MLB Player News

Johnson is likely to start Sunday's game against Arizona, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

In an effort to nab an extra day of rest for his starting rotation, manager Alex Cora is expected to give either Hector Velazquez or Johnson an opportunity for a spot start in the series finale. "Still waiting to see how it goes today," Cora said. "BJ most likely. We've still got Hector. They can go multiple innings. We'll see how it goes." If Johnson does end up pitching Sunday, Chris Sale would take the mound for Tuesday's home opener against the Blue Jays.

Lopez surrendered six runs on six hits and four walks and struck out five over five innings Friday against Seattle. He didn't factor into the decision.

Although the White Sox would ultimately come away with a 10-8 victory, Lopez didn't appear to have his best stuff. After giving up two runs through the first three innings of his outing, he really fell apart in the sixth when he allowed four runs on a pair of homers. Lopez certainly hasn't gotten off to a desirable start to the 2019 campaign (10.00 ERA over nine innings) but he'll have a chance to notch his first victory of the season Wednesday against Tampa Bay.

VerHagen (forearm) will start his rehab assignment Friday in Single-A Lakeland.

VerHagen was placed on the injury list at the end of March with a strained forearm, but appears to be ready to test it out in the minors. If all goes well, he should return to a mid-leverage bulpen role for the Tigers in the near future.

Hand surrendered a run on three hits and struck out three over 1.1 innings to notch his third save of the season Thursday against the Blue Jays.

Hand had some difficulty slamming the door and allowed Toronto's first run of the game to cross the plate in the ninth on a double. He would fan the final two batters of the contest to secure a 4-1 victory for the Indians, their third win of the 2019 campaign. Hand has managed to convert on all three of his save chances to open the season and sits with a 2.45 ERA along with six punchouts over 3.2 innings.

Rodriguez will open the year in the rotation with High-A Inland Empire, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

He missed all of 2018 with a stress reaction in his back, so it's encouraging that he is ready to go this year. Rodriguez only logged six starts at Low-A in 2017, but the work he did at the team's complex last year and this spring was apparently impressive enough for him to go to High-A this year. He has at least mid-rotation upside, but significant back injuries are always worth keeping in mind with young pitchers.

Junis posted a no-decision, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out eight and walking three in six innings against the Tigers on Thursday.

The Royals' offense gave their starting pitcher a lead in the first and fifth, but he was unable to hold either one. The good news, though, is Junis is striking out hitters at a high rate early this season. Through two starts, he has 14 strikeouts in 11.2 innings. Junis is also 1-0 with a 4.63 ERA and 1.37 WHIP. His next start will likely be against the Mariners.

Borucki (elbow) threw a successful side session Wednesday, Mike Wilner of Sportsnet 590 The Fan reports.

The Blue Jays will determine Borucki's next step in the coming days. The tentative plan is for the southpaw to return during Toronto's two-game series against the Giants on April 23 and 24, though it remains to be seen if he'll be ready.

Garcia will open the year with High-A Tampa, Jim Callis of MLB.com reports.

While Garcia made one start for Double-A Trenton at the end of the 2018 season, he had only made five starts at High-A prior to that, so this assignment makes sense. He will return to the Florida State League for a month or two before likely spending most of the season at Double-A.

Heller (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day IL on Thursday.

This comes as no surprise, as Heller underwent Tommy John surgery last April and likely won't be ready to pitch in games until the middle of the season. The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Jake Barrett, who was claimed off waivers.

Hamilton (shoulder) was activated from the 10-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday.

Hamilton wound up spending the minimum 10 days on the shelf due to shoulder soreness stemming from a car accident in spring training. Look for the young right-hander to join the big-league bullpen once he finds his footing in the minors. Hamilton posted a 4.50 ERA in eight innings with the big club following a September promotion.