MLB Player News

Watkins (forearm) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander threw several bullpen sessions over the last few weeks and will return from the injured list after spending just over the minimum of 15 days on the shelf. However, Dean Kremer has been named Baltimore's fifth starter, so Watkins will join the rotation in Norfolk for now. Watkins should be one of the top candidates for a call-up if the Orioles need an additional starter.

Ryan (illness) will report to Triple-A St. Paul for a rehab start Thursday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The 26-year-old has been on the COVID-19 injured list the past two weeks, and he'll require a start in the minors before rejoining the big-league rotation. Ryan could be back with the Twins sometime next week if all goes well during Thursday's start with St. Paul.

Maeda (elbow) said Wednesday that he hopes to resume mound work in 2-to-3 weeks, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Maeda is currently with the Twins and has been throwing off flat ground for over a month. While the right-hander now has a timetable to resume mound work, he said Wednesday he isn't yet sure whether he'll return from the injured list prior to the end of the season.

Civale (glute) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Columbus on Thursday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Civale sustained a glute injury in late May and required blood treatment, but he threw a side session Monday and will take another step in his recovery process by beginning a rehab assignment Thursday. The right-hander will throw three innings in Columbus during his first rehab start, and it's not yet clear whether he'll require multiple minor-league appearances prior to rejoining the Guardians.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Baz (elbow) is on track to come off the 60-day injured list to start Saturday's game in Minnesota, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

As anticipated, Baz will be ready to make his season debut this weekend after he recently wrapped up a four-start rehab assignment at Triple-A Durham. In his most recent outing Sunday, Baz struck out 10 over 4.1 innings while building up to 79 pitches, so he shouldn't face any significant restrictions with his workload in his first start with the Rays. In his first taste of the big leagues late last season, Baz produced a 2.03 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and 18:3 K:BB across 13.1 innings over his three starts.

Ryu (forearm/elbow) is expected to miss significant time, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Ryu's forearm strain and elbow inflammation were already expected to sideline him for multiple weeks, and he's slated to visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache in California on Thursday to receive a second opinion. Although the Blue Jays were initially optimistic that the southpaw wasn't dealing with a significant issue, it now appears as though his injuries are more serious than anticipated. A better timetable for the 35-year-old's return is unlikely to be revealed until he receives additional medical insight, but Ross Stripling should maintain a rotation spot while Ryu is sidelined.

Bubic is scheduled to start Thursday's game against the Orioles in Kansas City.

After Bubic blanked the Astros over five innings while scattering five hits and three walks in a no-decision over the weekend, it doesn't come as a major surprise that he'll receive a second turn through the rotation. Considering he entered his start against Houston with a 12.83 ERA and 2.25 WHIP in his 13.1 innings on the season with the big club, however, Bubic may be tough to trust even in a home matchup against a cellar-dwelling Orioles squad.

Kopech (2-2) earned the win Tuesday, firing six scoreless innings against the Dodgers during which he allowed a hit and a walk. He struck out eight.

Kopech bounced back extremely well after a rough outing against the Blue Jays where he allowed five earned runs. The right-hander was dominant Tuesday, with his strikeout tally serving as a season-high figure. In addition to earning the win, he also picked up a quality start, his fourth in his last five outings. The flamethrower will take a 1.94 ERA into his next start.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Wednesday that Wentz (shoulder) remains sidelined and is without a clear timeline to resume throwing, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. "It's kind of similar to a pinched nerve," Hinch said, while describing Wentz's injury. "He's getting some sensation through the shoulder based on what's going on in his neck."

Wentz picked up the injury while making a spot start May 31 against the Twins in the second game of a doubleheader. The Tigers optioned him to Triple-A Toledo following the outing, so the organization has the luxury of proceeding slowly with his recovery without having to worry about an injured Wentz occupying a spot on the 26-man roster. Detroit has endured numerous injuries to starting pitchers this season, but with Eduardo Rodriguez (oblique) on pace to come off the 15-day injured list next week and Michael Pineda (finger) perhaps a couple weeks away from a return of his own, Wentz likely won't be in line to rejoin the big club soon even if he quickly moves past his shoulder issue.

Kopech (2-2) allowed one hit and one walk while striking out eight across six scoreless innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Kopech dominated the vaunted Los Angeles lineup, with the only hit he surrendered being a single to Will Smith. He posted a season-best eight strikeouts on the strength of 13 swinging strikes across 98 total pitches. Importantly, Kopech also displayed improved control, as he managed to walk fewer than two batters in a start for only the second time this season. He's maintained a 1.94 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 51:24 K:BB across 51 innings on the campaign.