MLB Player News

Urquidy (forearm) threw off the front slope of the mound Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

It's a big step as Urquidy continues to work his way back from a right forearm strain. He will progress to facing hitters and eventually go out on a rehab assignment, although it's not clear yet when that might happen. A Houston rotation that's been hit hard by injury could use Urquidy, but the team won't rush the right-hander.

Cole (elbow) is expected to throw from up to 75 feet Tuesday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Cole has been playing catch for about a week, throwing from 60 feet on flat ground. He didn't throw Monday but is slated to resume play catch Tuesday, moving out an additional 15 feet. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner appears to be making steady progress in his recovery from nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. He's eligible to come off the 60-day IL in late May.

Perez (oblique) has been throwing bullpen sessions and will be ready for a live batting practice session soon, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Perez would presumably be asked to make a rehab appearance or two before returning, but that should be around the corner. The left-handed reliever has been out since the opening weekend of the season with a right oblique strain.

Pearson was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo by the Blue Jays on Tuesday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

This is simply a case of the fact Pearson has options left working against him, as he's been outstanding this season with a 9:3 K:BB over 6.1 shutout innings out of Toronto's bullpen. He will be back soon enough.

Swanson (forearm) was activated from the 15-day injured list by the Blue Jays on Tuesday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Swanson got a late start to the season because of right forearm inflammation but has been cleared to return following three rehab appearances. He is in line for a setup role in the Blue Jays' bullpen, although it's possible he'll be eased back into high-leverage situations.

The Blue Jays reinstated Romano (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday.

Romano recently completed a two-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo and is ready to make his season debut after missing the first few weeks of the season with elbow inflammation. The 30-year-old righty recorded 36 saves in each of the past two seasons, and manager John Schneider indicated Romano will immediately reclaim the closer role now that he's healthy, per Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca.

Whitley was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land by the Astros on Tuesday.

It's the first stint in the big leagues for Whitley, who has permitted four runs with a 4:2 K:BB over three innings for Sugar Land this season. The former top prospect has moved to relief this season following years of injuries and control problems.

Arrighetti was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land by the Astros on Tuesday.

Arrighetti was much better Monday against Atlanta in his second major-league start than he was in his first outing, allowing two runs while striking out five over four innings. However, with Justin Verlander (shoulder) expected back later this week, Arrighetti will now slide back into the Sugar Land rotation.

Drury is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Rays after exiting Monday's contest with a hamstring injury, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

It's unclear at this point whether it could potentially be a multi-game absence for Drury, who was lifted for a pinch runner Monday following his last plate appearance. For now, consider him day-to-day. Luis Rengifo is handling second base Tuesday.

Schanuel is not in the lineup for Tuesday's contest in Tampa Bay.

Schanuel returned to the lineup Monday after missing a game with a testicular contusion, but he'll now head back to the bench for Tuesday's contest. Miguel Sano will occupy first base and bat cleanup for the Angels. Schanuel went 0-for-5 Monday and is now just 4-for-42 on the season.