MLB Player News

Santiago (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday and could go on a rehab assignment before returning from the DL, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Santiago felt fine after throwing 31 pitches Thursday, but he still seems to have a couple hurdles in his way before he can make a full return to the team. News has also surfaced that the Twins are considering moving Santiago into a bullpen role when he's activated, which would severely limit the southpaw's fantasy value given his low strikeout rates and recent regression. No official word has been given on that possibility, although things certainly seem to be trending downward for Santiago.

Merrit will start Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Twins, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports.

The Indians have suggested throughout the week that Merritt would start one installment of the Tribe's upcoming doubleheader, and pitching coach Mickey Callaway has now confirmed that Merritt will take the ball for Game 1. Over 11 starts at Triple-A Columbus this season, Merritt has worked a 3.96 ERA along with a 1.44 WHIP across 72.2 innings. Saturday's outing with the Indians will likely be just a spot start, however, so look for Merritt to return to Triple-A later in the weekend.

Alvarez was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Friday.

With reliever Tony Barnette landing on the disabled list with a finger issue, the Rangers will summon Alvarez from Round Rock to fill the void. Alvarez's lone appearance in the minors was a scoreless one, which is consistent with his serviceable 3.27 ERA out of the major-league bullpen earlier in the season. He'll likely serve as a middle reliever for now.

Yacabonis was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, MASN's Roch Kubatko reports.

He was sent down after another rough outing Thursday in which his lack of control was on full display, as he walked three batters while recording just one out. Yacabonis was also shelled by the Yankees in his debut over the weekend, allowing four earned runs in one inning. He does possess an electric fastball that sits in the mid-to-upper 90s, but until Yacabonis can hone his control, he's destined to stay down at Triple-A.

Chargois will miss more time after being diagnosed with a stress reaction on the outside of his elbow, Darren Wolfson of ESPN Radio reports.

This is quite a blow for the right-hander, as he's been on the minor-league disabled list for a month and a half now after most people close to the situation thought his injury was fairly minor. Chargois currently sits without a timeline for his return, or even for when he'll be allowed to resume throwing.

Strahm (2-3) picked up the win and tossed five scoreless innings, striking out three batters, Thursday against the Angels in the Royals' 7-2 victory.

It was Strahm's first start in the majors, and he did not disappoint, despite being on a pitch count that essentially forced him to exit after 68 pitches. The good news for Strahm is that this performance has likely earned him a place in the Royals' rotation for the foreseeable future, with higher pitch counts as well.

Boxberger (back) is likely to pitch for Triple-A Durham again Saturday after emerging from Wednesday's outing without setbacks, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Boxberger was impressive while mowing down the side on 15 pitches, and he consistently hit 92-94 mph on the radar gun. The veteran reliever appears to be on target for a return before the end of June.

Wilson (3-2) pitched a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts to position himself for the win during Thursday's victory over the Rays.

Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run home run in the bottom half of the frame to seal the win for the Tigers and Wilson. The reliever has had some ups and downs since establishing himself as the Detroit closer, but with a 2.67 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 13.0 K/9, he's remained a solid fantasy asset. Wilson projects to continue piling up saves and adding the occasional win going forward.

Puk was promoted to Double-A Midland on Thursday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Last year's first-round selection out of Florida showed he had little left to prove at High-A Stockton after fanning 98 batters in just 61.0 innings and allowing just one home run there this season. Puk will move up to Double-A Midland in the Texas League, where he'll have to adjust to a significant bump in competition level in an environment that tends to favor hitters. Still, Puk's promotion shows that he's a relatively quick riser in the A's system, even if he doesn't make it to Triple-A Nashville by the end of the season.

Jimenez (back) was activated off the minor-league disabled list, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

This aligns with prior reports, although it should be noted that the Tigers will have him stick around with High-A Lakeland for a little longer and make his first appearances off the DL with the Flying Tigers. Jimenez will likely head back to Triple-A Toledo once he gets back into the swing of things.