MLB Player News

Blanco was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Blanco was called up for a spot start against the Mariners on Thursday, giving up three runs in six innings. He wasn't going to get into another game before the All-Star break, so he'll return to the minors to await his next chance. Joel Kuhnel was recalled to give the team another option in the bullpen.

Kuhnel was called up by the Astros on Saturday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Kuhnel was acquired from the Reds for cash considerations in mid-June. In 74 career major-league innings, he owns a 6.20 ERA and 1.43 WHIP, so he's unlikely to get anywhere near high-leverage work. Ronel Blanco was optioned in a corresponding move.

Tarnok (shoulder) was activated off the 60-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday.

Tarnok had been out all season while dealing with a strained shoulder. He's made four starts for Las Vegas while on a rehab assignment, recording a 1.84 ERA despite an 8:10 K:BB. He'll remain in Triple-A as a regular member of the roster but could be an option for an A's rotation that lacks proven talent at some point in the second half.

Garza was optioned by the Red Sox on Saturday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Garza had been in the big leagues since mid-May, making 16 relief appearances. He struggled to a 6.11 ERA and 1.75 WHIP while walking 14 percent of the batters he faced. Joely Rodriguez (shoulder) returned from the injured list in a corresponding move.

Graterol earned a hold against the Angels on Friday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter in a scoreless inning.

Early in the week, Graterol was nursing an arm issue that kept him out a few days and reportedly resulted in the Dodgers considering placing him on the injured list. However, the righty reliever returned to action with a hold in a scoreless frame Thursday and did the same Friday, so it's now clear that the injury was minor. Graterol has been a key part of Los Angeles' bullpen this year, notching 10 holds and four saves while compiling a 1.85 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 29:6 K:BB over 39.0 innings.

Rodriguez (shoulder) was activated off the injured list Saturday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Rodriguez has missed nearly the entire season, first with an oblique strain and then with a shoulder injury. He got into five games in between the two ailments, giving up eight earned runs in four innings while striking out five and walking six. Justin Garza was optioned to clear space on the roster.

Brieske (elbow) was activated off the 60-day injured list Saturday.

Brieske has been out all year due to elbow troubles but is ready to go after posting a 2.70 ERA across 11 rehab appearances. He pitched exclusively as a starter as a rookie last season, posting a 4.19 ERA in 15 starts, but he's now working as a reliever since the Tigers elected not to build him up to a starter's workload during his rehab assignment.

Cousins (shoulder) began a rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League on Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Cousins landed on the injured list in early June with right shoulder inflammation and is now entering the final stages of his rehab process. He was optioned to Triple-A Nashville before his trip to the IL caused the option to be rescinded, so it's likely Cousins is sent back to Nashville once he's activated from the injured list. The 28-year-old righty holds a 4.82 ERA and 2.14 WHIP through 9.1 frames with Milwaukee this season.

Pruitt will start Saturday's game against the Red Sox on short notice after Paul Blackburn was scratched due to illness.

Pruitt has been used as an opener three times this season but hasn't thrown more than three innings in any appearance. He reached that mark just three days ago as the opener in Wednesday's game against the Tigers, so he's unlikely to be fresh enough to pitch particularly deep into Saturday's contest.

The Diamondbacks transferred Jameson (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Saturday.

Jameson landed on the injured list Friday with right elbow inflammation, and his move to the 60-day IL ensures he'll be sidelined through early September. Tyler Gilbert was selected from Triple-A Reno to fill Jameson's spot on the 40-man roster.