MLB Player News

Alvarado hit the 10-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation Saturday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

The injury certainly could have contributed to Alvarado's performance Saturday, when he allowed four runs while recording just two outs. It's unclear how much time he's expected to miss. Aaron Slegers was recalled in a corresponding move.

Shaw was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Saturday.

Shaw hasn't been very effective this season as he's allowed 12 runs on 13 hits and six walks over six innings. He was shuffled between alternate camp and the major-league roster, but he'll now lose his spot on the 40-man roster. Southpaw Ljay Newsome's contract was selected by the Mariners in a corresponding move Saturday.

Puk (shoulder) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Saturday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Puk has been increasing his throwing distance since being placed on the injured list with a shoulder strain. He's scheduled to throw a 30-pitch bullpen Monday as well. While the southpaw still doesn't have a timetable to return, manager Bob Melvin was optimistic that he'd be able to come back at some point during the abbreviated 2020 season.

Rogers allowed two hits and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning to record the save in the first game a doubleheader against the Royals on Saturday.

Rogers was called upon to protect a two-run lead, and he never allowed the tying run to reach base despite allowing two hits. He erased a leadoff single by inducing a double play to the next batter and followed up another single with a strikeout to close the game to get his fifth save. Rogers has given up runs in two of his last four appearances to inflate his ERA to 4.91, but his skills remain in place as he has a 9:0 K:BB across 7.1 frames for the season.

Foster will start Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

With Chicago planning to lean on its bullpen for Game 2 of Saturday's twin bill, Foster will begin the game on the mound. The right-hander has thrown 7.2 scoreless innings with a 13:2 K:BB this season.

Lopez (undisclosed) was activated from the 10-day injured list Saturday.

Lopez made one appearance for the Royals this season before being put on the bereavement list and then being designated for assignment upon his reinstatement to the ballclub. He was quickly claimed off the waivers by the Orioles and now will look to assume a role in the bullpen. Lopez posted a 6.33 ERA in 2019 while striking out 109 batters in 123.2 innings and will likely pitch in middle relief.

Junis suffered back spasms while warming up for Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Twins and was shut down, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Junis was slated to serve as the primary pitcher behind Ian Kennedy for the first game of Saturday's twin bill. While Kennedy provided him with a nice foundation over the first two innings, Junis wasn't able to take the mound as a result of back spasms, and Gabe Speier took his place instead. The severity of the injury is unclear.

Norris will no longer be the team's primary pitcher Sunday against Cleveland as the Tigers announced Saturday that Tyler Alexander will assume that role instead, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Norris worked as the primary pitcher behind Michael Fulmer last Monday and was effective, throwing two scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out two batters. However, he made a relief appearance Friday, which may have impacted Manager Ron Gardenhire's decision to use him on short rest. It's unclear what's in store for Norris in terms of how he may be used moving forward. The Tigers have a lot of questions in their rotation that need to be answered in the coming days.

Alexander will be the Tigers' primary pitcher Sunday, following opener Michael Fulmer, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

In a flurry of moves following Ivan Nova's (triceps) trip to the injured list Saturday, Alexander will be the Tigers' primary pitcher following a few innings of work by Fulmer. Alexander was originally scheduled to start Monday, so now the Tigers have some decisions to make as to who they would like to take the mound Monday and Tuesday against the White Sox. A lot of people are speculating top pitching prospect Casey Mize will be called up, although nothing has been made official yet.

Chapman (COVID-19) could join the active roster as soon as Sunday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Chapman unofficially threw 25 pitches in a simulated game Friday and topped out at 98 mph, per Conor Foley of the Scranton Times-Tribune. The sim game was the second this week for the veteran closer, who has yet to pitch in a regular-season game in 2020 after testing positive for COVID-19 during summer camp. Despite Zack Britton's success in the closer role, Chapman is expected to slide back into ninth-inning duties immediately upon his return.