MLB Player News

Jackson was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Jackson will serve as the 27th man for the Blue Jays during Thursday's doubleheader against the White Sox. The 35-year-old has fared well during his brief time with the big club this season, allowing just one run while striking out six over 5.2 relief innings.

Hicks (1-5) took the loss and a blown save Wednesday versus the Marlins, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk while striking out one in one-third of an inning.

The Cardinals took the lead in the top of the ninth inning, but Hicks' own throwing error allowed the Marlins to score the winning run. Over his previous seven appearances, he'd given up just one run while striking out 10 across 7.2 innings, picking up five saves and a hold in the process. Hicks has generally been good since stepping into the closer role with Ryan Helsley (forearm) out. For the season, Hicks is at a 4.15 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 53:23 K:BB with five saves and six holds through 34.2 innings.

Yarbrough (head) struck out six over six scoreless innings Tuesday in his rehab start for Triple-A Omaha. He scattered three hits and issued one walk in the 81-pitch outing.

Yarbrough was placed on the 15-day injured list May 8 after suffering multiple head fractures when he was struck by a line drive a day earlier in his start with the Royals. He was later transferred to the 60-day IL, but based on how he's fared thus far during his rehab assignment, Yarbrough looks like he could be ready to rejoin the Royals when he's first eligible for activation this weekend. Between one start in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League and three at Omaha, Yarbrough has strung together a 2.55 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 20:2 K:BB in 17.2 innings. The Royals have confirmed starting pitchers for the first three games of their four-game set in Cleveland this weekend, but Yarbrough might be called upon to fill the opening Sunday.

Wilson (elbow) had his rehab assignment transferred Thursday to Triple-A Nashville, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Wilson is now just one step away from returning to the Brewers' bullpen after a three-appearance stint in the Arizona Complex League, during which he struck out six of the 11 batters he faced. The veteran southpaw is more than 13 months removed from Tommy John surgery and could be deemed ready for major-league action shortly after the All-Star break.

Karcher was designated for assignment by the Reds on Thursday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Tony Santillan (back/hamstring) has been activated off the 60-day injured list to fill the vacated 40-man roster spot. Karcher earned a save last month in his major-league debut, but he was sent back to Triple-A Louisville soon after and has struggled to a 7.18 ERA over 31.1 innings of relief this summer in the International League.

Kennedy was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Kennedy made a spot start for the Reds on Tuesday versus the Nationals and surrendered four earned runs on five hits and two walks over five innings. He'll return to a rotation role at Louisville.

Zerpa (shoulder) covered 4.1 innings and struck out seven in his most recent rehab start Monday for Triple-A Omaha. He allowed four earned runs on six hits and two walks.

Zerpa has resided on the injured list all season while recovering from a tendon issue in his left shoulder, but he appears to be on the cusp of an activation. He's now reached the fifth inning in both of his last two rehab outings and tossed a season-high 80 pitches Monday. Altogether, Zerpa has compiled a 3.78 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 19:8 K:BB in 16.2 innings over his five starts between Omaha and Double-A Northwest Arkansas. If the Royals opt to have him forgo another rehab start, Zerpa could be a candidate to return from the 60-day IL to fill the opening in the big-league rotation Sunday versus the Rays.

Santillan (back/hamstring) was activated from the 60-day injured list Thursday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Finally recovered from lingering back and hamstring injuries, Santillan will be available out of the Reds' bullpen -- for the first time this season -- Thursday afternoon against the Nationals. The 26-year-old right-hander holds a career 3.71 ERA with 77 strikeouts in 63 major-league innings.

Patino was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Patino's latest stint in the majors lasted only one day, as he was touched up for two runs in a two-inning relief appearance in Wednesday's loss to the Phillies. Ryan Thompson will absorb his roster and bullpen spot.

Jimenez (shoulder) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Thursday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

He's finally throwing off the mound again after missing nearly three months with a right shoulder strain. Jimenez will eventually go out on a rehab assignment and is going to require multiple rehab appearances before rejoining the Athletics' bullpen.