MLB Player News

Alvarado was placed on the family medical emergency list Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Per Topkin, Alvarado won't rejoin the Rays until after the All-Star break.

The Rays recalled Andrew Kittredge from Triple-A Durham to fortify the bullpen while Alvarado is away from the team for the next five games. The temporary departure of Alvarado, who picked up the win while working two scoreless innings Tuesday against the Tigers, should clear the way for Sergio Romo to pick up any save chances that may be available through the weekend.

Johnson (hip) participated in pitcher's fielding practice Tuesday ahead of a scheduled bullpen session Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Johnson landed on the 10-day disabled list over the weekend, but the transaction is retroactive to July 5, so he could return before the All-Star break. If he comes out of Wednesday's session without incident, he's the likely starter for Sunday against the Blue Jays.

Stanek allowed one hit while striking out two with no walks across two scoreless innings as the opener Tuesday against Detroit.

Stanek threw 16 of 23 pitches for strikes as he retired six of seven batters faced in this strong showing. While he's been effective in small doses, Stanek seems likely to see a strict workload cap for the time being, and his unconventional role doesn't endow him with much fantasy appeal.

Palumbo (elbow) has been assigned to High-A Down East to continue his rehabilitation assignment, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Palumbo began his rehab assignment with three starts for the Rangers' entry in the Arizona Rookie League and will make his first start for Down East on Friday. It was at Down East in 2017 where he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow.

Giles allowed three runs on three hits without getting an out in Tuesday's 6-5 extra-inning win over Oakland.

Giles was handed a 4-0 lead when he came on to pitch the ninth inning, but allowed three consecutive singles and was yanked for Hector Rondon, who was unable to squelch the Athletics' brewing rally. This was not a save situation for Giles, so he still remains without a blown save this season, but it was an ugly outing that should leave a bad taste. Over 86 batters faced in plate appearances during non-save situations, Giles has allowed 17 earned runs and 29 hits.

Manaea allowed three runs on seven hits in four innings Tuesday against the Astros, striking out four and walking one in a no-decision.

Manaea was lifted after throwing 83 pitches (59 strikes), marking the first time in seven starts that the lefty didn't go at least five innings. Prior to Tuesday's outing, Manaea had thrown five consecutive quality starts. The 26-year-old still sports a respectable 3.44 ERA and an excellent 0.99 WHIP to go along with a .213 batting average against. He'll have one more start before the All-Star break, a matchup against the Giants in San Francisco.

Covey (3-5) gave up five runs (four earned) on nine hits in a loss to the Cardinals on Tuesday, striking out five and walking two in five innings.

Covey has fallen on hard times of late, surrendering 26 runs over his last 20 innings (five starts). In that span his ERA has jumped from 2.29 to 5.69. In 11 starts this year Covey is sporting a 1.64 WHIP and a .290 batting average against while carrying a 43:26 K:BB in 55.1 innings. The young right-hander appears unlikely to start again until after the All-Star Game.

Hart was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday, Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com reports.

Hart has an impressive 2.86 ERA in 69.1 MLB innings as a reliever, but his 44 strikeouts and 4.09 FIP paint a much more modest picture. He has logged a 2.10 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 30 innings at Triple-A this season and should work low-leverage situations.

Pomeranz (biceps) will make a rehab start Saturday and maybe another during the All-Star break, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Cotillo originally reported Friday as the date for Pomeranz's third rehab outing, but apparently the team has settled on Saturday. Pomeranz only built up to 60 pitches in his July 7 start for Triple-A Pawtucket and may need one additional rehab outing beyond Saturday to prepare for a return to the major leagues. The lefty has struggled to a 6.81 ERA and 1.84 WHIP in 37 innings sandwiched between a pair of DL stints -- he opened the year on the disabled list with a forearm injury.

Adam was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

A spot had to be cleared for Tuesday's starting pitcher, Ian Kennedy (oblique), and Adam was the roster casualty. Adam has had issues with the long ball, and he's compounded those issues with walks, but even so he figures to return in the second half when bullpen reinforcements are inevitably needed.