MLB Player News

Manager Joe Maddon said Tuesday that he'll avoid using Mayers in high-leverage spots for the immediate future, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander ranks second on the team with 13 holds, but he's given up three runs over three frames in his past five outings. Mayers posted a 2.10 ERA and 0.90 WHIP for the Angels in 2020, but he's been unable to replicate those numbers this season.

Nittoli was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Tuesday.

Nittoli made his big-league debut in late June and gave up two runs in one inning before returning to Triple-A Tacoma. The 30-year-old could remain at Tacoma if he goes unclaimed on waivers.

McCaughan was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday.

McCaughan was tagged for seven runs over four innings during his first big-league start Monday, and he'll now head back to Triple-A. Hector Santiago returned from his suspension Tuesday and should claim McCaughan's spot in the rotation.

Littell was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Littell has been a passable bullpen option this season, posting a 3.44 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 25:16 K:BB over 34 innings. The right-hander could rejoin the Giants later in the year if the team needs extra bullpen depth.

Long (back) was activated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Long has been on the shelf about three weeks with a back strain and will rejoin the active roster after covering one inning during a rehab appearance in the minors. The 26-year-old was working as a starter prior to the injury, but he'll be available out of the bullpen with San Francisco's rotation currently in good health.

Manager Dave Roberts said Kelly (hamstring) is unavailable for Tuesday's game at San Francisco, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The veteran right-hander tweaked his hamstring during Sunday's win over the Rockies and will be sidelined for at least one game. It's not believed to be a serious issue, so Kelly could be available for Wednesday's contest.

Medina (undisclosed) was activated from the 7-day injured list at Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

It never became clear what forced Medina to the IL, but he'll now return to the active roster after missing just under four weeks. The right-hander will resume his Triple-A campaign with a 5.73 ERA.

Montero and Kendall Graveman were traded from the Mariners to the Astros on Tuesday in exchange for Abraham Toro and Joe Smith, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Montero was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Friday, and he'll join the Astros instead of going through the waiver wire. The 30-year-old converted seven of 13 save chances this season and has struggled with a 7.27 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 37:15 K:BB across 43.1 innings.

Graveman and Rafael Montero were traded from the Mariners to the Astros in exchange for Abraham Toro and Joe Smith on Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The players will simply switch clubhouses since the two teams are in the midst of a three-game set in Seattle. Graveman has been electric this season with a 0.82 ERA, 0.70 WHIP and 34:8 K:BB over 33 innings, and he's recorded four holds and 10 saves in 12 chances. Ryan Pressly has also been dominant as Houston's closer this year, so Graveman figures to lose some fantasy value since he'll operate as a setup man for his new team.

King (hand) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

Per Lindsey Adler of The Athletic, manager Aaron Boone said that King saw a hand specialist Tuesday and he will continue to not throw for about another week. The right-hander's move to the 60-day IL means he won't be able to be activated until at least Sept. 3, though it's not yet clear if his arm will be fully ready at that point.