MLB Player News

Jimenez's velocity was down in his most recent outing Wednesday, when he allowed three runs (two earned) over a third of an inning, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Jimenez has averaged 95.2 mph on his fastball this year, and he routinely dials it up to the high 90s. However, in his outing Wednesday, only one of his eight fastballs topped 94 mph, and most were clocked at 93 mph. Jimenez said he's healthy, and manager Brad Ausmus said he isn't concerned, though he added that he is "curious as to what the cause of the drop in velocity is." This was Jimenez's second appearance in as many days, and he's only pitched in back-to-back games three times this season, so perhaps fatigue is to blame. It will be interesting to see where his velocity is at next time out.

Covey struck out one over 1.1 scoreless innings of relief in Thursday's 9-8 loss to Texas.

Covey was making his first appearance since coming off the disabled list earlier this week. He had been a starter for the White Sox prior to going on the disabled list with an oblique injury, but appears to be a long reliever now. That could change after Thursday's starter, Reynaldo Lopez, left the game with an injury. Covey could return to the rotation, although the White Sox also have some young prospect arms that could benefit from some major-league innings over the final few weeks of the season.

Belisle struck out both batters he faced to earn his third save in the nightcap of Thursday's doubleheader against Cleveland.

Belisle helped his team salvage a split with a 4-2 win, finishing the job after Taylor Rogers got the first out of the ninth inning but brought the tying run to the plate with a walk. He rebounded flawlessly after blowing a save in his last appearance, and is now 3-for-4 in save opportunities since taking over for the traded Brandon Kintzler.

Merritt allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits with one walk and one strikeout over 3.2 innings in Thursday's no-decision against the Twins.

Merritt was recalled from Triple-A Columbus to start the second game of a doubleheader and will likely be sent right back down. He didn't allow a single extra-base hit, but was ineffective at missing Minnesota's bats. Merritt's only other start of the season also came against the Twins back on June 17 and he fared similarly with two earned runs allowed on seven hits in four innings.

Rowley allowed two runs on four hits and five walks while striking out three batters through five innings during Thursday's win over Tampa Bay. He didn't factor into the decision.

Rowley has now surrendered just three runs through 10.1 innings over his first two starts in the majors. His five walks were definitely concerning Thursday, and if he sticks in the rotation for another turn, he'll face the Rays again in his next start. Typically, that's not ideal for an inexperienced hurler. Additionally, Rowley's body of work is extremely limited after a 30-month stint in the U.S. Army interrupted his professional career. Outside of cavernous fantasy settings, it's probably wise to take a wait-and-see approach with Rowley.

Betances will not be available to pitch in Friday's game against the Red Sox, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

The Yankees had to turn to Betances in a save situation Thursday with Aroldis Chapman ailing, but the club is hoping to have Chapman back for Friday's series opener. Regardless, manager Joe Girardi will avoid using Betances to prevent having him take the mound two days in a row. Look for Betances to be available if needed as early as Saturday.

Beck is considered day-to-day with a bruised right shoulder, Daryl Van Schouwen of The Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Beck came on in relief of an injured Reynaldo Lopez on Thursday and was hit by a comebacker off the bat of Adrian Beltre. He managed to stay in the game for one more batter, surrendering a home run to Nomar Mazara. Fortunately, Beck's injury isn't viewed as serious at this time and he figures to return to the mound in the coming days.

Betances recorded his eighth save of the season in Thursday's win against the Mets.

With Aroldis Chapman (hamstring) unavailable Thursday, it was up to Betances to close the door on the Mets, who had gotten within two after Curtis Granderson's grand slam with no outs in the ninth. Chapman could avoid the disabled list, but if he remains unavailable for any games this weekend, Betances would be in line for more ninth-inning work.

Lopez exited Thursday's start against the Rangers due to right side soreness and will be reevaluated Friday.

The team training staff left Lopez in the game after a mound visit in the fifth inning Thursday, but the young right-hander lasted just one more batter before being removed. The early reports are that Lopez is dealing with soreness on his right side, but the extent of his issue won't be known until he goes through further testing Friday.

Beck (undisclosed) was removed from Thursday's game against the Rangers, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

He was called upon to relieve Reynaldo Lopez but was then hit by a comebacker before giving up a home run to Nomar Mazara. Beck was replaced by Mike Pelfrey and the White Sox announced that they will have an update on him once more information is made available.