MLB Player News

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Thursday that Verlander (hip) is "inching forward more than sprinting forward" with his rehab, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Verlander completed a four-inning, 62-pitch simulated game Wednesday and is slated to face hitters again next week after doing some throwing this weekend. Hinch noted that the veteran hurler has taken "no steps back" but added that Verlander is not yet ready to face major-league hitters. It seems the 43-year-old could still be at least a couple weeks away from rejoining the Tigers' rotation. Verlander is working his way back from left hip inflammation.

Skubal (elbow) threw a successful 35-pitch bullpen session Thursday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

It's at least the third time he's thrown from the mound since he had surgery just over two weeks ago to remove a loose body from his elbow. Skubal upped the intensity of his throwing Thursday and was able to reach the velocity goal he set prior to the session. The two-time Cy Young winner continues to make rapid progress and should be cleared to face hitters soon.

Jones (elbow) will head to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday to make the fifth start of his rehab assignment, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

After making his last two appearances with Double-A Altoona, Jones will move back to Indianapolis this weekend for the Pirates are hoping is the final rehab outing he'll require before coming off the 60-day injured list. The 24-year-old threw 67 pitches over 4.1 innings during his most recent outing for Altoona on Sunday and should continue building up his workload during his upcoming start with Indianapolis. Assuming the Pirates are comfortable with how Jones' surgically repaired elbow responds following Saturday's start, he could be cleared to make his 2026 debut with the big club as soon as May 28 versus the Cubs or May 29 versus the Twins, both of which would come in Pittsburgh.

Curry will be promoted from High-A Hub City to Double-A Frisco on Thursday, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports

Curry will make his way up to Double-A Frisco after seven starts with the Rangers' High-A affiliate. The 23-year-old posted a 3.48 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 31 innings during his time in Hub City this year.

Atlanta selected Carrasco's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday.

Carrasco is back to provide length in the Atlanta bullpen. The 39-year-old has made two appearances with the big club this season, tossing 2.1 scoreless frames.

Miles is expected to pitch in bulk relief behind opener Braydon Fisher in Thursday's game against the Yankees, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Though he's not yet been used as a traditional starter, Miles appears to have temporarily settled in as the fifth member of the Toronto rotation. While serving as an opening pitcher May 10 against the Angels and as a bulk reliever this past Saturday in Detroit, Miles covered 6.2 scoreless frames while striking out seven batters and allowing six baserunners. The rookie right-hander tossed a season-high 56 pitches his last time out, so the Blue Jays could have him build on that workload during Thursday's appearance.

Kochanowicz allowed three runs on three hits, four walks and a hit batsman while striking out seven over six innings in a no-decision Wednesday versus the Athletics.

Kochanowicz gave up all three runs over the first two innings before settling down to earn a quality start. The 25-year-old had given up a total of 13 runs (12 earned) over his previous two outings, so this was a positive effort overall, though he's still walking too many batters. On the year, he has a 4.55 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 41:29 K:BB through 57.1 innings across 10 starts. He's winless over his last seven outings, which he'll try to change next week in his projected road start versus the Tigers.

Varland secured the save Wednesday against the Yankees, allowing one run on two hits and no walks in the ninth inning. He struck out two.

Varland did allow the potential tying run to get aboard, but he was able to hold on by striking out Amed Rosario to end the game. It was the first time the right-hander yielded an earned run since his April 25 outing versus Cleveland, as he's been mostly exceptional since overtaking Jeff Hoffman as Toronto's closer. Varland has permitted only a pair of earned runs through 25.2 innings this year, posting a 1.17 WHIP and 37:9 K:BB while converting each of his six save opportunities.

Civale allowed five runs on five hits and two walks while striking out two over five innings in a no-decision versus the Angels on Wednesday.

All five runs came via the long ball, as Civale gave up three home runs across the first two innings. He was able to settle in after that, and the Athletics ultimately got him off the hook with an extra-inning win. While he hasn't exactly dominated in most starts, Civale has limited damage well -- this was just the third time in 10 starts he's given up three or more runs. He's at a 3.31 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 37:16 K:BB through 51.2 innings this season. Opposing hitters have a .797 OPS against Civale this year, which likely isn't sustainable if he's going to maintain his current level of run prevention. The right-hander is projected to make his next start at home versus the Mariners.

Yesavage (2-1) earned the win Wednesday against the Yankees, allowing no runs on two hits and no walks in six innings. He struck out eight.

Yesavage outdueled Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler, who pitched six innings of two-run ball Wednesday. Yesavage, on the other hand, fanned a season-high eight, also turning in his third scoreless start of the year. The 22-year-old righty has yet to surrender more than two runs in any of his first five starts this season, and he's recorded at least six punchouts in four consecutive outings. Yesavage will carry an excellent 1.07 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 29:8 K:BB over 25.1 innings into his next scheduled appearance against the Marlins.