MLB Player News

Johnson (elbow) will play catch from 60 feet Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Tuesday's throwing session will mark Johnson's first since being shut down with elbow inflammation earlier in the month. While this is an encouraging step for the southpaw, a timetable for his return likely won't emerge until he's further along in his throwing program.

Hill was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

Hill made five appearances for the Royals in the first two weeks of the season, allowing two runs in two innings while recording a 0:3 K:BB. He should fill a lefty specialist role during his time with the club.

Mengden, who sports a 3-0 record and 3.00 ERA across 24 innings at Triple-A Las Vegas, would be a likely candidate for promotion should Brett Anderson's ankle sprain cause him to miss at least one start, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander has already proven his mettle at the big-league level in the past, most recently compiling a 7-6 record, 4.05 ERA and 1.12 WHIP across 115.2 innings in 22 appearances (17 starts) last season. Anderson appears to think he avoided major injury Sunday, but Mengden stands ready if the veteran southpaw's ankle worsens over the early part of the week.

Giles struck out one and allowed three hits and no walks over 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the save against the Athletics on Sunday.

Giles was called in to preserve a two-run lead with two outs in the eighth inning. Though he allowed a hit that brought in one inherited runner, he managed to hold on to record his seventh save of the season. While he allowed three hits, all of them were singles and one didn't leave the infield. Giles is now 7-for-8 in save opportunities, but his 1.50 WHIP is indicative that he's made things interesting during several of his save chances.

Martin allowed one hit over a scoreless two-thirds of an inning to pick up his fourth hold in Sunday's 11-10 win over Houston.

The Rangers nearly blew a nine-run lead and needed Martin to stanch the bleeding by getting the final two outs of the eighth inning. Martin's been the Rangers' primary eighth-inning reliever this year, and he's one name to keep in your back pocket while Texas closer Jose Leclerc battles control issues.

Barria (2-1) allowed one run on four hits and no walks while striking out three across five innings to earn the win Sunday against the Mariners.

Barria followed opener Hansel Robles and pitched effectively and efficiently. He needed only 71 pitches to record 15 outs and allowed only two extra-base hits with no home runs. Though Barria has started only one game, he is pitching effectively in longer stints, meaning he could rack up some wins with decent ratios if he remains a primary pitcher rather than starter.

Garcia recorded the last out of the game to secure a save in Sunday's game against the Mariners.

Garcia was called upon after the Angels' bullpen imploded in the ninth, culminating in Cody Allen surrendering a three-run homer to Mitch Haniger to cut the lead to two. However, Garcia got Edwin Encarnacion to pop out to end the game and earn his first save of the season. Though Allen has struggled to begin the campaign, he remains in place as the team's closer for the time being, which will limit Garcia's save chances.

Lopez struck out eight and allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits in a 4-3 loss to the Tigers on Sunday.

Lopez didn't get much support from the offense, which didn't score during his six innings, and he was a victim of shoddy outfield defense. After an ugly first three starts, Lopez has returned to his 2018 form over the last two outings, both quality starts. He'll look to retain that form in his next start Saturday at home against these same Tigers.

Miller (1-1) yielded four runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks, earning the win over Houston on Sunday. He struck out three batters and gave up two homers.

It certainly wasn't pretty, but Miller will happily take his first win of what's been a hideous start to 2019. He's thrown just 15.1 innings in four starts with a 7.63 ERA and a horrid 6:13 K:BB. Things won't get easier for Miller as he'll face Seattle on Friday.

McHugh (3-2) allowed 10 runs (nine earned) on eight hits and a walk in 3.1 innings against Texas on Sunday. He struck out one in the loss.

McHugh entered Sunday with a 1.96 ERA and walked out after raising it to 4.78. He never got anything going and allowed back-to-back homers to Hunter Pence and Logan Forsythe during the third inning. McHugh will try to forget about this one and get back in the win column against Cleveland on Friday.