MLB Player News

Ramirez could cover multiple innings in relief behind Gregory Soto in Sunday's game against the Athletics, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Soto and Ramirez worked in tandem Wednesday against the Astros, with the former covering two frames and the latter pitching four. Since both pitchers will only be on three days' rest Sunday, a similar tag-team approach may be on the docket again. That said, Ramirez was pitching on three days' rest versus Houston and still tossed 77 pitches, perhaps making him a better bet than Soto to cover the most innings for Detroit. Looking ahead, the Tigers are expected to have two openings in the rotation for the foreseeable future with Jordan Zimmermann (elbow) and Tyson Ross (elbow) facing uncertain return timelines, so both Soto and Ramirez could pick up starts next week.

Mengden is listed as the Athletics' starting pitcher for Saturday's game against the Tigers.

Mengden was called up from Triple-A Las Vegas to make a spot start last weekend against Cleveland, taking the loss in that outing after giving up four runs on five hits and four walks over 5.1 innings. Despite the underwhelming numbers, the Athletics apparently elected to keep Mengden in the rotation over struggling fifth starter Aaron Brooks, who was used in a mop-up role out of the bullpen in Thursday's 17-3 win over Detroit. Mengden's career 17.6 strikeout percentage puts a major cap on his fantasy upside, though he did provide some assistance in the ratio categories last season with a 4.05 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 115.2 innings.

Gearrin has generated six consecutive scoreless appearances to open May and owns an 0-1 record, a 3.63 ERA, a 1.50 WHIP and six holds across 17.1 innings this season.

The right-hander had his share of hiccups in April, a month in which he posted a 5.59 ERA by allowing at least one earned run in four of 11 appearances. However, he's mostly evened things out in the current month, lowering his ERA to 4.85 on the strength of his aforementioned string of scoreless efforts.

Sadzeck, who fired two scoreless innings in which he recorded a strikeout during a loss to the Twins on Thursday, owns an 0-1 record, a 2.41 ERA, an 0.96 WHIP, one save and two holds across 18.2 innings this season.

The towering reliever has been a valued asset for manager Scott Servais, filling a variety of roles in a bullpen that lost projected closer Hunter Strickland to a lat injury very early in the season. Sadzeck has now pitched two innings on four occasions, and he has six appearances of greater than one frame overall.

Colome struck out one over one inning to pick up his ninth save in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Blue Jays.

Colome is a perfect 9-for-9 in save opportunities. The 30-year-old has helped stabilize the back end of the bullpen, but the still-rebuilding White Sox may eventually flip Colome at the trade deadline, which could alter his role in another team's bullpen.

Covey allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks while striking out one over 5.2 innings in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Blue Jays.

Covey allowed both of his hits in the second inning, including a leadoff home run, then set down 12 straight. He was in line for a potential win, but a Yoan Moncada throwing error enabled an unearned, tying run to score in the sixth, leaving the right-hander with a no-decision. Covey got deeper into the game Thursday than he had in his previous two starts, an encouraging sign as he fills in for the injured Carlos Rodon (elbow). The White Sox may eventually bring up talented prospect Dylan Cease, but that may not happen until the second half of the season. Covey will next start Monday on the road against the powerful Astros.

Swanson (1-5) gave up eight earned runs on nine hits over just three innings while taking the loss to the Twins on Thursday. He struck out three with no walks.

The right-hander was absolutely lit up for the third time in four starts, as the Twins touched him up for four long balls before chasing him from the contest after just three frames and 64 pitches. Swanson has had tough sledding, seeing his ERA rise to 8.04 and his WHIP to 1.44 through six starts.

Vasquez (shoulder) was reinstated from the 7-day injured list Thursday, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

Vasquez wound up spending just eight days on the shelf with a left shoulder impingement. Prior to landing on the minor-league IL, the southpaw compiled a 6.48 ERA, 2.22 WHIP and 13:9 K:BB in 8.1 innings with Triple-A Rochester.

Garrett was designated for assignment by the Tigers on Thursday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

This comes after the Rule 5 pick allowed four runs during Thursday's loss to the Athletics, marking the sixth straight appearance he's allowed at least one run. Should Garrett (8.22 ERA, 2.41 WHIP and 10:13 K:BB in 15.1 innings this season) pass through waivers unclaimed, he'll be offered back to the Rangers. Sandy Baez was promoted to the majors in a corresponding move.

Stanek will serve as the opener for Friday's game against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Stanek will pitch an inning or two before giving way to Yonny Chirinos, who is expected to cover the majority of innings Friday. In 11 "starts" this season, Stanek owns a 1.62 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 18:3 K:BB in 16.2 innings.