MLB Player News

Glasnow (back) is scheduled to face live hitters Friday, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Glasnow was cleared to resume throwing off a mound roughly two weeks ago, and Friday will mark his first time facing a live hitter since he landed on the injured list in May with lower-back spasms. The 32-year-old's progress within the past month has been encouraging, but he'll almost certainly require an extended rehab assignment once he's cleared to begin playing in games.

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said that Suarez (groin/illness) is an option to return from the 15-day injured list to start Sunday's series finale versus the Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Suarez was initially lined up to start during Red Sox's series against the Orioles earlier in the week, but his activation was delayed after he succumbed to an illness. Tracy relayed that he wants to ensure that Suarez is back to full health before taking the mound, so the Red Sox will presumably check back in with the veteran southpaw on Saturday before deciding on his availability for the series finale. If Suarez can't go Sunday, Payton Tolle would be lined up to start.

Leiter (ankle) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session with more intensity Saturday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Leiter underwent surgery one month ago to remove a loose body from his right ankle region. He resumed mound work over the All-Star break and will try throwing with more effort this weekend. If that goes well, Leiter can get the go-ahead to continue a throwing progression. The Rangers have not revealed a timeline for the righty, but he is several weeks away from a return.

Meyer (neck) will continue treatment and won't throw for the next two weeks, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

After being placed on the 15-day injured list Monday, Meyer will not throw for another two weeks and will be evaluated after that period is over. The 27-year-old is eligible for activation Aug. 4 but will most likely log an extended absence before he returns to a big-league mound.

Gil (shoulder) threw a live batting practice session Friday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

It appears to be the first time Gil has faced hitters since he was placed on the 7-day injured list at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in early May with right shoulder inflammation. A return to game action seems imminent, but it's unlikely Gil will be an option for the Yankees anytime soon.

The Athletics recalled Morales from Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.

After spending over a month with the Triple-A club, Morales will make his way back to the Athletics. With Las Vegas, the 23-year-old posted a 7.18 ERA, 1.92 WHIP and 57:33 K:BB in 52.2 innings this season. The A's optioned Yunior Tur to Las Vegas to make room for Morales on the active roster.

Gusto will start Friday's game versus the Padres, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

He's filling in for the injured Max Meyer (neck). Gusto made a two-inning relief appearance Tuesday in Houston and hasn't been stretched out for a typical starter's workload since mid-June, so the Marlins will likely need to utilize their bullpen heavily in Friday's series opener.

Drake is slated to start Sunday's game against the Nationals in Washington, D.C.

Unsurprisingly, Drake earned himself another turn through the rotation after delivering a sterling performance in his MLB debut Tuesday. He took a no-decision, holding the A's to one run on four hits and two walks while striking out five batters across five innings in an eventual extra-inning win. Before receiving his promotion to the big leagues, the 26-year-old southpaw had submitted a 6.92 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 60:31 K:BB with Triple-A Reno across 66.1 innings in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

Mize (groin/wrist) is listed as the Tigers' scheduled starting pitcher for Saturday's game against the Royals at Comerica Park.

Mize was forced out of his previous start Sunday in Anaheim midway through the fourth inning due to a mild aggravation of a groin injury in addition to a left wrist contusion, which he sustained after getting his with a comebacker. Per MLB.com, the right-hander wasn't troubled by either issue while going through his normal routine between starts, so he should be free of restrictions Saturday. Since allowing a season-high five earned runs in his second start of the season April 6 in Minnesota, Mize has submitted a 2.43 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 69:14 K:BB in 70.1 innings over his subsequent 13 appearances.

Lowder is slated to start Friday's game against the Cardinals in St. Louis.

After heading to the bullpen shortly before the All-Star break, Lowder shifted back into the rotation to open the second half of the season after Cincinnati placed Nick Lodolo (finger) on the injured list. Making his 14th start of the campaign this past Saturday at Coors Field, Lowder was roughed up for eight earned runs on 11 hits over 2.1 innings, inflating his ERA up to 5.75. He'll get a chance to right the ship Friday, but regardless of how he performs, he'll likely be headed back to the bullpen or to Triple-A Louisville once Lodolo is ready to come off the IL.