MLB Player News

Chavez (5-7) took the loss despite allowing two runs on nine hits over seven innings. He struck out four and did not walk a batter.

With the exception of not being able to figure out Lorenzo Cain, who homered and drove in another run off of him, Chavez was very good. The problem was that Royals starter Ian Kennedy was better. However, it was a nice rebound start for Chavez after he allowed six runs over 3.2 innings his last time out.

Norris (4-4) allowed three runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out eight batters through six innings during Friday's win over the Rays.

Norris has settled into a groove and allowed just 12 runs over 28.1 innings through his past five starts. He sports a 4.42 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 8.7 K/9 for the campaign, but with his pedigree and recent improvement in mind, Norris' fantasy stock is definitely trending up. The southpaw lines up to face the Mariners at Safeco Field in his next start.

Kimbrel struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Friday to pick up his 19th save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Astros.

He's been scored upon in only three of his 29 appearances so far this season, and Kimbrel's 0.88 ERA, 0.42 WHIP and 58:5 K:BB in 30.2 innings are as elite as it gets. With Boston climbing in the AL East, the team's 29-year-old closer should continue receiving plenty of save chances going forward.

Pomeranz allowed one run on four hits and three walks while striking out four over 6.1 innings but came away with a no-decision in Friday's 2-1 win over the Astros.

He threw 97 pitches (60 strikes) and got a quick hook in the seventh inning after serving up a solo homer to Brian McCann, but Pomeranz was still able to supply his fifth quality start of the season. The left-hander will next take the mound Wednesday in Kansas City.

Graveman (shoulder) felt good after throwing from 105 feet Friday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Graveman continues to progress well through his rehab program. If all continues to go as planned as he lengthens out his throwing, he could progress to bullpen sessions soon.

Smith (elbow) will be shut down for 4-to-5 days due to shoulder inflammation, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.

The Red Sox aren't too concerned about this issue, as it's pretty common for players returning from Tommy John surgery to have some residual soreness as they ramp up their activity level. However, this does mean that he won't be able to make his rehab appearance Sunday as planned, although he'll likely just slide it back a week or so to accommodate this development. Smith still has a chance of returning before the All-Star break if all goes as planned.

Gallegos was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Gallegos has struggled mightily with the big-league bullpen, mustering just a 7.15 ERA in 11.1 innings pitched. With the Yankees needing help at other positions, he was an easy choice to send back to the minors for more seasoning. To replace he and Adam Warren (shoulder) on the active roster, Kyle Higashioka and Mason Williams were summoned from the minors.

Hendriks (3-1) gave up an earned run on two hits and a walk over one inning in Thursday's 7-6 extra-inning win over the Yankees. He struck out two.

Hendriks notched his third victory of the season despite allowing a go-ahead sacrifice fly to Starlin Castro in the top half of the 10th, as Khris Davis knocked in Rajai Davis and Chad Pinder in the home half of the frame for the win. The 28-year-old right-hander has struggled despite his favorable won-loss record, giving up an earned run in each of his last four outings and in five of the last six overall. He offers plenty of strikeout upside, but he's now sporting a 5.63 ERA over the eight innings encompassing his eight June appearances.

Curtis was recalled from Double-A Arkansas on Friday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Curtis will return to the big leagues to offer Seattle a fresh arm after the team burned through its bullpen once again Thursday. He'll take over a middle relief role, replacing Chase De Jong on the roster.

McHugh (elbow) could face hitters in live batting practice within the next week, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The right-hander is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, and it seems like live BP could be the next step in his rehab process if all goes well in the bullpen. This would be a big step in McHugh's recovery, as it would potentially help him return before the All-Star break if all goes as planned.