Santos (lat) has continued throwing bullpens in recent days and is playing catch out to 105 feet between those sessions, MLB.com reports.

Santos appears well on track to facing live hitters soon, given his cumulative level of activity recently. The right-hander remains without a timetable for return and could require a full-length rehab assignment whenever he's deemed ready to take that step since he's been sidelined since spring training.

The Mariners optioned de Geus to Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday.

His latest stint in the big leagues lasted just one day without making an appearance. De Geus is clearing out to make room on the roster for Emerson Hancock, who is starting Thursday against the White Sox.

Speier (shoulder) is no longer experiencing discomfort and is slated to begin playing catch soon, MLB.com reports.

Speier went on the injured list June 1after suddenly feeling persistent pain in the shoulder in the days following a May 29 appearance against the Astros. Even with the imminent resumption of a throwing program, Speier may not be a candidate for activation until July when factoring in the likely need for a rehab assignment.

Akin (2-0) allowed two runs on two hits and struck out one over 1.1 innings, picking up a blown save but earning the win and over Atlanta on Wednesday.

Akin ended up squandering a two-run lead when he gave up a home run to Matt Olson in the top of the eighth inning. The Orioles got it right back on a Colton Cowser blast in their half of the frame, and Craig Kimbrel closed out the win. Akin has had a mild case of reverse splits this year -- lefties are hitting .245 off the southpaw, while right-handed batters have hit just .206. Overall, he's pitching better to all hitters this season, and he has a 4.13 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 35:12 K:BB over 32.2 innings in a low-leverage role. Akin may see slightly tougher matchups moving forward, as he is one of two southpaws left in the bullpen, along with Cionel Perez, to cover for the absence of Danny Coulombe (elbow), who is expected to have a relatively short stay on the injured list.

Altavilla (0-1) allowed five runs on three hits and two walks while striking out one over one-third of an inning, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Yankees.

The initial plan was likely for Altavilla to throw an inning or two, but the Yankees jumped on him right away. For now, Altavilla will remain in the majors -- Daniel Lynch was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Thursday, but the Royals will need a fifth starter late next week. Expect Altavilla to remain in low-leverage usage as long as he's in the majors.

Thornton (3-1) got the win over the White Sox on Wednesday, firing a scoreless ninth inning during which he recorded a strikeout.

It was a bit of welcome deja vu for Thornton on Wednesday, as he captured a victory against the White Sox via a crisp 11-pitch outing for the second straight night. The right-hander has lowered his ERA and WHIP down to 3.30 and 1.03, respectively, impressive figures that complement his trio of victories and eight holds across 30 appearances.

Kopech struck out two and walked one without allowing a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday against the Mariners.

Kopech imploded to allow three earned runs and blow a lead in an appearance Monday, but he managed to bounce back in this outing. He entered the game with the score tied at 1-1 and turned in just his third scoreless effort in his last five appearances. Kopech remains the White Sox's primary closer, though his last save came on May 15.

The Royals recalled Veneziano from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

He'll join the Royals ahead of Thursday's series finale with the Yankees to provide the big club with a fresh arm out of the bullpen. Veneziano has made two prior relief appearances with Kansas City but has otherwise served as a swingman for Omaha this season, logging a 3.38 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 30:19 K:BB across 37.1 innings covering 17 outings (five starts) at Triple-A.

Kimbrel struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his 16th save of the season in a 4-2 win over Atlanta.

Facing the team he made his debut with back in 2010, Kimbrel delivered his 12th straight appearance without allowing an earned run. The hot streak has lowered the veteran closer's ERA on the season to 2.59, to go along with a 0.95 WHIP and 34:10 K:BB through 24.1 innings.

Miller (1-1) took the loss Wednesday, giving up a solo home run in one-third of an inning as the A's fell 5-4 to the Padres.

With one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, Jackson Merrill drove the first pitch he saw from Miller down the right-field line for a walk-off homer. The Oakland closer may be wearing down -- over his last eight appearances he's served up three long balls and been scored upon four times, leading to a 5.59 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB through 9.2 innings during that stretch.