MLB Player News

Okert allowed one hit and one walk while striking out one over a scoreless inning in Saturday's 5-1 victory over the Mariners.

Okert started the season somewhat slowly with a 3.97 ERA and six walks in 11.1 innings in his first 13 outings. He's since posted a 2.57 ERA with just four walks in 14 innings since May 11. While his 8.5 K/9 is down from an 11.2 K/9 last season, he's still been productive with a low 2.6 BB/9 and 1.11 HR/9. He's become a steady setup man for the Twins but isn't used in many high-leverage situations to earn holds or saves.

Alcala allowed a hit while striking out two over a scoreless inning Saturday against Seattle. He reached a career-high 101.2 mph on the radar gun, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Alcala has been an impact setup man for the Twins since returning from his inexplicable demotions to Triple-A in May and April. Alcala has a 1.05 ERA with a 19:7 K:BB over 17.2 innings since returning to the majors in late May.

Kimbrel worked around two walks in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Saturday's 6-5 win over the Rangers.

Kimbrel, who hadn't walked multiple batters in an outing since May 8, was able to pitch his way out of trouble. He's allowed two runs (one earned) while posting a 13:5 K:BB over 9.1 innings in June, converting six of his seven chances this month. Kimbrel is up to 19 saves with a 2.37 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 44:14 K:BB through 30.1 innings overall. Kimbrel has pitched three of the last four days, so he may not be available if a save situation arises Sunday. With Jacob Webb, Yennier Cano and Cionel Perez also having pitched Friday and Saturday, there could be an opportunity for Dillon Tate or Bryan Baker to get a look in a high-leverage spot.

Hader struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Saturday's 9-6 win over the Mets.

The Astros' late comeback resulted in a save chance, and Hader converted with ease. He's picked up five saves over 11 outings in June while surrendering four runs and posting a 16:1 K:BB across 10.2 innings for the month. Overall, he's 12-for-13 in save chances with a 3.68 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 59:11 K:BB through 36.2 innings this season, with the Astros' mediocre play being the main reason for his reduced saves total, though the team is trending up by going 9-2 over the last two weeks.

Trivino (elbow) has resumed throwing from a mound, per MLB.com.

Trivino was shut down from his throwing program in late April due to inflammation in his surgically repaired right elbow, though doctors confirmed via imaging that the reliever hadn't suffered any new damage to his UCL. The right-hander is making his way back from the Tommy John surgery he underwent in early May of 2023, and he isn't expected to be back in the Yankees' bullpen until after the All-Star break.

Dubin will start Sunday against the Mets in what's expected to be a bullpen day for the Astros, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Dubin hasn't covered more than three innings in any of his appearances in the majors and minors this season, so that likely represents the upper bound of his workload as he takes the hill for what will be his second MLB career start. The Astros don't have an obvious candidate to work in bulk relief behind Dubin, but the team could call up a pitcher from Triple-A Sugar Land ahead of Sunday's contest to provide the bullpen with another fresh arm.

Hamilton (lat) has been rehabbing but hasn't yet resumed throwing, per MLB.com.

Hamilton landed on the injured list June 18 due to a mid-grade right lat strain. Initial expectations were that he would be shut down from throwing for 3-to-4 weeks, so it's not surprising that the reliever hasn't yet reached that part of his rehab. Hamilton isn't likely to return to the Yankees' bullpen until after the All-Star break.

The Angels recalled Wantz from Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday.

Wantz has spent the entire season in Triple-A, though he missed nearly two months due to a right forearm injury. Since returning from the IL, he's allowed nine runs (eight earned) in just six innings over three appearances. Despite his poor performance, he'll join the Halos as a replacement for Zach Plesac, who was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move. Six of Wantz's seven appearances in the minors this season have been as a starter, but he'll likely be deployed as a multi-inning reliever for the Angels, at least initially.

Cimber (shoulder) threw from 90 feet Monday and Thursday, per MLB.com.

Cimber was placed on the injured list June 15 due to right shoulder inflammation one day after a poor outing against San Francisco , though he reportedly had been getting treatment on the shoulder prior to that appearance. The righty reliever appears to be making progress in his recovery given his recent throwing. However, it's unclear when Cimber might be ready to return to the Angels' bullpen.

The Red Sox claimed Speas off waivers from the Astros on Saturday and optioned him to Triple-A Worcester, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Speas was DFA'd by the Astros last week, and although he'll remain in Triple-A with his new organization, he'll claim a spot on the 40-man roster. The 26-year-old righty has accumulated a gaudy 10.38 ERA and 2.26 WHIP through 21.2 total innings in the minors while spending time with three different organizations. Barring significant improvement, a return to the majors is unlikely.