MLB Player News

The Athletics selected Newcomb's contract from Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.

After being acquired from the Giants on Monday, Newcomb was initially assigned to Las Vegas but didn't make an appearance for the Triple-A affiliate before getting the call to the Oakland bullpen. He'll be available for Wednesday's game against the Royals as a multi-inning option behind right-hander Adrian Martinez, who isn't likely to work deep into the contest for what will be his first start of the season. Newcomb compiled a 3.16 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 40:20 K:BB in 31.1 innings at Triple-A Sacramento this season prior to the Giants trading him.

Littell did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing four runs on seven hits and one walk over 5.1 innings against the Rockies. He struck out six.

Littell induced a second-inning popup by Nolan Jones that landed just inside the left-field foul line, resulting in an unfortunate triple due to miscommunication between Tampa's young infield tandem of Osleivis Basabe and Curtis Mead. Jones would score on a sacrifice fly before Michael Toglia hit a solo homer. Littell conceded two more earned runs in the sixth and was on track for the loss before Tampa Bay's offensive explosion in the eighth turned the game into a blowout victory for the Rays. In five starts since joining the rotation July 30, the 27-year-old righty has posted a 3.54 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 21:2 K:BB across 28 innings. Littell is tentatively slated to make his next start at home against the Yankees over the weekend.

Akin (back) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Wednesday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

The move was made in order to free up a spot on the 40-man roster for Austin Voth (elbow) , who was reinstated from the 60-day IL. Akin made a rehab appearance back on Aug. 3 but hasn't pitched since, which signals that he suffered a setback. He's already missed nearly two months of action with a nagging back issue.

Hentges (2-2) struck out the side in a perfect inning to earn the win Tuesday over the Dodgers.

Hentges has quietly gotten his season back on track with a 9.2-inning scoreless streak, during which he's posted a 13:3 K:BB while allowing 11 hits and collecting two holds. The southpaw worked the top of the seventh inning Tuesday, and the Guardians rallied ahead a half-inning later. He's now at a 4.95 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 38:15 K:BB with 10 holds and two blown saves over 36.1 innings. With Emmanuel Clase and Trevor Stephan holding down late-inning roles, Hentges is unlikely to see consistent setup work.

Voth (elbow) was activated from the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Voth has been on the shelf for more than two months with a sore right elbow, but he's ready to go now after making eight rehab appearances. The righty will give Orioles manager Brandon Hyde a reliever capable of throwing multiple innings.

Baumann was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Baumann took a loss as the Orioles fell to the Blue Jays in extra innings Tuesday, coughing up three runs (two earned) over his inning of relief. He now finds himself back in the minors after the Orioles reinstated Austin Voth (elbow) from the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Baumann (9-1) allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits and struck out one over one inning to take the extra-inning loss Tuesday versus the Blue Jays.

Baumann has been a pleasant surprise for the Orioles in a versatile relief role, but he was ambushed Tuesday. Brandon Belt launched a go-ahead two-run home run and Vladimir Guerrero scored on a wild pitch to account for the runs. With a 5.59 ERA over 9.2 innings in August, Baumann has started to regress. He's at a 3.82 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP and 59:31 K:BB over 61.1 innings this season, though his 4.23 FIP suggests more regression could follow down the stretch.

Martinez is listed as the Athletics' starting pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Royals, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Martinez has made 12 starts at Triple-A Las Vegas this season, but he's been working exclusively as a reliever across multiple stints with Oakland, compiling a 5.85 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 32.1 innings over 14 appearances. Since he's reached four innings just once this season for the Athletics and will be pitching on three days' rest after making a one-inning appearance Saturday against the Orioles, Martinez is unlikely to reach the five innings he would need Wednesday to qualify for a win. Instead, look for the Athletics to treat Martinez as a multi-inning opener in front of Kyle Muller, who is available to pitch on four days' rest.

Honeywell was designated for assignment Wednesday, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

Honeywell was claimed off waivers from the Padres earlier this month after the Friars had removed him from their 40-man roster. He didn't last long on the South Side, coughing up seven runs over 5.2 innings. Honeywell will now go through the waiver process again.

Peralta was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

Peralta will provide the big club with a fresh relief arm. The 25-year-old has collected a 4.15 ERA and 5:3 K:BB over 4.1 innings in the majors this season.