MLB Player News

Stroman (2-2) took the loss against Houston on Thursday, allowing four runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out five batters over 5.2 innings.

Stroman got off to a poor beginning Thursday, giving up three first-inning runs on homers by Yordan Alvarez and Jon Singleton. He rebounded to keep Houston off the scoreboard over the following three frames before being tagged for another run in the fifth. Stroman at least allowed New York to keep within striking range, but this was his second time giving up four runs over his past three starts. The veteran right-hander has been only moderately effective for the Yankees thus far, posting a 3.80 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 40:22 K:BB through 42.2 innings.

Hader earned a save against the Yankees on Thursday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Hader was called upon with two outs and a runner on first with Houston protecting a one-run lead in the bottom of the eighth inning. He got Anthony Rizzo to pop out to end the frame, then completed the save with a scoreless ninth despite allowing a leadoff single. It was just the second time this season Hader was asked to get more than three outs, though he kept his workload relatively light by throwing 14 of his 18 pitches for strikes. The veteran closer's 5.63 ERA so far is well below his career standard, but he has converted four of his five save chances and has 25 punchouts over 16 frames.

Blanco (4-0) earned the win over the Yankees on Thursday, allowing two runs on four hits and four walks while striking out five batters over 5.2 innings.

Blanco was a bit shaky with his control, as he threw just 62 of 107 pitches for strikes and tied a season high with four free passes. However, he allowed just one extra-base hit -- an Anthony Volpe two-run homer that accounted for both runs against him. Blanco thus improved his perfect record to 4-0 on the season, and he's allowed three or fewer runs in all seven of his starts. He's also recorded five quality starts on the campaign, falling one out shy in each of his two outings during which he hasn't met that mark. Blanco has cemented his place in Houston's rotation with a 2.23 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 41:20 K:BB through 44.1 innings.

Paris was recalled from Double-A Rocket City on Thursday.

With both Brandon Drury (hamstring) and Luis Rengifo (illness) sidelined, the Angels were shorthanded along the infield. Paris boasts enough defensive versatility to help the team in that regard, as he is capable of playing second base and shortstop as well as in the outfield. His ability to contribute as a hitter is far less clear, as he was striking out at a 39.1 percent clip across 92 plate appearances with Rocket City prior to his promotion.

Rengifo (illness) was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Rengifo has been held out of the lineup for five straight games with the illness, so his stint on the injured list will be retroactive to May 6. Kyren Paris was recalled from Double-A Rocket City in a corresponding move and should take over in a utility role while Rengifo is sidelined.

Drury (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Drury exited Wednesday's game after dealing with tightness in his hamstring, an issue he first dealt with in mid-April. He'll be sidelined for at least the next 10 days, leaving Luis Guillorme as the Angels' projected starting second baseman in the short term.

Guillorme will hit eighth and play second base Thursday against the Royals.

The Angels acquired Guillorme Thursday and he'll immediately be set for his debut with the team. With Brandon Drury (hamstring) landing on the injured list, Guillorme could be in line for regular playing time in the short term.

Marinaccio was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes/Barre on Thursday.

Marinnacio made eight appearances in the majors since being recalled April 13 and posted a 1.42 ERA and 0.79 WHIP with an 10:5 K:BB across 12.2 innings. Despite being effective, he'll head back to the minors to make room for Nick Burdi (hip).

Urshela (hamstring) began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Toledo on Thursday.

Urshela has been on the injured list since April 20 due to a strained right hamstring, and he has now been given the go-ahead to test his hamstring in a competitive setting. It's unclear how long he will remain in the minors, but it's possible the Tigers wait to activate him until Monday ahead of their upcoming series against the Marlins.

Kepler went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, two total RBI and two total runs scored in Thursday's 11-1 win over the Mariners.

Kepler extended his hitting streak to 11 games -- he's recorded at least one hit in 15 of his last 16 contests, going 23-for-53 (.434) in that span. It's been quite a start to the year for the 31-year-old Kepler, as he's now slashing .329/.390/.562 with three homers, 14 RBI and 11 runs scored through his first 21 games.