MLB Player News

Lopez earned a save against the Padres on Thursday, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning.

Jhoan Duran may have been unavailable for the Twins on Thursday after tossing two innings (but only 17 pitches) Wednesday, so the team turned to Lopez to protect a two-run, ninth-inning lead. The veteran right-hander didn't disappoint, fanning two of the three batters he faced in a perfect frame. Lopez has been excellent in his first full season with the Twins, allowing just three earned runs and posting a 13:4 K:BB over 17 innings. He has three saves on the season, but Duran has been outstanding as well and remains the team's primary closer.

Kelley will serve as the opener for Friday's game against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Kelley was promoted by the Rays on Monday but has yet to take the mound since. He's worked in one or two-inning stints both in the majors and minors this season, which will also be his likely workload Friday. Josh Fleming will follow Kelley in a bulk role.

Taylor will serve as the Royals' starting pitcher Friday in Milwaukee, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Taylor has been working out of the bullpen since his promotion from Triple-A Omaha in mid-April and holds an ugly 6.55 ERA through 11 innings. The 30-year-old left-hander will be drawing the start in place of Ryan Yarbrough (head), who landed on the 15-day injured list earlier this week. Because Taylor hasn't covered more than two innings or thrown more than 32 pitches in any of his nine appearances on the season, he'll likely function more as an opener than a traditional starter. Max Castillo could be an option to work in bulk relief behind Taylor.

Neal will be available out of the bullpen Thursday night against the Rangers.

Luis Medina, recalled alongside Neal on Thursday afternoon, is going to get the start in the A's series opener versus Texas. Neal could enter the game as a bulk reliever.

Oakland optioned Garcia to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday.

Garcia surrendered five earned runs on five hits and three walks over three innings (three appearances) during his six-day stay in the A's bullpen. Luis Medina and Zach Neal have been promoted ahead of Thursday's series opener against the Rangers.

Neal had his contract selected from Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday.

Neal will make a spot start for the Athletics in Thursday night's series opener against the visiting Rangers. He had posted a 5.56 ERA through 11.1 innings (two starts, one relief appearance) this season with Vegas and is not a recommended fantasy streamer even on a six-game slate.

Kahnle (biceps) threw another bullpen session Thursday without issue, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Kahnle might do one more side session before he heads out on a minor-league rehab assignment, per Yankees manager Aaron Boone. The situation can be slow-played because Kahnle is currently on the 60-day IL with right biceps tendinitis and isn't eligible for activation until May 29.

The Rangers recalled King from Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

Ian Kennedy has been designated for assignment in a corresponding move. King will join the Texas bullpen ahead of Thursday's series opener against the Athletics after pitching to a 2.08 ERA through 17.1 innings this season at Triple-A.

Rom was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk by the Orioles on Thursday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Rom was only up for a couple days and didn't make an appearance for the big club. The Orioles have yet to announce a corresponding move but will have one prior to Friday's game versus the Pirates.

Fujinami fired 2.1 scoreless, hitless relief innings during which he allowed a walk and recorded two strikeouts in Wednesday's loss to the Yankees.

The nearly perfect multi-inning outing qualifies as one of Fujinami's most encouraging stints on the mound during his brief time in an Athletics uniform. The offseason acquisition has struggled considerably with control, yet he recorded his seven outs on an economical 35 pitches while facing a dangerous lineup Wednesday. Fujinami's 12.52 ERA and 2.04 WHIP are stark reminders of how far he has to go in completely righting the ship, but he should continue to receive regular opportunities to do so in low-leverage situations.