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Liam Hendriks RP | CHC
Athletics' Liam Hendriks: Struggles as opener
Hendriks allowed two runs on two hits with two walks and a strikeout in one inning during a no-decision as an opener against the Angels on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old's second chance to open this season didn't go so well, as he snapped his 14.2 scoreless innings streak. It was also the first time since April 16 that Hendriks yielded two walks in an outing. Despite the poor appearance, Hendriks is still 2-0 with a 1.76 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 34 strikeouts in 30.2 innings this season.
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Ryan Weber RP | NYY
Red Sox's Ryan Weber: Hit hard Wednesday
Weber (1-1) allowed seven earned runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out two across four innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Indians.
Weber never got comfortable in this start, surrendering at least one earned run in each inning. While he only allowed one home run, he allowed a total of six extra-base hits that accounted for much of the damage. Weber had pitched admirably prior to Wednesday's start, carrying a 1.29 ERA into the contest, though much of that work came out of the bullpen. With this performance, the team could decide to turn back to Hector Velazquez as its fifth starter until Nathan Eovaldi (elbow) is ready to return to the mound. Regardless, with an upcoming day off Monday, the Red Sox will be able to skip their fifth starter for at least one turn through the rotation.
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Brad Hand RP | ATL
Indians' Brad Hand: Grabs another save
Hand recorded the final two outs without allowing a hit or walk to earn the save Wednesday against the Red Sox.
The Indians entered the ninth inning with a five-run lead but ultimately called upon Hand after Tyler Olsen and Nick Wittgren combined to load the bases while securing just one out. Hand ultimately didn't allow a run to cross the plate by inducing a popout in foul territory and then a game-ending groundout. He now has 15 saves on the season, while also providing an elite 1.19 ERA and 0.88 with 33 strikeouts across 22.2 innings.
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Jorge Lopez RP | WAS
Royals' Jorge Lopez: Shifts to bullpen
Manager Ned Yost said Lopez's move to the bullpen is likely long term, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. "I think he can be really good there," the skipper said.
Lopez was demoted to the bullpen after struggling to a 6.79 ERA and 1.57 WHIP through his first 11 appearances (10 starts) this season. The right-hander did fan 49 batters in 51.2 innings, so there's a chance his stuff plays in shorter stints, though he'll need to fix his home run (2.1 HR/9) and walk (3.7 BB/9) issues before he's trusted with high-leverage work. The Royals have yet to name Lopez's replacement in the rotation, though Glenn Sparkman is likely the team's top candidate.
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Bernardo Flores RP | TEX
White Sox's Bernardo Flores: Out with oblique injury
Flores landed on the minor-league injured list with Double-A Birmingham with an oblique injury Wednesday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.
The severity of the injury, which forced Flores to exit Tuesday's game, is not yet clear. He owns a 3.22 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in 10 starts this season.
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Brian Johnson RP | BOS
Red Sox's Brian Johnson: Two rehab appearances scheduled
Johnson (elbow) will make a three-inning rehab appearance for Double-A Portland on Thursday and another three-inning appearance for Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.
The Red Sox will determine Johnson's readiness to return from the injured list following Monday's outing. He'll have to pitch much better over those six innings than he's done thus far in his rehab assignment, as he's allowed 10 runs (seven earned) in 5.2 innings of work.
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Sean Manaea SP | NYM
Athletics' Sean Manaea: Throws bullpen session
Manaea (shoulder) threw a 40-pitch bullpen session with increased intensity Wednesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.
Manaea has been out since last August with a shoulder injury which eventually required surgery. He's working his way towards a rehab assignment but is expected to throw at least one more bullpen session first. The Athletics don't anticipate Manaea being ready to reclaim a rotation spot until the second half of the season.
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Brent Honeywell RP | LAD
Rays' Brent Honeywell: Cleared to play catch
Honeywell (elbow) was cleared to play catch Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Honeywell had been shut down since mid-April due to nerve irritation. He'll throw from 60-to-75 feet for a few days before being re-evaluated Monday.
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Travis Lakins RP | BAL
Red Sox's Travis Lakins: Optioned to Triple-A
Lakins was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket on Wednesday.
Lakins spent less than a week on the big-league roster. He got into three games, allowing four runs in 4.1 innings of work. Colten Brewer and Josh Taylor were recalled from Pawtucket in corresponding moves for Lakins and Mitch Moreland (back), who was placed on the injured list.