MLB Player News

Mountcastle went 2-for-4 with a home run, two total RBI and an additional run scored in Thursday's 7-2 win over the Yankees.

Mountcastle got the Orioles on the board in the third inning with a solo shot off Carlos Rodon, tying the game 1-1. He'd add a second RBI with a base hit in the fifth, extending the lead to 4-1, before scoring on a Jordan Westburg triple. It was a nice finish to the series for the 27-year-old Mountcastle, who'd gone 0-for-12 in the first three games against New York. The first baseman boosted his slash line to .290/.345/.495 with five homers, 16 RBI and 18 runs scored through 28 games this season.

Manager Brandon Hyde said Wells (elbow) played catch Wednesday and will be sent in for additional testing, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Hyde didn't specify whether Wells' upcoming tests were part of a pre-planned arrangement, or if the tests were ordered up because he didn't respond as well to playing catch as expected. Either way, Wells' status will be worth tracking in the days to come as he builds his way back up from right elbow inflammation. Wells is eligible to return from the 15-day injured list Friday, but his return shouldn't be viewed as imminent, considering that he hasn't resumed throwing off a mound since being deactivated.

Williams (elbow) resumed throwing Thursday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Williams was cleared by doctors to restart his throwing program Wednesday, and manager Stephen Vogt said the 24-year-old righty was able to get through his throwing session Thursday without any pain. Williams still has a long way to go in his rehab process, but he is certainly trending in the right direction after suffering a setback during a sim game April 20.

Rodon (2-2) took the loss Thursday against the Orioles, allowing seven runs (six earned) on eight hits over four innings. He struck out six.

After shutting out Baltimore through the first two innings, Rodon allowed three solo home runs between the third and fourth innings before the O's put up a four spot in the fifth, forcing the Yankees to turn to the bullpen. It's a deflating effort from Rodon, who'd allowed just one run over 13 innings in his previous two starts. His ERA is up to 3.68 on the season with a 1.28 WHIP and 36:14 K:BB in seven starts. Rodon will look to bounce back in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week against the Astros.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Thursday that Javier (neck) will begin a rehab assignment over the weekend, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Espada didn't specify exactly when Javier's first rehab appearance will be, nor did he say how long the 27-year-old right-hander will remain in the minors. However, there had been speculation that Javier would be able to avoid a rehab assignment completely, so he may only need to make one start before returning to an Astros rotation that has already dealt with numerous injuries this season.

Bradish did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Yankees, allowing one run on four hits and two walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out five.

Bradish had to contend with some traffic Thursday, though he'd ultimately hold the Yankees to one run on Anthony Rizzo's two-out RBI single in the third inning. Overall, it was an encouraging debut from Bradish after he'd missed the first month of the season with a partially torn UCL -- he averaged 95 mph with his sinker while inducing six whiffs on his slider, both in line with his numbers from last year. It remains to be seen how much deeper the Orioles will allow Bradish to work in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for a road matchup with the Nationals.

The Red Sox will option Dalbec to Triple-A Worcester on Friday, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

The 28-year-old no longer had a path to clear playing time after the Red Sox signed Dominic Smith to split time at first base with Garrett Cooper, so Dalbec will head to the minors to serve as an organizational depth piece. He slashed just .137/.200/.176 across 56 plate appearances with Boston this season.

Freeman is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest in Houston.

In a 1-for-14 stretch at the plate over his last four contests, Freeman will take a seat in the series finale. Gabriel Arias will occupy center field for the Guardians on Thursday.

Loperfido is not in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Guardians.

He started each of the first two games following his promotion against right-handers, but with southpaw Logan Allen starting Thursday, the left-handed hitting Loperfido will take a seat. The Astros are going with Mauricio Dubon in left field, Jake Meyers in center field and Jon Singleton at first base.

Eovaldi was removed from his start Thursday against the Nationals with right groin tightness, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Eovaldi didn't look comfortable on the mound after making a pitch in the sixth inning, prompting a visit from the Rangers' training staff and his eventual removal. The severity of the veteran righty's injury remains unknown, but the team may provide more information after Thursday's game. Eovaldi threw 5.1 shutout innings while striking out eight batters before his early exit.