MLB Player News

Martin could be an option to enter the Diamondbacks' rotation after the team designated Dallas Keuchel for assignment Wednesday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. The right-hander has a 5.10 ERA over 12 starts (60 innings) at Triple-A Reno.

Martin had been a candidate a month ago for the rotation, but Arizona went with the veteran Keuchel, who eventually logged a 9.64 ERA with 27 hits and seven walks allowed over four starts (18.2 innings). With a decreasing strikeout rate and increasing barrel rate, the Diamondbacks pulled the plug on Keuchel and are expected to look at one of their young hurlers at Reno, including Martin, who was the key piece in the deal that sent Zack Greinke to Houston three years ago. The right-handed Martin has pitched well in back-to-back starts, most recently firing eight shutout innings for the Aces one week ago. The organization may also consider lefty Tommy Henry, who has a 3.55 ERA over 18 starts (96.1 innings) at Reno.

The Mariners released Ponce de Leon from his minor-league contract Sunday.

Ponce de Leon attended big-league spring training, but he never came particularly close to winning a spot on the Mariners' Opening Day roster and did little during his time at Triple-A Tacoma to make a case for a call-up. Over 16 starts in the Pacific Coast League, Ponce de Leon turned in a 7.95 ERA and 1.67 WHIP while striking out 80 and giving up 16 home runs over 71.1 innings.

Hall was named the International League Pitcher of the Week on Tuesday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Hall allowed one unearned run, four hits and five walks while striking out 18 in 10.2 innings over two starts for Triple-A Norfolk last week. While the control issues remain a concern -- he has a 5.5 BB/9 at the Triple-A level -- Hall has continued to show significant strikeout potential with a 15.1 K/9. Through 59 innings with Norfolk this year, he owns a 3.51 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 99:36 K:BB, with a 2.78 FIP that suggests he could make some improvements over the second half of the campaign.

The Reds reinstated Moreta (illness) from the COVID-19-related injured list Wednesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Ryan Hendrix, who was summoned from the minors as a replacement player when Moreta went on the IL last weekend, was returned to Triple-A Louisville to open up a spot on the 26-man active roster. Before he hit the shelf after apparently testing positive for the virus, Moreta had compiled a 7.09 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 29:9 K:BB across 26.2 innings out of the Cincinnati bullpen this season.

Stewart (elbow) signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Thursday.

Stewart should be nearing the finish line for his rehab program from May 2021 Tommy John surgery and will likely report to the Twins' extended spring training facility in Florida to complete his recovery. The 30-year-old right-hander saw big-league action in parts of four seasons between 2016 and 2019, logging a 6.05 ERA over 105.2 career innings.

The Tigers will promote Hill from Triple-A Toledo to start the second game of Thursday's doubleheader with the Athletics in Oakland.

A matchup with one of MLB's worst offenses in a favorable venue for pitchers looks like a good spot for Hill, but he'll have the misfortune of going head to head with the Athletics' staff ace, Frankie Montas (shoulder), who will take the mound for the first time since July 3. Before he was demoted to Toledo shortly before the All-Star break, Hill picked up two starts for Detroit and allowed seven earned runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out four over 11 innings.

The Athletics will promote Logue from Triple-A Las Vegas to start the first game of Thursday's doubleheader with the Tigers in Oakland.

Meanwhile, staff ace Frankie Montas (shoulder) will take the hill for the nightcap in what will be his first start since July 3. Even with Montas' return to action, the Athletics may have one spot available in the rotation on a more regular basis for either Logue or Adam Oller, who served as Oakland's No. 5 starter to close out the team's first-half schedule. Logue has turned in a 5.16 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 23:11 K:BB across 29.2 innings in the majors this season.

The Rays designated Criswell (shoulder) for assignment Tuesday.

The move comes three days after Tampa Bay claimed Criswell off waivers from the Angels. Prior to being claimed, Criswell had resided on the Angels' 60-day injured list due to an inflamed shoulder, but the 25-year-old is seemingly healthy after he made a five-inning rehab start for Double-A Rocket City on July 13. The 25-year-old will likely remain in Tampa Bay's organization as a member of the Triple-A Durham rotation if he goes unclaimed after losing his 40-man roster spot.

The Rays claimed Perdomo (hand) off waivers from the Brewers on Tuesday.

Perdomo has been rehabbing from a hand injury and began an assignment in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League a week ago. The lefty will report to Triple-A Durham and looks like he'll be active right away for the affiliate when the minor-league All-Star break ends. Since he'll get a spot on the Rays' 40-man roster, Perdomo should have the opportunity to make his first MLB appearance of 2022 at some point over the next two months.

The Tigers outrighted Carlton to Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday.

Carlton will remain in Detroit's organization after he went unclaimed off waivers upon being designated for assignment Friday. The 26-year-old right-hander has made five appearances with the big club in 2022, covering 8.2 innings while giving up four runs (two earned) on four hits and no walks.