MLB Player News

The Cubs recalled Rucker from Triple-A Iowa on Sunday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

He'll be joining the big club as a replacement for Alec Mills (back), who was placed on the 15-day injured list just seven pitches into his start in Saturday's win over the Red Sox. Since Mark Leiter came on in long relief and covered 5.1 innings out of the bullpen, he likely won't be available for at least a few days, so Rucker should provide a fresh arm in the interim. Over his previous 12 outings this season with the Cubs spanning 19.2 innings, Rucker posted a 5.49 ERA and 1.47 WHIP.

The Guardians selected Young's contract from Triple-A Columbus on Sunday.

Cleveland made a series of roster moves Sunday morning, adding a couple fresh arms in Young and James Karinchak following Saturday's doubleheader. Young, a 28-year-old lefty, owns a 4.90 career ERA in the big leagues, but he has pitched well out of the bullpen for Columbus this season (3.14 ERA in 27 appearances).

Karinchak was recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Sunday.

A few short years ago, Karinchak was one of the hottest young relievers in the game. He fell apart in 2021, with Karinchak's downward trajectory coinciding with MLB's sticky-stuff crackdown. The hard-throwing righty has not pitched well at all with Columbus this year (5.73 ERA, 1.91 WHIP), but the Guardians need a fresh arm, so they will give Karinchak a look in the majors for the first time this season.

Hatch was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

It was difficult to envision Hatch sticking around with the big-league team after he was clobbered for 10 earned runs on 12 hits in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Rays. Hatch was replaced on the active roster by Trevor Richards (neck). Given he has an ERA north of 5.00 with Buffalo too, Hatch could be a DFA candidate around the trade deadline.

Richards (neck) was activated from the 15-day injured list Sunday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander served up two homers in one inning during his lone rehab appearance, but the Blue Jays have reinstated Richards back to the active roster regardless. Chances are, Richards will be limited to mop-up duty, at least until he shows he can string together a few effective appearances. Richards has a 6.59 ERA and 1.57 WHIP through 28.2 innings for Toronto this season.

Taylor (back) allowed two runs on three hits and struck out one over one inning in a rehab outing for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.

This was Taylor's sixth rehab appearance, and the lefty has pitched on back-to-back days. Despite the volume of rehab innings for the reliever, Red Sox manager Alex Cora told Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com that Saturday's outing was not Taylor's final rehab appearance.

Barnes (shoulder) will face live batters Monday for the first time in his rehab, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Barnes threw yet another bullpen session at Fenway South in Fort Myers on Thursday and is ready for the next challenge. He's been sidelined since the end of May.

Dominguez (4-2) took the loss Saturday against the Cardinals, allowing a run on one hit while striking out two and walking none across 1.1 innings.

Dominguez gave up the game-winning run in the top of the ninth inning on a solo shot from Nolan Arenado. Since Corey Knebel lost the closing job, Dominguez has shared the closer role with Brad Hand. Dominguez still has a solid 1.80 ERA and has converted two of his three save chances on the season.

The Tigers selected Hill's contract from Triple-A Toledo on Sunday.

Though he'll be joining the Tigers ahead of Sunday's series finale with the Royals, Hill is slated to start the first game of Monday's doubleheader against the Guardians, according to Evan Woodbery of MLive.com. The 26-year-old right-hander received his first MLB call-up after turning in a 4.06 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 46:15 K:BB in 37.2 innings at Toledo following his late-May promotion from Double-A Erie.

Helsley (4-1) earned the win Saturday against Philadelphia, allowing no runs and no hits while striking out five and walking one in two innings of relief.

Helsley snagged the win after a ninth-inning walk-off home run from Nolan Arenado. He threw 23 of 37 pitches for strikes in a dominant two innings of relief. Helsley is clearly a high-leverage reliever for St. Louis, though the team seems to be splitting save chances between him and Giovanny Gallegos. Helsley holds a 0.83 ERA across 32.2 innings this season.