MLB Player News

Lopez allowed three runs on four hits and two walks over four innings Tuesday in a 6-5 win over the White Sox. He struck out six in a no-decision. He said after the game he was a physically fine despite a noticeable drop in his fastball velocity during the game, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Lopez's final pitch in the fourth inning was 91.9 mph, his slowest four-seam fastball while a member of the Twins, according to Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com. Lopez didn't allow any runs in the first three innings but struggled in the fourth inning by allowing a three-run home run. It was a disappointing performance considering he was facing a struggling offense. However, it sounds like his worrisome velocity drop may not indicate a bigger problem.

Houck (3-2) took the loss Tuesday against the Guardians, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out four.

After twirling a complete-game shutout in his last start against Cleveland, Houck picked up where he left off, blanking the Guardians through six innings. However, he'd allow the first three batters to reach safely in the seventh, as Houck would ultimately be charged with two runs and the loss. Still, it's been an excellent start to the campaign for the 27-year-old Houck -- he has a sparkling 1.65 ERA with a 0.98 WHIP and 32:5 K:BB through his first five starts (32.2 innings). Houck's currently lined up for a two-start week -- he's slated to face the Cubs at home Sunday.

Lively did not factor into the decision Tuesday against the Red Sox, allowing one run on five hits while striking out seven over 6.1 innings.

Lively held Boston off the board until Wilyer Abreu's solo home run in the seventh inning, though Cleveland couldn't break through against Tanner Houck until the bottom half of the frame, leaving Lively with a no-decision. The 32-year-old right-hander's pitched well in his first two starts this year, both coming against the Red Sox. Lively's allowed three runs through 11.1 innings while posting an impressive 14:1 K:BB. He should get at least one more start before Gavin Williams (elbow) is able to rejoin the rotation -- Lively's currently slated for a tough road matchup in Atlanta on Sunday.

Silseth (elbow) has been doing strengthening and plyometric activities, but he hasn't yet resumed throwing, per MLB.com.

Silseth was placed on the 15-day IL on April 8 due to right elbow inflammation. A subsequent MRI cleared the hurler of any ligament damage, and an initial timeframe of three weeks was established for his return. However, it's not clear if Silseth will be able to meet that timeline given that he isn't yet throwing. Prior to getting hurt, Silseth had allowed six earned runs while posting a 12:4 K:BB over eight innings of work.

Means (forearm) is making a rehab start with Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.comreports.

The veteran left-hander recorded just one out and threw 34 pitches in his previous rehab outing, so he'll look to get back on track and build up his workload Tuesday. Means could require an additional rehab start before joining the Orioles, which would mean his season debut wouldn't come before the end of April.

Cueto agreed to a minor-league contract with the Rangers on Tuesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Cueto posted a 6.02 ERA and 1.26 WHIP through 52.1 innings with the Marlins last year, but the 38-year-old righty wasn't quite ready to retire in the offseason. He'll now make another push to get back into the majors, but even with the Rangers dealing with a plethora of injuries in their rotation, it's unlikely Cueto spends much time with the big-league team this season.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that Cole (elbow) could begin throwing off a mound sometime next week, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Cole extended his flat-ground throwing to 120 feet Tuesday, which is typically the farthest distance from which a pitcher plays catch before he gets on a mound. While nothing definitive has been decided in regard to a bullpen session, it sounds like one could be coming within the next week or so. Cole is working his way back from nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow.

Cole (elbow) extended his flat-ground throwing to 120 feet Tuesday, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

It's usually the farthest distance a pitcher plays catch from before progressing to mound work, but Cole said Tuesday that he's not sure when he will throw a bullpen session. He will have a day of rest in his throwing program Wednesday before the next step is revealed. Cole isn't eligible to return until late May. It is still up in the air as to when he'll ultimately be activated.

Gonzalez has an 11.12 ERA and 2.88 WHIP over three appearances (two starts) at Double-A Portland.

Control has long been a challenge for Gonzalez, and the issue is even more prevalent early in the 2024 minor-league season. He walked eight batters over his first two starts -- he lasted just two-thirds of an inning in his second start -- and has issued nine free passes overall in 5.2 innings. The right-hander had an encouraging third outing Sunday, when he walked only one over three scoreless innings as a piggyback starter.

Bradley (pectoral) is expected to report to Triple-A Durham later this week to begin a rehab assignment, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Bradley threw 62 pitches across four innings in an extended spring training Monday. He emerged from the outing without issue and is now likely set for a couple of rehab appearances before being activated from the injured list. He's been on the shelf all season while recovering from a right pectoral strain suffered late in spring training.