MLB Player News

Junis didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Twins, allowing one run on four hits and two walks over four innings while striking out six.

He was held to only 77 pitches (53 strikes) in his first start after being activated from the disabled list, preventing Junis from picking up his sixth win of the season despite a strong performance. If his pre-break troubles were caused by his sore back, and that issue is now behind him, the right-hander could return to the form that saw him post quality starts in five of his first seven outings of the season. He'll take a 5.03 ERA with him into Yankee Stadium on Thursday.

Yarbrough (8-5) allowed two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out three over four innings in a loss to the Marlins on Saturday.

Taking the mound after Tampa Bay opener Ryne Stanek, Yarbrough allowed both runs in the fourth inning. The southpaw's ERA stands at 3.65 with an 8.4 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9, and his 13 decisions so far put him in position to remain a decent target as second-half streamers chase wins.

Johnson (1-3) took the loss against the Tigers on Saturday, allowing two unearned runs in five innings while giving up five hits and striking out five.

Both runs came in the second inning: Victor Martinez reached on a one-out throwing error before a single and a two-out double from Jose Iglesias that plated the runners. Johnson lowered his ERA to 3.81 but, with a 7.8 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9, carries less-than-stellar command peripherals to back it up. With several Red Sox hurlers on the disabled list, however, Johnson should have at least a few more turns in the rotation, with the next one lining up for Thursday against the Twins.

Gallegos is in line to be added to the Yankees roster Sunday from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

The right-hander owns a 4.50 major-league ERA in four appearances but has mowed down Triple-A opponents with a 3.55 ERA, 37 strikeouts and seven walks in 25.1 innings. Gallegos will join the Bronx Bombers for low-leverage duty after they returned Domingo Acevedo to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Merritt cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Columbus on Saturday.

Merritt returned from the 60-day disabled list last week and was subsequently designated for assignment due to his continued decrease in velocity. The 26-year-old will remain with the Clippers, where he has spent the last month on his minor-league rehab assignment.

Chapman allowed three runs on three walks, a hit by pitch and a hit without getting a single out Saturday against the Mets.

Chapman entered a fresh top of the ninth and nearly blew the game. Sixteen of his 19 pitches were balls, including each of his last 11. He was bailed out by Chasen Shreve, who got two straight groundouts (including a double play) to save the game. Chapman has never been known as anything close to a master of control, but Saturday's outing was uncharacteristically poor. For now, it can probably be treated as a fluke and perhaps chalked up to the fact that he hadn't pitched in a week, but another similarly ugly outing would be cause for concern.

Paredes was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic Los Angeles reports.

Paredes returns to Triple-A once again after not making an appearance in the two games since being recalled last Sunday. The 23-year-old right-hander will likely make his way back to the Angels for the ninth time relatively soon.

Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez joined the Rangers in early July and allowed three runs on 11 hits over 6.2 innings during his brief stint with the team. The 25-year-old returns to Round Rock, where he has a 1.93 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 17 games this season.

Fulmer (oblique) underwent an MRI which revealed a Grade 1 strain of his left oblique, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

All things considered it's good news for Fulmer, with a Grade 1 strain being a mild diagnosis. The 25-year-old is still likely to miss multiple turns in the rotation and currently has no official timetable for his return, but he'll start by resting for a week before resuming baseball activities, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. Long reliever Blaine Hardy will re-enter the Tigers' starting rotation in his absence.

Junis (back) was activated off the 10-day disabled list ahead of Saturday's game against the Twins.

Junis returns from a brief stint on the disabled list with lower-back inflammation after allowing 28 earned runs - including 12 home runs -- across his previous 27 innings. The 25-year-old will hope to regain his early-season form against the Twins, as he had a 3.62 ERA and 1.13 WHIP through his first 12 starts.