MLB Player News

Farmer was optioned to Triple-A Toledo after Friday's game, MLive.com reports.

Farmer was merely up Friday to ensure the Tigers had enough arms in their overworked bullpen. First baseman/catcher John Hicks will take Farmer's spot on the roster and give the Tigers a full bench of position players once again.

Norris (2-3) allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out eight over 5.2 innings to take the loss Friday against the Rangers.

Norris gave up a pair of homers, and gave up all of his runs after his first time through the lineup on his way to his third loss of the campaign. He's tossed just one quality start over his last six outings and his ERA is at 4.81, making him a pitcher who can't consistently be counted upon in fantasy lineups. He'll make his next start Wednesday against the Astros.

Martinez (1-2) allowed one unearned run on four hits and one walk while striking out four across five innings to earn the win Friday against the Tigers.

Martinez was staked to a 3-0 lead before giving up his only run in the fourth inning, and he left the contest after firing 92 pitches. This was the first time in four starts that he's allowed fewer than three runs in an outing, and he lowered his ERA to 4.33. His inconsistency across outings makes him a difficult player to trust in fantasy lineups, but he clearly has upside. He'll make his next start Thursday against the Red Sox.

Colome pitched a perfect ninth inning while striking out one to earn his 11th save Friday against the Yankees.

Colome had no trouble in protecting a one-run lead. He's now converted 10-of-12 save opportunities, and although not considered an elite closer, he's certainly a strong fantasy option.

Axford (shoulder) will be activated Saturday or Sunday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports Friday.

Axford has been solid in three rehab appearances over the course of the week, so now it just comes down to when it will be convenient for the Athletics to make the roster move to get him back to the majors. They may choose to give Axford a couple days to rest, so don't be surprised if they wait until Sunday to officially activate the reliever.

Leclerc (finger) was scheduled for an examination by a hand specialist Friday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

The results of the appointment have not been disclosed at this time, but this should hopefully clarify how far Leclerc is from returning to the Rangers' bullpen. He was eligible to return from the disabled list Thursday, but it seems like he still has a little ways to go.

McHugh (elbow) remains without a timetable for throwing off a mound, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

McHugh's original timetable had him returning to action after about six weeks, but that goal is a distant memory at this point. It's unclear what the next steps are while his rehab process is stagnating, but the Astros don't seem to expect him back with the team until the second half of the season. More information should be revealed once he's able to get back on track.

Axford (shoulder) fired a scoreless inning for Triple-A Nashville in Thursday's 13-3 win over Fresno, recording a strikeout.

Axford has looked excellent in three rehab appearances, giving up just two hits over 3.1 scoreless innings while notching four strikeouts. As per Jane Lee of MLB.com, Thursday's outing was slated to be the 34-year-old's final outing with the Sounds. If his Triple-A performances are any indication, he appears ready to face big-league bats for the first time in 2017.

Lee (2-1) has struggled to a 5.46 ERA and 1.95 WHIP through his first seven starts of the season with Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles' No. 10 prospect is having a tough time in his first go at the International League. Opposing hitters have tallied a .341 BAA while knocking the left-hander out early in a number of starts. Lee, who was hunting for a big-league job during spring training, obviously has quite a bit of work to do before he's ready to tackle MLB competition.

Crockett owns an impressive 2.04 ERA and 1.08 WHIP through 15 appearances this season with Triple-A Columbus.

The 25-year-old failed to make the big-league club after appearing in 103 games for the Indians over the past three years. Crockett has posted a 3.25 ERA over 63.2 innings of MLB service, but space for a left-hander specialist in the organization's major-league bullpen simply isn't available right now.