MLB Player News

Smith will serve as the opening pitcher during Saturday's game against the Royals, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Smith has been one of the Tigers' most reliable bullpen options so far this season, logging a 1.59 ERA and 1.15 WHIP alongside a 16:4 K:BB in 11.1 innings. He'll be trusted to handle the first inning or two of Saturday's contest before turning things over to bulk reliever Ty Madden.

Scholtens (3-2) took the loss against the Red Sox on Friday, allowing two runs on two hits and four walks with four strikeouts over 4.2 innings.

Scholtens limited the Red Sox to just two hits, though both were home runs. It was still an improvement from the five-run loss he took in his only other start of the season April 20, and the 32-year-old has now yielded two earned runs or fewer in five of six outings while working mostly in bulk relief. Overall, he owns a 3.29 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 21:10 K:BB across 27.1 innings. If he draws another start, it would likely come in a road matchup against the Blue Jays next week.

Chapman earned the save in Friday's 2-0 win over the Rays, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

Chapman was summoned to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning and slammed the door on 18 pitches. The 38-year-old has been flawless in back-to-back appearances and has now held opponents scoreless in nine straight outings. For the year, he's converted all eight of his save chances while posting a 0.71 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 16:3 K:BB across 12.2 innings.

Martin (biceps) will throw live batting practice Saturday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

This will mark the first time Martin has faced live hitters since biceps soreness sent him to the injured list in mid-April. Assuming he doesn't suffer any setbacks, he may be cleared to begin a rehab assignment in the minor leagues early next week.

Garcia (shoulder) began throwing from 80 feet out Friday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Garcia is seeing improvement in his shoulder every time he throws, but he is still dealing with some discomfort and isn't close to returning to Texas' bullpen. The Rangers may offer an update on his return timeline after he is cleared to resume mound work.

Vest (forearm) received a cortisone injection Friday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Vest landed on the injured list Saturday due to inflammation in his right forearm. He's expected to resume throwing within the next several days, though it's unknown whether he'll be ready to return from the IL when eligible Thursday.

Gray (forearm) will play catch Friday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Gray was removed from Thursday's game versus the Yankees after being struck in the forearm by a comebacker. His exit was deemed precautionary, however, and it's not expected to be an issue moving forward. Gray has yielded just one run but has a 6:6 K:BB over seven frames with Texas.

The Royals recalled Kolek from Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

The right-hander was demoted to Omaha on Wednesday but will quickly rejoin the major-league club with Cole Ragans (elbow) landing on the injured list. Kolek made a spot start in place of Noah Cameron (back) earlier this week and could now get a few turns through the rotation with Ragans sidelined. Kolek delivered a quality start in his first MLB appearance of 2026, striking out three and giving up three runs on four hits over six innings while picking up a win versus Cleveland.

The Royals recalled Cruz from Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

The right-hander spent some time in the majors in early April but was sent back to Omaha after giving up eight runs across five appearances. Cruz will rejoin the Royals a month later and should fill a low-leverage relief role.

The Royals placed Ragans on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to May 7, due to a left elbow impingement.

The left-hander departed his start against the Guardians on Wednesday due to a valgus extension overload in his left elbow -- also known as pitcher's elbow -- and he was initially expected to rest for a few days before the next steps of his recovery program were determined. Ragans said Thursday that he was already feeling much better than when he left Wednesday's contest, but he'll still spend at least the next couple of weeks on the IL after being diagnosed with the impingement. Stephen Kolek was called up from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move Friday and is a candidate to fill Ragans' spot in the starting rotation.