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  • Activation expected Saturday
    Johnson (elbow) is expected to be reinstated from the 15-day IL on Saturday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

    Advice: After throwing a live bullpen session Wednesday, Johnson was expected to be activated prior to Friday's series opener against the Padres. However, he'll get one more day for recovery before rejoining the active roster Saturday. Friday's contest is the first of 17 straight, so Johnson's likely to see plenty of opportunities once available. Rotowire.com Today, 1:05 pm
     
  • Sent back down
    Harris was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.

    Advice: Harris was called up Wednesday and fired off 3.1 scoreless frames Thursday against the Astros. However, he'll go right back to Triple-A on Friday to make room for Brandon Bielak, who was acquired via trade Thursday. In 25 innings at Las Vegas, Harris owns a 7.56 ERA with 23 walks allowed. Rotowire.com Today, 12:27 pm
     
  • Hopes to throw next week
    Almonte (shoulder) remains shut down but is hopeful of resuming a throwing program next week, Ryan Herrera of MLB.com reports.

    Advice: Almonte landed on the 15-day injured list almost a week ago with a right shoulder strain and is currently limited to doing strengthening exercises. However, the hope is that it won't be a long absence for the reliever. Almonte boasts a 3.45 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with 20 strikeouts in 15.2 innings this season. Rotowire.com Today, 11:42 am
     
  • Long relief candidate Friday
    Muller could follow starter Mitch Spence as a long reliever during Friday's game against the Royals, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

    Advice: With the A's rotation plagued by injuries, Muller was initially an option to start Friday's series opener. However, Oakland will hand the ball to Mitch Spence -- who's gone three or more innings six times this season -- to start the contest. Still, Muller could follow Spence and see multiple innings of work if needed. Rotowire.com Today, 11:27 am
     
  • Drawing start Friday
    Spence will start Friday in Kansas City, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

    Advice: It will be the first major-league start for Spence, who has posted a 4.26 ERA and 22:7 K:BB over 25.1 innings covering 11 relief appearances. The Rule 5 pick will be pitching on three days' rest after allowing two runs over two-thirds of an inning on Monday in Houston. Spence has gone three-plus frames in six of his appearances, which includes a season-long 4.2-inning outing on May 5 versus the Marlins. However, this could wind up being a piggyback situation, with Kyle Muller also available to go multiple innings. Rotowire.com Today, 11:18 am
     
  • Nearing throwing program
    Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Friday that Merryweather (ribs/back) could start a throwing program Monday, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

    Advice: The right-hander has been shut down since he suffered a rib stress fracture in his back in early April but is now ready to start up a throwing program. Merryweather will be eligible to return from the 60-day IL in early June but will likely require a bit more time before being ready to be reinstated. Rotowire.com Today, 9:45 am
     
  • Mushinski called up Friday
    Astros recalled LHP Parker Mushinski from Triple-A Sugar Land.

    Advice: No word yet on a corresponding move. Mushinski has an 11.25 ERA in four appearances with the Astros this season. The 28-year-old has appeared in 24 games with Houston over the past three years and has a 5.88 ERA. Rotoworld Today, 9:23 am
     
  • Headed back to majors
    The Astros will recall Mushinski from Triple-A Sugar Land prior to Friday's game versus the Brewers, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

    Advice: There's no word yet on what the corresponding move will be, but Shawn Dubin threw three innings Thursday so he is a candidate to be options. Mushinski has been knocked around for seven runs (five earned) over four relief innings during his time in the majors this season. Rotowire.com Today, 9:08 am
     
  • Earns first save
    Dubin picked up his first save in a win over Oakland on Thursday, allowing one run on two hits over three innings while striking out two.

    Advice: The right-handed reliever surrendered a leadoff single to kick things off in the seventh and advanced the runner on a wild pitch before they would eventually make their way home. However, Dubin cruised through the next two frames and recorded his longest appearance of the campaign in an 8-1 win. On the downside, he's now allowed at least one run in two of his last three appearances as he continues to work in a low-leverage role. Rotowire.com Today, 4:32 am