West Sacramento — The Houston Astros placed ace right-hander Hunter Brown on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to April 2, with a right shoulder strain, the team announced Sunday ahead of their 12-10 walk-off loss to the A's. The 27-year-old, who finished third in AL Cy Young voting last season, first felt discomfort during a bullpen session Friday, underwent imaging in West Sacramento, then flew to Houston for further evaluation by team doctors. Manager Joe Espada said no timetable for Brown's return is available until further diagnosis.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd made his first rehab appearance Thursday at Triple-A Iowa following his April 6 placement on the IL with a left biceps strain. The 35-year-old lefty pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs on four hits while striking out six in a positive step toward return.
Saturday's game between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field was postponed due to incoming storms. The Cubs planned to promote left-hander Riley Martin from Triple-A Iowa to their bullpen, but held off on the transaction. The teams will play a traditional doubleheader on Sunday.
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced that pitcher Luis Gil will return to the starting rotation next Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Gil is set to make a minor league start on Sunday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at Rochester before slotting in behind Ryan Weathers. The move comes as the Yankees transition from an early-season four-man rotation.