MLB Player News
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A.J. Puk RP | ARI
Diamondbacks' A.J. Puk: Opening for saves
Puk and Kevin Ginkel are the favorites for save opportunities after Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo removed Paul Sewald from the closer role Friday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.
Puk has recorded a hold and has five strikeouts in three scoreless appearances since being acquired by Arizona last week, and the closer role is now open after Sewald's rough July. Lovullo didn't name a replacement, but Puk and the right-handed Ginkel are the likeliest candidates to take over. Ryan Thompson could also be involved.
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John McMillon RP | MIA
Marlins' John McMillon: Claimed by Miami
The Marlins claimed McMillon off waivers from the Royals on Friday.
McMillon has spent all of this season at the Triple-A level, where he has posted a 6.53 ERA in 30.1 appearances. At his best, McMillon has shown late-inning caliber stuff, but he has dealt with arm injuries and his stuff was diminished this season. He'll head to Triple-A Jacksonville, where he represents relief depth for Miami.
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Paul Sewald RP | ARI
Diamondbacks' Paul Sewald: Demoted from closer role
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that he is removing Sewald from the closer role, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.
The veteran right-hander allowed two runs on three walks in one-third of an inning Wednesday versus Washington, which capped an ugly July that saw him blow four saves and give up 12 earned runs across 10 innings. Sewald appeared to have turned things around with five straight scoreless appearances after an awful start to the month, but he finished with five runs allowed in his last four outings. Lovullo didn't say who will replace Sewald as Arizona's closer, but A.J. Puk and Kevin Ginkel are the likeliest candidates and could even form a matchup-based committee. Ryan Thompson could also be in the mix.
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Humberto Castellanos RP | ARI
Diamondbacks' Humberto Castellanos: Rejoins big club
The Diamondbacks recalled Castellanos from Triple-A Reno on Friday.
The right-hander was sent to Reno on July 23 but will return to the majors as Bryce Jarvis (elbow) heads to the injured list. Castellanos has appeared in seven big-league games this season and has a 5.23 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 7:4 K:BB over 10.1 innings.
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Bryce Jarvis RP | ARI
Diamondbacks' Bryce Jarvis: Out with elbow sprain
The Diamondbacks placed Jarvis on the 15-day injured list Friday due to a sprained right elbow.
It's unclear when exactly the right-hander sustained the injury, but he last pitched Tuesday against the Nationals and allowed two hits with two strikeouts over a scoreless frame. Jarvis will be eligible to be reinstated in mid-August, but it's possible he faces a longer absence.
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Riley O'Brien RP | STL
Cardinals' Riley O'Brien: Could be activated next week
O'Brien (forearm) could be activated from the 60-day injured list next week after making two more rehab appearances with Triple-A Memphis, John Denton of MLB.com reports.
O'Brien will make back-to-back appearances with Memphis on Saturday and Sunday, which would appear to be the final box he'll need to check before rejoining the Cardinals' bullpen. The reliever has been sidelined since suffering a right flexor strain back on Opening Day.
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Spencer Turnbull RP | PHI
Phillies' Spencer Turnbull: Completes side session
Turnbull (lat) tossed a 10-pitch bullpen session Monday at Citizens Bank Park, MLB.com reports.
Assuming Turnbull escaped the side session free of setbacks, he'll shift his rehab program to the Phillies' spring training facility in Clearwater, Fla. and continue building back up. At the time Turnbull was placed on the 15-day injured list June 27 with a right lat strain, manager Rob Thomson estimated that the right-hander would be sidelined for 6-to-8 weeks. Since Turnbull doesn't look as though he'll be a realistic option to return from the IL until mid-to-late August, the Phillies have already indicated that the 31-year-old probably won't have sufficient time to get stretched out for a starting role and will likely be ticketed for the bullpen.
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Tyler Kinley RP | COL
Rockies' Tyler Kinley: Picks up sixth save
Kinley picked up the save in an extra-inning win over the Angels on Thursday, striking out one over a perfect 10th inning.
Kinley's number was called in the bottom of the 10th as Colorado looked to hang onto its 3-2 lead. The right-hander did not disappoint, retiring all three batters he faced on 15 pitches to secure his sixth save of the campaign and first since June 11 against the Twins. Victor Vodnik has been serving as the primary closer for the Rockies in the absence of Daniel Bard, though Kinley got the late-inning call after the former was needed in the ninth. The 33-year-old has not allowed any hits or runs in three straight appearances.