MLB Player News

Munoz (back) threw a light bullpen session before Friday's game against the Royals, per Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, but the reliever did not appear in the contest.

Divish had noted there was a possibility Munoz would be available for the first time since exiting Tuesday's game against the Athletics, but it was Ryne Stanek who got the ninth-inning call and ultimately failed to protect a 9-7 lead. With Stanek having appeared in three of the last four games and having thrown 39 pitches in the last two nights, Munoz would certainly be in line for any high-leverage work Saturday if he's healthy enough to handle it.

Erceg (forearm) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Thursday and could complete another one Sunday, the Associated Press reports.

The right-hander has had a productive last few days on the recovery front, as he began playing catch at the beginning of the week and now has a bullpen session under his belt. Erceg is expected to be evaluated after Sunday's activity, when a determination is likely to be made on whether he'll require a brief rehab assignment before activation.

Brieske allowed two runs on three hits across two innings of relief in Friday's 10-0 loss to the Brewers. He walked two and struck out two.

The game was already essentially over after Detroit starter Reese Olson allowed eight runs over four innings, but Brieske didn't help matters. Even after the rough appearance, the righty still has a 2.70 ERA, and he's only been scored upon twice in seven appearances this season. Brieske should stick in a long-relief role for the Tigers, giving him limited fantasy appeal at the moment despite his good play.

Kimbrel worked a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 14th save of the season in a 6-3 win over the Rays. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

The veteran closer let his defense do the work, getting outs on a flyball, a groundball and a popup in foul territory. Kimbrel hasn't been tagged with an earned run in 10 straight appearances, converting all six of his save chances during that stretch with a 10:0 K:BB as he puts his early season struggles behind him.

Anderson (3-1) struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the win over the Mariners on Friday.

It didn't look like any Royals pitcher would be in line for the win after the Mariners put up seven runs in the first inning, but Anderson was the beneficiary of a late rally that ended in a walk-off. He's had mixed results since the start of May, allowing seven runs (six earned) with a 12:6 K:BB over his last 12.1 innings. For the year, Anderson has a 3.86 ERA despite a 1.63 WHIP and 17:12 K:BB across 23.1 innings while adding a save and two holds. The right-hander's numbers are far from elite, but he's done a decent job at preventing runs for a bullpen that is 21st in the majors with a 4.21 ERA this year.

Smith (3-1) allowed a run on three hits and struck out one over one inning Friday, taking the loss versus the Marlins.

It was a rare hiccup for Smith, who gave up a run-scoring single to Jazz Chisholm in the eighth inning. This appearance ended Smith's 12-inning scoreless streak, during which he had a 14:1 K:BB. He's at a 1.82 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 39:7 K:BB over 29.2 innings with a save and six holds as he continues to grow into a high-leverage role as a rookie.

Stanek (3-1) blew the save and took the loss Friday against the Royals. He allowed three runs on two hits and three walks over two-thirds of an inning with no strikeouts.

Stanek entered the ninth to protect a two-run lead in place of Andres Munoz (back) and melted down in epic fashion. The 32-year-old righty struggled with his command, issuing three walks in an appearance for the first time this season en route to his second blown save. With the outing, his ERA and WHIP rose to 4.56 and 1.35, respectively. Despite the ugly evening, Stanek is likely still in line for Seattle saves while Munoz is unavailable.

Bachman (shoulder) started a game for the Angels' Arizona Complex League team June 3 and is slated to throw three innings for the club Saturday, per MLB.com.

Bachman removed himself from a rehab outing May 30 due to neck stiffness, but he said he felt better the next day and was able to toss two innings June 3. That outing went well, as the right-hander didn't allow any runs or hits and struck out four batters. Bachman will look to increase his workload by an inning in his next appearance as he continues to build up following offseason shoulder surgery.

Miller (1-0) struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the win Friday over the Blue Jays.

The win was Miller's first in the majors, which came in his 32nd career appearance. He kept the game tied at 1-1 in the top of the ninth inning before JJ Bleday swatted a walk-off solo home run in the Athletics' half of the frame. While Miller's been scored on in three of his last six outings, he's still sporting a 2.20 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 54:11 K:BB through 28.2 innings this season. He's also gone 12-for-13 in save chances for a team that hasn't had a ton of leads to protect.

Harris allowed three hits and two walks while striking out three over six scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Blue Jays on Friday.

Harris did well in his second start of the season, which ended up being a pitching duel against Toronto's Chris Bassitt. Harris previously allowed three runs (one earned) and struck out seven over 5.2 innings versus the Rays last Thursday. He's at a 2.21 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 18:8 K:BB through 20.1 innings over four appearances (two starts) this season. The southpaw looks to have done enough to maintain his spot in the rotation for a road start versus the Padres next week. Harris will likely continue to operate as a starter while the Athletics are missing both Ross Stripling (elbow) and Alex Wood (shoulder).