MLB Player News

The Athletics outrighted Junk to Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday.

Junk will remain in the Oakland organization after he was recently designated for assignment for a third time this season. The 28-year-old right-hander has made six appearances at the big-league level in 2024 between Milwaukee and Oakland, logging a 14.62 ERA and 3.25 WHIP in eight innings.

The Athletics selected Bielak's contract from Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday.

He'll provide Oakland will a fresh arm out of the bullpen heading into Sunday's series finale with the Tigers while he joins the Athletics' 28-man roster as a replacement for lefty Brady Basso, who was sent back to Las Vegas after starting in Saturday's 2-1 loss. After being acquired from the Astros in mid-May, Bielak gave up two earned runs across 5.2 innings over his three relief appearances before Oakland cast him off its 40-man roster two weeks following the trade.

The Athletics optioned Basso to Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday.

Basso will head to Triple-A after he turned in an impressive first MLB start in Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Tigers, taking a no-decision while recording six punchouts over six scoreless frames. Despite the strong showing, the Athletics will swap Basso off the active roster in favor of a fresh bullpen arm in Brandon Bielak, who was called up from Las Vegas on Sunday. Unless the Athletics place another player on a reserve list in a corresponding move, Basso will have to wait another 15 days before potentially rejoining the big club.

The Angels recalled Crouse from Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday.

The right-hander was optioned to Salt Lake on Aug. 21, and he'll return to the big leagues after spending little more than the 15-day minimum in the minors. Crouse has been a solid bullpen piece for the Halos this year with a 3.00 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 33:15 K:BB over 24 innings.

The Angels optioned Mederos to Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday.

The 23-year-old was called up from High-A Tri City in mid-August but struggled in his first big-league action with seven earned runs allowed over 5.1 innings. Mederos will now receive his first taste of the Triple-A level.

Coulombe (elbow) will start his rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday according to pitching coach Drew French, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Coulombe threw a live batting practice session Tuesday and is now ready for game action. Considering he's been out since mid-June after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips from his left elbow, it'll likely take a handful of rehab appearances before Coulombe is ready to return to the majors. He remains on track to be activated prior to the end of the regular season.

Strickland earned a hold against the Rangers on Saturday, allowing one hit in a scoreless inning of work.

Strickland entered in the sixth inning and worked around a one-out walk to keep Texas off the scoreboard. It was the sixth straight scoreless outing for the veteran right-hander, who has posted a 7:1 K:BB over six innings during that span. Strickland has 11 holds on the campaign, his most since 2019.

The Red Sox selected Fitts' contract from Triple-A Worcester, and he's scheduled to start Sunday against the White Sox, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

The 24-year-old was acquired from the Yankees in the Alex Verdugo trade over the winter and is now making his MLB debut. Fitts has a 4.17 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 111:37 K:BB across 116.2 innings this season, and he couldn't ask for a softer introduction to the big leagues while going up against the 32-111 White Sox.

The Rays recalled Alexander from Triple-A Durham on Sunday.

The left-hander was optioned to Durham on Thursday but will quickly return to the big leagues with Jeffrey Springs (elbow) headed to the injured list. Alexander has a 5.66 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 19 appearances (seven starts) for the Rays this season, and he could work as a starter or bulk reliever down the stretch in place of Springs.

Santos (biceps) started his rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma against Albuquerque on Friday, firing a scoreless eighth inning during which he allowed a hit and a walk.

Santos got some good work in during his first game action since July 31, throwing 15 pitches during his one frame. The right-hander may need only a couple more setback-free outings before being deemed ready for activation and potentially assisting the Mariners' bullpen down the final stretch of the regular season.