MLB Player News

German won't pitch Thursday against the Red Sox after the game was postponed due to the Yankees' COVID-19 issues, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

The Yankees are reportedly dealing with positive COVID-19 tests within their organization, so it's not yet clear when the team could take the field next. The club hasn't yet announced its pitching plans going forward.

Rodriguez won't start Thursday against the Yankees after the game was postponed due to the Yankees' COVID-19 issues, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

The Yankees are reportedly dealing with positive COVID-19 tests within the organization, so it's not yet clear when the game could be made up or whether the rest of the series will go on as planned. The Red Sox haven't announced their revised pitching plans, but Rodriguez could be in line to start during the team's next matchup.

Houck will likely start Wednesday against the Blue Jays, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Manager Alex Cora said that Houck will be available out of the bullpen for the team's current series against the Yankees, but he'll likely start on the road Wednesday. He'll likely return to the bullpen after the start as the Red Sox plan to utilize him in a versatile role, but the right-hander's availability as a starter certainly boosts his fantasy value going forward.

Canning was placed on the 7-day minor-league injured list with a lower back strain Thursday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Canning allowed six runs in two innings during his most recent minor-league start, but his injury may have contributed to his struggles. The severity of the injury isn't known, and it's not yet clear how long the right-hander could be sidelined.

Glasnow (elbow) has resumed playing light catch, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Glasnow was diagnosed with a partial UCL tear and a flexor strain in his right elbow in mid-June, and he was shut down for approximately four weeks while he received treatment. However, the right-hander has been optimistic about his status, and it's encouraging that he's now resumed light throwing after the shutdown. Glasnow doesn't yet have a timetable to return, but a better idea of his status could come into focus once he's able to increase his workout intensity.

Cortes was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Thursday.

Whether Cortes has tested positive for the virus himself or has merely been taken off the roster due to contact tracing is unclear. If it's the latter, it's possible he returns to the team within a few days.

Houck was called up by Boston on Thursday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck has made five starts and one relief appearance for the Red Sox across last year and the early part of this season, cruising to a 1.98 ERA and a 30.6 percent strikeout rate over 27.1 innings of work. He missed over a month with elbow issues but has been back with Triple-A Worcester since mid-June, though his 5.14 ERA in six starts (none of which have lasted more than four innings) at that level is less than impressive. It's unclear what exactly Houck's role will be during his time with the team, as the Red Sox don't have an obvious hole in their rotation. He could be used as part of a six-man rotation or could pitch in a multi-inning role out of the bullpen.

Seabold (elbow) allowed two runs on one hit and three walks across 2.2 innings during his first rehab outing with the club's Gulf Coast League affiliate Monday. He struck out seven.

Seabold's season at Triple-A Worcester was paused in early May due to inflammation in his elbow. He was able to begin a throwing program just a few weeks later before progressing to tossing bullpens in mid-June. The righty will likely get a few more outings under his belt in the lower levels of the minors before being activated. Seabold, who currently holds a spot on the 40-man roster, could be a candidate to join the big club later this season, either as a starter or a long reliever.

Kikuchi is no longer on the American League's active roster for the All-Star Game on Tuesday, Larry Stone of the Seattle Times reports.

Kikuchi was officially activated off the COVID-19 IL on Monday, but the left-hander won't pitch in the All-Star Game after being unable to throw over the previous two days. Kikuchi figures to take the ball at some point over the weekend against the Angels.

Williamson has had a tough time in his first three Double-A starts, giving up 11 runs on 18 hits with a 13:6 K:BB through 14 innings.

That stands in stark contrast to his performance with High-A Everett, where Williamson pitched to a 3.19 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with a mind-bending 17.1 K/9. The big lefty has certainly been hit hard since being promoted to Double-A, but it's a small sample, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him get right soon. There's a fairly high level of variance with Williamson, as he could end up as a mid-rotation starter or a bullpen guy. As is often the case for pitching prospects, command refinement and further development of his offspeed stuff are the keys to his future.