MLB Player News

Clarke (1-3) allowed five runs on five hits and a walk in one-third of an inning, taking the loss Monday versus the Twins.

The Royals entered the bottom of the eighth inning tied at 3-3, but Clarke was on the hook for all of the Twins' five-run rally. Over his last seven appearances, Clarke has just one scoreless outing while giving up 15 runs in 5.2 innings and taking all three of his losses on the year. The rough stretch comes after a scoreless streak that lasted over a month and earned him setup duties. For the season, he's at a 6.06 ERA, 1.74 WHIP and 39:15 K:BB with nine holds and two blown saves through 35.2 innings. With Aroldis Chapman traded to Texas, there will be late-inning chances available, but it's unclear if Clarke will be the one to pick them up if he can't turn things around.

Munoz (2-1) recorded the win over the Giants on Monday, firing a perfect eighth inning during which he recorded two strikeouts.

A little over 24 hours after recording his first win of the season, Munoz was even sharper while getting seven of his eight pitches in for strikes during a blink-and-you-missed-it-perfect frame. The caliber of Munoz's performances in each of the last two outings further corroborates that his one stumble of the season three appearances ago against the White Sox is a true outlier. In addition to his two victories, Munoz has also rewarded fantasy managers with six holds, a 2.57 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP and a 13.5 K/9.

Minnesota activated Lopez (mental health) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Lopez will return to the Twins' bullpen Tuesday against the Royals after taking a couple weeks off for mental health reasons. He had posted a disappointing 5.00 ERA and 1.41 WHIP through 27 innings prior to the IL stint.

Minnesota optioned Headrick to Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Jorge Lopez (mental health) has been activated off the injured list in a corresponding roster move. Headrick, 25, holds a 5.40 ERA and 18:7 K:BB in 15 innings of relief this year at the big-league level.

King was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday.

King holds an ugly 6.61 ERA over 13 relief appearances for the Rangers this season. He'll provide manager Bruce Bochy with another left-hander in the bullpen.

Perez was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with left forearm soreness, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Perez felt soreness while playing catch Monday. The Orioles' level of concern with the reliever is considered low, so it sounds like he has a shot to be back when first eligible on July 18.

Zimmermann was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Zimmermann has been starting at Norfolk but has been used in relief during his time with the Orioles this season. He'll provide the bullpen with some length.

Scott was recalled from Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Scott was acquired via trade from the Dodgers a couple weeks ago and now has joined the big club after a brief stint with Worcester. The 31-year-old holds an ugly 10.75 ERA over 27 appearances across parts of three seasons in the majors.

Walter was recalled from Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Walter pitched well in his major-league debut last month and now is back presumably to provide some length in the bullpen. He could be needed Tuesday against the Rangers with the Red Sox using an opening pitcher (Brennan Bernardino) in what's expected to be a bullpen day.

Cox was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

The move comes a day after Cox allowed three runs over 4.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Twins. Cox had pitched well in relief for the Royals but was ineffective in both starts with the big club. It's not clear whether he'll be used in the rotation or bullpen at Omaha.