MLB Player News

The Twins optioned Castillo to Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday.

Castillo allowed just two runs over seven relief innings during his brief time with the Twins, but that came with a 3:7 K:BB. The veteran reliever will head back to Triple-A to clear room on the active roster for right-hander Louie Varland, who was called up from St. Paul to make a spot start Tuesday against the Rockies.

Martinez is expected to operate as a primary pitcher out of the bullpen behind opener Brett Suter in Tuesday's game against the Guardians, Greg Kuffner of SI.com reports.

Martinez looks poised to fill the open spot in the rotation that was created when Graham Ashcraft was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday. Though he's previously made five starts this season, Martinez has been roughed up by opposing hitters to the tune of a .348/.378/.527 slash line across 25.2 innings. Martinez has been far more effective when working in relief (.141/.158/.239 opponent's slash line in 26.2 innings), so the Reds will keep him in the bullpen Tuesday with the hope of coaxing better results from him. The right-hander should be capable of offering plenty of length behind Suter, as he hasn't pitched since Friday, when he needed just 11 pitches to retire the side during an appearance against the Cubs.

Manager Bud Black said that Gilbreath (elbow/shoulder) is "progressing" after the southpaw resumed throwing June 3 at Coors Field, MLB.com reports.

After undergoing Tommy John surgery March 14, 2023, Gilbreath received clearance to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment in late April, but he made just one appearance before being shut down after experiencing shoulder discomfort. He's finally starting to get ramped back up again after a nearly six-week shutdown period, but Gilbreath could still be another week or more away from heading back out on a rehab assignment. During his last healthy season in the majors in 2022, Gilbreath compiled a 4.19 ERA and 1.47 WHIP over 43 innings out of the Colorado bullpen.

Bird (elbow) struck out two and allowed a solo home run in his first rehab appearance with the Rockies' rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate on Monday.

Bird has been shelved since mid-May with right elbow inflammation but is on the comeback trail. He'll likely move up to a higher affiliate eventually to continue his rehab assignment but should be ready to return from the 15-day injured list and take back a spot in the Colorado bullpen sooner rather than later.

Megill earned a save against the Blue Jays on Monday, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning.

Entering with a 3-1 lead in the ninth inning, Megill allowed a two-out single to Spencer Horwitz but retired Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on the next pitch to secure his 10th save of the season. Megill has posted four straight scoreless appearances and is now 10-for-11 in save chances this season. He owns a 2.00 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 24:4 K:BB and should continue to be the primary closer in Milwaukee until Devin Williams (back) returns from the injured list.

Tonkin earned a save against the Royals on Monday, walking one and striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

Tonkin was called upon to protect a 4-2 lead in the ninth inning and worked around a walk to secure his first save of the season and second of his career. Usual closer Clay Holmes pitched three times in the past four days, so it was a rare appearance in the role for Tonkin. He now owns a 2.45 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 30:11 K:BB ratio in 29.1 combined innings pitched for the Twins, Mets and Yankees in 2024.

Castillo will be optioned to Triple-A St. Paul prior to Tuesday's game against the Rockies, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Castillo issued one walk and struck out one in a scoreless frame in Monday's 5-0 win, but he'll be rewarded with a demotion. He'll be sent to the minors with the Twins needing to clear a spot for Louie Varland, who is scheduled to be called up from St. Paul to start Tuesday's game.

Kimbrel picked up the save in Monday's 5-2 victory over Tampa Bay. He pitched a scoreless inning allowing no hits and one walk with two strikeouts.

Trouble seemed to be brewing in the ninth for Kimbrel as he issued a leadoff walk to Amed Rosario, his first free pass allowed since May 8. However, the veteran closer collected himself, punching out two batters before wrapping up the Baltimore win by inducing a Jose Caballero popup. Including this effort, Kimbrel has pitched 11 consecutive outings without allowing an earned run, firing 10 innings with a 0.30 WHIP and 12:1 K:BB.

Carasiti elected free agency Monday.

Carasiti was designated for assignment by the Rockies on Saturday, and rather than reporting to Triple-A Albuquerque, he'll test free agency. The 32-year-old has appeared in seven games for Colorado in 2024, posting a 10.38 ERA and 2.19 WHIP with seven strikeouts and three walks over 8.2 frames.

Suter will serve as the Reds' opening pitcher for Tuesday's game against the Guardians, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Suter didn't make it through the first inning in his last stint as an opener, allowing one hit while recording two outs before being lifted in a May 26 start against the Dodgers. Nick Martinez will likely be tabbed to serve as a primary pitcher behind Suter on Tuesday, considering he hasn't pitched since Friday, when he needed only 11 pitches to get through a scoreless seventh inning against the Cubs.