MLB Player News

Yarbrough (2-1) picked up the win after tossing two scoreless innings and striking out one Friday against the Blue Jays.

Yarbrough was efficient on the mound, needing just 16 total pitches (12 strikes) to get through six batters. The 27-year-old left-hander was coming off a disastrous outing Saturday against the Giants (four runs allowed in three innings) but managed to get back on track in an 11-7 victory.

Stanek opened Friday's game against the Blue Jays and struck out three over two perfect innings.

Stanek looked strong in yet another appearance as an opener and needed only 22 pitches to retire the first six batters. The 27-year-old is off to a strong start in 2019 and owns a 1.13 ERA with 10 punchouts in eight innings of work. Given his success in the early going, expect the Rays to continue to use Stanek as an opener on occasion.

Betances will receive a cortisone shot Saturday to help with inflammation in his right shoulder. He'll be shut down from throwing for three weeks and won't have a chance to return until the end of May, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

He's also apparently dealing with a bone spur in his shoulder, which may be the root cause of the inflammation. Betances suffered a setback during Thursday's simulated game, and an MRI confirmed that he'll remain on the injured list for nearly two more months. This is devastating news for the Yankees, who continue to be plagued by injuries early in the 2019 campaign.

Honeywell (elbow) will pitch one inning or 25 pitches in an extended spring game Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Honeywell will take the hill in a live game for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in February of 2018. He's expected to remain on the injured list for at least another month before the Rays even consider calling him up to the major leagues.

De Leon (elbow) will throw one inning or 25 pitches in an extended spring game Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

This is a big step for De Leon, as this will be the first time he's appeared in a live game since undergoing Tommy John surgery in March of 2018. The Rays hope to have him back some time in June.

Borucki (elbow) received a cortisone injection Friday and won't throw for two weeks, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Borucki apparently experienced some soreness during his last throwing session, prompting the injection. The 25-year-old was previously targeting a two-game series with the Giants on April 23-24 for his return, but that is clearly no longer possible. Borucki is likely looking at a return in mid-May at the earliest given that he won't resume throwing until the end of April.

Betances' simulated game did not go well Thursday, so he'll undergo another MRI on his inflamed shoulder, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

The injuries just keep mounting in the Bronx. Betances had been working his way back after opening the season on the injured list but may now see his return delayed. A clearer picture should emerge following the MRI.

Swanson was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Swanson made one appearance after being called up Tuesday and allowed two runs on three hits and two walks over two innings. The 25-year-old figures to return to his starting role with the Rainiers, but should see the majors again at some point this season.

Armstrong (oblique) was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday.

Armstrong had been battling an oblique issue since mid-March. In a short, 14.2-inning sample last season, he recorded an excellent 1.23 ERA. The Mariners' closer job is wide open with Hunter Strickland (lat) on the 60-day injured list, though Armstrong may need a few outings to prove himself before pushing for save chances.

Barria was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake after Wednesday's game against the Brewers, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Barria picked up the win during his lone game in the majors as he allowed one run on four hits across 2.2 innings after being called up earlier Wednesday. The 22-year-old figured to be out of commission for a few days after throwing 43 pitches, so the Angels opted to bring up a fresh arm in Jake Jewell.