MLB Player News

Speier was optioned to the alternate training site after Wednesday's doubleheader against the Reds, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

The 25-year-old cracked the club's Opening Day roster, and he posted a 7.94 ERA over 5.2 innings. Speier struggled in a similar sample size for the Royals last year in his first taste of big-league action.

Soto (0-1) allowed two runs on two hits and struck out one in one inning to take the loss Wednesday versus the White Sox.

Soto surrendered homers to Jose Abreu and Edwin Encarnacion in the eighth inning. The 25-year-old Soto has struggled in consecutive appearances versus the White Sox -- he allowed four runs without recording an out in Tuesday's loss. Those two bad outings have ballooned Soto's ERA to 4.76 with a 0.88 WHIP and 15 strikeouts in 11.1 innings across 12 outings.

Curtiss will serve as the opener Thursday against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 27-year-old has yet to pitch in the series, but he'll take the mound as the opener for the series finale. Curtiss has a 2.84 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 7:0 K:BB through 6.1 innings this season, and he's likely to be followed by Trevor Richards in the bulk role.

Colome pitched a perfect ninth inning with one strikeout to earn the save in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Tigers.

Colome retired Jonathan Schoop, Victor Reyes and Christin Stewart in order for his sixth save of the season. The 31-year-old Colome up to eight strikeouts and just six baserunners allowed in nine scoreless innings this year.

Beeks did not allow a baserunner and struck out both of the batters he faced to earn the save Wednesday against the Yankees.

Beeks was called upon to record the final two outs with runners on first and second and a 4-2 lead. After striking out Miguel Andujar on three pitches, Beeks fired a wild pitch to Thairo Estrada prior to striking him out on the next three pitches. Beeks has been used mostly as a bulk reliever this season, but given the Rays' propensity to mix and match the closer role it's possible he gets occasional save chances. For the season, Beeks has a 4.02 ERA, but a 23:3 K:B across 15.2 frames.

Gibaut dropped his appeal and will begin serving a two-game suspension Wednesday in San Diego.

The 26-year-old was originally handed a three-game ban for throwing behind Manny Machado on Monday, but it was reduced to two games with him dropping the appeal. Gibaut will be able to rejoin the Rangers for Friday's series opener against the Mariners, while the team plays a man down for the next two days.

Littell was optioned to Minnesota's alternate camp Wednesday, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

This move frees up a spot on the roster for Wednesday's starter, Rich Hill, who was activated from the IL. Littell made two appearances during his most recent stay with the big club, allowing one run while recording two strikeouts in two innings.

Shaw cleared waivers and was outrighted to the Mariners' alternate training site Wednesday.

Shaw was designated for assignment Saturday following a rough start to the 2020 season, but he'll remain in the organization. If he can demonstrate better results at alternate camp than he did in the majors, he could be a candidate to return to the 28-man roster at some point, but he's unlikely to have a very prominent role with the major-league club if he returns.

Richards should play a prominent role in Thursday's game against the Yankees, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Manager Kevin Cash hasn't yet confirmed a starter for Thursday's series finale against the Yankees, but he said that Richards will play a significant role in the contest. The right-hander has mainly struggled in his first four appearances this season, posting a 5.93 ERA and 1.78 ERA over 13.2 innings.

Farmer (groin) threw a 15-pitch simulated game Wednesday and could be activated Thursday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Farmer has progressed smoothly in his recovery since being placed on the 10-day injured list, and his successful sim game was likely the final test prior to rejoining the active roster. Once he returns to action, he should resume his role as one of the top setup men in the Tigers' bullpen. The right-hander posted a 2.84 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 6.1 innings to begin the season.