MLB Player News

Manager Rick Renteria said Lopez (back) is the probable starter for Friday's game against the Rays.

Everything checked out for Lopez after he completed his second bullpen session since landing on the disabled list, essentially clearing the way for him to rejoin the big-league rotation. The 23-year-old allowed eight runs and compiled 12 strikeouts in two starts (10.1 innings) for the White Sox before landing on the DL with a back issue.

Manager Scott Servais said Diaz has been limited over the past couple of games due to back spasms, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

This helps explain why Diaz wasn't used in back-to-back close games against the Orioles. He was apparently available in a limited capacity Wednesday, so the issue doesn't appear to be anything overly serious. With an off-day Thursday, Diaz will likely be ready to go for the upcoming weekend series against the Athletics.

Lopez (back), who threw a 30-35 pitch bullpen session Tuesday, could rejoin the White Sox's rotation to start Friday against the Rays, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Lopez reported feeling pain-free and said he was ready to pitch after getting through his second bullpen session since landing on the disabled list, so the next time he takes the mound could be for the big club. While the White Sox haven't officially announced when Lopez will rejoin the rotation, they have yet to name a starter for Friday's series opener against the Rays, indicating the opportunity could be given to the 23-year-old. Even if he doesn't reenter the starting rotation over the weekend, he shouldn't be too far from a return.

Green allowed just one hit while striking out seven in 2.2 innings of scoreless relief during the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against Cleveland, but didn't factor into the decision as his team fell 2-1.

Green did a masterful job of keeping New York in the game after entering with a man on first and nobody out in the sixth inning. He allowed just one of his 44 pitches to be put in play, recording seven of eight outs via strikeout and the other on a caught stealing. There's little room for upward mobility in a Yankees bullpen that features three closer-worthy arms, but this tremendous effort shouldn't go unnoticed.

Boxberger gave up two earned runs on a hit and a walk over two-thirds of an inning in Tuesday's 6-2 loss to the Royals. He also recorded a strikeout.

The right-handed reliever was charged with two of the runs that crossed the plate on Eric Hosmer's three-run shot off Dan Jennings after Boxberger had exited. It marked the second consecutive outing in which Boxberger has surrendered two earned runs. The pair of stumbles have caused the 29-year-old's ERA to balloon from 2.84 to 4.50, but his 23 strikeouts over 20 innings are helping to keep him a viable fantasy asset.

The Indians recalled Armstrong from Triple-A Columbus to serve as their 26th man for Wednesday's doubleheader with the Yankees.

Armstrong will give the Indians some extra coverage in the bullpen during the twin bill with Dan Otero (paternity) landing on the paternity list. The 26-year-old has previously made 19 appearances with the big club this season, registering a 4.76 ERA and 1.37 WHIP over 22.2 innings.

The Indians recalled Merritt from Triple-A Columbus in advance of his scheduled start for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the Yankees.

With rosters set to expand Friday, Merritt could end up sticking around with the Indians after the spot start, but it's fully expected that he'll transition to the bullpen, especially with the news that Josh Tomlin (hamstring) is on track to come off the 10-day disabled list this weekend. Merritt has previously made three starts for the Tribe this season, accruing a strong 1.86 ERA over 14.1 innings, but allowing opposing hitters to reach base at a .349 clip.

Borucki was promoted to Triple-A Buffalo and will start for the Bisons on Thursday, The Buffalo News reports.

The Jays' 15th-round pick in 2012 began this season at High-A, but his impressive campaign has Borucki standing at MLB's gate. A top left-handed prospect, the 23-year-old owns a nifty 3.06 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 9.4 K/9 through 26 games (25 starts) combined at High- and Double-A in 2017. Considering the big-league club is unlikely to make the playoffs, Borucki could be in line to make his MLB debut in a September spot start.

Fulmer (10-12) fell to the Rockies on Tuesday, allowing five runs on eight hits and a walk over 6.1 innings while striking out three.

After the Tigers tied the game at 3-3 in the top of the seventh inning, Fulmer came back out and was greeted by back-to-back singles before a Carlos Gonzalez sac fly ended his night and stuck him with the loss. Fulmer now has a rough 5.18 ERA and 14:9 K:BB in four starts (24.1 innings) since returning from the DL, making him a risky play Sunday at home against Cleveland.

Junis (6-2) picked up the win against the Rays on Tuesday, giving up only one run on three hits over 5.2 innings while striking out eight.

The eight Ks were a career high for the rookie, but despite his success Junis got an early hook from manager Ned Yost when he ran into a bit of trouble after throwing only 73 pitches (47 strikes). Junis has now won four straight decisions since rejoining the Royals in late July, posting a 2.86 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 29:2 K:BB in 28.1 innings over that six-start stretch, but as yet he doesn't seem to have earned Yost's trust to work his way out of jams, which could make it tough to keep getting into the win column. The right-hander will next take the mound Sunday in Minnesota.