MLB Player News

The Royals placed Altavilla on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right oblique strain, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The reliever suffered the injury during an appearance in Wednesday's game against the Athletics. It's not clear how long Altavilla might be sidelined, but oblique strains often result in IL stays of beyond 15 days.

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

With Dan Altavilla (oblique) headed for the injured list, the Royals will bring up Cruz to help replenish their bullpen depth. The 25-year-old has spent all season with Omaha, posting a 4.50 ERA and 1.42 WHIP through 26 innings. He allowed seven earned runs through 12.2 frames during his time in the majors last season and will likely only be used during low-leverage situations.

Muller (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Sunday, MLB.com reports.

The left-hander began a throwing program June 6, and he appears to be progressing through it without setbacks. If all goes well with Sunday's bullpen session, Muller is slated to head out for a rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas at some point during the following week.

McFarland recorded his ninth hold in a win over the Royals on Wednesday, retiring the only batter he faced.

McFarland closed out the sixth inning for Luis Medina by retiring Adam Frazier on a flyout to left that left Nick Loftin stranded at first base. The veteran southpaw reliever has been outstanding since early May, recording a 1.17 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and four holds across 15.1 innings over his last 18 appearances. However, the fact he's typically used in middle relief usually limits McFarland to the occasional hold opportunity and leaves him with minimal fantasy appeal.

The Yankees designated Andrews for assignment Thursday.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of lefty reliever Tim Hill, who was signed to a big-league contract. Andrews has allowed 11 earned runs in just 3.2 frames during his brief time in the majors.

The Yankees signed Hill to a one-year contract Thursday.

Hill was cut loose by the White Sox earlier this week after collecting a 5.87 ERA and 13:10 K:BB over 23 innings. He wasn't out of a job long, however, and will go directly onto the Yankees' major-league roster. Hill has had a rough two-year stretch, but he's been an effective reliever in the past, and the Yankees will see if the 34-year-old has more in the tank.

Adam (4-1) didn't allow a baserunner and struck out one to earn the win Wednesday against the Twins.

Adam entered the game in the ninth inning with the score tied, 2-2, and turned in his eighth scoreless performance in his last 10 appearances. He has a 9:1 K:BB in that span, though he has allowed three earned runs. While Pete Fairbanks (thumb) isn't expected to be sidelined long, Adam could get a short-term look in save scenarios.

Tate allowed an unearned run on a hit and a walk while striking out one over one inning, earning the save in Wednesday's 7-6 extra-inning win over the Yankees.

Tate allowed a run to score on a sacrifice fly, and he got another out when Oswaldo Cabrera was caught stealing. Tate then struck out Jahmai Jones to complete the save, which was his first of the year. Craig Kimbrel pitched the ninth inning but took a blown save when he allowed a game-tying single to Giancarlo Stanton. Tate has pitched well in the majors this year with a 2.22 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 16:9 K:BB over 24.1 innings, and he's added two holds and a blown save. The right-hander was a setup man in 2022 before a forearm injury wiped out his 2023 season, though he's often been used in low-leverage spots this year.

Hader allowed one hit in a scoreless inning while striking out one batter to earn a save against the White Sox on Wednesday.

It was a relatively easy outing for Hader, who entered in the ninth with Houston ahead by three runs. The veteran closer allowed a one-out single but was never in serious trouble. Hader has converted all 10 of his save chances since blowing his first opportunity of the campaign April 2 versus Toronto.

Yates earned a save against the Mets on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning.

Yates protected a two-run Texas lead in the top of the ninth frame, retiring the side in order on 16 pitches. The veteran reliever is a perfect 11-for-11 in save chances this season -- no closer in baseball has converted more saves without blowing any opportunities. Yates hasn't given up more than one run in any of his 26 appearances, leading to a superb 1.03 ERA.