MLB Player News

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.

Pruitt will start Saturday's game against the Red Sox on short notice after Paul Blackburn was scratched due to illness.

Pruitt has been used as an opener three times this season but hasn't thrown more than three innings in any appearance. He reached that mark just three days ago as the opener in Wednesday's game against the Tigers, so he's unlikely to be fresh enough to pitch particularly deep into Saturday's contest.

Clase walked one batter in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his 25th save of the season in a 3-0 win over the Royals.

The right-hander threw only three of nine pitches for strikes, but after walking Maikel Garcia with one out, Clase got Bobby Witt to ground into a game-ending double play. The Cleveland closer had given up runs in three straight appearances coming into Friday, and while he's tied with Alexis Diaz, Camilo Doval and Jordan Romano for the major-league lead in saves, Clase's seven blown saves are more than the other three combined.

Long (0-1) took the loss as an opener against the Red Sox on Friday, allowing three earned runs on three hits and a walk over one-plus inning. He struck out two.

Long's considerably busy line is the byproduct of two very different frames. The left-hander got through the opening inning unscathed, working around a Justin Turner single. However, Long failed to retire any of the three hitters he faced to open the second inning, leaving the bases loaded for Luis Medina. All three inherited runners eventually came across, saddling Long with his second three-earned-run tally in the last four outings. Despite the occasional hiccup, Long has contributed two saves and two holds along with a serviceable 4.36 ERA across 26 appearances.

Cisnero allowed five runs on three hits while not recording any outs in Friday's loss to the Blue Jays. He walked two.

Cisnero came on to pitch the ninth inning with Toronto up 7-2 and quickly made things worse. He allowed two singles and two walks before uncorking a wild pitch. Cisnero then gave up a three-run home run to Whit Merrifield before getting the hook. The righty came into the contest with a 2.18 ERA but that skyrocketed to 3.55. Despite the hiccup, Cisnero should maintain a key role in Detroit's bullpen.