MLB Player News

Johnson was called up from Double-A Rocket City and will start Thursday's contest against the Athletics, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Johnson will replace Jose Soriano (chest) on the mound in the series opener versus the A's for his second major-league start of the year. The 23-year-old Johnson has posted an inflated 15.12 ERA and 2.64 WHIP with five strikeouts over 8.1 innings in four appearances, including a start, with the Angels this season. After he was sent down to Double-A in late May, he produced a far more respectable 2.65 ERA and 0.71 WHIP with 21 punchouts over 17 frames in three starts.

Smith earned the save in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Brewers, working around a pair of walks while striking out two across 1.1 scoreless innings.

After entering the game with two outs in the eighth inning, the right-hander issued a walk to load the bases before striking out Christian Yelich. Smith then turned in a scoreless ninth, earning his league-leading 24th save. The 27-year-old has now converted 21 straight save chances, allowing just four earned runs over 25 innings in that span. His ERA is down to 2.38 with a 1.06 WHIP and 51:8 K:BB across 34 innings this season.

Fluharty turned in a perfect ninth inning with no strikeouts to earn the save in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Red Sox.

With Louis Varland, Jeff Hoffman and Tyler Rogers all having pitched in Toronto's previous two games, it was Fluharty who got the call with a one-run lead in the ninth inning Thursday. The southpaw made quick work of the heart of Boston's order, retiring the side on five pitches for his first save of 2026. Fluharty has been solid out of Toronto's pen this season -- he's allowed just three runs in his last 18.2 innings. Overall, he sports a 3.64 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP and 38:12 K:BB across 29.2 innings this season.

Acton (shoulder) resumed throwing off a mound last week, MLB.com reports.

While the activity marks a step forward for Acton as he recovers from a right shoulder strain, Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll said Friday that the 28-year-old still has "a long road ahead of him" before returning from the 60-day injured list. Acton made four relief appearances for Minnesota and surrendered five runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks while striking out nine batters over 6.2 innings before landing on the IL in late April.

Hudson will serve as the opening pitcher in Thursday's game versus the Yankees.

The left-hander will get an inning or two before turning things over to bulk reliever Sean Burke. Hudson has struggled so far in June, getting scored upon in three of five appearances.

Mears (shoulder) threw a bullpen Tuesday and could go on a rehab assignment soon, MLB.com reports.

Mears was placed on the injured list May 29 due to a right shoulder impingement and appears to be progressing nicely in his rehab. With a rehab assignment on the horizon, the right-hander should be back in the big-league bullpen fairly soon, assuming no setbacks. Before being shelved, Mears posted a 5.12 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 15:11 K:BB across 19.1 innings.

The Angels optioned Kerry to Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday.

Kerry made his major-league debut Wednesday in Arizona, covering four innings and yielding two runs out of the bullpen. The Angels will likely add a fresh bullpen arm later Thursday to take Kerry's spot on the roster.

Sabrowski (elbow) allowed two unearned runs and one walk while striking out two over a hitless two-thirds of an inning for Double-A Akron on Wednesday.

Sabrowski kicked off a rehab assignment with the RubberDucks, his first game action since landing on the 15-day injured list May 26 with inflammation in his left elbow. Before the game, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt told Zach Sweet of MLB.com that the club will review how the left-hander comes through the appearance before determining next steps.

Varland secured the save Wednesday against the Red Sox, striking out the side.

Varland made quick work of the scuffling Boston bats Wednesday, throwing all but one of his 10 pitches for strikes. After taking over closing duties from Jeff Hoffman earlier this year, Varland is running away with the job as 2026 has progressed. Through 40 innings, the 28-year-old right-hander boasts a 0.90 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 55:11 K:BB while going 14-for-14 in save situations.

Woods Richardson (1-7) notched the win Wednesday against the Red Sox, allowing no runs on three hits and three walks in three innings. He struck out one.

Woods Richardson landed only 28 of his 55 offerings for strikes, but he still managed to keep Boston off the board en route to getting into the win column for the first time this year. After being jettisoned by the Twins earlier this season, the 25-year-old right-hander is up to seven scoreless frames covering two outings in bulk relief with the Blue Jays. Even so, Woods Richardson has a 6.75 ERA, 1.77 WHIP and 30:28 K:BB over 54.2 innings on the campaign and could be relegated to mop-up duties more frequently once Shane Bieber (elbow) is ready to make his season debut.