MLB Player News

Manager A.J. Hinch didn't want to definitively say that Fulmer would remain in the bullpen all season but he has been pleased with how the righty has performed in relief, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Fulmer had a rough 2020 campaign, posting an 8.78 ERA in 10 starts, but he's looked much better in relief this season, registering a 2.92 ERA across 12.1 innings out of the bullpen. The 28-year-old has found a little extra velocity as a reliever, and Hinch called him a "valuable weapon." To his credit, Fulmer has embraced the role, saying he wants to be "thrown into the fire" if he's going to remain in the bullpen. The Tigers may end up giving him some more starts this year, but for a team that has struggled to develop reliable bullpen options, Fulmer could quickly establish himself as one of its most trusted relievers.

Valdez secured the save after striking out two over a scoreless inning Monday against Boston.

Valdez retired the side in order in the ninth, fanning two and inducing a lineout to center field. The closer has surrendered just two runs in 13 appearances so far this season and has successfully converted eight of 10 save chances. He also owns a strong 17:3 K:BB across 14.2 innings of work.

Lopez allowed one run on four hits and struck out five over 5.2 innings Monday night against Boston. He didn't factor into the decision.

Lopez certainly pitched well enough to pick up the win in this one, but he would leave in a 1-1 contest with two outs in the sixth and 71 pitches, 52 for strikes. His only blemish in the run column came in the fourth inning, surrendering a sacrifice fly to left field. Lopez has now allowed two or fewer runs in five of his last six starts, but he's struggled to work deep into ballgames, with Monday marking his longest appearance of the 2021 campaign.

Chargois fired 1.1 perfect innings in a loss to the Rangers on Sunday, recording two strikeouts.

Summoned from Triple-A Tacoma earlier in the day in a corresponding move to Ljay Newsome's placement on the injured list, Chargois received an immediate opportunity to make his Mariners regular-season debut. The 30-year-old was logging his first game action since 2019 with the Dodgers and should see low-leverage opportunities akin to Sunday's during his time with the big-league club.

Edwards cleared waivers and elected free agency Monday.

Edwards was designated for assignment Saturday, and he'll become a free agent rather than accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A. The right-hander has made five relief appearances across the last two seasons and posted a 7.20 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in five innings during that time.

Rodriguez (shoulder) is doing gym work but has yet to resume throwing, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Rodriguez landed on the injured list Thursday with right shoulder soreness and was originally reported to be in line for a minimum-length stay. The Angels have yet to rule that out, but he'll have to advance to throwing soon if that's to happen.

Lamet will start Tuesday's game against the Rockies, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Lamet's scheduled start Monday was postponed due to inclement weather, but he'll take the mound a day later. Yu Darvish was initially expected to start Tuesday but will now start Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader.

Taylor (ankle) has been throwing off flat ground, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Taylor had to be carted off the field in mid-April due to what was called a severely sprained right ankle. He's still not close to returning from the injured list but at least appears to be trending in the right direction.

Brasier (calf) recently threw a bullpen session, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Brasier suffered a calf strain late in spring training and was transferred to the 60-day injured list May 3. He resumed throwing in late April and has now progressed to mound work. If Brasier remains on track in his recovery, he could make his season debut in early June.

Lowther was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Monday.

Reports from Sunday indicated that Lowther was bound for the bullpen, but it turns out he'll actually be heading to the minors. His start Saturday against the Red Sox didn't exactly make a strong case for him sticking around, as he allowed seven runs on seven hits while recording just seven outs. Keegan Akin was recalled in a corresponding move.