MLB Player News

Junis was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

Recent acquisitions Brandon Maurer and Ryan Buchter will be joining the Royals' bullpen ahead of Tuesday's matchup with the Tigers, and as a result, someone needed to be sent off the active roster. Junis ended up being the roster casualty after tossing a scoreless inning of relief in Monday's contest. The 24-year-old right-hander remains one of Kansas City's top pitching prospects, so for now, he'll head back to the Storm Chasers to develop further as a starter.

De Leon (back) tossed four scoreless innings with the Gulf Coast League Rays on Monday, allowing one hit, walking another batter and fanning eight.

This was the pitching prospect's second rehab start with Tampa Bay's rookie-league affiliate. He now has seven innings of rehab work under his belt, and he's looked sharp in both outings. It's unclear what his timetable for return is, although his strong showings could help him move up the organizational ladder fairly soon.

Smith (elbow, shoulder) threw a second bullpen session Sunday, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Smith is currently in the midst of his second attempt to prepare for a rehabilitation assignment following Tommy John elbow surgery. His first attempt ended in June with shoulder inflammation. Smith has one more bullpen session to go, followed by a session facing live hitters. Those are the last steps before heading out on a rehab assignment.

Burdi will undergo Tommy John elbow surgery Thursday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-TImes reports.

Burdi, a first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2016 draft, was being groomed as a closer at Triple-A Charlotte before his balky elbow got in the way. After Thursday's surgery, he'll be looking at a year-plus of rehabilitation. Realistically, you can expect Burdi throwing regularly for the organization in 2019.

Rogers (5-2) took the loss after allowing three runs on three hits while striking out three in an inning of work Monday against the Dodgers.

Rogers' three strikeouts are little consolation for an outing that raised his ERA from 2.15 to 2.79. He was tasked with delivering a 4-3 eighth-inning lead intact to closer Brandon Kintzler, but he failed to do so due to a three-run homer off the bat of Cody Bellinger. Rogers seems unlikely to move up to a ninth-inning role anytime soon, given Kintzler's 27-for-30 conversion rate in save opportunities.

Flynn was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

Flynn was a big part of the Royals' 2016 bullpen, but struggles at the Triple-A level this season have kept him from emerging at the major-league level. He'll come up to provide bullpen depth now, however, looking to recapture his success from last year.

Maurer was traded from the Padres to the Royals on Monday along with Trevor Cahill and Brandon Maurer for Matt Strahm, Travis Wood and Esteury Ruiz, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports.

Maurer's ERA while serving as San Diego's closer left much to be desired, but his command and good strikeout numbers will likely get him plenty of high-leverage innings in his new bullpen. It'll be tough to supplant Kelvin Herrera for closing duties, but Maurer seems like a logical choice to be the setup man.

Farquhar signed a contract with the White Sox, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Just four days after being released by the Rays, Farquhar has already found a new home. The right-hander struggled with command this season, but his nice strikeout metrics could help him land a job in the big-league bullpen. For now, though, he'll act as an organizational depth piece at Triple-A Charlotte.

Farquhar signed a contract with the White Sox on Monday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Just four days after being released by the Rays, Farquhar has already found a new home. The right-hander struggled with command this season, but his strikeout ability could help him land a job in the big-league bullpen. For now, though, he'll act as an organizational depth piece at Triple-A Charlotte.

Kittredge was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Monday.

The Rays will swap Kittredge out of their bullpen for Sergio Romo, whom the team acquired from the Rays over the weekend. Kittredge made three appearances during his first stint in the big leagues, tossing 2.1 innings and giving up one run while striking out three.