MLB Player News

Alexander (elbow) was activated from the 15-day injured list following Monday's game against the White Sox, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Alexander remains a candidate to start Tuesday's matchup, though the club has yet to announce official pitching plans. Drew Hutchison's contract was selected from Triple-A Toledo, so he may also be in the mix for a start. Alexander last toed the rubber April 29 against the Dodgers, giving up four runs on three hits and two walks while fanning one over 2.1 frames.

Merryweather left Monday's game against the Orioles due to left side discomfort.

Merryweather is likely headed for further testing, as the severity of the injury is not yet known. He'll be considered day-to-day until further notice.

Daniel was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake following Sunday's game against the Mets.

Daniel failed to make his big-league debut during his brief stint with the Angels, which lasted all of two days. The club has yet to make a corresponding move.

Hendriks is dealing with arm stiffness ahead of Monday's game against the Tigers, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Hendriks wasn't available out of the bullpen for Sunday's series finale against the Rangers, but he'll play catch prior to Monday's matchup. Manager Tony La Russa isn't yet sure whether the right-hander will be available against the Tigers on Monday but didn't sound too concerned about Hendriks' long-term availability.

Payamps was placed on the COVID-19 injured list for an undisclosed reason Monday.

Payamps was officially placed on the IL with no injury designation, but that usually means that a player is on the COVID-19 IL. Assuming that's the case, the right-hander will be eligible to return to action as soon as he clears the league's health and safety protocols. Right-hander Daniel Mengden's contract was selected Monday to provide additional bullpen depth.

Mengden's contract was selected by the Royals on Monday.

Mengden joined the Royals on a minor-league deal in early March, and he posted a 5.47 ERA and 1.49 WHIP in 52.2 innings over 12 appearances (11 starts) at Triple-A Omaha to begin the season. The right-hander pitched in the KBO last year but will join the Royals' bullpen after Joel Payamps (undisclosed) was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Monday.

Kelly (hamstring) is expected to be reinstated from the 15-day injured list Tuesday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Kelly tossed over 20 pitches during a simulated game Sunday, and he'll be able to rejoin the White Sox's bullpen without making any rehab appearances. Over his seven major-league outings prior to his absence, he posted a 9.53 ERA and 2.47 WHIP in 5.2 innings.

Saucedo (hip) will begin a rehab assignment with the Blue Jays' Florida Coast League affiliate Tuesday, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports.

Saucedo has been sidelined since late April due to a right hip injury but will return to game action in the minors this week. Given the length of the southpaw's absence, it seems likely that he'll require multiple rehab appearances prior to rejoining the major-league bullpen.

Akin was placed on the restricted list Monday ahead of the Orioles' four-game series in Toronto.

The timing of the move implies that Akin failed to meet the requirements to cross the Canadian border by declining to vaccinate himself against COVID-19. Rico Garcia was called up as a replacement player to take his place in the bullpen. Akin should be back in action when the Orioles return stateside to take on the Rays on Friday.

The Orioles selected Garcia's contract from Triple-A Norfolk on Monday.

He'll be joining the 26-man active roster for the Orioles' series in Toronto as a replacement in the bullpen for Keegan Akin, who was placed on the restricted list and presumably isn't eligible to play in Canada due to his vaccination status. Akin should be activated ahead of Friday's series opener against the Rays in Baltimore, but Garcia could stick with the big club if he performs well in what appearances he makes during the four-game series in Toronto.