MLB Player News

Giles permitted a hit and a walk while striking out one over one inning to notch his third save of the season in Tuesday's 7-5 win over the Red Sox.

It was the third save in as many chances for the right-hander, who has not yet given up a run in six appearances. This outing was not without drama, however, as the first two batters reached before Giles wriggled out of trouble, then he struck out Mookie Betts to end the game. Giles has a 0.00 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and nine strikeouts over 5.2 innings.

Swanson was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma prior to Tuesday's game against the Royals, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Felix Hernandez (illness) only logged one inning in Monday's start, so the Mariners are bringing up Swanson to add some length to a depleted bullpen. He could be used as a starter in the majors at some point this season, and will likely be sent back to Triple-A to continue developing as a starter after he has served his purpose as short-term relief help.

Hill was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.

The Royals added reinforcements to the pitching staff by promoting Heath Fillmyer and Richard Lovelady from Triple-A, so Hill was one of the players sent down in a corresponding move. He could return the next time the Royals need some fresh arms.

Lovelady's contract was selected from Triple-A Omaha.

Lovelady is a legitimate relief-pitching prospect, boasting a plus mid-90s fastball from the left side and plus slider. The Royals' bullpen is mostly made up of bad relievers and failed starters turned middling relievers, so Lovelady has as good a chance of eventually finishing the year as the team's closer as anyone. It is unclear if he will begin his big-league career in a low-leverage role or if they will deploy him in high-leverage situations right away.

The Royals are expected to call up Lovelady from Triple-A Omaha prior to Tuesday's game against the Mariners, Craig Mish of Sirius XM reports.

Lovelady doesn't possess a spot on the 40-man roster, so his promotion won't be official until the Royals make a corresponding transaction. Once he's up with the big club, Lovelady may not have to wait long before finding a meaningful role in a Kansas City bullpen that ranks 29th in the majors in WAR (-1.1) this season. While his left-handedness hurts his chances of gaining traction as a closer candidate, Lovelady's career 1.99 ERA and 9.7 K/9 in the minors might make him a decent speculative pickup in AL-only leagues as a potential ratio stabilizer.

Phillips was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday.

Phillips made his big-league debut last season, throwing 11.2 innings for the Braves and Orioles. His results were very unimpressive, as he recorded a 13.11 ERA with an 8:10 K:BB. He'll likely fill a low-leverage role in the Orioles' bullpen while he remains with the team. Nate Karns was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right forearm strain in a corresponding move.

Moore said Tuesday that he's optimistic that he can treat his sprained right knee through rest and rehab rather than surgery, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

The southpaw has yet to formally decide whether to undergo surgery for the knee issue -- which he believes is meniscus-related -- but the lack of swelling he's experienced since suffering the injury in Saturday's start against the Royals offers encouragement that a procedure won't be necessary. In any event, Moore will almost certainly miss more than the minimum 10 days, paving the way for Daniel Norris to receive multiple turns through the Detroit rotation.

Johnson's original diagnosis of left elbow inflammation was confirmed Monday after tests revealed no structural damage to his throwing arm, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

The Red Sox had been bracing for the worst after Johnson felt pain in the elbow while throwing a curveball in a disastrous relief appearance Friday in Arizona, but the 28-year-old was fortunate to avoid a season-ending injury. That said, Johnson is currently without a timetable to return from the 10-day injured list. The Red Sox plan to meet with the lefty Tuesday to map out a rehab schedule for him. Boston brought up Marcus Walden from Triple-A Pawtucket over the weekend to replace Johnson in the bullpen.

The Indians recalled Wittgren from Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Wittgren will assume the active roster spot of Mike Clevinger (back), who was placed on the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move. The Tribe will need to call up a starter to fill the opening in the rotation when Clevinger's turn comes up Saturday in Kansas City, so Wittgren could be a candidate for a demotion at that point. The right-hander's usage will likely be limited to lower-leverage situations no matter how long he sticks with the big club.

Armstrong (oblique) fired a scoreless inning in Triple-A Tacoma's loss to Sacramento on Monday, allowing a hit and recording two strikeouts.

Armstrong fired 12 of 16 pitches for strikes, although the one hit he allowed was a double. Greg Johns of MLB.com reports that Armstrong will likely make at least one more rehab appearance with Tacoma this week before being deemed ready for activation.