he will be ready to return at that time.

Ragans (groin) will throw a bullpen session Friday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

A mild left groin strain kept Ragans from making his scheduled start Wednesday versus the Rays, but as long as he gets through Friday's bullpen session without issue, he'll rejoin the Royals rotation Monday against the White Sox. Noah Cameron -- who started Wednesday in Ragans' place -- has already been sent back down to Triple-A Omaha, suggesting the club feels confident Ragans will be ready to go Monday, although Cameron could technically rejoin the big club that day if Ragans goes on the IL. However, all indications are that an IL stint will not be necessary for Ragans.

The Royals optioned Cameron to Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

Cameron took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his major-league debut Wednesday against the Rays, ultimately tossing 6.1 scoreless frames on one hit and five walks with three strikeouts en route to picking up a win. With Cameron being sent back down to the minors, the Royals must feel good about Cole Ragans' (groin) ability to make his next start. Cameron has certainly earned the right to be first in line the next time the big club needs a starter.

The Rangers acquired Segura from the Phillies on Thursday in exchange for right-hander Daniel Robert.

A 20-year-old right-handed starter, Segura signed with the Phillies out of the Dominican Republic in January 2022 and reached full-season ball for the first time in 2024. He returned to the Florida State League this season and had produced a 3.18 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 19:8 K:BB in 17 innings with Single-A Clearwater before being dealt to the Rangers. Segura is likely to report to Single-A Hickory with his new organization.

Bieber (elbow) will throw a live batting practice session at the Guardians' training complex in Arizona on Friday, MLB.com reports.

Bieber was recently transferred to the 60-day injured list, which is not a concern. It allows for more flexibility with the 40-man roster, and the right-hander is still on schedule for a mid-summer return.