MLB Player News

Littell will start Sunday's game against the Astros, Steve Carney of StPeteNine.com reports.

The right-hander hasn't pitched since he delivered two scoreless innings last Sunday against Baltimore, and he'll start Tampa Bay's bullpen day in Houston a week later. Littell has covered at least two frames in each of his past four outings, but he shouldn't be expected to last more than once through the order Sunday.

Jansen (2-5) took the loss Saturday against the Giants. He allowed a solo home run and failed to record an out.

After the Red Sox scored a pair of runs in the top of the ninth to tie the game, Jansen took the mound with the opportunity to force extra innings. However, he would only throw one pitch, as J.D. Davis took him yard for a walk-off home run and handed Jansen his fifth loss of 2023. The outing broke a streak of seven consecutive scoreless appearances (5.2 innings) for Jansen and marked just his third home run given up on the season.

Loaisiga (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Tampa on Sunday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Loaisiga underwent surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow in May and will likely make several appearances in the minors before returning to the Yankees' bullpen. The 28-year-old made only three appearances before landing on the IL, surrendering one run across 3.1 innings.

Martinez was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

He gave up seven earned runs in one inning during his most recent performance Wednesday against the Rangers, and Kendall Graveman will take his place in the bullpen. The Astros could summon Martinez again next time they need a fresh bullpen arm.

Swanson is considered one of the top candidates to get saves while Jordan Romano (back) is on the 15-day injured list, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Yimi Garcia and Tim Mayza were also mentioned by McGrath as candidates to work in a closer-by-committee situation in the short term, and the Jays could also look to acquire a high-leverage reliever via trade. Swanson has eight career saves and five in the last two seasons. He has a 3.51 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 55 strikeouts in 48.2 innings.

Pearson was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

Jordan Romano was placed on the 15-day injured list with lower-back inflammation in a corresponding move. Pearson has one save at Triple-A and one save in the majors this season, but it will likely be Erik Swanson or Yimi Garcia who get tabbed for any save opportunities that arise in the short term.

Romano was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with lower-back inflammation.

Romano will be eligible to return Aug. 13. This first popped up when he had to leave the All-Star Game with lower-back tightness, and he also underwent an MRI on his back in mid-July, although this is his first trip to the IL with the issue. Yimi Garcia seems like the top candidate to get saves in the short term, with Erik Swanson and Tim Mayza also possible options. Nate Pearson was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move.

The White Sox selected Navarro's contract from Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday.

Navarro will come up from the minors to provide depth to a White Sox pitching staff that has seen a lot of players leave ahead of the trade deadline. The 25-year-old righty put up a 4.19 ERA and 1.45 WHIP through 34.1 innings in Triple-A and will make his MLB debut whenever he gets into a game.

Shaw's contract was selected from Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday.

The 35-year-old reliever had a 4.94 ERA in 23.2 innings at Triple-A and a 9.39 ERA in 7.2 innings in the big leagues earlier this year. Shaw will work in low-leverage situations.

The Tigers optioned Wingenter to Triple-A Toledo on Saturday.

Wingenter was recalled from Triple-A to serve as Detroit's 27th man for Thursday's doubleheader, and he'll now return to the minors after a few extra days with the big-league club. The 29-year-old holds an 8.56 ERA and 1.74 WHIP through 13.2 innings with Toledo and will likely only come up to the majors again if Detroit needs a fresh bullpen arm.