MLB Player News

Diaz (elbow) is throwing in the bullpen Friday at Dodger Stadium, reports Jack Harris of the California Post.

Diaz has been out of commission since April 20 after undergoing surgery for loose bodies in his right elbow. Manager Dave Roberts says his closer has been progressing well since the procedure was completed. The 32-year-old Diaz was recently cleared to ramp up his throwing progression.

Manager Blake Butera said Mikolas is scheduled to pitch behind opener PJ Poulin against the Rays on Friday, Andrew Golden of TheBanner.com reports.

Mikolas was initially penciled in to pitch Saturday, but he'll be moved up to Friday after Cade Cavalli (illness) was scratched. Mikolas has fared much better when working in bulk relief this season, as he has a 3.56 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 22:6 K:BB across 43 innings out of the bullpen.

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.

Poulin will start Friday's game against the Rays.

The left-hander has served as an opener eight times this season and will pick up another start Friday after scheduled starter Cade Cavalli (illness) was scratched. Poulin hasn't covered more than two frames in any of his 29 outings this year, so he'll likely give way to the Washington bullpen after a frame or two.

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.

Smith parted ways with the Twins on Friday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Smith had an opt-out clause in his minor-league deal and decided to exercise it after not being called up. In his first season back from a second Tommy John surgery, Smith has posted a 4.74 ERA and 19:9 K:BB across 24.2 innings of work with Triple-A St. Paul.

Strzelecki parted ways with the Yankees on Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Strzelecki exercised an opt-out clause in his minor-league contract and is now a free agent. The 31-year-old reliever has collected a 4.81 ERA and 29:5 K:BB over 24.1 frames at the Triple-A level this season. He has not pitched in the majors since 2024.