MLB Player News

Pomeranz (elbow) said Friday that he doesn't expect to need more than a minimum-length stay on the injured list, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Pomeranz landed on the injured list Wednesday with inflammation in his left elbow, but he said his injury isn't anything serious. Assuming the organization agrees with the timeline the 37-year-old laid out for himself, he'll return to the Angels' bullpen May 28.

Imaging on Joyce's right shoulder came back negative Friday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Joyce was scratched from his scheduled rehab outing Monday after reporting renewed soreness in his surgically repaired shoulder. He isn't dealing with any structural damage, but the Angels are going to pump the brakes a bit on his rehab process, which will presumably extend his time on the injured list.

Taveras isn't in the lineup for Friday's game against the Nationals.

Taveras will grab a seat on the bench to begin Friday's contest after going 0-for-8 with three strikeouts during Baltimore's last series against the Yankees. He'll be replaced in center field by Colton Cowser.

Smith (lower body/wrist) was diagnosed with viral meningitis Friday and is receiving treatment in a hospital, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Smith is expected to remain in the hospital for 7-to-10 days. The 28-year-old utility man had already been dealing with a glute strain and a wrist issue, and there's currently no telling when he'll be back in the Rangers' lineup. Ezequiel Duran has been making regular starts at second base with Smith sidelined.

The Athletics optioned Barnett to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.

After coming up from the minors Wednesday, Barnett will return to Triple-A without making an appearance for the A's in order to make room for the newly acquired Jose Suarez. The 25-year-old Barnett owns a 3.07 ERA and 1.27 WHIP over 29.1 innings at Triple-A this season and remains an option to come up later in the year for a spot start or to give the Athletics length out of the bullpen.

Bradley (pectoral) threw a bullpen session Friday, Aaron Gleeman of AaronGleeman.com reports.

Bradley threw 20 pitches during his first mound session since landing on the injured list with right pectoral inflammation, and manager Derek Shelton said afterward that it went well. It remains unknown how far Bradley is from returning to the Twins' rotation, but he will need to resume facing live hitters before the team begins to consider activating him.

Anthony (wrist) began playing catch Friday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Friday marks the first time that Anthony has taken off his brace and done any sort of activity since he landed on the injured list last week with a sprained right wrist, and he said afterward that he feels like he's "in a good spot." The Red Sox have yet to provide a return timeline for the young outfielder, though that may come whenever he is cleared to begin a hitting progression.

General manager Mike Elias said Friday that Mountcastle is expected to return sometime in late June or July, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Mountcastle landed on the 60-day injured list April 13 after suffering a fracture in his left foot, so the earliest he could return would be June 12. However, it appears the Orioles expect him to need at least a few weeks beyond that. A more precise timeline will likely emerge once he starts to ramp up his activity.

Westburg (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery Wednesday, Andrew Golden of TheBanner.com reports.

Westburg's procedure will keep him out for the remainder of the 2026 campaign, but general manager Mike Elias said Friday that the 27-year-old infielder has a good chance to return to playing in the field full time by early 2027. Until then, Coby Mayo will likely take over as Baltimore's primary third baseman, though Jeremiah Jackson, Blaze Alexander and Weston Wilson are also candidates to make starts at the hot corner.

Helsley (elbow) played catch Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

It marked the first time Helsley has played catch since he was placed on the injured list May 1. His elbow is progressing and feeling much better, according to Kubatko. Helsley will likely need a rehab assignment before rejoining Baltimore's bullpen, and it would appear he still has multiple boxes to check in his recovery before getting to that point.