MLB Player News

Littell is scheduled to serve as the Rays' opening pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Phillies.

Littell will get the opener assignment for the second time in less than a week, after he most recently struck out three over two scoreless frames in his "start" against the Diamondbacks last Thursday. Yonny Chirinos covered six innings behind Littell that day and will presumably work as a bulk reliever once again Wednesday.

The Orioles selected Bazardo's contract from Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Bazardo, 27, has posted a 3.51 ERA and 39:10 K:BB across 33.1 relief innings with Norfolk this season. He pitched 19.1 frames for the Red Sox from 2021-22, holding a 2.33 ERA.

Cordero has been suspended for the remainder of the season for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Cordero -- who is now on the restricted list -- will participate in a confidential and comprehensive evaluation and treatment program.

Patino was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Patino was unscored upon in six relief appearances with Durham after being sent down last month. The Rays will hope he can stick around for the long haul this time as he transitions to a full-time relief role.

Beeks was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Beeks allowed four runs over 3.1 innings covering two appearances during his most recent stint in the big leagues. He's being sent out in favor of Luis Patino.

The Twins reinstated Sands (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Sands showed that the shoulder impingement that landed him on the IL was fully behind him during a pair of rehab appearances last week at Triple-A St. Paul, as he tossed three scoreless frames while striking out six and allowing just two baserunners between those outings. He'll likely settle back into a multi-inning or long-relief role out of the Minnesota bullpen now that he's back in action after a month-long absence.

The Twins optioned Winder to Triple-A St. Paul on Wednesday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Winder will cede his spot in the Minnesota bullpen to Cole Sands (shoulder), who was reinstated from the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move. After getting a call-up from St. Paul on June 25, Winder didn't see any work in relief during his latest stint with the big club.

Fujinami (5-7) got the extra-inning win over the Tigers on Tuesday, striking out the side in a perfect ninth frame.

Fujinami threw arguably his sharpest inning of the season, firing nine of his 12 pitches for strikes while recording swinging punchouts of Jake Rogers, Zach McKinstry and Miguel Cabrera. The right-hander now has four consecutive scoreless appearances -- including three straight hitless efforts -- and hasn't walked a batter across the seven innings spanning his last six outings, his longest stretch by far without issuing a free pass. With a recent body of work that includes a 3-1 record, 2.19 ERA and 10.2 K/9 across his last 11 appearances, Fujinami appears to be increasingly earning the trust of manager Mark Kotsay in higher-leverage scenarios.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said they are building up Pivetta's pitch count ahead of a potential start Sunday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

With Garrett Whitlock (elbow) joining Chris Sale (scapula) and Tanner Houck (facial fracture) on the injured list this week, the Red Sox are limited in the rotation. Pivetta has been a revelation since moving from the rotation to the bullpen in May, and Cora has been reluctant to use him as a starter, feeling his pitch mix plays better in relief. At this point, however, the Red Sox need bulk innings, and keeping Pivetta in the bullpen is a luxury.

Moore (oblique) threw a bullpen session Tuesday and is expected to be ready to return to the Angels following the All-Star break, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Moore was temporarily shut down from throwing after experiencing some soreness following a simulated game June 24. However, the southpaw was able to get back on the mound Tuesday and is slated to throw another bullpen this weekend. If he does so without any setbacks, Moore appears in line to be activated for the Angels' first game back from the All-Star break July 14.