MLB Player News

Kowar was promoted to Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Friday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Last year's 33rd overall pick, Kowar recorded a 3.53 ERA through 13 starts with High-A Wilmington. He projects as a future back-end starter with the upside to be more than that, with his profile driven by strong velocity and a plus changeup.

Kittredge will serve as the opener Friday at Oakland, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Kittredge had his contract selected from Triple-A Durham earlier this week and allowed one run over 1.2 innings during his season debut. The 29-year-old posted an impressive 1.93 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 55:6 K:BB through 37.1 innings with the Bulls prior to his promotion. Jalen Beeks is likely to follow as the primary pitcher.

Chapman recorded the final out without allowing a baserunner in Thursday's contest the Astros to earn his 20th save of the season.

Chapman was called upon in the final frame to uphold a four-run lead with runners on first and third. He retired Josh Reddick on a seven-pitch at-bat to successfully shut the door. He's now 20-for-22 in converting save chances this season, also providing a strong 1.29 ERA and 0.89 WHIP with 39 strikeouts across 28 innings.

Alvarado (personal) threw a bullpen session Thursday, and the Rays hope he'll need only a few more side sessions and possibly a simulated game before returning to the team, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Alvarado is currently on the restricted list after leaving the team to be with family Venezuela at the beginning of June, and he'll have to go through an abbreviated spring training prior to being activated. However, the Rays are optimistic that he'll be able to avoid a minor-league stint, which will likely speed up the process. There's currently no timetable for Alvarado's return.

Merryweather (elbow) will make a rehab start Monday, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports.

Merryweather has been cleared to return to game action for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in March of 2018. It's unclear where the right-hander will make his first rehab appearance, though he's expected to join Triple-A Buffalo once fully healthy.

Scott will serve as the opener for Thursday's game against the Orioles, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Scott will work as an opener for the second time this season, with Wade LeBlanc scheduled to cover the bulk of innings behind him. The right-handed Scott has allowed at least one run in three of his four appearances this season, resulting in a 7.71 ERA and 2.00 WHIP in seven innings.

Shafer was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Shafer made one appearance during his most recent stint with the Blue Jays, allowing one hit while striking out two batters in 2.1 scoreless innings of relief. Ken Giles (elbow) was activated from the injured list in a corresponding move.

Giles (elbow) was activated from the injured list Thursday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Giles faced hitters earlier in the week and experienced no issues, clearing the way for him to return after a minimum stay on the injured list with elbow inflammation. The 28-year-old, who compiled a 1.08 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 42:7 K:BB and 11 saves in 25 innings prior to landing on the shelf, should immediately reclaim his role as Toronto's closer, pushing Joe Biagini, Daniel Hudson and Tim Mayza back to setup jobs. Justin Shafer was optioned to the minors in a corresponding move.

Phillips was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk prior to Thursday's game against the Mariners, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

The 24-year-old righty has been back and forth between the majors and Triple-A all season. He will serve as bullpen depth during this latest stint, likely pitching in low-leverage situations.

Covey (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a side session Thursday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

If Thursday's session goes off without a hitch, Covey will throw another side session in a few days before potentially being cleared to face live hitters. The right-hander has been on the shelf since June 9 with shoulder inflammation.