MLB Player News

Chavez was traded to the Cubs in exchange for Low-A lefty Tyler Thomas on Thursday.

The 34-year-old had been having a bounceback season in Texas, tossing 56.1 innings in relief with a 3.51 ERA. He'll likely serve a long-relief role in Chicago, though he's made 70 starts in his career and could be an option for the occasional spot start as well.

Junis (back) will be activated from the 10-day disabled list ahead of his scheduled start Saturday against the Twins, Max Gelman of MLB.com reports.

Royals manager Ned Yost suggested prior to the All-Star break that Junis would be ready to go for the second half, so it's not surprising that the right-hander will be ready to take the hill over the weekend. After emerging as the Royals' top starter early in the season with a 3.62 ERA over his first 12 starts, Junis imploded in his final five outings prior to hitting the shelf with back inflammation. Junis has surrendered 28 earned runs -- including 12 home runs -- over his last 27 innings.

The Rays outrighted Weber to Triple-A Durham on Wednesday.

Weber went unclaimed off waivers after being designated for assignment over the weekend, so he'll stick with the organization as relief depth in the high minors. The 27-year-old was roughed up in his first two appearances with the big club this season, giving up three earned runs on five hits and two walks over 5.1 innings.

Cimber and Brad Hand were shipped to Cleveland in exchange for Francisco Mejia on Thursday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Though Hand is the headliner for the Indians in this deal, Cimber will be a fine addition to a bullpen that required improvement. Look for Cimber to be deployed in high-leverage spots as someone who can provide a different look, though the presence of Hand, Andrew Miller (knee) and Cody Allen will guarantee that he doesn't receive any opportunities as the team's closer. Over 42 appearances for San Diego, Cimber posted a 3.17 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with a 51:10 K:BB across 48.1 innings.

Hand was traded to Cleveland along with Adam Cimber in exchange for Francisco Mejia on Thursday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Hand immediately bolsters a major area of need for the Indians, as the bullpen has clearly been the club's Achilles' heel this year. Through 41 appearances with the Padres, Hand sported a 3.05 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 24 saves in 29 opportunities. In addition, he's logged 65 strikeouts in 44.1 innings. It remains to be seen whether Hand will displace Cody Allen as Cleveland's ninth-inning man, though it's more likely that he's used as a high-leverage reliever in a similar capacity to Andrew Miller (knee). Hand will be under team control through the 2020 season, with a club option for the 2021 campaign.

Pomeranz (biceps) threw 69 pitches in a rehab start for Triple-A Pawtucket on Wednesday, giving up one run on a hit and a pair of walks while striking out five in six innings.

Pomeranz has been out since late May with biceps tendinitis. He's now made four rehab appearances, with Wednesday's outing representing the best of the lot. The Red Sox have a need for a new starter after Eduardo Rodriguez suffered what could be a long-term ankle injury last weekend, so Pomeranz could be activated from the 10-day disabled list when a rotation replacement is first needed July 24 against the Orioles.

Alvarado was activated from the family medical emergency list Wednesday, Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reports.

Alvarado will be back in the Rays bullpen for this weekend's intrastate series against Miami after being placed on the emergency list last Wednesday. Across 41 appearances with Tampa Bay this year, Alvarado has logged a 2.58 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.

Barnes (knee) is scheduled to throw live batting practice at some point this week, Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports.

It's unclear if Barnes intends to report to one of the Blue Jays' minor-league affiliates to face hitters or if he'll instead wait until the big club reconvenes after the All-Star break. Once he does complete the live BP session, Barnes will be re-evaluated before the Blue Jays determine if he's ready to head out on a rehab assignment or pitch in a simulated game. Barnes, who has been sidelined since June 21, is expected to work in middle relief for the big club once activated.

Honeywell (elbow) resumed throwing Monday.

Honeywell underwent Tommy John surgery back in February. He's expected to return sometime in early 2019, barring setbacks. He appears to be on schedule in his recovery so far.

Rowley was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Monday.

Rowley was called up Saturday to make his season debut. He made two appearances over the weekend in Boston, allowing four runs (three earned) on two hits and a walk in a combined 0.2 innings. He'll head back to Buffalo to await his next opportunity.