MLB Player News

Junis (6-12) got the loss Wednesday, allowing four runs (two earned) on nine hits while striking out five over 5.2 innings against the Rays.

Junis was hit early and often, allowing at least one runner to reach second base in all six innings of work except the third. Even still, Wednesday marked the fourth straight start in which the 25-year-old conceded two or fewer earned runs, and he's maintaining an impressive 26:5 K:BB across 22 innings in that span. He'll carry a 4.70 ERA and 1.33 WHIP into Tuesday's matchup with the Tigers.

Robertson (shoulder) is doing better but likely remains unavailable Wednesday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. When healthy, Robertson will form part of a temporary closer in the absence of Aroldis Chapman (knee), according to Jack Curry of YES Network.

The length of Chapman's absence won't be known until after he undergoes an MRI, but until he returns, Robertson, Dellin Betances and Zach Britton are expected to split save opportunities. That could mean Britton getting the call when a run of lefties is up with Betances and Robertson battling for opportunities against righties. Betances has posted a stellar 0.82 ERA with a 19:1 K:BB since the All-Star break, though Robertson's 3.18 ERA and 16:4 K:BB are perfectly adequate, and he also has more closing experience with 135 career saves compared to 32 for his teammate.

Manager Aaron Boone said Betances will be an option to close while Aroldis Chapman (knee) is on the disabled list, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

With Chapman expected to be out until at least September, the Yankees are expected to "mix and match" between Betances, Zach Britton and David Robertson (shoulder) in the ninth inning. Betances could be the team's No. 1 option given his recent form, as the 30-year-old has compiled a pristine 0.82 ERA and 19:1 K:BB over 11 appearances since the All-Star break.

Chapman (knee) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday with left knee tendinitis.

Chapman exited Tuesday's game with left knee discomfort after throwing just six pitches -- and only one strike -- with diminished velocity. The flamethrower indicated after the game that the issue was to the same knee and same area as the tendinitis that has bothered the closer throughout the season, though he added that the pain was "more than usual" Tuesday. He was sent for an MRI to determine the severity of the injury, though the results remain unknown at this point, leaving his possible return date up in the air. Chapman will be eligible to return at the beginning of September. In the meantime, David Robertson (shoulder), Dellin Betances and Zach Britton are the leading candidates to fill in for Champan in the ninth inning.

Fulmer (oblique) will return from the disabled list to start Friday against the White Sox, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Fulmer will be limited to around 70 pitches in his first start for the Tigers since injuring his oblique July 14. While he's not quite ready to handle a full workload, the right-hander looked sharp in a pair of minor-league rehab starts for High-A Lakeland -- striking out 11 across six scoreless innings -- which prompted the Tigers to bring him back on a restricted pitch count. Prior to landing on the DL, Fulmer compiled a 4.50 ERA across 19 starts (112 innings).

Harvey (shoulder) was diagnosed with mild tendinitis in his elbow after suffering a minor setback during a recent throwing session, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Harvey continues to be snake-bitten by injuries as this latest setback occurred just weeks after he dealt with a little forearm stiffness. Through all of this, he's been sidelined since the beginning of June with a shoulder issue. The club has yet to remark on a timetable for his eventual return, but fortunately, he avoided any further complications and should be able to resume throwing soon.

Rumbelow was called up from Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday.

Rumbelow will shuttle back to the big-league level in order to give Seattle a fresh bullpen arm ahead of Wednesday's series finale versus the Astros. Across eight appearances this year, he's logged an unsightly 7.84 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in 10.1 innings of relief. He will be utilized in low-leverage spots while with the Mariners. In a corresponding move, Ross Detwiler was designated for assignment.

Norris (groin) made his third rehab appearance Tuesday at High-A Lakeland, tossing three innings and giving up one run on two hits and two walks while striking out four.

Norris tossed 65 pitches in the outing, an indication he could be preparing for a return to the Tigers in a starting role. The lefty broke camp as a member of the rotation, but quickly moved to the bullpen after surrendering his rotation spot to Mike Fiers. The Tigers have since traded Fiers and have multiple starting pitchers residing on the disabled list, so it makes sense for Detroit to have Norris build up his pitch count so he can offer the team another rotation option in September. Norris, who has been on the shelf since late April after requiring groin surgery, will likely require at least one or two more rehab starts before rejoining the big club.

Stanek will serve as the opener for Wednesday's "bullpen day" game, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The right-hander will likely work his usual 1-to-2 innings before giving way to Yonny Chirinos. Stanek continues to shuttle between an opener and a traditional reliever role and has generated a 4.15 ERA and three holds over eight August appearances.

Covey is moving to the bullpen, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The White Sox set their rotation for the next four days and Covey is not on the list of projected starters. As anticipated, Covey is being replaced by top prospect Michael Kopech, who made his major-league debut Tuesday. Covey will likely pitch in long relief and be a spot starter if needed.