MLB Player News

The Guardians are expected to promote Nikhazy from Triple-A Columbus ahead of Friday's game against the Red Sox, SI.com reports.

Nikhazy had been working as a starter at Columbus, posting a 3.44 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 22:7 K:BB in 18.1 innings. The Guardians intend to deploy Nikhazy out of the bullpen initially, but he could be the next man up to start if an opening emerges in the big-league rotation.

Ragans was removed from his start Thursday against the Rockies due to groin tightness.

Ragans made it through just three innings in the first game of Thursday's twin bill, during which he surrendered four runs on three hits (including two homers) and two walks while punching out four batters. The Royals haven't offered any specifics on the severity of the left-hander's injury, so it's unknown if he'll be able to make his next scheduled start against the Rays next week, but he'll presumably undergo tests in the near future to determine his availability.

Crochet (2-2) took the loss Thursday against the Mariners, allowing four runs on five hits and five walks over five innings. He struck out nine.

The Mariners got to Crochet early Thursday, scoring twice in each of the first two innings. It's the left-hander's first subpar outing with the Red Sox -- Crochet hadn't allowed more than two earned runs in any of his previous four starts. His ERA still sits at an impressive 1.95 with a 1.05 WHIP and 44:15 K:BB across 37 innings this season. Crochet will look to bounce back in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week in Toronto.

Woo (3-1) earned the win Thursday over the Red Sox, allowing two runs on three hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out eight.

It was another strong effort from Woo, who set a season-high with eight strikeouts while recording his fourth quality start in five outings. The right-hander's ERA is down to 3.09 with a 0.97 WHIP and 30:7 K:BB through 32 innings this season. Woo will look to keep rolling in his next start, currently slated for next week against the Angels.

Gibson dealt with some back tightness during his last start with High-A Aberdeen on Sunday, Jim Hayes of FanDuel Sports Network reports.

Gibson indicated that he feels ready to join the Orioles' rotation, so it doesn't sound as if the back issue he had is a big deal. However, it could have contributed to the Orioles choosing Brandon Young -- rather than Gibson -- to start Friday's game in Detroit. It's not clear whether Gibson will make another start in the minors first, but he's a good bet to join the Orioles' rotation sometime next week. The 37-year-old has been ramping up in the minors after signing with Baltimore late in spring training.

The Twins optioned Festa to Triple-A St. Paul on Thursday.

After getting called up from Triple-A on April 11, Festa didn't reach the fifth inning of any of his three starts but pitched well nonetheless, turning in a 1.38 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 15:5 K:BB across 13 frames. Though Festa has performed well enough to warrant sticking around in the big leagues, the Twins don't plan to expand their rotation to six men and won't have a starting role available for him when Pablo Lopez (hamstring) returns from the injured list this weekend. Festa will continue to stay on a starter's schedule at Triple-A and should be the next man up if an opening in the big-league rotation re-emerges at any point.

Sugano came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Nationals, giving up three runs on five hits over seven innings. He struck out one without walking a batter.

The 35-year-old MLB rookie served up homers to James Wood and Josh Bell in the first inning, but Sugano kept his focus and kept Washington off the board for the rest of his time on the mound. He's produced quality starts in back-to-back outings and has yet to allow more than three runs in any of his first five starts for the Orioles despite a lack of dominance -- he managed only four swinging strikes among his 94 pitches (56 strikes) Wednesday. Sugano will take a 3.54 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 9:5 K:BB through 28 innings into his next start, which is scheduled to come at home early next week against the Yankees.

Hancock (1-1) picked up the win Wednesday in an 8-5 victory over the Red Sox, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out seven.

The seven Ks were a career high for Hancock, who racked up an impressive 32 called or swinging strikes among his 92 pitches (62 total strikes). With George Kirby (shoulder) not expected back until late May or early June, the Mariners have been scrambling to find a fifth starter, and Hancock's performance Wednesday should buy him more time in the role. Over his last two outings, the right-hander has a 3.27 ERA and 11:2 K:BB in 11 innings. He lines up to make his next start at home early next week against the Angels.

Fitts (pectoral) played catch Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Fitts sustained a pectoral strain during a start against the White Sox on April 12. He had opened the season as part of the rotation due to injuries to projected starters. Brayan Bello returned from injury and pitched Tuesday, and Lucas Giolito (hamstring) is expected back May 1. That suggests Fitts will head back to the minors after his recovery.

Crawford (knee) threw an up-and-down bullpen session Tuesday and will report to extended spring training in Fort Myers on Thursday, MLB.com reports.

Crawford will begin the process of pitching to hitters and starting in extended spring training games before embarking on a rehab assignment. The Red Sox estimate a June return at the earliest for the right-hander.