MLB Player News

Rogers struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his seventh save of the season in a 2-0 win over the Royals.

A sore back had left Rogers unavailable over the last few days -- he hadn't pitched since June 6 -- but the southpaw looked 100 percent in polishing off the combined shutout for Kyle Gibson. The Twins continue to use a closing committee, but Rogers is the only left-handed option in the mix, leading him to two wins and nine holds in addition to seven saves in nine chances over 25 appearances.

Covey (shoulder) played catch Friday and expects to throw off a mound Saturday, LaMond Pope of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Covey was placed on the injured list last week with shoulder inflammation that's been bothering him for a while. He'd been able to get himself ready every fifth day but eventually needed to shut down for a bit. "I feel much better now," Covey said. "I've had a few days off. We're taking it day by day." Covey is 1-4 with a 4.58 ERA in nine games (seven starts).

Chavez gave up one hit and struck out four over three scoreless innings as the opener in Friday's 7-1 win over the Reds.

Even though it was his longest appearance of the season, the veteran right-hander didn't last long enough to qualify for the win, but Chavez got the Rangers headed in the right direction, firing 32 of 47 pitches for strikes. He'll likely remain in a long-relief/opener role, but his 3.35 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 38:15 K:BB over 40.1 innings comes with two wins and six holds, giving him modest fantasy value in some deep formats.

Manaea (shoulder) is scheduled to throw in a simulated game at Oakland's minor-league facility in Arizona on Saturday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The sim game will be yet another pivotal step in the recovery process for Manaea, who most recently threw a successful batting practice session. If all goes off without a hitch Saturday, Manaea could be ready to embark on a minor-league rehab assignment, although manager Bob Melvin also left open the possibility that the southpaw logs at least one more sim game.

McHugh (elbow) started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock on Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

McHugh tossed a side session without pain Tuesday, and he's since been cleared to embark on a minor-league stint. It remains unknown as to how many rehab appearances he'll need to make before he's activated from the injured list.

Green will serve as the opener for Saturday's game against the White Sox, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

Green will toss the first inning or so before making way for the primary pitcher, who figures to be Nestor Cortes.

Ortiz (0-1) took the loss after surrendering four runs on four hits and five walks while striking out three over 3.1 innings Friday against the Red Sox. He was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk following the game, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Ortiz gave up two runs in the second inning and two more in the fourth prior to exiting with a 4-1 deficit. He struggled to consistently find the strike zone in this one, firing just 44 of 80 pitches for strikes. He'll aim to find better success in the minor leagues in his next outing.

Soto will be recalled from Triple-A Toledo prior to Saturday's game against the Indians. He's expected to start that contest.

Soto made four starts earlier this season while with Detroit, but he struggled to an 11.20 ERA with an 11:7 K:BB over 13.2 innings. He'll get another shot after Ryan Carpenter was demoted to the minors following a disastrous outing Friday night.

Lambert hasn't pitched since June 3 due to a strained right forearm, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Lambert is expected to be shut down for the next few weeks before he's reevaluated. He's posted a 4.55 ERA with 70 strikeouts over 59.1 innings this season at Double-A Birmingham.

Taylor was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket prior to Friday's game against the Orioles.

Taylor didn't fare well in his last outing with the Red Sox, allowing four runs on six hits over one inning of work, but he'll get another shot in the bullpen after Heath Hembree was sent to the 10-day injured list Friday with a right elbow strain.