MLB Player News

Giles (back) pitched a scoreless ninth inning in Friday's 10-0 win over the White Sox.

It was good to see a Giles sighting, even if it was in mop-up duty. He had been declared unavailable Thursday due to a back issue that cropped up during the week, but it appears a stint on the disabled list will be avoided. His outing Friday was his first game appearance in seven days. There's still the issue of whether he's the team's closer, even if part of the mix with Chris Devenski and Brad Peacock.

Rodney blew his second save of the season in Friday's extra-inning loss to the Rays, giving up one run on one hit in an inning of work while striking out three.

The veteran closer seemed to have things under control in the ninth inning, quickly retiring the first two batters he faced, but Rodney then hit Carlos Gomez with a pitch and allowed Gomez to steal second base before he served up a game-tying single to Brad Miller. Rodney's two blown saves have come in his last three appearances, and while his 8:2 K:BB in 6.2 innings is strong, a 4.05 ERA and 1.80 WHIP highlight the volatility that's been his trademark since at least 2015.

Pomeranz got a no-decision against Oakland on Friday, lasting just 3.2 innings and giving up three runs on five hits while striking out seven and walking two as the Red Sox eventually won 7-3.

Freshly activated off the 10-day disabled list after recovering from a forearm injury, Pomeranz struggled in his first start of the year, surrendering three runs in the first inning before settling down somewhat. It wasn't a banner showing, but Pomeranz had a solid 3.32 ERA in 173.2 innings for Boston last year, so there's reason to hope this was just first-start rust and he'll get on track as he logs more starts.

Junis (3-1) recorded the win in the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the Tigers, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk over eight innings while striking out four.

The right-hander seemed headed for a loss, but the Royals rallied to score twice in the top of the ninth inning to avoid a sweep in the doubleheader. As per usual, Junis pounded the strike zone by throwing 72 of 106 pitches for strikes, and he'll take a 2.03 ERA into his next outing Thursday at home against the White Sox.

Graveman (0-4) took the loss against the Red Sox on Friday, giving up six earned runs on seven hits over five innings while striking out six and walking none.

It was the fourth loss in five starts to begin the season for Graveman, who now has an ugly 10.07 ERA and 1.88 WHIP in 22.1 innings. He hasn't given up less than four earned runs in any of his starts this season and should remain off the fantasy radar barring a drastic turnaround.

Farquhar fainted in the dugout during Friday's game against the Astros and was taken to the hospital, Adam Hoge of WGN Radio reports.

Farquhar completed the sixth inning -- throwing 15 pitches -- and then passed out after returning to the White Sox's dugout. The 31-year-old was conscious prior to being taken to the hospital for further evaluation, and the severity of the issue remains unclear.

The Royals optioned Barlow to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

Barlow was called up to serve as the Royals' 26th man for Friday's doubleheader -- the second time he's served in said capacity this week -- but again did not make an appearance. The 25-year-old has a 6.46 ERA and 1.85 WHIP over 46 career innings at the Triple-A level.

Jimenez tossed a scoreless 10th inning to earn the win during the Tigers' victory in the first game of Friday's doubleheader against the Royals.

Jimenez has started the season by allowing zero earned runs (one unearned) through his first 8.2 innings of work. The 23-year-old has a 2-0 record with two holds and should continue to see high leverage work for the Tigers.

Fulmer settled for a no-decision after allowing two runs on eight hits and one walk with four strikeouts over seven innings during the Tigers' win over the Royals in the first game of Friday's doubleheader.

The 25-year-old bounced back after giving up nine runs (six earned) over three innings to the Indians last week, although the Tigers were unable to retake the lead until JaCoby Jones' walkoff home run in the 10th inning. Besides the blow-up start, Fulmer has given up only three runs over 20.1 innings (three starts) this season.

Barria will return to the big leagues to start against San Francisco on Sunday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Barria impressed during his major-league debut against the Rangers on April 11, allowing just one earned run off one hit, three walks and one hit batsman while striking out three over five innings. The 21-year-old recently went four innings during his latest outing with Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday, so he should be ready to go on four days rest for Sunday's start.