MLB Player News

Brasier (concussion) is receiving a medical checkup Friday in Boston and could begin baseball activities if cleared, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

The 33-year-old landed on the injured list in late March due to a calf strain, and he had his rehab derailed in early June when he was struck in the side of the head by a line drive during a simulated game. Brasier has been resting at home while recovering from a concussion, but he may be able to pick up his rehab program in the near future.

Lange (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Sunday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Lange has already spent the required 10 days on the injured list. He'll need a bit more time before he's ready to be activated, but his return doesn't appear to be too far off. He's expected to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo early next week.

Wells was called up from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday.

The 24-year-old has a 5.63 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 27:4 K:BB across 32 innings at Triple-A this season, and he'll receive his first taste of the big leagues. Wells and Konner Wade, who had his contract selected Friday, could be in the mix to fill the rotation spot of Dean Kremer after Kremer was demoted to Norfolk.

Barlow struck out two over a scoreless eighth inning in Thursday's 5-1 loss to Oakland.

Barlow had his contract selected earlier this week and made his big-league debut Thursday. He operated as a closer for Triple-A Round Rock but is expected to pitch in low-leverage situations for now.

Mejia allowed a run on four hits and two walks with six strikeouts across six innings versus Minnesota on Thursday. He did not factor in the decision.

Mejia had allowed 12 runs across 9.2 innings in his last three outings, but he delivered a strong performance Thursday. The rookie right-hander's lone mistake was a wild pitch that allowed Luis Arraez to score in the first inning. The quality start lowered Mejia's ERA to 4.94 with a 1.18 WHIP and 22:7 K:BB across 23.2 innings this season. He carries a 1-2 record into his next start, tentatively set for next week at home versus Detroit.

Lakins allowed a hit and struck out three over four innings in Thursday's 9-0 loss to Toronto.

Lakins was the most effective of the four pitchers Baltimore used in the lopsided loss. He needed only 42 pitches (28 strikes) to complete his longest outing of the season. Lakins hasn't worked as a starter frequently -- he operated as a starter at the Double-A level in 2017 but has mostly been a reliever in higher levels of baseball. The 26-year-old has a 5.81 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 24:14 K:BB across 26.1 innings this year. He's added three holds and a 1-4 record in a low-leverage role.

Coulombe will be recalled from Triple-A St. Paul and start Friday against Cleveland in what is expected to be a bullpen game, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Coulombe will likely be an opener, but it's not clear who else will pitch out of the bullpen. Coulombe has a 1.77 ERA and 12.1 K/9 at Triple-A. He'll likely be sent down after the outing, but the Twins need bullpen help so he could stay in the majors with a strong performance.

Karinchak allowed one hit in one inning and earned the save Thursday against the Twins.

Karinchak allowed a two-out double to Jorge Polanco, but secured the save by inducing groundouts from Nelson Cruz, Max Kepler and Alex Kirilloff. The 25-year-old Karinchak has been terrific all season, converting nine of 10 save opportunities with a 2.67 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 58:19 K:BB over 33.2 innings. His lone blown save came way back on April 7 in his third appearance of the year.

Alcala (1-2) allowed three runs on two hits and a walk while recording a single out to take the loss Thursday against Cleveland.

Alcala came on in the eighth inning of a 1-1 tie and gave up two singles and an intentional walk before giving way to Taylor Rogers with one out. Rogers immediately allowed all three inherited runners to score on an Eddie Rosario single and a Bobby Bradley groundout. The 25-year-old Alcala saw his ERA balloon to 4.40 on the year, but he still owns a superb 0.95 WHIP across 30.2 innings of relief work.

Norris was not available for Thursday's game against the Astros due to an illness that is not COVID-19, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

A virus has reportedly been going around the Tigers' clubhouse, with Robbie Grossman also recently missing a game due to illness. It's unclear how long Norris may be held out, though it figures to be a relatively short absence.