MLB Player News

Stanek allowed no runs on two hits and struck out three during 1.2 innings to open against the Indians on Sunday.

The 27-year-old has been an excellent opener this season, posting a 1.64 ERA in 14 "starts," but he's never pitched past the second inning in any of those outings. That obviously limits his fantasy value. Curiously, Stanek also hasn't been as good out of the bullpen. Overall, he is 0-1 with a 3.18 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 31 strikeouts in 28.1 innings this season.

Jurado pitched 6.1 innings and received a no-decision versus the Angels on Sunday, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out three.

Jurado didn't fool many hitters -- he induced only two swinging strikes -- but was nonetheless effective in his second start of the season. He was in line for a win but was pulled after giving up a one-out single in the seventh, then watched the Rangers' shaky bullpen allow six runs to cross the plate before the inning was over. After throwing only 76 pitches in his first start, Jurado tossed 94 on Sunday, a good indication that he is ready to take on a full-time starting role. He is projected to next face the Royals on Friday.

Torres agreed to a minor-league contract with the Tigers on Sunday, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Torres has appeared in 14 games this season with Triple-A El Paso, sporting a 2.63 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with a 23:10 K:BB over 24 frames. The veteran right-hander figures to serve as organizational depth for the Tigers.

Manaea (shoulder) said Sunday that he plans to face hitters in live batting practice in the first week of June, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Before doing so, Manaea will throw two more bullpen sessions. The first of those will come Wednesday, when he'll incorporate his slider after his prior sessions consisted entirely of fastballs. Based on where the lefty currently stands in his recovery from shoulder surgery, he'll likely be a rotation option for the Athletics at some point in late July or August.

Manager Bob Melvin said Sunday that Puk (elbow) could work out of the Athletics bullpen once he's reached the finish line in his rehab from Tommy John surgery, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. "The guys who had Tommy John, yeah, there's some serious thought to that, to be able to use their innings and not lose them very quickly," Melvin said of Puk and Jharel Cotton. "That's being bantered about, yes."

Regardless of whether he's deployed as a starter or reliever upon being formally activated, Puk will have an undisclosed innings cap in place coming off the major arm operation. Puk is still viewed as a potential high-ceiling rotation piece for the big club down the road, but the desire to prioritize his health coupled with the fact that he has yet to pitch above the Double-A level might provide sufficient reason for the organization to ease him into big-league action once he's deemed ready.

Covey (0-4) coughed up four runs on two walks and three hits across six innings, striking out six and taking the loss against the Twins on Sunday.

He actually had a fairly decent outing that was cursed by a troubling third inning. Max Kepler doubled in a run before Eddie Rosario took Covey deep for a three-run shot. The 27-year-old's ERA was on the rise again after Sunday, jumping to 5.47 across 26.1 innings. He'll take an ugly 13:18 K:BB into Friday's home start against Cleveland.

Hearn (elbow) is slated to begin a throwing program Monday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Hearn succumbed to left elbow inflammation during his MLB debut April 25 and has been stuck on the 10-day injured list ever since. After a month-long shutdown period, he's ready to start the recovery process in earnest, but he's probably still at least a couple weeks away from appearing in minor-league rehab games. Hearn isn't a lock to stick with the big club once he's ultimately activated from the IL.

Manager Aaron Boone said Betances (shoulder) could resume throwing off a mound Monday or Tuesday, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Betances has been limited to throwing off flat ground for much of May, though he's increased his distance with each successive session. With the right-hander apparently making it through the light throwing without any setbacks, he'll take a significant step forward by getting back onto the mound for the first time since early April. If he incurs no further hiccups in his recovery from the right shoulder injury, Betances could be ready to rejoin the big-league bullpen at some point in June.

The Angels optioned Barria to Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Barria will cede his spot on the active roster to Andrew Heaney (elbow), who was reinstated from the 10-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Sunday against the Rangers. After opening the season as a starter/primary pitcher for the Angels, Barria worked in a relief role during his latest stint with the big club.

The Orioles recalled Phillips from Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun reports.

He'll assume the active roster spot of first baseman Chris Davis (hip), who was placed on the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move. Phillips has previously made 11 relief appearances for Baltimore this season, giving up 10 runs on 14 hits and 10 walks over 12.2 innings.