MLB Player News

Kluber (broken arm) is awaiting clearance to throw his first bullpen session, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

He got the green light to start playing catch June 28 and has extended his throwing from 135 to 150 feet. His last checkup was positive, and he could begin throwing bullpen sessions later this month.

The Astros may use an opener ahead of Valdez's appearance Tuesday in Anaheim, Hunter Atkins of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Assuming the opener does not give up runs, this would actually be good for Valdez's value going forward (in leagues that don't reward quality starts), as it would allow him to enter the game against the bottom of the opposing team's lineup and would improve his chances of qualifying for the win. Valdez has given up 15 runs while walking seven and striking out five in seven innings over his last three appearances for Houston.

Eovaldi (elbow) completed a 27-pitch bullpen session Friday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Eovaldi has progressed quickly in his bullpen sessions over the last couple weeks, which makes sense given his expected move to the closer's role requires much less buildup of his arm strength. The Red Sox have yet to determine what's next for the 29-year-old, but a simulated game or rehab outing appear to be on the horizon.

Medina threw six shutout innings for Low-A Charleston on Thursday, allowing two hits, striking out 10 and walking one in a 3-1 defeat for the RiverDogs.

Medina had been struggling mightily coming into the contest, with 16 earned runs to his name over his last three starts, but he was lights-out in this contest, recording his first double-digit strikeout effort of the season. Still, it's been a disappointing campaign so far for the 20-year-old, who has seen the control issues that plagued him in the Appalachian League last year persist in his first season with the RiverDogs, as he's issued 56 free passes in his 15 starts. Overall, he's sporting a 7.59 ERA and a 1.91 WHIP over 64 innings.

Stroman (pectoral) will start Sunday's game against the Yankees, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports.

Stroman completed a bullpen session with no issues Friday to clear the way for his return to the starting rotation. The 28-year-old finished the first half with a 3.18 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 81:31 K:BB over 104.2 innings before left pectoral cramps prevented him from making his final start prior to the All-Star break.

McCreery was traded across town from the Dodgers to the Angels on Friday along with Josh Thole in exchange for cash considerations.

McCreery owns a mediocre 4.04 ERA in 35.2 innings of relief across the two highest levels of the minors this season. The trade opens up a spot on the Dodgers' 40-man roster for A.J. Pollock (elbow), who returns from the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Severino (lat) will be re-examined Saturday and could resume his throwing program if the evaluation is promising, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Severino has been out all season with lat issues and suffered a setback in late June, forcing him to pause his throwing program. Even if he's able to resume throwing Saturday, the Yankees still don't expect him back in action for at least six more weeks. The team is considering having him return as a 75-pitch starter or a reliever, which would lessen his fantasy value but could help keep him healthy through the playoffs.

The Twins plan to activate Odorizzi (finger) from the 10-day injured list to start Saturday's game against the Indians.

Odorizzi developed a blister on his right middle finger in his most recent start July 2 against the Athletics, prompting the Twins to withhold him from his final start of the first half last weekend. The Twins' decision to place him on the IL also prevented Odorizzi from appearing in his first All-Star Game on Tuesday, but the time off has at least allowed the right-hander to overcome the minor issue. Odorizzi shouldn't face a strict cap on his pitch count as he returns to the mound Saturday, though manager Rocco Baldelli has been reluctant to allow the 29-year-old to cover more than six innings in most of his outings this season anyway.

Ramirez (elbow) had a tough time on his rehab start for Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday, allowing seven runs on 10 hits (including four homers) in five innings of work.

Ramirez seems to be close to a return from Tommy John surgery, but his poor outing may cause the Angels to hesitate to bring him back right away. He now owns a 7.91 ERA, an 18:15 K:BB and a 1.76 WHIP in 33 rehab innings. He's allowed to remain on his rehab stint until late July and seems likely to do so unless his next outing is considerably more impressive.

Turnbull (shoulder) was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday to start against the Royals.

Turnbull missed his last scheduled start in late June with shoulder fatigue, but he's good to go following some time off over the All-Star break. He'll look to build on his strong 3.31 ERA in the second half.