MLB Player News

Payamps was activated off of the family medical emergency list Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Payamps will return to the team ahead of Monday's series-finale against the Guardians after being away from the team for the first three contests. The reliever will look to build off a strong 2021 campaign where he posted a 3.40 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over 37 appearances with the Blue Jays and Royals. Payamps will take the roster spot of Jackson Kowar after he was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

Kowar was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Kowar got lit up for seven runs after entering out of the bullpen during Sunday's 17-3 loss to the Guardians, giving up 11 hits and walking one while striking out four over 3.1 innings. Manager Mike Matheny said that the 25-year-old will be a part of the starting rotation with Triple-A Omaha moving forward. In a corresponding move, Joel Payamps will rejoin the big-league club following an absence due to a family emergency.

The Orioles recalled Wells from Triple-A Norfolk on Monday, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

Wells spent a portion of spring training with the Orioles, surrendering three runs on five hits while striking out two over two innings before getting optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on March 28. With DJ Stewart being optioned to Triple-A on Sunday and Dean Kremer (oblique) being placed on the 10-day injured list, the Orioles opted to call up Wells and Spenser Watkins to fill those roster spots. In 42.2 innings of work in the big-leagues last season, the left-hander struggled to a 6.75 ERA and 1.62 WHIP, but he'll look to start off on a new foot in 2022.

Merryweather (0-1) took the loss Sunday against the Rangers, giving up one run on two hits in two-thirds of an inning. He struck out two.

The Blue Jays headed into the fourth inning with a 6-1 lead, but Hyun-Jin Ryu (hamstring) struggled and eventually got lifted after being struck by a comebacker off the bat of Jonah Heim. Merryweather came in and gave up a double to Brad Miller to tie the game -- runs which went on Ryu's ledger -- and then a single to Corey Seager for what proved to be the winning run. The right-hander worked the sixth inning in his first appearance this season, and while he has significant strikeout upside, it appears as though Merryweather is not in the late-inning mix for Toronto right now.

Diekman saved Sunday's 4-3 win over the Yankees, striking out the side in the ninth inning.

Diekman was tasked with facing the daunting trio of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Joey Gallo and sent all three back to the dugout. It took a workload of 19 pitches to do so, but the veteran southpaw got the job done. He was also called upon to protect a one-run lead in the 10th inning of the season-opening loss Friday but was charged with the ghost runner scoring after hitting a batter and intentionally walking another. Diekman is worth a look while Boston's closer situation remains unresolved and Matt Barnes is dealing with back issues.

Alcala threw 1.1 scoreless innings with two strikeouts and a walk in Sunday's win over Seattle. He hasn't given up a run in 2.1 innings and has notched two strikeouts and two walks. He hasn't appeared after the 7th inning in either of his outings.

After the trade of Taylor Rogers to San Diego, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli has said the team will use a committee approach initially. It was thought Alcala could be the leading option to close games, but he hasn't been used late in games or in high-leverage spots so far.

Howard allowed six runs on six hits -- including four home runs -- over three innings in a no-decision against the Blue Jays on Sunday. He struck out five and did not issue a walk.

To his credit, the 25-year-old Howard was willing to attack the strike zone against one of the best lineups in baseball. He lived in the zone a little too much and George Springer, Matt Chapman, Danny Jansen and Vladimir Guerrero all made him pay with long balls. The matchups will get easier and Howard has some prospect pedigree, but it will be difficult to trust him in fantasy until he proves more at the big-league level. Up next is a home start against the Angels.

Yarbrough is dealing with a minor groin injury and will be placed on the 10-day injured list as a precautionary measure, John Romano of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The southpaw hadn't yet made his 2022 debut and will have to wait to do so as a result of his injury. Tommy Romero will be recalled from Triple-A Durham to fill in while Yarbrough is sidelined. It's not yet clear whether the 30-year-old Yarbrough will be forced to spend more than the minimum of 10 days on the shelf.

Pressly picked up the save in Sunday's 4-1 victory over the Angels, striking out one in a clean ninth inning.

Pressly struck out Jo Adell on five pitches before retiring the next two Angels on consecutive pitches for an easy save. If he stays healthy, the 33-year-old is well on his way to surpassing a career-high 26 saves from 2021 as the clear-cut best option for saves on a Houston team with high expectations.

Barnes (back) threw with no issues Sunday but isn't expected to be available for the series finale against the Yankees, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Barnes previously hoped to be available for Saturday's contest but didn't take the mound, and he isn't expected to make his season debut Sunday. The 31-year-old's back is apparently feeling better, and manager Alex Cora expects the right-hander to be available for Monday's matchup with the Tigers.