MLB Player News

Rodriguez (knee) threw off a mound Thursday, Evan Drellich of CSN New England reports.

This is a big step toward the young left-hander getting back to action, although he still has several steps to go. Rodriguez hasn't completed any agility drills to this point, so he'll likely need to get back to that before he's cleared to pitch in a game setting, leaving his timetable very murky at this point.

Hamels (oblique) will make his first rehab start Friday with Double-A Frisco.

Hamels has been sidelined since May 2, but it seems that he's finally ramped up his pitch count enough to get back into game action. The southpaw is expected to throw 65 pitches or four innings in the upcoming outing, and if all goes well, he could return to action as soon as June 26, although more information should come forth once he clears this trial.

Giolito said James Shields has helped teach him how to utilize his legs more in his delivery, Kelsie Heneghan of MiLB.com reports.

The veteran also showed Giolito how to work on his legs differently in the gym, which could "really help to increase consistency, maybe extension, maybe velocity," according to the prospect. Giolito stumbled a bit Saturday but has been rolling since his seven-inning no-hitter May 25. He struck out 11 on June 5, as well. The right-hander is gaining more momentum for a call-up to the White Sox, who probably want to give him an extended trial in a rebuilding year. Fantasy owners in deeper mixed leagues with a bench spot to spare could stash him.

Jorge could be a candidate to be called up and start for Minnesota on Sunday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "Jorge's numbers of late have been really good," said manager Paul Molitor, though he acknowledged a call-up is a long shot.

Jorge has a 3.00 ERA with a 50:21 K:BB in 72 innings for Double-A Chattanooga. He's not regarded as a top prospect and his potential call-up is more a function that he's already on the 40-man roster. Still, it shows he's having a good season and could be in Triple-A shortly.

Bundy (7-5) gave up five runs -- four earned -- on six hits and three walks over five innings in Wednesday's win over the White Sox. He whiffed four.

This was one of the worst outings we've seen from Bundy all year; he's only failed to finish six innings twice in his 14 starts, and this represents his second-highest run total of the season. That's a testament to how effective Bundy has been in general, but his peripherals suggest that worse times may be ahead of him -- with a meager 6.5 K/9 and a 4.53 FIP, Bundy looks like he's been lucky to maintain his current 3.29 ERA. Indeed, after putting up a 1.82 mark over his first six starts, his last eight have seen Bundy go 3-4 with a 3.50 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. He's still eminently ownable thanks to his upside and the premium on pitching these days, but don't confuse him with an elite arm.

Odorizzi (4-3) gave up five runs (three earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out four over 4.1 innings but escaped with a no-decision in Wednesday's 7-6 loss to the Blue Jays.

He threw only 55 of 99 pitches for strikes en route to issuing at least three free passes for the fourth time in his last five starts. Odorizzi's 3.77 ERA and 1.23 WHIP are right in line with his career numbers, but his 5.22 FIP suggests there could be more tough times ahead for the 27-year-old. He'll next take the mound Monday at home against the Reds.

Kluber struck out 10 over seven strong innings against the Dodgers on Wednesday, allowing just two runs on four hits and a walk. He didn't factor into the decision in the eventual 6-4 loss.

Kluber has now put up three 10-strikeout games in his last five starts, albeit with a month-long DL stint in the middle there. His ERA is still an inflated 4.15, but the smart money's on Kluber bringing that number down to a more respectable level.

German is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday, Brendan Kuty of NJ.com reports.

With CC Sabathia (hamstring) expected to land on the disabled list Thursday, German will rejoin the Yankees for the second time in less than a week. The 24-year-old tossed 2.2 innings scoreless innings of relief in his major-league debut earlier in the week before being sent back to Triple-A. While German has worked primarily as a starter in the minors this season, it's unclear how the Yankees will look to use him in his second stint with the club.

McCullers (lower back) could resume throwing as early as this weekend, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

If the Astros are talking about McCullers picking up a ball Saturday for the first time since being placed on the disabled list, that's cutting it pretty close. He's eligible to come off the disabled list next Monday, but given he'll throw for the first time Saturday, fantasy owners should plan on him not being back on time.

Hamels (oblique) could be cleared to make his first minor-league rehab start as early as Friday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Hamels has been able to get through some simulated innings during the Rangers' road trip, and if he recovers well from Tuesday's session, manager Jeff Banister indicated he'll likely Join Double-A Frisco for a rehab start Friday. Should that happen, Hamels would throw either four innings or 65 pitches before progressing from there. If all goes well for Hamels, he could rejoin the Rangers as early as June 26 against the Indians, though that remains a very tentative timetable. Either way, he appears to be progressing well from an oblique strain that has kept him sidelined since May 2.