MLB Player News

Thompson (back) began a throwing program Monday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Arizona placed Thompson on the 15-day injured list Aug. 5, so his ability to start throwing soon after being deactivated suggests that he won't be in line for an extended stay on the shelf. Thompson had collected seven holds and four wins while pitching to a 4.43 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 40.2 innings over 46 appearances out of the Arizona bullpen prior to landing on the IL.

The Rays designated Martin for assignment Thursday.

Martin will cede his spot on the 40-man roster to Jorge Mateo, who officially signed a major-league deal with the Rays on Thursday. The 25-year-old righty has given up four runs in 11.1 innings with Tampa Bay this year and owns a 3.09 ERA through 43.2 frames at Durham, though his inability to limit traffic may deter teams from picking him up via waivers.

The Rays optioned Grove to Triple-A Durham on Thursday.

After giving up two home runs in two innings Wednesday, Grove will end up as the odd man out of a roster spot to make room for Jesse Scholtens, who was recalled from Durham in a corresponding move. Grove has now given up four earned runs in seven innings with the Rays but could still return to the big leagues down the stretch to provide a fresh bullpen arm.

The Rays recalled Scholtens from Triple-A Durham on Thursday.

Scholtens owns a 3.82 ERA and 1.27 WHIP through 37.2 frames in the majors this year but has fired 10.2 consecutive shutout innings at Triple-A. He'll return to the big leagues presumably to make a spot start during the Rays' upcoming series against Baltimore. Michael Grove was optioned to Durham in a corresponding move.

Speier (back) retired two batters -- one via strikeout -- and allowed three earned runs on three hits and two walks in Wednesday's 10-5 loss to the Yankees. He was the pitcher of record in the loss, dropping to 2-3 on the season.

Speier wasn't available for Tuesday's 4-1 loss while he nursed a back issue, but he received clearance for Wednesday's contest and was the first pitcher the Mariners turned to out of the bullpen when starter Bryce Miller exited after six innings. After entering a 5-5 game, Speier induced a Amed Rosario flyout to open the bottom of the seventh, but he allowed six of the next seven batters to reach base before he was mercifully pulled from the contest. Following the blowup appearance, Speier now sits on a 2.93 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over 30.2 innings on the season.

Devenski signed a minor-league contract with the Mets on Tuesday and was assigned to Triple-A Syracuse.

Devenski debuted for Syracuse on Wednesday, striking out a batter over a perfect inning of relief. The 35-year-old righty had previously spent the entire season in the Pirates organization, making just three appearances at the big-league level while missing extended time due to an unspecified illness.

The Blue Jays recalled Estrada from Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday.

He'll slide into the roster spot vacated by Brendon Little (paternity). Estrada has permitted seven runs (six earned) with an 8:8 K:BB over 12 frames during his time with the big club this season.

The Blue Jays placed Little on the paternity list Thursday.

He'll be away from the club for a few days while welcoming a new baby to the family. Lazaro Estrada will absorb Little's spot on the Blue Jays' roster.

Sanmartin struck out two across one scoreless inning in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Astros.

Sanmartin entered in the ninth inning, striking out two of the three batters he faced while throwing nine of his 15 pitches for strikes. He's logged three scoreless outings in seven appearances this season, posting a 9.45 ERA, 1.95 WHIP and 7:2 K:BB across 6.2 innings.

Black struck out a batter and allowed one earned run on three hits and two walks across three innings of relief in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Dodgers.

For the second time since he was recalled from Triple-A Omaha last Friday, Black pitched in long relief behind starter Daniel Lynch, who is getting gradually stretched out as he transitions from the bullpen to the rotation. After tossing five innings Friday against the Cubs, Black wasn't needed to provide as much length Wednesday, with Lynch building up to 2.1 innings and 39 pitches. Unless he's incredibly economical with his pitch count in his next projected start Tuesday versus the Athletics, Lynch is unlikely to reach five innings, so Black could have decent odds of picking up a win in that game if he's available to pitch behind Lynch.