MLB Player News

Graveman (COVID-19 injured list) threw a live batting practice session for Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday, Corey Brock of The Athletic reports.

The Mariners still have yet to confirm whether Graveman tested positive for COVID-19, but he completed a mandatory quarantine Thursday and is beginning to ramp up again after having not appeared for the big club since May 16. Rather than rushing him back from the IL, the Mariners want Graveman to make at least one rehab appearance for Tacoma, so he likely won't be activated until next weekend. Assuming Graveman quickly recaptures the form he displayed prior to going into quarantine, he should represent the top option for saves out of the Seattle bullpen once he's formally reinstated from the IL.

Lopez (2-6) allowed three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out two in five innings to earn the win against Cleveland on Sunday.

Lopez earned his first win since April 16 in Sunday's matchup, and he's now lasted at least five innings in each of his last four starts. The righty has posted a 5.30 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 56 innings across 12 starts to begin the season. He tentatively lines up to make his next start on the road against Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Rogers walked one batter in a scoreless ninth inning Sunday, striking out one and picking up a save over the Royals.

Rogers entered the game after Hansel Robles gave up a leadoff double to Whit Merrifield. He issued an intentional walk to Salvador Perez with two outs and then finished off the inning to preserve the 2-1 win. Rogers is now five for seven in save chances after earning his first since May 29.

Hatch (elbow) resumed his rehab assignment at Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday, pitching two scoreless innings while allowing no hits and one walk in a 29-pitch start.

After opening the season on the 60-day injured list with an inflamed right elbow, Hatch began his rehab assignment at Buffalo on May 20 with a three-inning start. According to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca, Hatch was omitted from Buffalo's pitching schedule for the next three weeks due to "mild tightness in his side," but he's apparently overcome that issue. He'll now turn his focus to building up his innings over his subsequent rehab outings, as Toronto views the 26-year-old right-hander as a potential option for the big-league rotation this season.

Junis was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Sunday, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports reports.

Junis picked up a relief win during his last outing, but he's posted a 5.19 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 34.2 innings across 15 innings (five starts) to begin the year. He'll head to the minors as part of a shuffle to make room for Jackson Kowar, who will be called up to make his major-league debut as Monday's starter against the Angels.

Kowar will be called up to start Monday's game against the Angels, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports reports.

Kowar was dominant in the minors to begin the season, and he was named the Triple-A East pitcher of the month in May. Across six starts for Triple-A Omaha, the right-hander posted a 0.85 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 41:10 K:BB in 31.2 innings. Kowar boasts a mid-90s fastball and an elite changeup and will fill in while Danny Duffy (forearm) is sidelined, though the 24-year-old could also make a case for a long-term rotation spot.

The Orioles optioned Lowther to Triple-A Norfolk following Sunday's 18-5 win over Cleveland, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports. Lowther covered the final two innings of the contest, giving up two runs on three hits while striking out three.

Baltimore summoned Lowther from Triple-A earlier Sunday after staff ace John Means (shoulder) was moved to the injured list in a corresponding move. Due to upcoming off days Monday and Thursday, the Orioles are expected to get by with four starters until June 15 in Cleveland, so the team didn't call up Lowther to serve as a direct replacement in the rotation. Lowther would be eligible to rejoin the Orioles on June 15, so he could still be an option to start that game if Means isn't ready to return from the IL.

Pressly allowed a walk in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Sunday's 6-3 win over Toronto.

Pressly was never in danger of giving up a three-run lead in the ninth inning. Houston's closer has gone 9-for-10 in save chances with a 2.16 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 25:5 K:BB across 25 innings this year.

Triple-A Omaha reinstated Lovelady (undisclosed) from its 7-day injured list Sunday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Lovelady's injury had prevented him from pitching since he was optioned to the minors April 17. The 25-year-old lefty has made 26 appearances out of the Kansas City bullpen over the past two seasons, logging a 7.71 ERA over 21 career innings.

General manager Ross Atkins said Sunday that Borucki (forearm) is pain-free and close to starting a throwing progression, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Borucki has been on the injured list since May 14 with the forearm strain and has taken longer than initially expected to return. He'll resume throwing in the coming days, which will likely be followed by a rehab assignment if all goes well. With that said, a mid-to-late-June return to the Blue Jays' bullpen appears to be the best-case scenario for the southpaw.