MLB Player News

Assad didn't factor into the decision Friday against the Reds, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out seven.

Both of the runs charged to Assad came in the fourth inning when the Reds strung together three straight singles. Still, it was a positive effort for Assad overall after he'd given up seven runs (six earned) over 9.2 innings in his previous two outings, though he now has seven or more strikeouts in three of his last four starts. Overall, the 26-year-old right-hander is 4-1 with a 2.27 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 61:26 K:BB through 63.1 innings this season. Assad's currently in line for a rematch with Cincinnati on the road in his next start.

Garcia (elbow) threw 20 pitches in a simulated inning Friday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Garcia faced live batters during the outing and didn't appear to suffer any discomfort or setbacks Friday while he rehabs from Tommy John surgery. The 26-year-old has been throwing small bullpen sessions for over a month and will need a rehab assignment prior to being cleared.

The Padres are still evaluating Darvish's left hamstring injury and have not ruled out him making his next scheduled start Tuesday versus the Angels, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Darvish had to be lifted from Wednesday's outing against the Marlins after his hamstring tightened up on him. While it's a good sign he hasn't been placed on the 10-day injured list yet, no final determination has been made regarding his status for his next turn or a possible IL stint. More clarity on Darvish's situation should be available in the coming days.

Orioles GM Mike Elias announced Friday that Wells will undergo surgery to repair his right elbow's UCL and will miss the remainder of the season, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Wells had begun playing catch while on the road to recovery for his elbow, but his discomfort continued, which will now lead to a season-ending surgery. Elias also stated that it's unknown whether Wells will be getting Tommy John surgery, though more information should be disclosed once the reliever goes in for the procedure.

Matz (back) will throw another bullpen session Friday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Matz threw a light bullpen session Wednesday, which evidently went well. It's not clear whether he'll throw with more intensity Friday, but it would appear he's taking baby steps in the right direction. Andre Pallante is currently filling in for Matz as the Cardinals' fifth starter.

Francis (forearm) is one of the options the Blue Jays are considering as the rotation replacement for Alek Manoah (elbow), Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Francis struck out five while yielding one unearned run over 3.2 innings with Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday in what was likely his final rehab appearance. The righty has been sidelined since late April with forearm tendinitis. Francis holds a 12.96 ERA in two starts and 2.84 ERA in three relief appearances with the Jays this season. Toronto is also considering a bullpen game for Manoah's next turn, which comes up early next week.

Orioles GM Mike Elias announced Friday that Means will undergo surgery to repair the UCL in his left elbow and will miss the rest of the season, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander headed for a second opinion after being diagnosed with a forearm strain last week, and he'll end up having a third straight injury-shortened campaign. It remains to be seen if Means will require Tommy John surgery -- which he also underwent in April 2022 -- or a lesser procedure, but his absence is likely to push into 2025 regardless. It's a rough day for the Orioles rotation, as Tyler Wells (elbow) will also require UCL surgery.

The Blue Jays placed Manoah on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to May 30, with a right elbow sprain, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Manoah has damage to his UCL and will receive a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister next Thursday, per Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca. Season-ending surgery looks like a distinct possibility, but that decision should be made after next week's exam. Manoah has posted a 3.70 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 26:8 K:BB over 24.1 innings covering five starts with the Blue Jays this season.

Oakland recalled Basso from Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.

The 26-year-old southpaw will return to Oakland's roster alongside righty Dany Jimenez as Lucas Erceg gets placed on the 15-day injured list and Tyler Ferguson gets optioned down. Basso has appeared in three games with the Athletics' Triple-A affiliate this year, recording a 14:8 K:BB and 13 earned runs across 12.1 innings.

The Rays optioned Alexander to Triple-A Durham on Friday, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

It was just two weeks ago that Alexander flirted with a perfect game in Toronto, but that outing sticks out like a sore thumb on his game log. The lefty allowed four runs over 4.2 frames versus the Athletics on Thursday to push his ERA on the season up to 6.19. With Zach Eflin (back) poised to rejoin the Rays' rotation soon, Alexander has lost his spot.