MLB Player News

Bukauskas was promoted Sunday to the Astros' short-season affiliate at Tri-City, MiLB.com reports.

The 15th overall pick was masterful in his lone start with the Astros' rookie-level Gulf Coast League affiliate, tossing four scoreless frames and striking out three. At 6-foot, Bukauskas lacks the prototyical size associated with most power arms, but he demonstrated plenty of strikeout potential during his collegiate career at North Carolina thanks to a vicious breaking ball and mid-90s fastball. Both offerings looked sharp in his professional debut. It's only expected that Bukauskas will make a few starts with Tri-City before preparing for an assignment to a full-season affiliate in 2018.

Norris (groin) completed a 30-pitch bullpen session Sunday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

The session represented Norris' first mound activity since he departed early from his July 23 rehab start with Triple-A Toledo after aggravating the groin injury that has kept him sidelined since shortly before the All-Star break. The left-hander was also able to do some running after the bullpen session and said he experienced no renewed fatigue. Norris is scheduled to throw a more intense bullpen session Tuesday before progressing to facing hitters later in the week.

Garton was traded to the Mariners along with minor-league catcher Mike Marjama for minor-league pitcher Anthony Misiewicz, minor-league infielder Luis Rengifo and a player to be named later.

The 27-year-old Garton will assume a spot on the Mariners' 40-man roster, taking the spot of Tuffy Gosewisch, who was designated for assignment in a corresponding move. Garton had previously yielded 10 runs in seven relief appearances with the Rays earlier this season but had been dominant at Triple-A Durham, recording a 1.64 ERA and 46 strikeouts over 33 innings. He'll head to the Pacific Coast League with his new organization, reporting to Triple-A Tacoma.

Junis was recalled from Triple-A Omaha in advance of his spot start in the second game of Sunday's doubleheader with the Mariners, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports.

Junis will serve as the Royals' 26th man for the twin bill and will likely be headed back to Omaha immediately after making the spot start. The 24-year-old has impressed at Triple-A this season with a 2.92 ERA and 86:15 K:BB over 71 innings, but he wasn't able to come remotely close to matching that success over nine appearances (six starts) with the big club earlier the campaign. Junis enters Sunday's start with a 5.50 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 30:16 K:BB over 36 innings.

Smith walked three of the four batters he faced in his first rehabilitation outing Saturday while pitching for Double-A Portland, Tim Britton of the Providence Journal reports. He threw just five of his 18 pitches for strikes.

This was Smith's first game action since May 2016, so the outing should be viewed through that prism. The Red Sox will be patient with the right-hander then see where he's at come the end of the month after he's experienced regular work and activity.

Giles allowed one hit and struck out two batters over 1.1 innings in Saturday's 4-3 extra-inning loss to the Blue Jays.

This was the second straight non-save opportunity for Giles, who entered a tie game with two runners on in the eighth inning and successfully squelched the budding rally. The Astros bullpen, which ranks 20th in the majors with a 4.39 ERA, has begun to waver of late, particularly the setup crew. Will Harris (shoulder) is on the disabled list, and Chris Devenski, who walked two consecutive batters Saturday and then put them into scoring position with a wild pitch, has allowed eight runs and four home runs over the last 9.2 innings. There may be more non-save situations ahead for Giles until manager A.J. Hinch develops more confidence in the setup crew.

Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth inning to collect his 14th save of the season during Saturday's win over Cleveland.

The lefty has converted six consecutive save opportunities while allowing just a single run on five hits over his past nine appearances, and he's also collected two wins during that stretch. Chapman's recent numbers reinforce his status as an elite fantasy asset, and everything is in place for him to continue providing high-end fantasy production.

VerHagen (0-1) allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three across five innings, in a no-decision Saturday against the Orioles.

He entered the fifth inning with a 2-1 lead before giving up a solo homer to Adam Jones. With the Tigers dealing with injuries in their rotation, it seems as if VerHagen will be able to continue making starts, but since he posted just a 4.90 ERA at Triple-A Toledo this year, it might not be wise to have great expectations for him. He'll make his next start Thursday against the Pirates.

Kimbrel pitched a perfect inning while striking out two to record his 26th save Saturday against the White Sox.

Kimbrel was protecting a three-run lead and quickly shut down the White Sox on just 12 pitches. Despite four blown saves, he continues to be a strong fantasy option, as evidenced by his 1.54 ERA.

Pomeranz (11-4) allowed one run on seven hits and one walk while striking out eight over 6.1 innings to earn the win Saturday against the White Sox.

Pomeranz gave up a solo homer in the first inning, but was able to silence the White Sox bats during the remainder of his outing. He's held opponents to one or fewer earned runs in three of his last four starts to lower his ERA from 3.75 to 3.36, and overall he's been a strong fantasy option despite a 1.34 WHIP. He'll make his next start Saturday against the Yankees.