MLB Player News

Hill (groin) said that he will be starting Saturday against the Pirates, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Hill has been out since May 29 with a groin injury, but will be making his return Saturday after missing a month of action. He was pitching well before going on the DL, posting a 2.25 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP during 64 innings of work this season. Hill made a rehab start with High-A Stockton on Monday, allowing one earned run on four hits while striking out six in three innings.

Walker (foot) threw a 40-pitch bullpen Tuesday in anticipation for his start Thursday against the Orioles, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.

Walker is expected to get the start Thursday after being diagnosed with tendinitis in his right foot one week ago. He was subsequently scratched from his scheduled start Friday, but avoided the DL and is in line to take the hill against Baltimore. The 23-year-old has posted a 3.45 ERA with a 1.16 WHIP during 75.2 innings on the mound this season.

Darvish (shoulder) is not expected to return to the Rangers before the All-Star break, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Although Darvish is reportedly progressing well in his rehab and could be getting close to throwing a simulated game, the Rangers will not hurry their ace back to the mound before he's fully healthy. The Rangers have been able to fare well in Darvish's absence, going 8-2 in their last 10 games to take a 10-game league in the division, which affords them the luxury of being patient with Darvish. Texas figures to keep using a rotation of Cole Hamels, Martin Perez, A.J. Griffin, Cesar Ramos, and Nick Martinez while Darvish is on the shelf.

Rodriguez is expected to make several starts in Triple-A, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

After Monday night's 2.2 inning, 9-run implosion and subsequent demotion to Triple-A, manager John Farrell stated that he intends for Rodriguez to make several starts in the minors and that "adjustments are necessary". Rodriguez had struggled mightily before Monday's debacle as well, making only one quality start in five tries and giving up 19 earned runs (6.41 ERA) in the process. He'll head to Triple-A Pawtucket now to try to regain his form.

Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday, Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald reports.

The move comes as little surprise after Rodriguez surrendered nine earned runs over 2.2 innings in a loss to the Rays on Monday. The left-hander has been wildly inconsistent through six starts this season, compiling a 1-3 record and an 8.59 ERA. He'll hope to fix his mechanics in the minors and return to his 2015 form. A corresponding move has not yet been announced.

Snell (1-2) was a winner for the first time in his young career, despite allowing four runs in 5.1 innings against the Red Sox. He surrendered eight hits, walked four, and struck out four.

The four earned runs allowed were actually the most he's allowed in any of his four starts at the Major League level. Although the 3.54 ERA is solid for Snell, he also owns a bloated 1.77 WHIP with the Rays. Snell's next start will be Saturday against the Tigers.

Worley (groin) will make one more rehab appearance Tuesday before being activated from the DL, MASN's Roch Kubatko reports.

A rehab appearance Tuesday could put Worley on pace to return during the four game weekend series against the Mariners. Worley allowed five hits in 1.2 innings of his first rehab appearance at Double-A. He is slated to pitch for High-A Frederick on Tuesday.

Rodriguez (1-3) had a night to forget on Monday, allowing nine runs in 2.2 innings in a loss to the Rays. He gave up 11 hits, walked one, and struck out two.

Rodriguez has not experienced very much success this season, finishing six innings just twice in six starts. The lefty now has an unsightly 8.59 ERA this year on the heels of what was a very promising rookie season. Rodriguez will look to right the ship on Sunday against the Angels.

Walker (foot) is expected to get the start Thursday against Baltimore, The News Tribune reports.

Walker was diagnosed with tendinitis in his right foot just one week ago, but seems to be good to go after throwing a bullpen session Sunday. The 23-year-old faced the Orioles earlier this season, allowing four runs over five innings and suffering the loss. Barring any setbacks, he should get another shot against the AL East leaders.

Heaney underwent an evaluation Monday and found no improvement in his injured elbow, Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Heaney will be evaluated in two weeks, but it's getting harder and harder to imagine his UCL will heal up enough on its own for him to avoid Tommy John surgery. Even if he is able to return without surgery, this delay pushes his earliest possible return deeper into the season, as he may not be able to return until August in even the best possible case at this point.