MLB Player News

Houser (groin) is likely to make his season debut Sunday against the Giants, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

It seems as though the only reason Houser isn't already officially being listed as Sunday's starter is because it's possible he might be needed before then. Colin Rea is expected to start Saturday before ceding his spot in the Brewers' rotation to Houser. Houser has been out all season with a groin injury, but he is ready to roll after holding a 3.07 ERA in four rehab outings.

Severino (lat) will throw a live batting practice session Friday instead of beginning a rehab assignment, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

The plan had been for Severino to begin a rehab assignment with High-A Tampa on Thursday, but the Yankees have decided they would rather have the pitcher work in a more controlled environment. If everything goes well Friday, he'll then begin a rehab assignment next week. Severino is expected to return from the 15-day injured list in mid-to-late May.

Ray underwent Tommy John surgery Wednesday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Texas at the TMI Sports Medicine facility. Ray will travel to Arizona in a few weeks following his initial recovery to begin his rehab. The left-hander has already been ruled out for the remainder of the 2023 season, and it's very likely that Ray will miss time to begin the 2024 campaign as well.

Heaney allowed six runs on four hits and four walks over 4.2 innings during Wednesday's 12-7 loss to the Diamondbacks. He struck out five and didn't factor in the decision.

The 31-year-old struggled with his command and threw just 49 of 92 pitches for strikes, resulting in a season-high four walks. The left-hander was also victimized three times by the long ball, with Christian Walker going deep twice. Heaney entered Wednesday having given up only five earned runs over his previous four outings, and he'll attempt to get back to that form early next week in Seattle.

Urena signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Wednesday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Urena was released by the Rockies last week after posting a 9.82 ERA and 2.24 WHIP across 18.1 innings this season. He'll report to Triple-A Rochester, where he'll join the rotation and wait for a call from the major-league club. Given the state of the rebuilding Nationals' roster, he'll probably get one eventually.

Pfaadt took a no-decision in his major-league debut against the Rangers on Wednesday, allowing seven runs on nine hits with three strikeouts and a walk across 4.2 innings.

The 24-year-old was called up from Triple-A Reno earlier Wednesday, and he was rocked in his first taste of the big leagues as Texas launched four home runs, including two off the bat of Josh Jung. Pfaadt totaled 218 strikeouts across 167 innings between the Double-A and Triple-A levels last year and has major strikeout potential, but he generated just seven swinging strikes versus the Rangers. Assuming he sticks in the rotation, the right-hander tentatively lines up for a matchup with Miami early next week.

Cubs manager David Ross was noncommittal Wednesday when asked whether Taillon (groin) might be activated to start Thursday versus the Nationals, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Ross ruled out the idea Monday, but that was before Taillon threw a successful 45-pitch simulated game Tuesday in Washington. "Oh, I don't know," the skipper said Wednesday at Nationals Park. "We'll see." Taillon, 31, has been on the injured list since April 20 because of a left groin strain.

Fried's next scheduled start will be pushed back from Thursday to Friday at home against the Orioles, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

It sounds like Atlanta just wants to give the left-hander an extra day of rest. The team has not yet decided who will start Thursday in Miami, as it wants to see how Wednesday's game plays out first.

Valdez (2-4) took the loss Wednesday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over six innings in a 4-2 loss against the Giants. He struck out eight.

Valdez recorded his sixth consecutive quality start Wednesday, holding San Francisco to just a pair of runs in the sixth inning. However, the 29-year-old left-hander was ultimately outdueled by Logan Webb in the 4-2 loss. Despite his losing record, Valdez has been excellent this season with a 2.60 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 45:10 K:BB. He'll be counted on to continue anchoring Houston's rotation following injuries to Luis Garcia (elbow) and Jose Urquidy (shoulder).

Webb (2-5) earned the win Wednesday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over 7.2 innings against Houston. He struck out five.

Webb was excellent Wednesday, holding the Astros scoreless until Alex Bregman's two-run homer with two outs in the eighth inning. The 26-year-old Webb has allowed two runs in each of his last three starts, pitching into the seventh inning in all three outings. He now has a 3.80 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP and 48:7 K:BB through seven starts (45 innings) to begin the season.