MLB Player News

Bickford's contract was selected by the Brewers on Tuesday.

Bickford was a long shot to make the major-league roster heading into camp as he hasn't pitched above the High-A level. Given his lack of experience against higher-level talent, he'll likely get his feet wet initially in low-leverage spots.

The Diamondbacks outrighted Grace to their alternate training site Sunday.

Grace lost his spot on the 40-man roster when Arizona designated him for assignment Thursday, but since he went unclaimed off waivers, he'll remain in the organization's 60-man roster pool. Before being DFA'd, Grace made three relief appearances for the big club, giving up six runs over one inning.

Helsley (not injury related) was activated from the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday.

Helsley will return to the bullpen after building back up from a positive COVID-19 test in early August. He's been working through his throwing progression at the alternate site with bullpen sessions and live batting practice sessions. His last game action came July 29. Right-hander Jesus Cruz was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Mantiply's contract was selected by the Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

Mantiply made one appearance for the Yankees in 2019, and he'll now get a chance to serve as a lower-leverage reliever for the Diamondbacks. He's unlikely to play a significant role given his 12.71 ERA over 5.2 major-league innings in past seasons.

The Reds optioned Kuhnel to their alternate training site Monday.

Kuhnel's latest stint with the big club lasted only two days. His demotion cleared room on the active roster for outfielder Aristides Aquino.

Helsley (illness) is likely to come off the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander has been progressively building back through bullpen sessions and live batting practice sessions, and he's with the Cardinals on the current road trip. Helsley last logged game action July 29, so he's likely to be eased back in with a couple of low-leverage opportunities once he's back in the fold. Helsely's activation will require a trade, release or the placement of a player on waivers.

Cabrera had an acrylic nail attached to his left middle finger Monday and should be available out of the bullpen by Tuesday or Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander suffered a cracked fingernail during an appearance against the Indians on Saturday, leading to his exit from the contest. Manager Mike Shildt relayed Monday that the soreness in Cabrera's finger had already begun subsiding.

Jurado will be recalled to start Tuesday's game against the Orioles, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Jurado, who was acquired in a trade from the Rangers in early August after being designated for assignment, spent a day on the Mets' big-league roster Sunday but did not get into a game. With a 5.85 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 13.2 percent strikeout rate in 177 career major-league innings, expectations should be low for the 24-year-old.

Morejon (1-0) earned the win Monday against the Rockies after tossing three scoreless innings, allowing four hits and striking out two.

Morejon piggybacked Garrett Richards, who tossed 3.2 scoreless frames, to earn his first win of the season in his first appearance since returning from the injured list. It's currently unclear if the left-hander will make his next appearance as a starter or in relief, but the most important thing is that he's back with the team and seemingly healthy.

Bednar was recalled from the Padres' alternate training site Monday.

Bednar has been up and down between the big club and the alternate site multiple times during the campaign, most recently before and after serving as the 29th man for a doubleheader last week. He has pitched 6.1 innings this season, allowing five earned runs on 11 hits and two walks while striking out five.