MLB Player News

Ryan and Drew Strotman were traded from the Rays to the Twins on Thursday as part of a trade for Nelson Cruz.

Ryan was one of the top pitching prospects in the Rays' farm system, and he began the year at Triple-A Durham. He posted a 3.63 ERA and 0.79 WHIP in 57 innings across 12 appearances (11 starts). The right-hander also impressed during spring training this year, and he could be in consideration to make his major-league debut at some point in 2021, especially if the Twins trade away some starting pitchers prior to the trade deadline.

Cortes (illness) has resumed throwing at the Yankees' spring training facility in Tampa and could be reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list as soon as this weekend, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

Whether New York reinstates Cortes from the IL during its four-game series with the Red Sox that begins Thursday may ultimately hinge on what kind of innings totals the club gets from its starting pitchers in the first two or three contests in Boston. If a healthy Cortes isn't needed as a multi-inning arm out of the bullpen this weekend, he could rejoin the Yankees in a starting role next week. With Michael King (finger) facing an uncertain timeline to return and with the club dropping Asher Wojciechowski from the 40-man roster after an ugly spot start Wednesday, Cortes could be a candidate to fill the final opening in the Yankees' rotation.

Severino (elbow) is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session this weekend and could begin a minor-league rehab assignment by the middle of next week, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Severino emerged from Sunday's 30-pitch live batting practice session without incident and completed a bullpen session Thursday as he continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander was expected to return from the injured list earlier in the season, but a Grade 2 groin strain suffered in mid-June resulted in a brief shutdown that pushed back the timeline for his 2021 debut. At this point, Severino is in the process of ramping up again, and he'll likely need at least three rehab outings in the minors to build up his pitch count for starting duty. He could be ready to pitch for the Yankees at some point in mid-to-late August.

Detmers will be promoted to Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Detmers is one of the Angels' top prospects, and he's been effective at Double-A Rocket City to begin the year. He has a stellar 16.17 K/9 and has posted a 3.50 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 54 innings across 12 starts. It's not yet clear whether the 22-year-old could be in consideration for a major-league roster spot at some point in 2021, but he'll get a chance to prove himself against a higher level of competition going forward.

Sanchez underwent season-ending right shoulder surgery in Los Angeles on Tuesday, David Wilson of the Miami Herald reports.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache supervised the procedure, which repaired a capsule tear and cleaned out the backside of Sanchez's shoulder joint. Marlins general manager Kim Ng said that Sanchez doesn't have a timeline to resume throwing or performing workouts with his right arm, but the organization is hopeful that the prized 22-year-old will be ready to go for Opening Day in 2022. Sanchez looked like a potential frontline starter when he received his first taste of the big leagues in 2020, producing a 3.46 ERA and 33:11 K:BB in 39 innings over his seven starts with Miami.

DeGrom (forearm) threw off flat ground at Citi Field on Thursday, SNY reports.

DeGrom has been on the injured list since Sunday due to right forearm tightness, but he's been improving recently while shut down from throwing. The Mets were insistent that the right-hander wouldn't resume throwing until his forearm tightness had completely dissipated, so it appears as though he's in a good place in his recovery. A better idea of deGrom's return timetable could come into focus once he's able to ramp up his intensity.

Urquidy (shoulder) threw a 35-pitch session on flat ground Wednesday, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

This was Urquidy's second flat-ground session this week, coming two days after tossing 25 pitches Monday. Houston manager Dusty Baker said the right-hander will have another flat-ground session before getting onto a mound and eventually progressing to a rehab assignment.

Gomber (7-5) picked up the win in Wednesday's 6-3 victory over the Mariners, allowing three runs on three hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out three.

Making his first start since June 19 after he dealt with some forearm tightness, Gomber delivered his ninth quality start of the season, but things could have been much worse for the lefty as all three hits he gave up left Coors Field for solo shots. He's served up multiple homers four times in 16 starts this season, but remarkably this was the first such performance at home for the 27-year-old. Gomber will carry a 3.74 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 79:24 K:BB through 84.1 innings into his next outing.

Lauer didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 6-3 loss to the Royals, giving up two unearned runs on three hits over five innings. He struck out six without walking a batter.

The southpaw exited the game in line for the win with the Brewers ahead 3-2, but Brent Suter immediately coughed three unearned runs in the sixth inning. Lauer hadn't had an outing of at least five innings with zero free passes since May 4, and his efficiency remains the biggest obstacle between him and a breakout. On the season, he sports a 3.52 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 60:24 K:BB through 61.1 innings.

Keller (7-9) picked up the win Wednesday, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks over 6.2 innings in a 6-3 victory over the Brewers. He struck out six.

The right-hander collected his first win since June 4 while delivering his third straight quality start and sixth of the season. Keller had a rough first half but seems to have turned a corner in July, posting a 2.61 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 22:8 K:BB through 20.2 innings during those last three outings.