MLB Player News

The Mariners optioned Bliss to Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday.

His removal from the active roster clears the way for the return of J.P. Crawford (shoulder) from the injured list. Bliss' playing time early on in the season has been sparse, and he has struck out in both of his plate appearances. The 26-year-old missed nearly all of the 2025 season due to injury, so he's probably best served at this juncture getting regular playing time at Tacoma.

Bradford (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

It will be Bradford's first official game action since he underwent an internal brace procedure on his left elbow last June. The left-hander will need most, if not all, of the allotted 30 days on his rehab assignment, but if all goes well he could be ready to pitch for the Rangers around the start of May. Whether the Rangers use Bradford as a starter or reliever upon his activation could depend on what the team's needs are at the time.

Liranzo (oblique) has resumed baseball activities, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Liranzo went down with a right oblique strain in early March but is ready to ramp things back up. The 22-year-old will be assigned to Double-A Erie once he's physically ready, but he looks to be multiple weeks away from being cleared to play in games.

Effross (oblique) will throw a bullpen session Friday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Effross suffered a left oblique strain in early March and is finally ready to throw off the mound again. The sidearming reliever has struggled from a health and results perspective in recent years but will give the Tigers some experienced bullpen depth at Triple-A Toledo once he's healthy.

Lee (oblique) is set to begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Lakeland, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Lee has been slowed by an early-March left oblique strain but is ready to test things out in a game setting. Once he completes his rehab assignment, the infielder will report to Triple-A Toledo. Lee was added to the Tigers' 40-man roster over the offseason and could debut at some point in 2026.

Owens (hip) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Lakeland on Saturday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Owens is working his way back from arthroscopic right hip surgery after re-signing with the Tigers on a minor-league contract. The righty got a cup of coffee in the majors last season and should join the Triple-A Toledo bullpen once he's deemed physically ready.

The Royals recalled Avila from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Avila turned in a 1.29 ERA and 0.93 WHIP over 14 innings in the big leagues last season and will now join the big club for the first time this year. He made it through just three innings during his first start of the season in Triple-A, so he likely isn't stretched out enough to join Kansas City's rotation and therefore figures to act as a multi-inning reliever for the Royals.

Jensen was a late scratch from Thursday's lineup against the Twins, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Jensen is presumably dealing with some sort of injury, though the Royals have not revealed the reason for why he was scratched. More information should be available on Jensen's status soon. Jac Caglianone moved from right field into the designated-hitter spot in Jensen's place, and Lane Thomas entered the lineup in right field.

Vazquez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Red Sox.

Making his second start of the season, Vazquez extended Houston's lead to 6-4 with a homer off Danny Coulombe to lead off the seventh inning, his first long ball this year. Vasquez is now 2-for-7 to open the campaign after slashing .189/.271/.274 with three homers and 14 RBI across 214 plate appearances with the Twins in 2025.

Lee is not in the lineup for Thursday's game in Kansas City.

Lee will receive a day off after getting off to a 2-for-13 start with five strikeouts at the plate. Tristan Gray will fill in at shortstop as the Twins try to avoid the sweep.