MLB Player News

Crawford (knee) is expected to begin a rehab assignment this week, MLB.com reports.

Crawford, who threw a four-inning live batting practice session Saturday, will move on to a multi-start rehab assignment. He could be back by mid-June -- with Tanner Houck (elbow) right behind him -- at which point the Red Sox will have some decisions to make. Existing rotation members Brayan Bello (6.11 ERA in last four starts) and Lucas Giolito (4.78 in six starts) may be in danger of losing their jobs, while Richard Fitts just came off the IL himself.

The Brewers activated Quintana (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list to start Sunday's game at Philadelphia.

The veteran left-hander is rejoining Milwaukee's rotation Sunday after missing the past three weeks due to a shoulder impingement. Quintana threw 71 pitches across four innings during his lone rehab outing, so he could face some minor workload limitations in his first start back with the Brewers.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch suggested that Skubal is likely to get an extra day of rest ahead of his next start, which is expected to come Friday against the Cubs in Detroit, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Skubal had been lined up to start Thursday's series finale versus the White Sox, but he's started on four days' rest in just three of his first 12 outings, and at this stage of the season, the Tigers want to be cognizant about not overworking their staff ace when they don't have to. By pushing Skubal back a day, the Tigers will also be able to shield one of their bottom-of-rotation arms from a fearsome Cubs offense that has produced a 120 wRC+ on the season, good for third in the majors. Though Skubal will be missing out on a favorable matchup with the 18-40 White Sox, fantasy managers will still want to keep him in lineups this week, as the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner has been dominant even against formidable competition this season.

Bieber (elbow) allowed one hit and no walks while striking out five over 2.1 scoreless innings Saturday in a rehab start in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League.

Bieber made the first of what's expected to be several rehab starts while he works his way back from April 2024 Tommy John surgery. The right-hander will be evaluated following Saturday's outing and could move up to a higher-level minor league affiliate. Bieber will likely need close to the full 30-day rehab window to get ramped up and isn't expected to be ready to make his 2025 debut for the Guardians until late June or early July.

Rodriguez (shoulder) is likely to return to the rotation this week, Nick Piecoro and Jose M. Romero of the Arizona Republic report.

The Diamondbacks haven't announced plans for the left-hander, but Rodriguez threw 4.2 innings during a rehab start Friday in the Arizona Complex League. After Ryne Nelson was needed for four relief innings Saturday, Arizona manager Torey Lovullo confirmed the righty would be returned to the bullpen instead of making a scheduled start Tuesday, per Arizona Sports. Rodriguez could be set to return Friday in Cincinnati, as Arizona has already mapped out its pitching plans for a three-game set in Atlanta to begin the week, per Jody Jackson of Bally Sports Arizona.

Atlanta recalled Elder from Triple-A Gwinnett to start Sunday's game against the Red Sox.

The right-hander will fill the rotation spot vacated by AJ Smith-Shawver, who will miss the rest of the season due to a torn UCL in his right elbow. Elder has been serviceable in his eight starts for Atlanta this season with a 4.50 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 33:13 K:BB across 44 innings, and he should get an extended look in the rotation.

Pfaadt (7-4) failed to record an out while taking the loss Saturday versus the Nationals, allowing eight runs on six hits and two hit batsmen.

Four of the six hits were doubles, which allowed the Nationals to keep the line moving during Pfaadt's brief outing. Scott McGough was unable to stop the bleeding immediately, and the Diamondbacks were down 10-0 before sending a batter to the plate themselves. The silver lining here is that it's tough for Pfaadt to ever have a worse appearance in his career. His ERA jumped from 3.90 to 5.05, and he's added a 1.32 WHIP and 49:15 K:BB across 62.1 innings over 12 starts. He's tentatively projected to make his next start on the road in Cincinnati.

Soroka (2-3) allowed four runs on six hits and a walk while striking out three over 5.1 innings to earn the win Saturday over the Diamondbacks.

The Nationals put up 10 runs before Soroka threw a pitch, so he was able to work without much pressure. It wasn't all that effective of an outing, but he did enough to take care of business and earn his second win in the last three starts. This was the third start in a row in which he's pitched into the sixth inning. Soroka has a 5.81 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 28:6 K:BB over 31 innings through six starts this season.

Warren (3-3) took the loss against the Dodgers on Saturday, allowing seven runs on six hits and four walks while striking out two batters over 1.1 innings.

Warren entered Saturday as one of the hottest pitchers in baseball, compiling a 2.05 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 33:5 K:BB over his previous four starts. However, he was unable to continue the strong stretch against the defending champions, as the right-hander gave up four runs in the first inning and another three in the second, exiting after serving up a three-run blast to Max Muncy with one out in that frame. Warren's lack of control was a large part of his woes -- he tossed just 29 of 57 pitches for strikes and tied a season high with four walks during his brief time on the mound. The outing was Warren's shortest of the season, and the seven runs were the most he's given up on the campaign. The blow-up increased his overall ERA by more than a run from 4.09 to 5.19, but Warren pitched well enough throughout May to earn a bit of leash, and he should get an opportunity to bounce back in his next start, which is projected to be at home against Boston.

Knack (3-2) earned the win over the Yankees on Saturday, allowing one run on five hits and three walks while striking out six batters over six innings.

Knack had the pressure of pitching on a national stage assuaged early Saturday, as the Dodgers put up four runs in the first inning and six more in the second to hand the right-hander a big lead. The 27-year-old hurler responded with a sharp six frames, and the only run he allowed came on a solo homer by Aaron Judge in the fourth inning. Knack notched a quality start for a second straight outing, and he's allowed a total of two earned runs while posting an 11:3 K:BB over 12 innings during that span. He may not stick in the Dodgers' rotation once the team's bevy of injured starters begin to return, but for now he's lined up to make his next start on the road against the Cardinals.