MLB Player News

Akin will receive a second opinion on his injured left elbow from Dr. Keith Meister next week, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Akin landed on the 15-day injured list in late June with soreness in his pitching elbow. It seems he could be looking at an extended absence, but more will be known following his visit with Dr. Meister.

Helsley will solicit a second opinion on his injured right elbow, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

The Orioles have not revealed the initial prognosis, but Helsley will seek out another evaluation before making a decision as to the next course of action. Helsley missed seven weeks of action with right elbow inflammation earlier this season and landed back on the IL this past Friday with more elbow trouble. The Orioles could have more information on Helsley's status later this week. Tyler Wells has notched two straight saves for Baltimore since Helsley was injured.

The Phillies recalled Lazar from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The right-hander was up with the Phillies for a few days in mid-June, when he allowed two runs on three hits with a 4:0 K:BB over four innings. Lazar, who has a 4.19 ERA and 1.41 WHIP across 16 relief outings at Lehigh Valley, should fill a low-leverage role out of the bullpen for Philadelphia.

The Phillies optioned Backhus to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday.

Backhus pitched each of the last two days, so the Phillies will replace him with a fresh bullpen arm. It will be Max Lazar taking Backhus' spot on the roster.

The Orioles recalled Raquet from Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday.

Raquet has logged three appearances for the Orioles this season, giving up three runs with a 1:2 K:BB. The left-hander will give the club a fresh bullpen arm as it opens a series Tuesday versus the Cubs.

The Twins selected Go's contract from Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday.

Go was acquired via trade from the Tigers on Sunday and is reporting directly to the major-league roster. The Korean reliever holds a 1.96 ERA and 54:13 K:BB over 41.1 innings between the Double- and Triple-A levels this season. Go -- who turns 28 in August -- will be making his major-league debut when/if he gets into a game.

Atlanta recalled Karinchak from Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday.

The right-hander was optioned to Gwinnett on Friday but will quickly rejoin the MLB bullpen since Tyler Kinley was placed on the paternity list. Karinchak pitched well after being promoted from Triple-A in early June, allowing just two earned runs with a 7:4 K:BB across 8.2 innings.

Atlanta released Hernandez on Tuesday.

The right-hander opened the season on the injured list due to a shoulder cyst and was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett in mid-April once he was recovered from the issue. Hernandez struggled to a 5.06 ERA, 1.90 WHIP and 26:19 K:BB over 21.1 innings at Gwinnett and will now hit the open market. He has a 3.38 ERA across 59 regular-season appearances in the big leagues, though his career 1.47 WHIP and 16.7 percent walk rate paint him as a volatile relief option.

Atlanta selected Thomas' contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday.

The left-hander made his season debut for Gwinnett in late May after completing his rehab from internal brace surgery on his elbow, and he'll now get a look in the majors. Thomas has pitched well at Triple-A with a 1.14 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 16:7 K:BB across 23.2 innings and should fill a low-leverage relief role while up with Atlanta.

Atlanta placed Kinley on the paternity list Tuesday.

The right-hander will step away from the team for a few days to be with his growing family. Kinley can be on the paternity list for up to three days, so he should be back with Atlanta ahead of Friday's series opener in St. Louis.