MLB Player News

Rays pitcher Jake Odorizzi was able to throw 25 tosses from 60 feet recently, according to the Tampa Bay Times. 

Odorizzi could throw again as early as Monday. Odorizzi has been on the disabled list due to an oblique injury. 

"Everything is on schedule, just like I had it drawn up in my head," Odorizzi said, per MLB.com. "My body has allowed that to happen. It just feels good and everything is where it needs to be right now."

Indians starter Carlos Carrasco was fortunate to walk away with a win on Saturday against the Tigers. Carrasco went 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits. The right-hander walked one and struck out eight, improving his record to 8-5.

Carrasco was down early as he gave up three runs over the first four innings. But his offense was able to bail him out as they took the lead in the top of the sixth inning.

Carrasco will carry a 4.38 ERA into his next start, scheduled for Thursday at home against the Cubs.

Tigers starter Justin Verlander had a decent showing in his season-debut on Saturday against the Indians. Verlander went five innings, allowing two runs on three hits. He walked two and struck out two, earning a no-decision in the 5-4 loss. He threw 87 pitches, with 55 going for strikes.

Verlander, who was making his first start of the season after dealing with a triceps injury, was sharp through the first three frames, even hitting 97 mph on his fastball at one point. But he gave up a solo home run to Carlos Santana in the fourth inning, followed by a sacrifice fly in the fifth. 

"When I tried to step on the gas a little bit, fell out of rhythm a little bit and walked a couple guys," Verlander said, per MLB.com. "That's more effort than I've had to put in yet, so it kind of makes sense why the rhythm wasn't quite there."

All-in-all it was a solid effort for Verlander, who will make his next start on Thursday in Cincinnati. 

Rays pitcher Drew Smyly played catch on the field before Saturday's game, throwing for the first time since getting injured, per the Tampa Bay Times. 

Smyly is on the 60-day disabled list with a torn labrum, 

Jake Odorizzi was able to do sock throws without pain for the Rays on Saturday, per the Tampa Bay Times.

Odorizzi is on the disabled list with an oblique problem. He'll play catch on Sunday as his recovery continues to progress.  

The Royals placed pitcher Jason Vargas on the 15-day disabled list, the team announced on Saturday. 

Vargas has a left flexor strain. He reported discomfort the day after his last start and couldn't complete his bullpen session on Friday, per Fox Sports Kansas City.

To replace him, the Royals called up Brandon Finnegan from Triple-A Omaha, where he was 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA. 

Rangers pitcher Martin Perez suffered a groin injury during his minor league rehab start on Wednesday, per the Dallas Morning News. 

Perez was scheduled to throw batting practice on Saturday and return to the mound for a second rehab game on Monday. Instead, he'll be shut down for about a week. 

Perez is on the disabled list with an elbow injury. 

As expected, Justin Verlander will start Saturday's game for the Tigers, making his 2015 season debut. 

Verlander has been on the disabled list all year after suffering a triceps injury in spring training. 

Twins starter Tommy Milone gave up two runs in seven innings but left with a no-decision, Friday at Texas. 

Milone gave up three hits, including a home run, and walked a batter, while striking out a season-high eight. 

Milone's next start is Wednesday against St. Louis. 

Rangers starter Martin Perez is scheduled to pitch a batting practice session Saturday, the next step as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. 

Perez made a rehab appearance Wednesday, throwing 45 pitches. If all goes well Saturday, he'll likely make another rehab start Tuesday at Triple-A Round Rock.