MLB Player News

Junis (8-12) took the loss after surrendering four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four over four innings Friday night against the Indians.

Junis yielded four runs in the second inning, and it was all the offense Cleveland would need to emerge with the victory. The 26-year-old right-hander also failed to work deep into the ballgame, as he was lifted after tossing 94 pitches through his four frames. He now owns a 4.89 ERA and 1.40 WHIP with a 146:51 K:BB over 154.2 innings this season.

Blach (0-2) took the loss after surrendering seven runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out two over four innings Friday against the Rays. He was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after the game, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Blach allowed all seven of his runs in the second inning, resulting in a 7-1 loss for his club. The southpaw has struggled in the big leagues this season, posting a 12.81 ERA and 2.39 WHIP with 15 strikeouts over 19.2 innings. The Orioles won't need a fifth starter until rosters expand in September, so Blach could return to that role next month.

Armstrong (forearm) is expected to return from the injured list after the 10-day minimum, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Armstrong landed on the shelf earlier in the day due to a right forearm strain, though it shouldn't cost him more than the minimum. He'll be eligible to return beginning Sept. 1.

Alvarado will serve as the opener for Saturday's game against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The left-hander is in line to toss the first inning or so before making way for a bulk reliever, who has yet to be named. Alvarado hasn't allowed a run over his last four outings (three innings).

Johnson will likely start Sunday's game against the Padres, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

David Price (wrist) was a candidate to return from the injured list to start Sunday, though the Red Sox have since announced that he'll throw a sim game Tuesday, opening the door for Johnson. He last took the mound Tuesday against the Phillies, surrendering three runs on six hits and two walks while fanning four over 3.2 innings.

Johnson will likely start Sunday's game against the Padres, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

David Price (wrist) was a candidate to return from the injured list to start Sunday, though the Red Sox have since announced that he'll throw a sim game Tuesday, opening the door for Johnson. He last took the mound Tuesday against the Phillies, surrendering three runs on six hits and two walks while fanning four over 3.2 innings.

Adams (lat), who fired a scoreless inning in which he recorded two strikeouts during Triple-A Tacoma's loss to Las Vegas on Thursday, will log another appearance with the Rainiers before continuing his rehab assignment with Double-A Arkansas, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Adams successfully hurled live BP on Monday and then turned in an encouraging outing with Tacoma to kick off his rehab assignment. The Mariners haven't specified how many games he'll need in the minors, though he's expected to be reinstated from the injured list in September when rosters expand to 40.

Garcia pitched two innings out of the bullpen Thursday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, allowing one run on three hits while striking out five.

Although Garcia technically pitched as a reliever last week -- he came on in the second inning behind Ben Heller, who was making a rehab appearance -- Thursday was his first outing since officially being shifted to the bullpen. He looked comfortable in his new role, tossing 30 of 41 pitches for strikes and retiring five of six hitters via strikeout. Should Garcia continue to be effective out of the bullpen at the Triple-A level, he could be brought up to help bolster the Yankees' relief corps in September.

Tate was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday.

Tate was brought up to take the roster spot of Shawn Armstrong (forearm), who landed on the injured list in a corresponding move. Tate has appeared in two games with the Orioles this season, and has allowed six earned runs over five innings, good for a 10.50 ERA. Given that he threw multiple frames in both his last two appearances, Tate figures to slot into a long-relief role for the big club.

Armstrong was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to August 22 with a right forearm strain.

Armstrong threw a clean inning his last time out Wednesday, but he either picked up the injury as well, or saw an existing injury -- he had allowed seven earned runs over his previous six appearances -- get worse. It remains to be seen when Armstrong will be ready to return, but Dillon Tate will take his spot on the roster for now.