MLB Player News

Means (elbow) is expected to begin throwing bullpen sessions at some point this month, MLB.com reports.

As of April 30, Means had been responding well since starting up his throwing program, and he had increased his throwing distance off flat ground to 120 feet. Assuming he's avoided any setbacks in his recovery from Tommy John surgery over the ensuing two weeks, he could take the next step forward in the rehab process by getting back on the mound. Means still has multiple checkpoints to hit, but a late-season return from the 60-day injured list remains a possibility for the veteran lefty.

Fitts (pectoral) has been throwing up-and-down bullpen sessions and is expected to be cleared to face hitter soon, MLB.com reports.

Fitts is a month removed from landing on the 15-day injured list with a right pectoral strain and has progressed well lately. The right-hander will require a rehab assignment before being activated and might be optioned to Triple-A Worcester rather than rejoining the Red Sox.

Manager Brandon Hyde confirmed that Povich will make his next start during the Orioles' home series versus the Nationals this weekend, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Povich initially lined up to start Tuesday against the Twins, but after that game was postponed, the Orioles won't have him pitch against Minnesota and will instead push his next start back a few days. Chayce McDermott will be recalled from Triple-A Norfolk and is expected to make a spot start or serve as a bulk reliever in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader versus Minnesota to fill the gap in the rotation. As Meyer notes, being moved off of a start against a righty-heavy Twins lineup should be more favorable for the left-handed Povich, who now gets to face a Nationals lineup that typically features four lefty bats (James Wood, CJ Abrams, Nathaniel Lowe and Luis Garcia).

Bello did not factor in the decision during Tuesday's extra-innings loss to the Tigers. He allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out four over 4.2 innings.

Bello coughed up a run in the first inning and the Tigers plated another on an error in the third. He then served up a solo shot to Spencer Torkelson in the fourth. Bello has failed to complete five innings in back-to-back starts after turning in two consecutive quality starts. He tossed 55 of 92 pitches for strikes and now owns a lackluster 17:14 K:BB through 27 frames. Bello will carry a 2.33 ERA into his next matchup, which is projected to be at home against the Mets.

Montero allowed three runs on five hits and a walk over 3.1 innings during Tuesday's extra-innings win over Boston. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision.

Montero was recalled from Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday and worked in a bulk-relief role after Tyler Holton threw 1.2 innings as the opener. Alex Bregman knocked a solo home run in the fourth inning and Boston tallied a pair of runs in the fifth. Montero owns a 4.68 ERA with an 18:11 K:BB through 25 MLB innings. If he sees another turn in the rotation or as a bulk reliever, he'd be lined up to make his next appearance in St. Louis.

The Orioles added McDermott to the taxi squad Wednesday, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Presumably, McDermott will be formally recalled from Triple-A Norfolk and will serve as the 27th man for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Twins. The right-hander has thrown just 9.2 innings in the minors this season after recovering from a lat strain, allowing two runs with a 10:6 K:BB between Double-A Chesapeake and Norfolk.

Cannon tossed six scoreless innings Tuesday against the Reds, allowing just four hits and no walks while striking out six. He did not factor into the decision.

Cannon had his best outing of the season and was one strikeout off from tying his career high. He's now gone four straight outings of at least six innings while allowing three runs or fewer and hasn't walked a batter in his last 21 innings. He lowered his ERA to a 3.60 after the stellar effort and lines up to face the Cubs this weekend at Wrigley Field.

Berrios allowed five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four in 5.1 innings Tuesday against the Rays. He did not factor into the decision.

Berrios was tagged for four runs in the third, including a two-run homer by Jonathan Aranda. Berrios retired the side in order in the second, fourth and fifth innings and appeared to be on his way toward another quality start, but a leadoff single and then a one-out walk in the sixth ended his day. Tuesday marked the first time Berrios has allowed five runs since his season debut, and it was his fifth outing with at least three walks. Berrios hasn't had a BB/9 over 2.5 since the shortened 2020 COVID season but this year his BB/9 is at 4.2. He's in line for a tough test this weekend when the red-hot Tigers come to town.

Baz allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out six in 4.2 innings Tuesday against the Blue Jays. He did not factor into the decision.

Baz jumped out to a great start by retiring seven in a row while striking out four. His second time through the order wasn't as successful, as Bo Bichette and Daulton Varsho took him deep in the third and fourth frames. Baz failed to make it to five innings for a second straight outing and has struggled after a really strong beginning to the season. Over his last five starts, Baz owns a 7.88 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and 19:12 K:BB. He'll aim to bounce back in a road matchup versus the Marlins this weekend.

Springs (5-3) allowed a run on six hits and two walks while striking out four over seven innings to earn the win Tuesday over the Dodgers.

Springs put together his longest outing of the season and looked excellent against a tough opponent. This is the third time in nine starts he's limited an opponent to one run or less. The left-hander trimmed his ERA to 4.27 with a 1.38 WHIP and 36:21 K:BB across 46.1 innings over nine starts. Springs' performance isn't at his peak yet -- he's striking out batters at a career-worst rate (7.0 K/9), and his 4.1 BB/9 is his highest since 2019. Still, he's getting the job done despite the flaws. Springs is tentatively projected for a road start versus the Giants this weekend.