MLB Player News

Burdi (lat) will begin a rehab assignment with Low-A Kannapolis on Monday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

He underwent Tommy John surgery in late July of 2017, and it has been a slow road back, as he was scratched from the Arizona Fall League roster due to fatigue and dealt with this lat injury in spring training. Once fully recovered, Burdi will join Triple-A Charlotte, and he could reach the big leagues sometime this summer.

Pagan was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Sunday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

With Hunter Wood landing on the paternity list and Jake Faria getting sent to Triple-A, the Rays needed a fresh arm in the bullpen. Pagan should be used in the short term if a low-leverage situation arises, but could be headed right back to Triple-A once Wood returns early next week.

Barnes (2-0) allowed one run on one hit and struck out three in Saturday's 6-5 win over the Rays.

Barnes came on to start the eighth inning with Boston ahead by a run but served up a leadoff home run to Yandy Diaz. Manager Alex Cora has used Barnes early in games previously, but that was in a fireman-type situation with runners on base or when a game was tied. This was the first time he was brought in early to start an inning with Boston leading. At this point, fantasy owners should be targeting Ryan Brasier for saves, although Barnes will get opportunities, too.

Rogers earned the save in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Orioles by allowing one run on three hits across two innings. He struck out five and did not issue a walk.

Rogers earned his first save of the year back in the season opener but didn't receive a second chance until Saturday. The 28-year-old has mostly been used in a setup role with four holds and has a 1.69 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 14:2 K:BB over 10.2 innings.

Alvarado (0-1) took the loss Saturday, giving up a run on two hits and a walk over one inning while striking out one as the Rays fell 6-5 to the Red Sox.

The Rays was down 5-0 after a big second inning by Boston, but they climbed out of the hole and tied it up in the bottom of the eighth, only to see their closer falter in the ninth. Alvarado hadn't given up a run in 10 appearances prior to Saturday, and his 17:5 K:BB through 10.1 innings is still excellent, so there's no cause for alarm in one hiccup.

Brasier gave up two hits and struck out one in a scoreless inning to record his fifth save of the season in a 6-5 win over the Rays on Saturday.

The right-hander continues to be effective in the ninth inning. Brasier has five saves in six chances to go along with a 1.74 ERA and 10:2 K:BB in 10.1 innings, and with Matt Barnes filling the fireman role, Brasier should continue to see plenty of save opportunities for the Red Sox.

Peters was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday

Peters was called up from Salt Lake on Tuesday and allowed one run on three hits and three walks over three innings during his brief major-league stint. The 26-year-old was demoted to make room on the 25-man roster for right-hander Luke Bard.

Burke (finger) was charged with seven runs (five earned) over two innings for Double-A Frisco on Tuesday. He struck out two and issued three walks.

A blister issue put Burke on the injured list after his first start of the 2019 season. He struggled in his return, but Burke has not since been moved back to the IL, nor has there been any suggestion that his pitching schedule may be altered. Burke, a top piece acquired in the Jurickson Profar trade, features a plus fastball and a plus breaking ball, but the lefty's command needs some work.

Norris will make his next start Sunday against the White Sox after his turn Saturday was postponed, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Norris was appointed to the rotation two weeks ago following Matt Moore's (knee) placement on the injured list, but he has yet to make a start due to a pair of postponements and multiple off days in Detroit's schedule. Saturday's cancellation allowed the Tigers to delay Norris' first start until April 25 if they wanted to, but manager Ron Gardenhire won't force the lefty to wait that long. Norris will oppose Reynaldo Lopez in the series finale.

Gomez allowed three runs on four hits while striking out two in two-thirds of an inning in Friday's 7-2 loss to Houston.

Gomez had been a reasonably serviceable arm out of the Rangers' bullpen until he had to face the hottest hitting team in baseball. The Astros pummeled starter Drew Smyly, who lasted just 3.2 innings, setting the stage for a line of Texas relievers. Gomez squelched a threat in the fourth inning but was tattooed for three consecutive doubles and a single in the fifth inning before getting pulled. The 31-year-old will continue in a middle-relief role for now.