MLB Player News

Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke said Monday that Taylor (COVID-19) isn't close to returning from the injured list, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

After testing positive for the coronavirus prior to the start of summer camp, Taylor has since cleared all health-related protocols and rejoined the team for workouts a week and a half ago. He's continuing to train regularly at the Red Sox's alternate camp site in Pawtucket, but Roenicke's comments suggest the reliever likely won't be ready to return from the IL until at least next week.

Alvarado, who fired a scoreless ninth frame during which he recorded two strikeouts in an extra-inning win over the Blue Jays on Sunday, has opened the season with back-to-back scoreless appearances.

There was a fair amount of scrutiny on Alvarado heading into the campaign, as the left-hander was coming off a wildly inconsistent 2019 in which he often struggled with control. Despite some unsightly numbers in spring training this year, Alvarado had steadfastly maintained he was primed for a big 2020, and early returns have certainly been encouraging. The 25-year-old has yet to see a save chance, but he's now retired six batters on a relatively efficient 35 pitches while posting a 4:1 K:BB across his first pair of outings.

The Rangers placed Rodriguez (lat) on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

The left lat strain prevented Rodriguez from cracking the 30-man Opening Day roster, but since he's already been working his way through a throwing program, a lengthy absence doesn't look to be in the cards. Rodriguez's placement on the IL was retroactive to July 20, so he'll be eligible for activation ahead of this weekend's series in San Francisco.

Palumbo (0-1) allowed three runs in two innings Sunday, yielding three hits and a walk while taking the loss against Colorado. He struck out four batters.

Palumbo entered the game in the second inning after Corey Kluber left with a shoulder injury. He fired two perfect innings before unraveling in the fourth, allowing five straight batters to reach base before he was taken out. The 25-year-old lefty will likely remain in a long-relief role for the 2020 season.

Devenski (0-1) allowed three runs on three hits and one walk while striking out one over one inning as he took the loss Sunday against the Mariners.

Devenski was called on to preserve a 5-4 lead in the eighth inning of Sunday's game, but he was unable to contain the Mariners as he picked up the loss and blown save. The right-hander posted a 4.83 ERA and 1.30 WHIP over 69 innings with the Astros last season and isn't expected to pitch in many high-leverage situations this year.

Weber (0-1) allowed six runs on six hits and three walks while striking out zero over 3.2 innings as he was charged with the loss Sunday against the Orioles.

Weber was relatively effective in his final tuneup Tuesday, but the Orioles got off to a hot start Sunday, scoring runs in three of the first four innings before Weber was pulled. The right-hander gave up two home runs while failing to record a strikeout in his short start. Weber made 18 appearances (three starts) in his first season with the Red Sox last year, recording a 5.09 ERA and 1.38 WHIP over 40.2 innings. He'll look to turn things around on the road against the Yankees on Friday.

Sulser earned the save Sunday against the Red Sox as he pitched two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and no walks while striking out two.

The Orioles used Mychal Givens to record four outs late in Saturday's win, so Sulser was called on to pitch in the eighth and ninth innings in the series finale, and he was rewarded with his first save of 2020. Givens will likely serve as the team's primary closer to begin the season, but Sulser's usage Sunday indicates that he could be in line to see some save opportunities as well as the year progresses.

Andriese allowed just three hits and a walk while striking out five in 5.2 innings in relief of Shohei Ohtani during Sunday's loss to the Athletics.

Andriese was needed in a long-relief role Sunday as Ohtani failed to record an out in the first inning. Andriese performed admirably on short notice, allowing the Angels to pull within a run while he was on the mound. The 30-year-old right-hander will all but certainly not make his scheduled start Tuesday versus the Mariners -- it remains to be seen when he'll start his first game of the year.

Peters (oblique) reported to the Angels' alternate training site Sunday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

After missing all of camp with an oblique issue, Peters reported to the team's alternate training site to rehab as he attempts to get back into game shape. The southpaw is expected to join the major-league bullpen at some point, but it's unclear when he'll be ready to play in regular season games. Peters made 17 appearances (12 starts) for the Angels last season, recording a 5.38 ERA and 55:26 K:BB over 72 innings.

Quijada (undisclosed) reported to the Angels' alternate training site Sunday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Quijada missed all of camp for an undisclosed reason, but he's now rehabbing at the team's alternate training site as he works to get back into game shape. The left-hander isn't likely to join the 30-man roster even when he's ready for game action. If he does reach the majors this year, he's unlikely to have a significant role in the bullpen.