MLB Player News

Megill earned the save Friday in a 3-1 win over the Cubs, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.

Megill set down the four, five and six batters in the Cubs' order Friday after Joel Payamps faced the top of the lineup in the eighth. Megill and Payamps both figure to see their share of ninth-inning work with Devin Williams (back) likely out until the All-Star break. The 30-year-old Megill lowered his ERA to 1.17 with a 0.91 WHIP and 7:3 K:BB through his first 7.2 innings this season.

Middleton (forearm) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Middleton has been on the 15-day IL since the start of the season after sustaining a right forearm strain in mid-March. He recently extended his throwing distance to 110 feet with no setback, and the right-hander has progressed enough to take the next step in his rehab program. Middleton will likely need multiple bullpen sessions without issue before beginning a rehab assignment.

The Athletics transferred Tarnok (hip) to the 60-day injured list Friday.

Tarnok's move to the 60-day IL will make him ineligible to return until May 28, though the A's were likely always going to take their time building him back up. The 25-year-old righty is scheduled to resume mound work soon and will likely require a minor-league rehab assignment before returning to Oakland's pitching staff. Brett Harris was selected from Triple-A Las Vegas to fill Tarnok's roster spot.

Rodriguez was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Friday.

Rodriguez will fill the spot of Nathan Eovaldi (groin), who was placed on the 15-day IL on Friday. In six appearances with the Rangers this season, Rodriguez garnered a 10.50 ERA and a 2.50 WHIP with three home runs allowed.

Beck (arm) has been cleared to begin a throwing program, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Beck had surgery back in early March to address an aneurysm in his upper right arm. He is facing a slow build-up, with a return not expected until after the All-Star break.

Burdi (hip) will throw in a rehab game at Double-A Somerset on Sunday, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Burdi's rehab stint will begin Sunday at the Double-A level after missing the last 11 days of April with right hip inflammation. He's yet to allow a run in seven MLB appearances this season.

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.