MLB Player News

Heller was diagnosed with a flexor strain Friday, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Heller was on the homestretch of his recovery from Tommy John surgery when his rehab assignment was paused earlier in the week. He'll be shut down from throwing for a week but could still have time to pitch before the end of the season if his recovery proceeds without hitches once he resumes throwing.

Manaea (shoulder) fired 3.2 scoreless innings in High-A Stockton's win over Lancaster on Thursday, allowing four hits and two walks while recording four strikeouts.

There were multiple aspects of Manaea's outing that were encouraging, beginning with the scoreless line. After all, the left-hander had surrendered nine earned runs over his first two turns against High-A bats, which was reason for at least mild concern. Then, Manaea also worked all the way up to 64 pitches, 39 of which found the strike zone. This was likely the type of performance the Athletics needed to see from the 27-year-old before bumping him up the organizational ladder to continue his rehab assignment, but time will tell of Manaea is destined for at least one more appearance with the Ports.

Rogers earned the save against Oakland on Thursday, tossing two scoreless innings and giving up two hits while striking out one batter.

After Minnesota took a one-run lead on a three-run homer off the bat of Eddie Rosario in the seventh inning, Rogers was brought in for the two-inning save. He worked his way out of a jam in the eighth, leaving the tying run stranded at second base, then retired the side in order in the ninth after the Twins plated a pair of insurance runs. Rogers appears to have a firm stranglehold on the closer job for the Twins, as he has now converted 14 of 17 save opportunities -- six of which have gone for two or more innings. He has posted an impressive 1.61 ERA along with a 0.94 WHIP and 56:7 K:BB in 44.2 innings this season.

Barria will be recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake to start Friday against the Mariners, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Barria has made seven appearances (three starts) this season for the Angels, accruing a 5.22 ERA and 1.40 WHIP with a 30:4 K:BB over 29.1 innings. Los Angeles has yet to determine if he'll start the contest or work as a bulk reliever in the series opener.

Hand struck out four while working around a hit over 1.1 scoreless innings Thursday to earn his 26th save of the season.

Hand was called upon to finish the eighth inning, which he did by recording a strikeout with the tying run on deck. He allowed a weakly-hit single to lead off the ninth but mowed down the next three hitters to finish off the contest. The dominant Hand now owns a 2.21 ERA and sits atop the American League in saves.

Borucki (elbow) will start Monday's game against the Indians, Alexis Brudnicki of MLB.com reports.

Borucki has been on the shelf since April due to a left elbow injury, but he was able to complete his rehab assignment and will be brought back from the injured list to start Monday's contest. In 17 starts for Toronto last year, he posted a 3.87 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with a 67:33 K:BB over 97.2 innings.

Green will serve as the opener for Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Rays, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Green has been excellent of late, surrendering just one run over his last 11 appearances (17 innings) while fanning 25 over that stretch. He figures to work the first inning or two of Thursday's nightcap before making way for a bulk reliever.

Norris will eventually hit an innings limit at some point in the second half, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Manager Ron Gardenhire didn't give a specific date or innings target, but the Tigers have little reason to push their young arms in a season in which they aren't close to competing for a playoff berth. Norris threw just 56 innings last season and 115.2 in 2017. He's thrown 96.1 already this year.

Covey could start Tuesday against the Marlins, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

The White Sox went with Ross Detwiler in what was Covey's spot Thursday against the Royals, but the veteran allowed five runs while recording just seven outs. Covey following in relief, allowing one run in 2.2 innings of work. The White Sox haven't entirely settled who will get the start next week but are reportedly leaning Covey's way.

Pruitt (undisclosed) was placed on the 7-day injured list, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Pruitt allowed three runs on six hits -- including a pair of home runs -- while striking out five across four innings his last time out for Triple-A Durham before landing on the IL. Specifics regarding the injury are not yet known, leaving the right-hander without a timetable for his return.