MLB Player News

Ferrer (shoulder) played catch from 60 feet Friday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Ferrer had been shut down since mid-March with a strain of the teres major muscle in his right shoulder. He's on the 60-day injured list and it will be a while before he can return, but he's ready to begin a throwing progression.

Garcia (illness) will begin a rehab assignment with Low-A Fredericksburg on Saturday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Garcia had a stomach bug bad enough that it forced an injured list move last month, but he's ready for action again. The reliever should return to the Nats' bullpen next week when first eligible.

Manager Brandon Hyde said Kimbrel (back) is available as the Orioles' closer Friday in Cincinnati, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.comreports.

The 35-year-old hasn't seen the field since his back acted up Sunday against the A's, but he's ready to go after resting up over the past few days. Kimbrel allowed three runs and recorded just one out while blowing saves in each of his past two outings, though the injury may have played a role in those results. He has a 3.18 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 17:6 K:BB over 11.1 innings for the season.

Fairbanks (arm) is set to begin a rehab stint at Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported Friday.

Fairbanks has been dealing with a nerve issue in his throwing arm and after receiving positive results on testing done in late April, he's set to see game action. It's unclear how long his stint in Durham will be, but once Fairbanks is back with the Rays, expect him to reclaim closing duties from Jason Adam and Garrett Cleavinger.

The Guardians recalled Strzelecki from Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander was sent to Columbus in mid-April and will rejoin the big club for Friday's series opener versus the Angels. Strzelecki has delivered a scoreless frame in each of his two outings for Cleveland this season.

Beede was designated for assignment on Friday, Chris Assenheimer of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Beede has allowed 13 runs across eight innings in his last eight appearances, capped off by a five-run outing against the Astros on Thursday over one-third of an inning. His ERA has ballooned to 8.36 during that stretch after he opened up the season with six scoreless innings. Righty Peter Strzelecki was recalled in a corresponding move.

Mears could be in the mix for save opportunities this weekend against the Pirates after the Rockies placed closer Justin Lawrence on the paternity list Friday.

Mears was an effective high-leverage option through the first few weeks of the season with a 2.08 ERA and three holds in nine outings, but he's surrendered six runs over his past four appearances. Jake Bird should also be on the shortlist for saves, but neither pitcher provides much fantasy upside. The Rockies have only three saves as a team this season, and Lawrence should rejoin the club early next week.

Bird could be in the mix for save opportunities this weekend in Pittsburgh after Colorado placed closer Justin Lawrence on the paternity list Friday.

Bird has one save and two holds in 13 outings this season, though he has an unimpressive 5.52 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 8:7 K:BB over 14.2 innings. Nick Mears could also be an option, but neither pitcher offers much fantasy upside since Lawrence should be back in a few days, plus the Rockies have just three saves as a team this season.

The Rockies placed Lawrence on the paternity list Friday.

Lawrence will step away from the team for a few days to be with his growing family. Angel Chivilli was called up in a corresponding move, while Jake Bird and Nick Mears are the likely favorites to serve as fill-in closer if any save chances arise this weekend.

Marte was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to May 1, with right shoulder inflammation.

Marte has seen his velocity drop from 97.8 MPH to 95.7 MPH this season and had surrendered five runs (three earned) during his last three appearances with Philadelphia, both potentially a result of the shoulder injury. Marte will be out for at least the next couple weeks while Jose Ruiz fills in for him after being called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move.