MLB Player News

Puk (biceps) hasn't yet thrown off a mound, Shayna Rubin of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Puk started throwing from 90 feet recently, but he still doesn't have a timetable for his return since he hasn't gotten back on the mound. Manager Bob Melvin said Saturday that the team should have a better idea of Puk's return timetable once he throws a bullpen session. The left-hander has been sidelined since April 7 due to a left biceps strain.

Diekman was credited with his second hold in a win over the Tigers on Friday, firing a perfect eighth inning in which he struck out the side.

Diekman was in vintage 2020 form for arguably the first time this season, mowing through a trio of Tigers on 17 pitches. The veteran left-hander has now put together three straight scoreless efforts, lowering his ERA from 10.13 to 4.26 in the process while recording his first two holds of the campaign.

Misiewicz (2-0) earned the win in Friday's 6-5 victory over the Astros, firing a perfect ninth inning while striking out two.

Misiewicz was busy in his return from the COVID-19 injured list as he was tasked with maintaining a 5-5 tie in the ninth inning and proceeded to dispatch the side with ease on 13 pitches (nine strikes). It wouldn't take long for the Mariners to score in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving Misiewicz his second win of the season. The 26-year-old has yet to surrender a run or walk a batter this season across five outings.

Stanek (0-1) was charged with the loss Friday against the Mariners, surrendering one run on two walks while registering two outs.

Stanek took the loss despite not giving up a hit. He recorded the final two outs of the eighth inning with ease, but walked the first two batters in the bottom of the ninth inning before he was pulled. Ryan Pressly entered the game and allowed the winning run to score, leaving Stanek with the loss. The 29-year-old has only surrendered two runs and owns an 11.7 K/9.

Merryweather's oblique injury is believed to be a fairly long-term issue, Gregor Chisholm of the Toronto Star reports.

Merryweather has been on the 10-day injured list since Wednesday due to a left oblique strain, and he's expected to miss considerable time as a result. A timetable for his return hasn't yet been established. Rafael Dolis could see save chances for the Blue Jays while Merryweather and Jordan Romano (elbow) are sidelined. However, Romano's injury is believed to be a short-term issue, so he could step in as the team's closer once he's cleared to return.

Romano's elbow injury is believed to be a short-term issue, Gregor Chisholm of the Toronto Star reports.

Romano was placed on the 10-day injured list with right ulnar neuritis Thursday, but he isn't expected to spend much more than the minimum amount of time on the IL. Since Julian Merryweather (oblique) is believed to have more of a long-term injury, Romano could see save chances for the Blue Jays once he's back in action.

Hentges was recalled from Cleveland's alternate training site Saturday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Hentges will be in line to make his major-league debut at some point in the near future after outfielder Ben Gamel was sent down in a corresponding move. Although Hentges has solely worked as a starter in the minors recently, he could fill a long-relief role for the major-league club. In 26 starts with Double-A Akron in 2019, Hentges posted a 5.11 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in 128.2 innings.

Lovelady has been called up to serve as the 27th man in Saturday's doubleheader against the Blue Jays, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Lovelady has made 26 relief appearances for the Royals in the past two seasons and posted a 7.71 ERA and 1.90 WHIP in 21 innings during that time. He'll be available as bullpen depth Saturday but should return to the team's alternate camp following the doubleheader.

Manager Dusty Baker said Saturday that Taylor's ankle is "severely sprained," Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Taylor rolled his ankle while fielding a bunt in the bottom of the eighth inning Friday and had to be carted off the field. He underwent X-rays that came back negative, but he'll still likely spend time on the injured list as a result of his severe sprain. In his first seven relief appearances this season, Taylor has posted a 6.75 ERA and 1.88 WHIP in 5.1 innings.

Pivetta will start Saturday against the White Sox, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Pivetta's scheduled start Friday was rained out, and he will take the mound for Saturday's late afternoon contest. The right-hander's won his first two starts, benefitting from pitching when the Red Sox's hitters broke out after being swept by the Orioles in the opening series of the season.