MLB Player News

The Rangers transferred Bradford (ribs) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Thursday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for right-hander Jesus Tinoco, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Round Rock. Bradford recently experienced a setback with his ribs injury and now won't be eligible to return for several weeks.

The Rangers placed Gray on the 15-day injured list Thursday, retroactive to May 22, with a right groin strain, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Gray suffered the injury in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Phillies, and an MRI revealed a mild strain. He would seem to have a good chance at returning from the IL when his 15 days are up or shortly thereafter, but it will depend on how he recovers over the next several days. Gray had been slated to start Sunday in Minnesota, but it's possible Nathan Eovaldi (groin) will be ready to return that day.

The Giants placed Snell on the paternity list Thursday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Snell will be off the active roster for a few days while welcoming a new baby, but he's expected to rejoin the Giants in time for his next start, which is slated for Monday against the Phillies at Oracle Park. Reliever Nick Avila was called up from Double-A Richmond to take over Snell's spot on the 26-man active roster.

Williamson (shoulder) struck out four and allowed one earned run on five hits and one walk over 3.2 innings Sunday in his rehab start with Triple-A Louisville.

Sunday's outing was Williamson's first with Louisville but the second overall of his rehab assignment, which he began with High-A Dayton on May 14. Williamson, who has been on the shelf all season with a left shoulder strain, is eligible for activation next week, but he'll likely need at least another rehab start or two to get fully stretched out for a traditional starting role. With Nick Lodolo (groin) tentatively in line to return from the 15-day injured list Monday to bring the Cincinnati rotation back to full strength, Williamson may have to settle for a bullpen role once activated, if the Reds don't elect to option him to Louisville to remain on a starter's schedule.

Gray isn't expected to make his next start after he was diagnosed Thursday with a mild right groin strain, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Gray was removed from his start in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Phillies because of the injury. It's not clear yet whether Gray will require a stint on the 15-day injured list, but it would seem to be a distinct possibility. He had been slated to start Sunday in Minnesota, but the Rangers might now need Jose Urena to take the ball that day.

King (4-4) picked up the win Wednesday, giving up three runs on four hits and two walks over 6.2 innings in a 7-3 victory over the Reds. He struck out six.

The right-hander delivered his fifth quality start of the year, and his third in four May outings, on 92 pitches (62 strikes). King has had trouble maintaining consistency as he adjusts to being a full-time starting pitcher, but his 3.24 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 27:7 K:BB through 25 innings this month is encouraging. He'll look to put together another solid start in his next trip to the mound, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Marlins.

Lodolo (groin) threw a successful extended bullpen session Wednesday and is set to throw off the mound again Saturday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Assuming he comes out of Saturday's session without any hiccups, Lodolo will be set to return from the 15-day injured list to start against the Cardinals on Monday, the first day he'll be eligible for activation. The left-hander is working his way back from a left groin strain.

Baz (elbow/oblique) allowed one earned run on three hits and three walks while striking out four across four innings during a rehab start with Triple-A Durham on Wednesday.

Baz turned in his best rehab appearance since starting the assignment May 4. He's still dealing with control issues, as he has walked 11 batters across 12 innings, though that shouldn't come as a significant surprise given his lengthy layoff since undergoing Tommy John surgery in July 2022. The Rays will likely want him to make at least one more start in the minors, but he could rejoin the big-league rotation in early June.

Atlanta recalled Smith-Shawver from Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday.

Manager Brian Snitker previously confirmed after Wednesday's 9-2 win that Smith-Shawver would start Thursday's game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. The young right-hander holds a 6.10 ERA and 1.52 WHIP this season with Gwinnett and has posted a 7.43 ERA and allowed six home runs over his last three starts. Given those results, fantasy managers would be wise to take a wait-and-see approach with Smith-Shawver, but the 21-year-old should have an opportunity to make additional starts for Atlanta if he pitches well Thursday.

Black won't start Thursday's contest against the Pirates.

After being recalled from Triple-A Sacramento last Friday and making a three-inning start later that day, Black was slated to make his second straight turn through the rotation Thursday. He could still end up pitching in the series finale in Pittsburgh, but if he does, he'll be deployed as a bulk reliever out of the bullpen behind Erik Miller, who will open the game but will likely only cover an inning or two. Black has struggled in his three starts for the Giants this season, allowing 10 earned runs with an 8:5 K:BB over 11.2 frames.