MLB Player News

Eflin (kneecap) threw about 20 pitches during a bullpen session Tuesday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Eflin has been sidelined by knee issues since late June, but he recently resumed throwing on flat ground and has now returned to mound work. If he feels good over the next couple days, the 28-year-old will throw another bullpen session this weekend. Eflin isn't expected to have enough time to build up as a starter and will likely rejoin the Phillies as a reliever, assuming he's able to return this year.

Watkins (4-5) took the loss Tuesday in Cleveland, allowing five runs on six hits while striking out three in 4.2 innings.

Watkins got off to a great start Tuesday, retiring the first 11 batters he faced. It was all downhill from there, however, as six of the next nine batters reached safely. The 30-year-old has lost four straight decisions and he compiled a 4.70 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 21:4 K:BB in 30.2 innings across six starts in August. After striking out just 10 percent of batters in his first eight starts, he's fanned a more palatable 17.5 percent of opponents over his last 11 outings.

Eovadli (shoulder) threw another bullpen session Monday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

The veteran right-hander returned to the mound with a 25-pitch session Friday, and he continued his throwing program Monday with another bullpen session. Eovaldi landed on the shelf Aug. 23 with right shoulder inflammation, but his quick return to mound work is a strong indication it won't be a lengthy absence.

Mahle (shoulder) is listed as the Twins' probable starter for Saturday's game against the White Sox, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

The 27-year-old threw a bullpen session and a couple simulated innings Monday and has now been cleared to re-enter Minnesota's rotation, and he'll have spent only one extra day on the 15-day IL with shoulder inflammation. Given the brevity of the absence, any potential workload limitations for Mahle are unlikely to be significant.

Houck (back) didn't throw live batting practice as scheduled Tuesday due to continued back soreness, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

The 26-year-old landed on the shelf Aug. 9 with a disc issue in his back and returned to throwing last week, but the ongoing soreness will prevent him from further ramping up his throwing program. Houck is already eligible to return from the 15-day IL, but he may still be a couple weeks away from rejoining the active roster.

McClanahan was diagnosed with a left shoulder impingement after being scratched from Tuesday's start at Miami, pending further imaging, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

McClanahan was on track to start Tuesday before the injury flared up while he was warming up in the bullpen. The left-hander, who is in the mix for the AL Cy Young Award, should be considered day-to-day as he continues to be evaluated, and it's unclear if the issue will affect his availability for the next turn through the rotation.

McClanahan isn't on the mound for the start of Tuesday's game in Miami for unspecified reasons, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

The 25-year-old was scheduled to start Tuesday's contest, but instead it's Shawn Armstrong on the mound in the first inning against the Marlins. McClanahan is being evaluated by the training staff, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, so it appears to be an injury issue for the lefty. The Rays should provide an update on the situation in the near future.

Wells (oblique) completed a 30-pitch bullpen session Tuesday and is expected to throw a simulated game or pitch in a rehab game at High-A Aberdeen as soon as this weekend, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

The side session followed a simulated game a few days earlier, when Wells faced hitters for the first time since landing on the 15-day injured list July 28 with a Grade 1 left oblique strain. Manager Brandon Hyde said Tuesday that a decision on whether Wells will return from the IL as a reliever or starter hasn't been made, but at the moment, Baltimore doesn't have as pressing of a need for him in the rotation as anticipated when he was first shut down with the oblique strain. Heading into Tuesday's game against the Guardians, the Orioles have received five consecutive quality starts.

Soroka (Achilles) will make a rehab start with Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Soroka threw 75 pitches in his last rehab start, but he was not particularly sharp, so he will throw at least once more for Gwinnett. If all goes well Friday, his next start could come with Atlanta.

Waldichuk will have his contract selected to start Thursday against the Nationals, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

It was reported earlier Tuesday that the left-hander would receive a call-up when the major-league roster expands to 28 players Thursday, and he'll immediately step into the rotation for Oakland. Waldichuck was acquired from the Yankees as part of the return for Frankie Montas, and the 24-year-old has a 3.53 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 91:26 K:BB across 66.1 innings at the Triple-A level this year.