MLB Player News

Llovera was placed on the 15-day injured list with a Grade 2 right flexor strain Saturday.

Llovera exited Friday's win over the Brewers after throwing 1.2 relief innings, and he'll be forced to miss at least two weeks after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain. A timetable for the right-hander's return isn't yet clear, but he isn't eligible to be activated until at least the end of July.

Castro (shoulder) won't throw for the next four weeks, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Castro hit the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain Saturday, an injury which is apparently quite significant. He won't throw again until at least mid-August and will have to build back up at that point, so a move to the 60-day injured list can't be ruled out.

Junis (hamstring) was activated off the injured list Saturday and is expected to pitch out of the bullpen, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Junis should be able to reclaim his rotation role after the break, but the Giants don't need a starter in either of the final two games of the first half, so he'll pitch in relief for now. He's available for up to 60 pitches in support of Alex Cobb on Saturday against the Brewers. Prior to hitting the injured list with a hamstring strain in mid-June, Junis had recorded a 2.63 ERA in seven starts and two relief appearances.

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

Hernandez is finally ready to go after making his way back from Tommy John surgery, a procedure he underwent in April of 2021. He made 16 rehab appearances, posting a solid 3.60 ERA but a worryingly high 19.7 percent walk rate. Prior to his long absence, Hernandez looked like a potential closer for the Rangers. The team is currently using a closer committee, so Hernandez could get the chance to stake his claim for the role at some point, but he may need some lower-leverage outings first to prove that the control issues he showed in the minors were merely temporary.

Alexy was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.

Alexy made his first major-league appearance of the season Friday against the Mariners and allowed three runs on three hits and three walks while striking out two in two relief innings. The 24-year-old recently transitioned into a relief role in the minors and will likely continue to work out of the bullpen in Round Rock following his demotion.

Reyes (undisclosed), who has been on the 7-day minor-league injured list since July 1, will begin a rehab assignment at High-A Aberdeen on Saturday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Reyes was sent down by the Orioles in early June, and he's apparently been dealing with an injury in recent weeks. While the nature of his injury isn't clear, the right-hander will return to game action with the High-A club just over a month after making his last appearance in the minors. It's not yet clear when he'll return to Triple-A Norfolk.

Lakins (elbow) recently had a setback in his recovery process, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Lakins has been on the injured list with right elbow inflammation since May 20, and he was shifted to the 60-day IL last weekend. The right-hander hadn't started a minor-league rehab assignment prior to his setback, and it's not yet clear when he'll be able to return to game action.

Criswell (shoulder) was claimed off waivers by the Rays and optioned to Triple-A Durham on Saturday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Criswell has been out all year while recovering from shoulder inflammation, and the Angels evidently didn't have a spot available for him now that he's healthy. He posted a 3.50 ERA and 24:4 K:BB across 18 rehab innings but will remain in the minors for now.

Castro was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain Saturday, retroactive to July 13.

Castro hasn't made any appearances since Sunday due to a shoulder injury, and he underwent an MRI on Friday that revealed a strain. The right-hander won't be eligible to return until late July, while Tim Locastro was recalled to take his place on the active roster.

King (6-2) was tagged with the loss in extra innings against Boston on Friday, giving up an unearned run without allowing a hit or a walk in one inning.

King didn't allow any baserunners, but a two-out wild pitch allowed Xander Bogaerts -- who opened the inning at second base as the automatic runner and moved over to third on a flyout -- to score the winning run. The loss does little to mar what has been a standout season for the righty reliever -- he's posted a 2.19 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 64:15 K:BB over 49.1 innings while notching 15 holds, six wins and a save. Since the start of June, King has allowed only two earned runs across 20.1 frames.