MLB Player News

The Brewers traded Erceg to the Athletics on Wednesday in exchange for cash considerations.

Erceg has struggled to begin the season in Triple-A Nashville, holding a 6.46 ERA and 1.57 WHIP through 15.1 innings. Despite his below-average performance, Oakland's lack of talent at the major-league level makes it possible that Erceg debuts in the majors at some point this season, although he would have to be added to the 40-man roster before that could happen.

Johnson picked up the save Wednesday against the Reds, striking out one over two-thirds of an inning.

Johnson relieved Riley Pint in the ninth inning, inheriting runners on second and third, coaxing a pop-out from Wil Myers before striking out Jose Barrero to end the game. Johnson is now 8-for-11 in save opportunities. He's managed to stave off Daniel Bard for the ninth-inning job despite a 5.29 ERA and 1.82 WHIP through 17 innings this season.

Barlow picked up the save Wednesday with a perfect inning against the Padres, including one strikeout.

Barlow made quick work of the Padres in the ninth, as he needed just seven pitches to retire the side. The closer has worked 10 straight outings, and 10.2 innings, since he last allowed a run April 19. All seven earned runs Barlow has allowed came in an eight-day span in April. The righty has 24 strikeouts in 17.1 innings this season.

Doval picked up the save Wednesday against the Phillies. He didn't allow a run but did surrender a hit and a walk while striking out one in an inning.

Doval only allowed one hit, but a walk and a HBP loaded the bases with two outs. He struck out Trea Turner with a slider to finish the game and collect his 11th save. The Giants' closer has been lights out in May, converting all eight save opportunities and striking out 13 across 8.2 innings.

Castro picked up the save Wednesday against the Athletics. He struck out one batter in a clean ninth inning.

Castro was called on in the ninth inning after Andrew Chafin pitched the previous two days, and he delivered a stress-free save, needing just 11 pitches to retire the side in order. Primarily used in a setup role, Castro has been excellent in 2023 with a 2.75 ERA and 0.97 WHIP.

Bruihl will be recalled by the Dodgers before Thursday's series opener in St. Louis, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Dustin May is headed to the injured list in a corresponding move after suffering a flexor strain Wednesday afternoon against the Twins. Bruihl has posted a strong 2.53 ERA and 12:1 K:BB in 10.2 major-league innings this year and will fill a middle-relief role as the Dodgers plot out how to replace May in the rotation.

Rockies manager Bud Black confirmed Wednesday that Kauffmann will be called up to make his MLB debut Friday versus the Rangers, Suzie Hunter of TheDNVR.com reports.

Riley Pint has already been optioned out to open up a 26-man roster spot for Kauffmann, who will try to be a band-aid for the Rockies' injury-ravaged rotation. That's a big ask considering the 25-year-old has struggled to a 7.78 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and 26:12 K:BB in 37 innings (eight starts) this season with Triple-A Albuquerque. Friday's game is away from Coors Field, but Kauffmann is not a recommended fantasy streamer.

Colorado optioned Pint to Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

Pint made his MLB debut in a relief appearance Wednesday afternoon against the Reds and allowed one run on one hit and three walks while recording only one out. Karl Kauffmann will take over the vacant roster spot and start Friday against the Rangers.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol confirmed Wednesday that Hendriks (illness) won't be activated this week, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Hendriks has temporarily paused his minor-league rehab assignment and will head to Chicago on Thursday for a meeting with White Sox management. The veteran closer has allowed six earned runs through five innings so far with Triple-A Charlotte, which works out to a 10.80 ERA. He's on the road back from an offseason diagnosis of Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Wednesday that Tate (forearm) will make at least one more rehab appearance prior to being activated from the 15-day injured list, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Tate, who has been on the IL all season while recovering from a right forearm strain, began his rehab assignment in late April and has already made eight appearances. However, with Tate having turned in a 17.05 ERA and 3.16 WHIP across 6.1 innings in those outings, the Orioles will want to see the right-hander turn in some better results on the farm before inserting him into the big-league bullpen. Tate could be ticketed for a middle-innings role out of the bullpen once activated.