MLB Player News

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.

Estevez (2-1) allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk over one-third of an inning, taking the extra-inning loss and a blown save in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader versus the Cardinals.

The Royals pulled ahead 5-4 in the top of the 10th inning, but Estevez was unable to make that lead stick. He allowed the tying run on a groundout and then gave up a walk-off single to Willson Contreras. Estevez had rattled off nine straight scoreless outings, posting a 10:2 K:BB with six saves and a win in that stretch. He's now 17-for-20 in save chances this season while maintaining a 2.03 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 25:12 K:BB over 26.2 innings.

The Rangers activated Martin (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Martin avoided a rehab assignment while dealing with right shoulder fatigue and seemed to be in a holding pattern after throwing a bullpen Tuesday. With the right-hander rejoining the Rangers' bullpen, Kumar Rocker was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

The Royals designated Hatch for assignment Thursday.

Hatch was selected from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday prior to the first game of a doubleheader against the Cardinals. While the right-hander did not appear in the game, his designation for assignment comes prior to the second half of the twin bill. In a corresponding move, Cole Ragans (groin) was reinstated from the injured list to start Game 2.

Coulombe (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A St. Paul on Friday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Coulombe has been on the shelf since mid-May due to a left forearm strain, though he appears to be nearing the final stretch of his recovery. He'll likely only need a few minor-league outings to build back up and could be back in action for Minnesota within the next week. Before hitting the IL, Coulombe had yet to allow a run on the season and turned in an 0.60 WHIP and 19:2 K:BB in 16.2 innings.