MLB Player News

Mejia (suspension) was reinstated from his rehab assignment and optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Mejia had been sidelined since mid-May for violating the league's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, but he was able to begin a rehab assignment in early August. The right-hander struck out four in 3.2 perfect innings over four rehab appearances but will remain in the minors now that his suspension has been served. According to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, as a result of the suspension, Mejia won't be eligible to pitch in the postseason if Milwaukee should qualify.

Yacabonis was designated for assignment by the Rays on Thursday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Yacabonis was claimed off waivers by the Rays in early August after being cast off the Marlins' 40-man roster, but he gave up four runs in 3.2 innings over four appearances with Tampa Bay. He'll now lose his spot on the Rays' 40-man roster, and it's not yet clear whether he'll find another landing spot via waivers.

Patino was recalled from Triple-A Durham ahead of Thursday's start against the Royals, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Patino was sent to the minors July 23, and he posted a 3.72 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 9.2 innings over three starts following his demotion. The Rays are in the midst of a stretch in which they're playing 17 games in 17 days, so the right-hander will return to the big leagues to start Thursday's home matchup. It's not yet clear whether Patino will make another turn through the rotation following Thursday's outing, and it's possible that the decision will be made based on how he performs against Kansas City.

Morejon (2-0) was credited with the win against the Marlins on Wednesday. He struck out three batters over 1.2 scoreless innings.

San Diego got off to a big early lead, but starter Mike Clevinger wasn't sharp and exited after allowing three of the four batters he faced in the fifth inning to reach base. Morejon came on and hit the first batter he faced with a pitch, but he rebounded by striking out the following two hitters. The southpaw remained in the game for the sixth frame and retired the side on 11 pitches. Morejon has been excellent through seven appearances in August, pitching 7.2 scoreless innings and posting a 7:1 K:BB.

Payamps was designated for assignment by the Royals on Thursday.

Payamps was reinstated from the bereavement list Wednesday but has now lost his spot on the 40-man roster. The 28-year-old has a 3.16 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 33:16 K:BB across 42.2 innings this year.

The Royals recalled Castillo from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday. He'll start the Royals' series opener at Tampa Bay.

Castillo will fill the vacancy in the rotation that was created when manager Mike Matheny moved Brad Keller to the bullpen Wednesday. One of two prospects the Royals acquired from the Blue Jays in the deadline deal that sent Whit Merrifield to Toronto, Castillo will be joining the Royals for the first time after he allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits and three walks in 3.2 innings over his initial two outings at Omaha. He performed far better in nine appearances (two starts) at the big-league level with Toronto earlier this season, turning in a 3.05 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 20:5 K:BB across 20.2 innings. Unless he flops badly Thursday, Castillo is likely to make multiple turns through the rotation as the Royals look to assess whether he fits into their long-term nucleus.

Bummer (shoulder) completed a 26-pitch bullpen session Thursday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The side session was Bummer's second since he was placed on the injured list June 12 with a left lat strain, but he incorporated his full arsenal Thursday for the first time. Bummer will still require another bullpen session and a simulated game or two as he works to build up his velocity, but if he remains free of setbacks during the ramp-up process, he could be ready to embark on a minor-league rehab assignment before the end of August. Before landing on the IL, the lefty reliever posted a 3.06 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 21:9 K:BB in 17.2 innings while collecting one save and nine holds.

Leone (3-4) allowed two runs on three hits and struck out one in one inning, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Diamondbacks.

Leone gave up a single to Christian Walker and a double to Stone Garrett before allowing a two-run single to Jake McCarthy in the eighth inning. The Giants' offense couldn't bail him out, sending Leone to a loss for the first time since July 24. In 9.1 innings since the All-Star break, the setup man has struggled, allowing nine runs, 13 hits and four walks while striking out 10. He has a 4.50 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 45:16 K:BB while adding three saves, 11 holds and four blown saves in 42 innings this year. Considering his recent form, Leone is not a realistic threat to unseat closer Camilo Doval.

Shaw (6-2) retired the only batter he faced to earn the win Wednesday over the Tigers.

Shaw ended a threat after James Karinchak left with runners on the corners and two out. The Guardians' offense took over from there, posting a six-run rally in the bottom of the eighth inning to give Shaw his third win in his last 11 outings. The veteran reliever has allowed eight runs across 14.1 innings in that span, and for the season he owns a 5.36 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 38:21 K:BB with one save and six holds through 43.2 frames.

Krehbiel (4-4) allowed two runs on two hits in one-third of an inning, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Blue Jays.

Austin Voth pitched six innings of two-hit ball as the starter, but Krehbiel was the first of a trio of relievers that made the seventh frame a mess. He allowed two of the three batters he faced to get aboard, and Cionel Perez couldn't stop the bleeding after that. Since the All-Star break, Krehbiel has a 5.19 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and two holds through nine appearances. He's at a 2.81 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 34:14 K:BB, nine holds and a save through 41.2 innings overall, but he's not in contention for late-inning usage on a regular basis.