MLB Player News

Barriera (elbow) has been sent to the rookie-level Florida Complex League Blue Jays to begin a rehab assignment, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Barriera is finally ready to pitch in games again after undergoing a hybrid Tommy John/internal brace procedure on his left elbow last April. The 2022 first-round pick has thrown only 21.2 innings in pro ball due to arm problems and will likely be assigned to Single-A Dunedin once he's been built up in the FCL.

The Rangers are expected to recall Curvelo from Triple-A Round Rock prior to Friday's game against the Nationals, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

Curvelo has put up a 1.64 ERA and 25:7 K:BB over 22 innings with Round Rock this season and will be making his major-league debut when he gets into a game. It's not clear what the corresponding roster move will be.

The Twins intend to promote Adams to the majors Friday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

The Twins' pitching staff is shorthanded in the absence of Pablo Lopez (shoulder), and David Festa was crushed filling in for a start Thursday. Meanwhile, Adams is another of the team's top pitching prospects and has turned in a 37:10 K:BB across 42 innings with Triple-A St. Paul this season while working in a bulk-relief role. That usage suggests Adams will begin his big-league career in the bullpen, but it wouldn't take him long to stretch back out to pitch as a traditional starter.

Garcia (1-3) allowed three runs on four hits and a walk over two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss and a blown save in Thursday's 4-3 defeat versus the Rays.

Garcia may have been rusty, as he had not pitched since May 28 versus the Blue Jays. This was his first blown save since appearing to take over the closer role in late May, but he has allowed six runs over his his last 5.1 innings. The 28-year-old is at a 3.28 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 23:9 K:BB while adding three saves, 10 holds and two blown saves over 24.2 innings this season. The Rangers' bullpen situation continues to be somewhat fluid, so Garcia is unlikely to suddenly lose all of his high-leverage work, but he'll need to regain his footing soon to be a long-term option in the ninth inning.

Dunn signed a minor-league contract with the Royals on Thursday, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

Dunn spent the start of the 2025 season with the White Sox, but he was released by the team on May 28. He'll likely report to Triple-A Omaha for the Royals, though it's unclear if he'll work as a starter or reliever.

Hoffmann was returned to Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

Hoffmann was optioned earlier Thursday but stuck on the roster thanks to the Royals' doubleheader against St. Louis. He didn't appear in either contest and has entered only one game in the majors in 2025.

Estevez pitched a perfect inning and struck out one to earn the save in a 7-5 win over the Cardinals in Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader.

Estevez pitched in the day game as well, blowing a save and taking a loss in the 10th inning, but he threw just 10 pitches in that contest. That left him fresh enough to protect a two-run lead in the nightcap, and he was able to get the job done this time to earn his 18th save in 21 chances this season. He has a 1.95 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 26:12 K:BB across 27.2 innings while going relatively unchallenged as the Royals' closer.

Aldegheri was optioned to Double-A Rocket City on Thursday.

Aldegheri was promoted to the majors Monday and made his 2025 debut Wednesday. He allowed two unearned runs across 2.1 frames but will quickly head back to the minors.

Spence (2-1) earned the win Thursday over the Twins, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out four.

It was an impressive outing for Spence in his first start of the year after opening the year as a reliever. The right-hander needed just 57 pitches to make it through five innings, with the lone blemish coming on a Matt Wallner homer in the fourth. Spence, who came into the day with a 4.38 ERA across 39 innings out of the bullpen, likely earned himself another look in the A's rotation. His next start would likely come next week on the road against the Angels.

Baker earned the save Thursday against the Mariners, allowing one hit while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

For the second time in under a week, Baker was called upon to protect a one-run lead after Felix Bautista pitched the day prior. Baker made the most of the opportunity again, working around a two-out single to close out a 4-3 victory. The 30-year-old Baker has been one of Baltimore's better relievers this season, and he could be in position for more save chances going forward as the O's continue to avoid deploying Bautista in back-to-back games. Baker has posted a 2.57 ERA with a 0.96 WHIP and 37:6 K:BB across 28 innings this season.