MLB Player News

Cease (3-1) earned the win over the Angels on Friday, allowing five hits and no walks while striking out 10 over seven scoreless innings.

Cease was simply dominant, generating 19 whiffs on 97 pitches while limiting the Angels to just one extra-base hit. It marked the second straight seven-inning outing for the 30-year-old, and he's now registered double-digit strikeouts three times this season. He'll carry a 2.58 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 66:18 K:BB across 45.1 innings into a home matchup against the Rays next week.

Chapman earned the save in Friday's 2-0 win over the Rays, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

Chapman was summoned to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning and slammed the door on 18 pitches. The 38-year-old has been flawless in back-to-back appearances and has now held opponents scoreless in nine straight outings. For the year, he's converted all eight of his save chances while posting a 0.71 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 16:3 K:BB across 12.2 innings.

Varland pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Friday's 2-0 win over the Angels.

Varland was called upon to finish off a team shutout in the ninth inning and did so on just 11 pitches. The 28-year-old has now converted all five of his save chances, solidifying himself as the clear favorite for save chances in Toronto. He's been stellar this season, allowing just one earned run while posting a 1.07 WHIP and 29:7 K:BB across 19.2 innings.

Martin (biceps) will throw live batting practice Saturday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

This will mark the first time Martin has faced live hitters since biceps soreness sent him to the injured list in mid-April. Assuming he doesn't suffer any setbacks, he may be cleared to begin a rehab assignment in the minor leagues early next week.

Garcia (shoulder) began throwing from 80 feet out Friday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Garcia is seeing improvement in his shoulder every time he throws, but he is still dealing with some discomfort and isn't close to returning to Texas' bullpen. The Rangers may offer an update on his return timeline after he is cleared to resume mound work.

Alexander was scratched from the lineup for Friday's game against the Athletics due to right calf tightness, Andy Kostka of TheBanner.com reports.

There's been no word yet on the severity of Alexander's injury, but it's enough to keep him from playing Friday. Weston Wilson will enter the starting nine to replace Alexander at third base.

O'Hoppe (wrist) began catching off a machine, hitting on the field and running the bases Friday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

O'Hoppe seems to be making significant strides in his recovery from a wrist fracture he suffered in late April, though he said the biggest test will be catching full bullpen sessions and hitting against velocity. It's unknown when the Angels plan to advance him to that stage in his rehab, though the team still likely plans to bring him back before the end of the month. Travis d'Arnaud will continue to work as the primary catcher until then.

Brown (shoulder) threw a successful bullpen session Friday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The right-hander continues to progress in his throwing program after landing on the injured list in early April due to a Grade 2 shoulder strain. Brown will likely need at least a few more bullpen sessions before being cleared to face live batters and eventually embarking on a rehab assignment.

Manager Matt Quatraro said Friday that Cameron (back) will start Sunday's game against the Tigers, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Cameron was scratched from his last scheduled start Tuesday against Cleveland due to back tightness. After he made it through a bullpen session Thursday without any problems, Cameron will avoid a stint on the injured list and return to the rotation this weekend to face a Detroit lineup that's posted a .669 OPS over its last 10 games.

Verlander (hip) will throw a live batting practice session Saturday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Verlander has been throwing bullpen sessions at nearly full intensity since Sunday, and Saturday will mark his first time facing live hitters since landing on the IL in early April. The Tigers haven't provided a timeline for the 43-year-old's return yet, though that may change once they see how he comes out of Saturday's round of BP.