AL East: Archer has no structural damage in forearm

On Saturday, Tampa Bay pulled pitcher Chris Archer in the first inning due to what looked like a forearm strain (and also that he gave up back to back home runs against the first two batters he faced). It sent the baseball world into a panic, understandably so. Archer hasn’t missed a start due to injury since 2012 and he’s one of the most fun pitchers in the game to watch.

While he has officially been diagnosed with lateral forearm tightness, the 28-year old has no structural damage to the area and reportedly, “felt great”, while playing catch on Tuesday. He’s hoping to return to the mound against Boston this weekend.

This season Archer has pitched a 3.79 ERA for the Rays, striking out 225 batters over 179.1 innings.

Here’s what other news and rumors are floating around the American League East:

• The Orioles decision to promote Austin Hays makes perfect sense.
• How have the Yankees’ outfielders fared defensively in 2017?
• The Red Sox have activated Carson Smith from the disabled list and designated Kyle Martin for assignment.
• The Blue Jays have called up pitcher Chris Rowley.
• Tampa Bay has placed Taylor Gurrieri on the disabled list while charging on with their September call-ups.
• Jimmy Yacabonis makes his case to stick around on the Orioles for a little longer.
• Let’s check in on those hoards of prospects that the Yankees have traded away.
• The Boston Red Sox have been caught stealing signs from Yankees and possibly other teams via the use of an Apple Watch.
• The Orioles have named Alex Wells as the Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
• Aaron Hicks’ injury opens the door for Jacoby Ellsbury to redeem himself in New York.
• The Red Sox have called up Deven Marrero and Hector Velazquez as the roster continues to expand.