MLB Player News

Graveman (2-2) surrendered six runs on five hits and four walks while striking out three over 3.1 innings in Wednesday's 7-4 loss to the Twins.

He needed 94 pitches (52 strikes) to record just 10 outs in what was his shortest outing of the season, and Graveman saw his ERA rise to 3.95 as a result. He'll try to find his April form in his next start Tuesday at home against the Angels.

McHugh (elbow impingement) will join his teammates on the trip to Anaheim for a weekend set against the Angels, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Manager A.J. Hinch said McHugh may start playing catch "pretty soon." While that sounds positive, it's been only four weeks since McHugh was diagnosed with a posterior impingement in the right elbow. At the time of his diagnosis, the plan was to shut him down for six weeks.

Martinez (0-1) gave up seven runs (six earned) on nine hits -- including three homers -- and three walks in a road loss to Houston on Wednesday.

He didn't even strike a batter out. Martinez looked like he might offer some appeal after two successful outings landed him the opportunity to make Wednesday's start, but this outing certainly brought anyone with big dreams about his fantasy value back to earth. It's quite possible that this game was bad enough to knock him out of the rotation entirely.

Kimbrel recorded his AL-leading 10th save Wednesday, striking out the side on 12 pitches in a perfect ninth inning against Baltimore.

After last season's career-worst 3.40 ERA, Kimbrel has come back with a vengeance. His K/9 is up to 16.2 (his highest mark since 2012), his WHIP is a ridiculous 0.53, and Colorado's Greg Holland is the only pitcher in the majors with more saves.

Pomeranz (3-1) held the Orioles to two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven over 5.1 innings in a winning effort Wednesday.

It'd be nice to see a bit more longevity -- he's completed six innings just twice in his first five starts -- but Pomeranz has also allowed two or fewer runs in all but one of his outings. Moreover, the lefty owns an impressive 34:9 K:BB over 27 innings. Boston certainly isn't as pitcher-friendly an environment as Oakland or San Diego, but all the indicators look positive for Pomeranz as long as he can stay healthy.

Manaea (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday, MLB.com's Jane Lee reports.

Manaea was expected to miss just one start after being placed on the 10-day disabled list with a shoulder strain. Thursday's bullpen will be a good test to see if he can return when eligible, which could be as soon as May 7 against the Tigers.

Bass was recalled Wednesday from Triple-A Round Rock.

Bass, who has operated on the majors-to-minors shuttle this week, is back with the big league club following the injury to Cole Hamels (oblique). The 29-year-old will likely be seldom used in high-leverage situations, and in his one appearance this season, he gave up six runs over three innings.

Valdez was designated for assignment Wednesday.

Valdez had allowed 10 earned runs on 14 hits over 9.1 innings this season. In his four outings, he allowed three or more runs three times, including getting walloped for three home runs in just one inning of work Tuesday against Minnesota. Josh Smith and Bobby Wahl were called up in corresponding moves.

Mahle cleared waivers Wednesday and was outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake.

The southpaw was designated for assignment Saturday to make room on the 40-man for big-league bullpen help, but given that he was already on Salt Lake's roster, this move was primarily procedural. Mahle will likely continue acting as an organizational depth piece for the Angels moving forward.

Santiago (personal) was reinstated from the bereavement list ahead of his start against the Athletics on Wednesday.

As expected, Santiago will return to the hill after being away from the team for a little under a week. The southpaw has been enjoying one of the best seasons of his career thanks to his outstanding 2.43 ERA he's posted thus far, and he'll look to carry that success when he duels with Oakland starter Kendall Graveman.