MLB Player News

Sands will start the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Tigers, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Sands missed nearly two weeks with a left groin strain earlier in May, but he returned to action May 24 and tossed three scoreless innings at Triple-A St. Paul. Both of the right-hander's appearances with the Twins have come out of the bullpen, but he'll make his first major-league start during Tuesday's nightcap.

Abreu was designated for assignment by the Rangers on Monday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Abreu spent several weeks on the injured list due to an ankle injury, but he tossed a scoreless relief inning against the Athletics on Saturday after being reinstated from the IL on Tuesday. However, the 26-year-old will lose his spot on the 40-man roster as part of a move after several position players were called up Monday.

Soto worked around a hit to pitch a scoreless ninth inning and earn the save in Monday's win over the Twins. He struck out one.

Soto recorded his second save in as many days, giving him nine for the season in 10 chances. After a few rough outings earlier this month, the lefty has now tallied eight straight scoreless appearances, which has lowered his ERA to 2.16. Detroit is just 18-29, so Soto may not see a ton of save opportunities moving forward, but he should still have plenty of fantasy value due to his role and recent performance.

Vizcaino's contract was selected by the Royals on Monday.

Vizcaino signed a minor-league contract with Kansas City in January and has posted a 1.76 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 15.1 innings over 16 relief appearances at Triple-A Omaha this year. The 31-year-old hasn't made a major-league appearance since 2019 but will serve as an extra bullpen arm after the Royals placed several relievers on the COVID-19 injured list Monday.

Vest (illness) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo on Monday.

Vest has been out for 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19. Given the relatively short length of his absence, he may not need more than a single rehab appearance before returning to the active roster.

Cuas' contract was selected by the Royals on Monday.

Cuas was promoted to Triple-A Omaha late in 2021, and he began the 2022 season in Omaha after serving as a non-roster invitee this spring. Over 23 relief appearances at the Triple-A level, the 27-year-old has posted a 1.40 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in 25.2 innings. The right-hander hasn't yet made his major-league debut but will provide assistance in the bullpen after the Royals placed several relievers on the COVID-19 injured list Monday.

Speier was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Monday.

The Royals officially placed Speier on the IL without an injury designation, but that presumably means that he's sidelined due to the league's COVID-19 protocols. While it's not yet clear whether the southpaw has tested positive for the virus, he'll need to spend some time away from the team. Speier had been effective recently, striking out four in 3.2 scoreless innings over his last three appearances.

Garcia (4-2) earned the win over Pittsburgh on Sunday with a scoreless inning that included one strikeout.

Garcia was tasked with handling the top of the 10th inning for San Diego, and he kept the Pirates off the scoreboard with the help of an errant pitch that fortuitously resulted in Hoy Park being tagged out at home plate. The right-hander was credited with the win when Trent Grisham blasted a walkoff homer in the bottom of the frame. Garcia has been effective out of the bullpen for the Padres this season, posting a 2.95 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 18:6 K:BB across 18.1 innings. In addition to his four wins, he has notched nine holds.

Strzelecki had his contract selected by the Brewers on Monday.

Strzelecki will join the Brewers after pitching 16.1 innings with Triple-A Nashville this season, producing a 3.86 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 26 strikeouts in 14 appearances. The move was made in correspondence with Brandon Woodruff (ankle) being placed on the 15-day IL and 27-year-old will have a chance to make his major-league debut.

Naughton was called up from Triple-A Memphis and will start Monday's contest versus the Padres, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Naughton will return to the major-leagues to make his second start of the season and seventh appearance overall. He has produced a 2.89 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with eight strikeouts over 9.1 innings with the Cardinals in 2022. With Steven Matz (shoulder) potentially returning soon, Naughton may just make one start before returning to Triple-A, but time will tell.