MLB Player News

Newcomb (knee) is set to begin a throwing progression in coming days, MLB.com reports.

The left-hander has been shut down from throwing since the final week of spring training, and he'll likely be in store for a lengthy rehab assignment whenever he's deemed ready for that step. For the time being, the fact he'll soon pick up a ball again is encouraging and seemingly leaves Newcomb on pace to be ready to return from the 60-day injured list well before the All-Star break.

Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock by the Rangers on Monday.

The move comes one day after Rodriguez was knocked around for three runs while recording just one out in an appearance versus the Astros. He'll be replaced on the roster by Michael Lorenzen (neck), who will come off the injured list to start Monday in Detroit.

Anderson was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte by the White Sox on Monday.

Anderson was up for the weekend series against the Reds, allowing two runs over 2.1 innings across a couple appearances. He'll be replaced on the roster by Nick Nastrini, who will start Monday versus the Royals.

Alexander (ribs) is projected to throw a bullpen session in coming days, MLB.com reports.

The veteran remains without a timeline for return, but the bullpen session would mark his first time throwing off a mound since spring training. Alexander was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left side in mid-March after three ragged Cactus League outings, and he'll almost certainly need an extensive rehab assignment whenever he's deemed ready to return to game action.

Spence (1-1) got the win over the Nationals on Sunday despite allowing two earned runs on four hits over 1.2 innings. He struck out one.

Spence took over for embattled starter Alex Wood with one out in the fifth inning and induced an inning-ending double play. However, the right-hander worked himself into trouble in the sixth, eventually surrendered RBI singles to Joey Meneses and Lane Thomas as the Nationals built a seemingly commanding 6-1 lead. Nevertheless, Spence was bailed out when the typically light-hitting Athletics put together an improbable six-run rally in the home half of the frame and held on for the one-run victory. Spence has been scored on in each of his first four big-league appearances, but the fact two of those outings have been three innings in length and one of the runs was unearned has helped lead to a serviceable 4.15 ERA across 8.2 frames.

Pearson struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning Sunday during a 5-0 win over the Rockies.

It wasn't a high-leverage spot, but Pearson still mowed down the heart of Colorado's order on 16 pitches (10 strikes). The right-hander has been impressive to begin the season, posting a 0.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 9:3 K:BB through 6.1 innings as he adjusts to a relief role, but until he starts being entrusted with more responsibility, his fantasy value with be limited -- Pearson has zero wins, holds or saves in six appearances.

Strzelecki was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Monday.

He's clearing out to make room for Xzavion Curry, who will start Monday's game. Strzelecki is unscored upon in two appearances during his brief time with the Guardians this season.

Curry (illness) was activated from the 15-day injured list Monday.

Curry got a late start to the season because of a viral illness, but he is ready to go now and will make a spot start Monday in Boston. The right-hander is likely to shift to a long relief role following Monday's outing.

Slaten earned his third hold of the season, allowing one run on two hits while striking out one over 2.2 innings in Sunday's 5-4 win over the Angels.

Setup reliever Chris Martin (non-throwing shoulder) was unavailable, so manager Alex Cora went with Slaten to shepherd a lead to the ninth inning. Slaten has worked in long relief -- five of six outings have involved at least one up-and-down. It's not clear how Cora would manage the setup duties should Martin miss significant time. Slaten, a Rule 5 selection, is inexperienced but has performed well over his first six MLB outings (0.87 ERA, one walk, 10.1 IP).

Martin wasn't available to pitch in Sunday's 5-4 win over the Angels because of a sore left (non-throwing) shoulder, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Martin has been dealing with the injury the last few days, and the right-hander his day-to-day. His most recent appearance came Wednesday, when he was charged with a blown save and a loss. Without Martin on Sunday, Cora rolled with Justin Slaten, who worked 2.2 innings and set up Kenley Jansen for a save.