MLB Player News

Rodriguez (shoulder) threw two innings in a simulated game Friday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Rodriguez began throwing off a mound July 9, and Friday marks the first time he has pitched in a simulated game. He's slated to throw another bullpen session Monday and could be closing in on a rehab assignment, though the Diamondbacks have yet to confirm the next steps in his recovery.

Kelly (shoulder) threw two innings in a simulated game Thursday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Kelly faced hitters for the first time since being placed on the injured list in late April with a strained right shoulder. The 35-year-old is slated to throw again Sunday and looks to be nearing a rehab assignment. Kelly has only made four starts this season, and will likely require multiple rehab starts before being cleared.

The Athletics reinstated Blackburn (foot) from the 60-day injured list ahead of his start Friday against the Angels.

Blackburn has been out since May 10 after suffering a stress reaction in his right foot. He has since made three rehab appearances in the minor leagues, giving up eight earned runs in just four total innings of work. He managed to reach only 49 pitches in 2.2 frames during his latest outing Saturday, and manager Mark Kotsay said the right-hander will be limited to roughly 65-to-70 pitches during his first MLB start in over two months. Hogan Harris was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move.

The Athletics optioned Harris to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.

Harris will cede his spot in the rotation to Paul Blackburn (foot) on Friday with Blackburn coming off the 60-day IL. Harris' option comes as a bit of a surprise considering how effective he's been for Oakland. The 27-year-old has a 2.98 ERA in 54.1 innings spanning 11 appearances (nine starts).

The Angels recalled Daniel from Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday.

Daniel will join the 26-man active roster as a replacement for Kenny Rosenberg, who surrendered six runs in a start Thursday against the Athletics. Daniel has made three starts with the Angels this season, producing a 5.82 ERA with a 14:1 K:BB across 17 innings. Assuming he isn't need in relief over the weekend, Daniel would be in line to fill Rosenberg's spot in the rotation next Wednesday versus the Rockies.

Verlander (neck) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

It will be Verlander's third time on a mound as he recovers from a neck issue, with his first coming just before the All-Star break. The 41-year-old was stretched out to 40 pitches in his last bullpen and could be one or two more sessions away from the next stage in his recovery, whether that's a rehab assignment or an immediate return to the Houston rotation.

Garcia (elbow) threw a bullpen session Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Garcia completed a 15-pitch bullpen Saturday and was able to jump up to 35 pitches in Friday's session. The right-hander could progress to facing live hitters soon before beginning what's expected to be a lengthy rehab assignment.

Wicks (oblique) will throw a bullpen Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Wicks' recovery from a Grade 2 right oblique strain has gone more slowly than expected, but he'll throw off a mound Friday for the first time since being placed on the IL on June 15. Wicks becomes eligible to return from the 60-day IL in mid-August, but he may require more time to recover.

The Marlins optioned Munoz to Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Munoz surrendered six runs in five innings during a start against the Orioles on Thursday and was removed from the active roster. Since being recalled June 8, Munoz logged a 5.76 ERA in 45.1 innings for Miami.

Baumeister and minor-league outfielders Matthew Etzel and Mac Horvath were acquired by the Rays from the Orioles on Friday in exchange for starting pitcher Zach Eflin, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Baumeister was selected 63rd overall in the 2023 First-Year Player Draft by Baltimore and will now make his way to Tampa Bay. The 22-year-old right-hander has pitched at the High-A level this season in his first year of professional action and has a 3.18 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 91:43 K:BB across 70.2 innings.