MLB Player News

Keller was suspended Friday for five games for throwing at the White Sox's Tim Anderson on Wednesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

A five-game suspension is effectively a one-game suspension for a starting pitcher, as Keller will simply have his next start pushed back a few days. Depending on the timing of a possible appeal, the Royals' rotation will likely face minimal disruption.

Glasnow will start the finale of the three-game weekend series against the Red Sox on Sunday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Manager Kevin Cash announced his pitching plans for the three-game set Thursday, which were somewhat up in the air due to Blake Snell's placement on the injured list earlier in the week with a toe injury. The Rays skipper will utilize an opener for the third straight game Friday before turning the ball over to Charlie Morton and Glasnow on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Glasnow kept his 2019 record unblemished his last time out, picking up his fourth win of the season with seven strong innings versus the Orioles.

Morton will start the middle game of the weekend series Saturday against the Red Sox, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Manager Kevin Cash announced his pitching plans for the three-game set Thursday, which were somewhat up in the air due to Blake Snell's placement on the injured list earlier in the week with a toe injury. The Rays skipper announced he'll go with a bullpen day Friday before turning the ball over to Morton on Saturday with five days of rest. The veteran allowed one run on four hits and three walks over 4.2 innings against the Blue Jays last Sunday in his most recent start.

Means (2-2) picked up the win and allowed a walk while striking out four over two innings Thursday against the Rays.

Means was called upon for the 10th and 11th innings and came through with a pair of scoreless innings. The 25-year-old lefty was recently shifted to the bullpen with Alex Cobb (back) returning from the injured list, although the role change didn't seem to phase Means. He owns a 1.72 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 17 strikeouts over 15.2 frames in 2019.

German (3-1) picked up the loss against the Royals on Thursday, giving up three earned runs on six hits over six innings, striking out nine and walking none in the Yankees' 6-1 defeat.

Two of the hits were long balls, but German still posted a quality start and racked up nine strikeouts in his first losing effort of the season. The 26-year-old is off to a good start, as he's sporting a 2.37 ERA and a 0.84 WHIP over three starts and one relief appearance. He also has 23 strikeouts in 19 innings. German currently lines up to take the mound next on the road against the Angels on Tuesday.

Means will be available out of the bullpen Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Means is no longer needed as a starter with Alex Cobb (back) set to rejoin the starting rotation over the weekend, so he'll transition to a long-relief role for the time being. That said, the Orioles still want to use the soon-to-be 26-year-old as a starter on occasions, and he's tentatively lined up to rejoin the rotation for a spot start against the Twins on April 26. Means owns a solid 1.98 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 13 strikeouts over 13.2 frames this season.

Snell (toe) played catch Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Snell threw for a second straight day and reported no issues afterwards. According to Juan Toribio of MLB.com, the southpaw could throw a bullpen over the weekend (likely Saturday) and remains on track to return shortly after his injured list stint ends early next week. Prior to landing on the shelf, Snell compiled a 2.16 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 36:4 K:BB through four starts (25 innings). The Rays have yet to announce who will start in his place Friday.

Cobb (back) has been confirmed as the Orioles' starting pitcher for Friday's game against the Twins, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

The Orioles will still have to activate Cobb from the 10-day injured list Friday, but that's merely a formality. Cobb completed a bullpen session Tuesday with no renewed discomfort and should be in store for a normal workload in his first start since April 4.

Giolito said Thursday that he's dealing with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain and noted that he only expects to miss one or two starts, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The White Sox placed Giolito on the 10-day injured list, but based on the right-hander's comments, he'll likely only be unavailable for the minimum amount of time or close to it. More clarity on Giolito's target date for a return probably won't come until he's cleared to face hitters in batting practice, but his move to the IL means the White Sox will have to replace him for at least one turn through the rotation. Chicago will first require a fifth starter Monday in Baltimore, with long reliever Manny Banuelos representing the top candidate on the active roster to fill the void unless the White Sox elect to promote someone from the Triple-A Charlotte rotation.

The White Sox placed Giolito on the 10-day injured list Thursday with a left hamstring strain.

Giolito was enjoying a strong start Wednesday against the Royals before he experienced tightness in his hamstring in the third inning, resulting in him being pulled from the contest. After Giolito was evaluated by team trainers following his departure, it was quickly determined that he would need at least a week and a half off to heal up. The White Sox have yet to name a replacement in the rotation for Giolito, but long reliever Manny Banuelos or the recently recalled Carson Fulmer could be two of the top options to fill the void. Giolito's next turn will fall Monday in Baltimore.