MLB Player News

Graveman (shoulder) was activated from the 10-day disabled list Thursday.

As expected, Graveman was activated from the disabled list in time to make his scheduled start against the Angels on Thursday. He currently holds a 2.00 ERA with 12 strikeouts through 18 innings (three starts).

Whalen (shoulder) was activated from the disabled list and optioned to Triple-A Tacoma, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.

Whalen opened the season on the DL after experiencing some inflammation in his throwing shoulder, something the Mariners wanted to be cautious with after his 2016 was cut short due to a shoulder issue. He'll head straight to Tacoma where he'll likely slot into the starting rotation there, but he could eventually earn a call-up with the Mariners if an opportunity arises.

Smith (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Thursday, Evan Drellich of CSNNE reports.

Smith was never going to return before June, so the Red Sox decided to transfer him to the 60-day DL to free up a spot on the 40-man roster for Chase d'Arnaud, who was recently claimed off waivers. He hasn't been given a firm timetable for return, but he has been able to get through multiple bullpen sessions healthy, so he seems to be slowly progressing through his rehab.

Merritt is 2-1 with a 4.64 ERA and 1.78 WHIP through four starts this season at Triple-A Columbus.

Command, Merritt's most valuable asset, has gone awry at the beginning of 2017. Despite his 2-1 record, Merritt is averaging 3.8 BB/9, more than double his average over six-plus MiLB seasons. Opponents have mustered 29 hits in 21.1 innings against the Clippers' starter, leading to an ugly .333 BAA. Despite playing hero for a day in the Tribe's ALCS Game 5 victory last year, the soft-throwing lefty obviously has some kinks in the armor that he'll need to work out before toeing a major-league rubber.

Chapman, who was seen grabbing his elbow after the final pitch in Wednesday's win over the Red Sox, said he felt fine, Brendan Kuty of NJ.com reports.

Chapman and manager Joe Girardi both dismissed the notion that something was wrong with the 29-year-old's elbow after the game. There was a noticeable dip in Chapman's velocity during his season-high 33-pitch outing -- only cracking 100 mph once after averaging 100 mph through his first seven appearances -- though he did clock in at 98 mph on the final pitch of the game. "I feel fine," Chapman said. "Thank God I feel fine." It doesn't appear to be anything overly serious, but it will definitely be something to monitor in the coming days.

Barnes will be added to the Blue Jays' roster for Game 2 of their Thursday doubleheader with the Cardinals, Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports.

Though the official move hasn't been made yet, the right-hander will occupy the extra roster spot awarded to teams that play twin bills. Barnes likely will be sent down soon after Game 2.

Robertson finished off the Royals, allowing one hit and striking out one to pick up his fifth save of the season in Wednesday's 5-2 win.

Robertson is a perfect 5-for-5 when called on to save a game this season. The White Sox's setup crew has been tremendous in April, preserving leads and putting Robertson in position for saves. In what was widely presumed to be a rebuilding season on the south side of Chicago -- one in which veterans like Robertson could be traded -- the White Sox (11-9) are tied for first in the AL Central. While Chicago remains relevant, the organization will likely leave its closer right where he is, instead of trading him away to a team which may have another role in mind for Robertson.

Betances pitched a perfect inning while striking out two and notching his fourth hold of the season in Wednesday's win over the Red Sox.

After taking the blown save and a loss in his second appearance of the season, Betances has been as good as advertised yet again. The 29-year-old has given up just one run over seven innings, striking out 11 batters in that span for a 14.1 K/9. He'll continue to be a strong source of strikeouts and holds, but he likely won't factor into many decisions.

Norris (1-2) gave up four runs on nine hits and a pair of walks with four strikeouts over just four innings in Wednesday's shutout loss to the Mariners.

We've seen more bad than good from Norris so far, as evidenced by his 4.71 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and 15:11 K:BB. None of those stats are particularly promising, and it's especially troubling that Norris has struggled to miss bats as he usually does. The 24-year-old lefty still has plenty of potential, but after he led the minors in strikeouts in 2014, it was fair to expect Norris to make a relatively quick transition into a reliable MLB starter. We're still waiting for that transition to materialize.

Santiago allowed two runs on six hits and four walks en route to a no-decision Wednesday against the Rangers. He struck out six.

Though he allowed baserunners consistently, Santiago was able to dance around trouble until the fifth inning, when he allowed a two-run double to Rougned Odor. Unfortunately, the lefty received little run support as Cole Hamels battled on the other side, eliminating his chance of earning a win for his solid outing. Santiago underachieved last season, but he has pitched well to start 2017 and especially over his last three starts, with a 2.45 ERA and an 8.8 K/9 during that span. He will toe the rubber next against the Athletics on Tuesday.