MLB Player News

Latz earned the save in Friday's 9-7 win over the Padres, allowing one hit in 1.1 scoreless innings. He did not record a walk or a strikeout.

Latz was called on to relieve Jakob Junis in a one-run game in the eighth inning and recorded the final out of the frame before closing things out in the ninth. The southpaw has now secured a save in each of his past eight appearances, allowing just one earned run during that stretch. On the year, he owns a 1.56 ERA, 0.61 WHIP and 35:7 K:BB across 34.2 innings while converting 13 of 15 save opportunities.

Newcomb (triceps) will serve as the opening pitcher during Saturday's game against the Tigers, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Newcomb was removed from his last appearance with a triceps contusion after getting hit by a comebacker, but he seems to be feeling well enough to take on his first opening assignment of the season Saturday. The 33-year-old southpaw has been one of the most reliable members of Chicago's bullpen this season, turning in a 2.76 ERA and 1.04 WHIP across 42.1 frames. He could remain in the game for multiple innings before allowing the bullpen to take over.

Manager Kevin Cash said Friday that Uceta (shoulder) will resume his throwing program sometime around June 29, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Uceta has been shut down since he suffered a setback in late May during his recovery from a right shoulder strain, but there is now a clear end in sight to his no-throw period. An updated timeline for his return from the injured list may come after he gets through a few rounds of catch.

Manager Kevin Cash said Friday that Rodriguez (elbow) will begin throwing live batting practice June 30, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Rodriguez has been on the shelf all season while on the mend from an elbow procedure he underwent last August. He was cleared to begin throwing off a mound in May, and the Rays will seemingly have him throw a few more bullpen sessions before clearing him to begin facing hitters at the end of the month. A timeline for his return to the bullpen remains unknown, though he will almost certainly require several tuneup appearances in the minors before coming off the IL.

Cleveland optioned Dion to Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Dion will make his way back to Columbus after making just six appearances since having his contract selected May 25. With Cleveland, the 26-year-old recorded a 5.56 ERA, 1.85 WHIP and 13:3 K:BB in 11.1 innings. Erik Sabrowski (elbow) will take Dion's spot on the active roster.

The Guardians activated Sabrowski (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Friday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Sabrowski was sidelined for just over three weeks with left elbow inflammation and will rejoin the club in Houston. Before landing on the IL, the 28-year-old was off to a terrific start, posting a 1.71 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 39:13 K:BB through 21 innings. Cleveland optioned Will Dion to Triple-A Columbus in order to make room for Sabrowski on the active roster.

Blanco (elbow) struck out five over three scoreless frames in his first rehab start with the Astros' Florida Complex League affiliate Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

He gave up only one hit and one walk. There's no word on what Blanco's velocity was, but it was an encouraging first rehab outing from a box score perspective. Blanco is working his way back from last June's Tommy John surgery with an internal brace. He will need several more rehab starts, but Blanco is tracking toward rejoining the Astros' rotation around the All-Star break.

Eisert will be the White Sox's opening pitcher for Friday's contest in Detroit, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Erick Fedde will follow in bulk relief. Eisert has had three previous opening assignments this season, yielding two runs with a 4:1 K:BB over 3.1 innings in those outings.

The Royals optioned Black to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

The right-hander was called up by the Royals in late May and will return to Omaha after giving up seven runs with a 10:9 K:BB over 13 innings during this stint in the majors. Black's demotion clears roster space for Seth Lugo (concussion), who is starting Friday's game against the Cardinals.

The Blue Jays recalled Little from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday.

Little made the Opening Day roster but was sent down in early April after getting rocked for 11 runs (10 earned) over his first 3.2 innings. The 29-year-old appeared to get on track at Buffalo, authoring a 2.31 ERA and 32:19 K:BB across 23.1 frames. Little give the Blue Jays a second lefty in the bullpen alongside Mason Fluharty.