MLB Player News

The Red Sox optioned Murphy to Triple-A Worcester following Monday's 9-4 loss to the Astros, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Murphy allowed two runs on seven hits while striking out four over four innings of long relief Monday. He's now given up 11 runs over his last four appearances (10.1 innings) and will head to the minors. The Red Sox will reinstate Tanner Houck (face) from the 15-day injured list ahead of his start Tuesday to fill Murphy's spot on the 26-man active roster.

Assad did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over 5.1 innings against the Tigers. He struck out four.

Assad has been pitching well since filling in for Marcus Stroman (ribs) in Chicago's rotation, working to a 2.45 ERA in his last three starts (18.1 innings). Overall, the 26-year-old Assad is 2-2 with a 3.13 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 53:30 K:BB across 72 innings this season. He's currently lined up to make his next start on the road against the Pirates.

Brieske (0-1) allowed two runs on three hits across an inning of work to take the loss Monday against the Cubs.

Brieske had been fairly sharp before Monday, as he entered the contest with a tidy 2.12 ERA over 17 innings of work. The righty had also only allowed one run this month, but the Cubs got to him in the ninth inning, pushing his ERA to 3.00 for the season. Brieske should stick in a high-leverage relief role for the Tigers despite the hiccup.

Leiter allowed a run on two hits but managed to secure the save in Monday's 7-6 win over the Tigers. He struck out one.

Regular closer Adbert Alzolay pitched each of the last two days, so the Cubs bypassed him for the save opportunity and turned to Leiter. It was the latter's fourth save of the season, though it was his first since June 2, as Alzolay has established himself in the role. Leiter should still serve as a reliable setup option moving forward.

Harris could be called up from Triple-A Las Vegas this week to join Oakland's rotation, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Outside of a few brief stretches, Harris has had little success at both the big-league and Triple-A levels this season, but he looks poised to get another look in Oakland with yet another starter in Luis Medina (finger) going on the injured list Monday. The Athletics now have openings in the rotation for games Tuesday and Wednesday against the Royals, and Harris could be a candidate to start either of those days. Harris is well rested after having not pitched at Triple-A since Aug. 15.

Weathers was recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville on Monday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

The Marlins listed Weathers as the starting pitcher for Monday's game against the Padres, and he will indeed toe the rubber as expected. Between the majors and minors Weathers has tossed at least 95 pitches in five straight outings, so his workload should not concern those considering including him in fantasy lineups.

Helsley (forearm) "is undergoing another round of tests and evaluation," according to John Denton of MLB.com.

Per the report, Helsley "has experienced pain and tightness between each of his four rehab appearances" this month, so he will be checked out again by the Cardinals' medical staff. Another update on his status figures to be released after the exams are performed.

Oakland selected Patton's contract from Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.

Patton has been with Las Vegas since being designated for assignment by the Athletics in mid-May, and he ultimately wound up earning another look from the big club. He will provide depth in Oakland's bullpen.

Brebbia (lat) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

After completing a throwing progression, Brebbia has been deemed ready for his first game action since mid-June, when he was placed on the injured list with a right lat strain. Since the Giants aren't expected to deploy Brebbia has anything more than a one- or two-inning reliever or opening pitcher once he's activated from the 60-day IL, the right-hander isn't expected to require the full 30-day rehab window to prepare himself for a return to the big leagues. Brebbia notched two wins and six holds while pitching to a 3.14 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 28.2 innings over 29 appearances with the Giants prior to landing on the IL.

Maton (elbow) could return from the 15-day injured list Sunday when first eligible, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Maton threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Monday without issue, and he's set to throw another Wednesday. If all goes well Wednesday, Maton looks like he could return to the Houston bullpen this weekend without going on a minor-league rehab assignment beforehand.