MLB Player News

Varland pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Friday's 2-0 win over the Angels.

Varland was called upon to finish off a team shutout in the ninth inning and did so on just 11 pitches. The 28-year-old has now converted all five of his save chances, solidifying himself as the clear favorite for save chances in Toronto. He's been stellar this season, allowing just one earned run while posting a 1.07 WHIP and 29:7 K:BB across 19.2 innings.

The Dodgers placed Glasnow on the 15-day injured list Friday with lower-back spasms.

Manager Dave Roberts said Friday that MRI results on Glasnow's back didn't reveal anything significant, per Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times, but the Dodgers will send him to the injured list to be safe. Paul Gervase was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move to give Los Angeles some extra bullpen depth, and Roki Sasaki figures to stick in the Dodgers' six-man rotation for the foreseeable future even with Blake Snell (shoulder) returning this weekend.

Brown (shoulder) threw a successful bullpen session Friday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The right-hander continues to progress in his throwing program after landing on the injured list in early April due to a Grade 2 shoulder strain. Brown will likely need at least a few more bullpen sessions before being cleared to face live batters and eventually embarking on a rehab assignment.

Verlander (hip) will throw a live batting practice session Saturday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Verlander has been throwing bullpen sessions at nearly full intensity since Sunday, and Saturday will mark his first time facing live hitters since landing on the IL in early April. The Tigers haven't provided a timeline for the 43-year-old's return yet, though that may change once they see how he comes out of Saturday's round of BP.

Bieber (elbow) will face live hitters Tuesday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

It will be the first time he's faced hitters since the World Series last year, as Bieber has been working his way back from right elbow inflammation that's nagged at him since last fall. Bieber will likely face hitters multiple times before being cleared to embark upon a rehab assignment. He still has lots of boxes to check, but Bieber could be ready to rejoin the Blue Jays' rotation in June if he continues progressing.

Scherzer was given a cortisone shot in his injured right forearm and will be shut down from throwing for five days, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

On the 15-day injured list since late April with forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation, Scherzer has recovered from his ankle issue but has had the forearm problem linger. The hope is that the injection clears things up and he can ramp his throwing back up. More will be known regarding a timetable once Scherzer is able to throw off a mound again free and easy.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Friday that an MRI on Berrios' right elbow showed inflammation and "small changes to that initial injury with the elbow," Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Berrios had previously been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his elbow. He will visit Dr. Keith Meister on Tuesday for an additional exam before the next steps are determined. Berrios had been closing in on a return before his recent setback, but his status now is very much up in the air.

The Orioles recalled Gibson from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday.

The right-hander was briefly up with Baltimore for a spot start last weekend and will now rejoin the major-league club with Cade Povich (shoulder) landing on the injured list. Gibson is one of the organization's top prospects and gave up three runs across 4.2 innings during his big-league debut. With Trevor Rogers (illness) nearing his return from the IL, Gibson could be available out of the bullpen Friday versus the Athletics, according to Andy Kostka of TheBanner.com.

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said Friday that Suarez's (hamstring) next start will come next week "sometime in the Philly series," Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

Suarez had to be lifted from his last start with right hamstring tightness. His next turn had been lined up for this weekend against the Rays, but the Red Sox have elected to give the southpaw a bit more rest. Payton Tolle will move up a day to take the ball Saturday, and Brayan Bello will pitch Sunday, either as a traditional starter or bulk reliever.

The Orioles placed Povich on the 15-day injured list Friday with left shoulder inflammation.

Povich had to depart Thursday's game in Miami with the injury, and it's not a surprise it led to an IL stint. According to Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun, it's not believed to be a serious injury, though the 26-year-old could get a cortisone injection. Trey Gibson has taken Povich's spot on the Baltimore roster.