MLB Player News

Mahle (elbow) is expected to face live hitters Monday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Mahle has been throwing bullpen sessions over the past few weeks, and facing live hitters appears to be just another step in the recovery process. It's been a little more than a year since the right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery, and Mahle isn't expected to be ready for game action until some point after the All-Star break.

Gray (groin) is scheduled to face live hitters Monday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

A clearer indication of when Gray could return from the 15-day injured list should emerge following Monday's session. At the time of his placement on the IL, the right-hander wasn't expected to miss much more than the minimum 15 days. Per Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News, Gray could be an option to rejoin the Texas rotation as soon as Friday versus the Giants if Monday's live session goes off without a hitch.

Scherzer (back/arm) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

After throwing about 25 pitches during Saturday's session, Scherzer gave a thumbs-up when he arrived at the clubhouse Sunday. Depending on how he recovers and how his conversations with the training staff go, Scherzer could face live batters Monday. Scherzer could then resume a rehab assignment soon thereafter.

Klein (1-0) struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the win Sunday over the Padres.

Klein worked the ninth inning while the Royals were down 3-1, and they rallied for a walk-off win in their half of the frame. The rookie right-hander has displayed some promise with five strikeouts over his first three innings in the majors, though he's also allowed two runs and four hits. Klein figures to operate in a low-leverage role as long as he's on the Royals' 26-man roster. He's pitched to a 1.93 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 23:14 K:BB over 23.1 innings at Triple-A Omaha this season, showing significant growth from 2023.

Eflin (back) threw a 40-pitch bullpen session Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Sunday's session was Eflin's second bullpen in the last four days. He threw two simulated innings and came away feeling good. The Rays haven't confirmed a date for Eflin's return from the 15-day injured list, but he could be activated as soon as Wednesday to start in the Rays' series finale in Miami.

Pressly (0-3) allowed an earned run on one hit and one walk across one inning to take the loss Sunday against the Twins.

Pressly allowed a leadoff walk, which ultimately became the game-winning run for the Twins. He took his second loss in his last three appearances, and Pressly has allowed three earned runs in that span. Though he has had stretches of effectiveness this season, he now owns a 5.06 ERA and 1.59 WHIP across 21.1 innings.

Meyers went 0-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base Sunday against the Twins.

Meyers started his 17th consecutive game in center field and hit fifth Sunday -- matching his highest spot in the order of the season. He's gone 19-for-61 in that span, also tallying three homers, eight runs scored 10 RBI and two stolen bases. Meyers is on the field primarily due to his defensive play, though he's benefitted at the plate from cutting his strikeout rate to 18.7 percent in 155 plate appearances.

Caratini went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Sunday against the Twins.

Caratini drew consecutive starts behind the plate for the first time this season and has now started three of Houston's last four games. He has only two hits in that span, though both have left the yard. It's unlikely that Caratini's playing time outlook will change in the long term, though Yainer Diaz hit just .200/.213/.259 across 88 plate appearances in May.

Garcia went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and an additional RBI during Sunday's 6-0 win over the Marlins.

Garcia snapped a five-game hitless streak Sunday, delivering two hits and pushing his RBI total to 40 this season. He also notched his 13th long ball of 2024, taking Trevor Rogers yard in the sixth frame. Garcia ranks top 15 in homers and RBI this year and is slashing .231/.285/.462 through 212 plate appearances.

Heaney (2-6) picked up the win Sunday against Miami, allowing four hits and no walks across six scoreless innings. He struck out seven.

Heaney generated his second consecutive win Sunday and turned in his first scoreless outing of 2024 as a starter. The lefty has settled in after stumbling to a 6.26 ERA over five starts in April, owning a 2.43 ERA and 31 strikeouts across 33.1 innings since May 1. Heaney is tentatively scheduled for a home start against the Giants next Sunday.