MLB Player News

Woods Richardson (illness) was activated from the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports.

Woods Richardson hasn't taken the mound for Wichita since June, but he's now cleared the COVID-19 protocols and should soon retake the mound. The 21-year-old has a 3.31 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 54:20 K:BB over 54.1 innings this season.

Hearn was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday.

The left-hander pitched behind an opener twice after being recalled by the Rangers on July 15, and he fared well, with two earned runs allowed and a 10:3 K:BB across 7.1 innings. However, it wasn't enough to stick in the rotation with Dane Dunning (ankle) returning from the injured list. Hearn's performance could earn him more opportunities later in the year.

White was placed on the injured list with forearm fatigue Tuesday, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

White has posted a 2.49 ERA and 1.13 WHIP since being promoted to Double-A Frisco in late June, but his season will be put on pause as a result of his injury. The Rangers are hoping he will recover with rest, and he is expected to resume throwing in 7-to-10 days.

Barnes (shoulder) will continue his rehab assignment with Double-A Portland on Tuesday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Barnes has already made five rehab outings between rookie ball and Triple-A Worcester, and he'll continue the minor-league assignment Tuesday with Portland. Manager Alex Cora said the veteran right-hander is also scheduled to pitch back-to-back days Friday and Saturday, which could be the final hurdle before he is reinstated from the injured list.

Norris signed a minor-league contract with the Tigers on Tuesday.

Norris was cut loose by the Cubs over the weekend, and he decided to return to the team he played for from the midway point of the 2015 season through the midway point of the 2021 campaign. Norris had a rough go of it the last couple years, but he will attempt to get back on track in his old stomping grounds.

The Royals optioned Kowar to Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

Kowar threw two scoreless innings in his most recent appearance July 14, yet he still has an 8.80 ERA through six games this season. The righty figures to rejoin Kansas City for bullpen depth at some point in 2022.

The Royals recalled Zerpa from Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports. He will start Tuesday's game versus the Angels.

As expected, Zerpa joins the 26-man roster and will make his second start of the season. The 22-year-old has allowed just one earned run in seven total innings in 2022.

Brash was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday.

Brash will return to Triple-A after he appeared in five games following a promotion July 9, surrendering two runs on five hits and four walks while striking out six over 5.1 innings. The right-hander remains one of the Mariners' top prospects and will likely return to the big leagues at some point down the line.

The Red Sox activated Winckowski (illness) from the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday. He will start Tuesday against the Guardians.

Winckowski's most recent start was a six-inning, three-run effort in Tampa on July 13. The rookie has pitched to a 4.38 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in seven starts this season and could be primed for a quality night against a Cleveland team he limited to two runs over 5.1 innings June 25.

Baker allowed two hits in a scoreless inning during Monday's 5-1 win over the Rays.

Baker is enjoying his best month of the season -- he owns a 0.90 ERA and 1.30 WHIP through 10 innings in July, and he hasn't allowed a run in his last six appearances. The right-hander has racked up a 17:3 K:BB in that span. With the strength of the Orioles' bullpen, he hasn't been able to earn a larger role with this stretch of success. For the year, he has a 3-3 record, four holds and a blown save while recording a 3.83 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 46:15 K:BB in 42.1 innings.