The Athletics designated Junk for assignment Thursday.

Junk's lone appearance for the Athletics went as poorly as it could possibly go, as he was walloped for seven runs without recording an out in Wednesday's loss to the Mariners. He'll be replaced on the roster by Brady Basso.

The Royals activated Altavilla (oblique) from the 60-day injured list Thursday and designated him for assignment.

Altavilla is recovered from his right oblique strain, but the Royals have decided there isn't a place for him on the active roster. The veteran reliever has coughed up six runs over 3.2 frames covering five appearances for Kansas City this season.

The Royals optioned Cruz to Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

Cruz had three scoreless appearances during his brief stint in the majors but nonetheless will head back to Omaha. He could get another opportunity later this month.

The Twins transferred Funderburk (oblique) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list Thursday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of DaShawn Keirsey. Funderburk resumed throwing in late August as he works his way back from a left oblique strain but now isn't eligible for activation until late September.

The Yankees optioned Effross to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday.

Effross tossed 1.1 scoreless innings in Wednesday's loss to the Rangers but finds himself back in the minors a day later. The Yankees will announce a corresponding move prior to Friday's game versus the Cubs, and it could be Ian Hamilton (lat) returning from the injured list.

The Astros optioned Whitley to Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Whitley allowed two unearned runs while striking out five over 2.2 innings in a couple appearances this week. He threw 48 pitches in Wednesday's blowout loss to the Reds, so the Astros will swap him out for a fresh arm.

The Astros recalled Hernandez from Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Hernandez has allowed six runs with a 7:1 K:BB over six relief innings during his time with the Astros this season. He'll provide a fresh arm out of the bullpen after starter Spencer Arrighetti failed to get out of the first inning in Wednesday's game.

The Rays optioned Alexander to Triple-A Durham on Thursday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Alexander allowed four runs over 3.2 innings in bulk relief Wednesday, picking up a win over the Twins. He wasn't going to be available to pitch for a few days, so the Rays will replace him with a fresh arm.

Headrick (forearm) was activated from the 60-day IL at Triple-A St. Paul. He threw three scoreless innings in Tuesday's win over Iowa.

Headrick was in the running for one of the Twins' final bullpen spots but began the season at Triple-A and then went on the injured list April 8. He's probably run out of time to contend for a big-league promotion, but he'll be ready to compete for a job next spring.

Alexander (6-4) picked up the win Wednesday, coughing up four runs on nine hits over 3.2 innings in a 9-4 victory over the Twins. He struck out two without walking a batter.

The southpaw entered a scoreless game in the top of the fourth inning and watched the Tampa Bay offense erupt for eight runs in the bottom of the frame, but Alexander fell apart himself in the seventh, serving up homers to Kyle Farmer and Carlos Santana. Alexander is rounding out a six-man rotation for the Rays, as the team doesn't get its next day off until Sept. 16, but he's been very ineffective in that role -- over his last four appearances, he's been tagged for seven homers in 18 innings, leading to a 7.50 ERA. Assuming he gets another turn, his next outing is scheduled to come on the road early next week in Philadelphia.