MLB Player News

Pressly walked one in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Mariners.

Pressly was able to work around the free pass without trouble to log his sixth consecutive appearance with a save. He's allowed just one unearned run on four walks over his last 11 innings while picking up eight saves in that span. The Houston closer is at 20 saves this season with a 2.52 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 42:8 K:BB through 39.1 innings.

Murphy will work as the bulk reliever Sunday against the Athletics, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Murphy worked 3.2 innings in bulk relief Tuesday and allowed only one run against the Rangers. He'll follow Tayler Scott on Sunday and should have the chance to earn the win if he can pitch effectively once again.

Scott will serve as the opener for Sunday's game against the Athletics, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Scott was recalled by the Red Sox on Tuesday and pitched an inning the same day. He hasn't taken the mound since, but he should only be expected to work an inning or two in Sunday's appearance. Chris Murphy will cover the bulk of the innings.

Guerra's contract was selected by the Rays on Saturday.

Guerra pitched his way off the 40-man roster in mid-May but went unclaimed and remained in the Rays' organization. He owns a 6.75 ERA in 13.1 innings of relief at the big-league level this season, striking out nine batters while walking 18. His 5.94 ERA at the Triple-A level doesn't inspire confidence either. Elvin Rodriguez was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

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

Blanco was called up for a spot start against the Mariners on Thursday, giving up three runs in six innings. He wasn't going to get into another game before the All-Star break, so he'll return to the minors to await his next chance. Joel Kuhnel was recalled to give the team another option in the bullpen.

Kuhnel was called up by the Astros on Saturday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Kuhnel was acquired from the Reds for cash considerations in mid-June. In 74 career major-league innings, he owns a 6.20 ERA and 1.43 WHIP, so he's unlikely to get anywhere near high-leverage work. Ronel Blanco was optioned in a corresponding move.

Tarnok (shoulder) was activated off the 60-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday.

Tarnok had been out all season while dealing with a strained shoulder. He's made four starts for Las Vegas while on a rehab assignment, recording a 1.84 ERA despite an 8:10 K:BB. He'll remain in Triple-A as a regular member of the roster but could be an option for an A's rotation that lacks proven talent at some point in the second half.

Garza was optioned by the Red Sox on Saturday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Garza had been in the big leagues since mid-May, making 16 relief appearances. He struggled to a 6.11 ERA and 1.75 WHIP while walking 14 percent of the batters he faced. Joely Rodriguez (shoulder) returned from the injured list in a corresponding move.

Rodriguez (shoulder) was activated off the injured list Saturday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Rodriguez has missed nearly the entire season, first with an oblique strain and then with a shoulder injury. He got into five games in between the two ailments, giving up eight earned runs in four innings while striking out five and walking six. Justin Garza was optioned to clear space on the roster.

Brieske (elbow) was activated off the 60-day injured list Saturday.

Brieske has been out all year due to elbow troubles but is ready to go after posting a 2.70 ERA across 11 rehab appearances. He pitched exclusively as a starter as a rookie last season, posting a 4.19 ERA in 15 starts, but he's now working as a reliever since the Tigers elected not to build him up to a starter's workload during his rehab assignment.