MLB Player News

Baker will be the Orioles' starting pitcher for Tuesday's contest versus the Mariners in what's expected to be a bullpen game, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Baker will draw his second start of the season, but he's unlikely to pitch more than once through the order before being pulled from the contest. In his last start May 12 in St. Louis, the right-hander pitched 2.1 scoreless frames, allowing one hit while striking out three. On the season, Baker owns a 4.66 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with 21 punchouts over 19.1 innings.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Vest (illness) is expected to be activated from the COVID-19-related injured list Wednesday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Vest tested positive for COVID-19 on May 20, but he's since cleared all protocols and made a successful rehab appearance Monday for Triple-A Toledo, retiring the side in a perfect 10-pitch, 10-strike inning. Before landing on the COVID-19-related IL, Vest turned in a 2.12 ERA and 0.65 WHIP with 22 punchouts over 17 innings for Detroit.

Tapia, just promoted from Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday, fired a perfect ninth inning in a loss to the Astros on Monday.

The journeyman reliever had to work a bit for his outs -- he fired 20 pitches overall during his one frame and induced eight foul balls -- but he got through his debut frame for Oakland unscathed. Tapia has enjoyed success in each of his prior big-league stints with the team and had posted a solid 3.24 ERA at Triple-A Las Vegas despite the hitter-friendly environment of the Pacific Coast League, so he could develop into a solid mid-to-later-inning option with a fair share of hold opportunities over time.

Puk allowed an earned run on a solo home run over two-thirds of an inning in a loss to the Astros on Monday.

Facing Yordan Alvarez in a same-handed matchup in the eighth inning, Puk conceded a 444-foot solo shot to right center that accounted for the final run of the afternoon. Puk still carries an excellent 1.37 ERA and 1.07 WHIP, but he's now notably given up an earned run in both of his last two outings after going 12 straight appearances without being scored on from April 14 to May 23.

Sands was called up from Triple-A St. Paul and will start Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader versus the Tigers, Megan Ryan of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Sands will operate as the Twins' 27th man and is officially set to make his first career start in the big leagues Tuesday evening. The right-hander has struggled this season in Triple-A, producing a 7.23 ERA and 1.59 WHIP with 21 strikeouts over 18.2 innings in five starts and six appearances overall. Additionally, Sands has tossed four frames with the Twins in 2022, surrendering three runs.

Walter was promoted to Triple-A Worcester on Monday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Walter, a left-hander selected in the 26th round of the 2019 draft, has seen his stock rise rapidly since 2021. After the pandemic wiped out the 2020 minor-league season, Walter posted a 2.92 ERA over 25 games (14 starts) between to stops in the minors. He opened 2022 at Double-A Portland and has a 2.88 ERA with 68 strikeouts and just three walks over nine starts, spanning 50 innings. His fastball tops out at 95 mph, and he supplements that pitch with a changeup and slider.

Otto (3-2) allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks with four strikeouts in six innings, earning the win over the Rays on Monday. He also hit one batter.

Otto picked up a win for the second start in a row, and this was also the second time he's completed six innings this year. The right-hander threw 60 of his 99 pitches for strikes, though his control remains a small issue. He's at a 4.33 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 29:18 K:BB across 35.1 innings this year through seven starts. He's projected to make his next start this weekend at home versus the Mariners.

Barraclough was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Barraclough has accrued a 3.00 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over nine innings so far this season. After starting the campaign with five straight scoreless appearances, he's surrendered three runs over his last three outings and will make his way to Triple-A following Monday's transaction. The team has yet to announce a corresponding move.

Tate struck out two in a perfect inning during Monday's 10-0 win over the Red Sox.

Tate has allowed two unearned runs in 6.2 innings across his last six appearances. He's been effective in a high-leverage role this season, posting a 1.80 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 18:4 K:BB with a save and six holds in 22 appearances spanning 25 innings. Despite the solid work, he hasn't been able to mount a challenge to Jorge Lopez's grip on the closer role.

Snider (3-2) took the loss Monday versus the Guardians. He allowed three runs on two hits and a walk in one-third of an inning.

The Royals rallied to tie the game in the top of the eighth inning, but Snider gave it all back on an Andres Gimenez three-run homer in the bottom of the frame. In 10 innings in May, Snider has allowed 10 runs on 14 hits and five walks. He has a 6.38 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 12:8 K:BB with six holds and a blown save in 18.1 innings overall as a middle-relief option.