• Starting rehab stint
    Devenski (knee) began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Durham on Friday.

    Advice: Devenski will take the next step in his recovery from right knee tendinitis, an injury that's kept him sidelined since April 24. It's unclear how long of a rehab assignment he'll need, but he's on track to return before the end of May. Rotowire.com 1 minute ago
  • 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 14 minutes ago
  • 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 52 minutes ago
  • 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
  • Brewer placed on injured list
    Cubs placed RHP Colten Brewer on the 15-day injured list with a lower back tightness.

    Advice: Brewer had a 3.09 ERA with 12 strikeouts and four walks in 11 2/3 innings pitching out of the bullpen for the Cubs. He spent time with the Yankees last year as he’s bounced around after being drafted by the Pirates in the fourth round in 2011. The Cubs recalled Porter Hodge to fill Brewer’s spot while he’s out. Rotoworld Today, 9:35 am
  • Recalled from Triple-A
    The Cubs recalled Hodge from Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

    Advice: Hodge has posted a 4.80 ERA and walked 12 over 15 innings this season between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa, but he's also struck out 26. This is the first stint in the majors for the 23-year-old, so he'll be making his big-league debut when/if he enters a game. Rotowire.com Today, 9:24 am