MLB Player News

Lopez will start Friday's series opener against the Tigers.

Lopez has been the White Sox's best starter this season and enters Friday's contest on a bit of a roll. The right-hander's allowed just one earned run on seven hits while striking out 10 over his last two starts, covering 13.1 innings. Overall, his 3.26 ERA tops Chicago's rotation; however, that is tempered by a 4.49 FIP. His high walk rate (4.0 BB/9) could bite him at any time, so eliminating the long ball -- he hasn't permitted a home run over his last five starts -- is key.

Kimbrel walked two but struck out one and recorded his 22nd save of the season Thursday against the Mariners.

Kimbrel began his appearance in wild fashion, walking the first two batters he faced on just 10 pitches. However, he settled in to strike out the next batter he faced and then induced a double play to end the game. He has been superb all season and now has 22 saves on 24 chances.

Banda (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery on Thursday, Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports.

The southpaw naturally has an arduous road ahead of him in terms of rehabilitation and recovery, with the likelihood of him missing the entirety of the 2019 season quite high. Banda was the centerpiece of the return the Rays received in exchange for trading Steven Souza (pectoral) to the Diamondbacks, but he apparently won't have a chance to pay true dividends for quite some time.

Jimenez tossed a scoreless eighth inning with a strikeout in Thursday's win over the Twins to record his 12th hold of the season.

Jimenez has tossed six straight scoreless innings to lower his season ERA to 2.16. Shane Greene has been decent in the closer's role, but the Tigers could decide to deal the veteran if they fall out of contention at some point, which could put Jimenez in line to pick up some saves this season.

Fulmer (3-5) earned the win in seven innings Thursday against the Twins, allowing one run on five hits and a walk while striking out four.

The right-hander again fell short in the punchout column but worked efficiently, logging 62 strikes in 92 pitches. He's now allowed just one walk in his past two starts -- a noteworthy improvement, considering he gave out at least three free passes in five of his previous six. Fulmer will not have to deal with a designated hitter in his next scheduled assignment Wednesday at the Reds.

Whalen was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma prior to Thursday's game against Boston.

Whalen will provide a little extra depth for the Mariners' pitching staff as he has the ability to make a spot start in addition to serving out of a long-relief role, which he will likely settle into moving forward. Over 13 starts with Triple-A Tacoma this season, the right-hander logged a 4.50 ERA and 1.46 WHIP with a 62:25 K:BB across 72 innings.

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

Rumbelow will join the Mariners' bullpen after tossing three scoreless one-inning outings for Tacoma over the past week. These appearances were the first of the season for Rumbelow, who had been sidelined with neck and shoulder injuries dating back to early March. Expect to see him utilized in a low-leverage role for the time being.

Pomeranz (biceps) has been unable to progress to mound work after he recently began experiencing pain in his neck, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

On a positive note, Pomeranz said Wednesday that the pain in his left biceps has mostly dissipated, but the neck issue has continued to delay the 29-year-old's return from the 10-day disabled list. Until Pomeranz is able to throw bullpen sessions and face hitters again, the Red Sox are unlikely to have a clear target date for his return. Steven Wright has filled in admirably in the first two starts Pomeranz has missed while on the DL, tossing a combined 13.2 shutout innings.

Merritt (shoulder) joined Triple-A Columbus on Thursday to begin a minor-league rehab assignment.

Merritt has been out since the end of spring training with an arm injury, which evolved into left shoulder inflammation in mid-May, causing the left-hander to put his initial rehab assignment on pause. The Indians have yet to comment on a timetable for Merritt, but it's expected that he will require a lengthy minor-league stay in order to build up his arm strength.

Coulombe was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday.

The Athletics need some fresh bullpen arms after Wednesday's starter, Paul Blackburn, recorded just four outs, so Coulombe will swap places with right-hander Carlos Ramirez, who was recalled from Nashville in a corresponding roster move. Coulombe owns a 4.70 ERA and 25:11 K:BB across 23 innings this season. He should be back up when a fresh reliever is needed next.