MLB Player News

Manager Kevin Cash said Morton (shoulder) threw from 120 feet Thursday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Morton felt good during Thursday's throwing session and is expected to throw from 120 feet again Friday. The right-hander is eligible to return from the injured list next week, though the Rays have yet to indicate whether he'll be ready to return following a minimum stay on the shelf.

The Red Sox recalled Hart from their alternate training site ahead of his scheduled start Thursday against the Rays.

The 27-year-old lefty will be making his big-league debut Thursday, becoming the latest in a growing list of pitchers to get an audition in Boston's rotation this season. Hart started in 15 of his 18 appearances at Triple-A Pawtucket in 2019, posting a 3.86 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 80:36 K:BB across 100.1 innings.

Walker didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's contest between the Mariners and the Rangers. He gave up an unearned run on six hits and one walk while fanning five across six innings.

Walker has been extremely inconsistent in his first four starts and has alternated strong performances with some woeful ones. He has given up just four earned runs in 16.2 innings across his last three starts after beginning the season with a poor effort against Houston in which he gave up five earned runs in just 3.1 frames. The talent is clearly still there, but Walker now needs to find consistency. His next scheduled start is slated for Aug. 19 at home against the Dodgers.

Lyles didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's game between the Rangers and the Mariners. He allowed four runs on six hits -- including two home runs -- and four walks while fanning four across five innings.

Lyles was coming off a win against the Angels the last time out but hasn't been pitching very well -- the right-hander has given up three or more runs in each of his last three starts while falling short of six full innings in each of those outings. As a result, he is sporting a 6.91 ERA in his last three appearances ahead of his next scheduled start at home against the Padres on Aug. 18.

Snell (1-0) allowed four hits over five scoreless innings in a win over the Red Sox on Wednesday. He struck out six and did not issue a walk.

The lefty said that he intended to go five for the first time this season and did just that on 70 pitches. Snell established a new season high in strikeouts and it's great to see a zero in a walk column, especially after Snell walked batters at an 11.1 percent clip last season around a few injuries. Tampa Bay has been deliberate in building Snell up and it may be a couple starts yet before he's available for a traditional starter's workload. He will need to maximize his efficiency once again next week against the Yankees and Blue Jays.

Canning (0-3) took the loss Wednesday against the A's after giving up four runs on six hits with two strikeouts and zero walks across four innings.

The right-hander never got settled in Wednesday and allowed an extra-base hit in all four of his frames, including three long balls. Canning has been unable to find much consistency this season with a 4.42 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 18:10 K:BB over 18.2 innings, and he'll look to put up a rebound performance versus the Giants next week.

Bassitt (2-0) earned the win Wednesday against the Angels after giving up four runs on five hits with four strikeouts and zero walks over 5.2 innings.

The right-hander was closing in on a quality start as he struck out the first two batters of the sixth inning, but a solo homer from Anthony Rendon spelled an end to his outing. Bassitt has enjoyed a strong start to 2020 with a 2.42 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 19:4 K:BB through 22.1 innings, and he lines up to pitch at Arizona early next week.

Greinke (1-0) allowed one run on seven hits and one walk while striking out seven over 6.1 innings in a win over the Giants on Wednesday.

Greinke is finally in the win column after four starts. The Astros slow played Greinke out of the gates, but he seems to be nearly built up; the right-hander has progressed from 58 to 83 to 84 to now 94 pitches. Greinke's average fastball is still way down this season, but it has not mattered much as the 36-year-old is pitching to a 2.53 ERA. He gets the Rockies at home in the first of two projected starts next week.

Keller (2-0) allowed two hits and three walks over six scoreless innings in a win over the Reds on Wednesday. He struck out three batters.

The right-hander turned in a second consecutive scoreless start, this time in Great American Ball Park. Both of the hits against him were singles, one a bunt single. Keller, who began the season on the COVID-19 injured list, is still working mostly fastball-slider, mixing in only the occasional changeup. However, Keller should at least have most fantasy players' attention after his hot start. He lines up to face the Reds in Kansas City next week.

Maeda (3-0) earned the win Wednesday versus the Brewers, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk and striking out five in 6.2 innings.

Maeda got 12 runs of support from the Twins, making it easy for him to collect his third win in four starts. The right-hander has a 2.66 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 21 strikeouts across 23.2 innings this season. Maeda is expected to make his next start Monday versus the Royals.