MLB Player News

Knehr was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Saturday.

Knehr was recalled from Double-A San Antonio to start in place of Blake Snell (sick) on Friday. He did not factor in the decision while allowing two runs on three hits and four walks across 3.2 innings. He'll now get his first taste of Triple-A with El Paso, and he figures to be an option for another spot start with the Friars later this season.

Strahm (knee) threw a simulated game Saturday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Strahm has been out all year while working his way back from October knee surgery. He appears to be closing in on a return, but he could need a handful of rehab appearances given the length of his absence.

Yabrough (6-3) earned the win Saturday against the Blue Jays, allowing two runs on five hits over five innings of work while striking out four and walking two.

It was another solid but unspectacular outing for Yarbrough, who dragged his ERA down negligibly from 4.34 to 4.30. He tossed a pair of scoreless innings before giving up a two-run homer to Marcus Semien in the third, but he settled down to throw two more scoreless frames before his day was done. His next start will come sometime after the All-Star break.

The Yankees recalled Abreu from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.

Abreu has a 2.13 ERA in 12.2 innings with the Yankees this season. He most recently pitched Wednesday at Triple-A, completing a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. Jonathan Loaisiga (COVID-19) will be out for the last two games against Houston, so Abreu and Brooks Kriske will provide some additional bullpen depth before the break.

The Yankees placed Loaisiga on the COVID-19 injured list Saturday.

It's unclear whether the reliever tested positive for the virus or if he's just in COVID-19 protocols. Regardless, he'll have the All-Star break to get healthy and potentially return for Thursday's series opener against the Red Sox.

Manager Dusty Baker doesn't expect Raley (COVID-19 protocols) to rejoin the Astros for Sunday's game against the Yankees, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Raley figures to be healthy and good-to-go when the Astros open the second half against the White Sox next Friday.

The Pirates recalled Kranick from Triple-A Indianapolis to start Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Mets.

As expected, Kranick will pitch the nightcap in his second start for the Pirates this season. The first start was fantastic, as he lasted five perfect innings and struck out three before a rain delay ended his afternoon.

The Phillies recalled Hammer from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Hammer has a 1.74 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 20.2 relief innings with the IronPigs this season. He last appeared in the big leagues in 2019, appearing in 20 games for the Phillies and posting a 3.79 ERA. Odubel Herrera (ankle) was placed on the injured list in a corresponding move Saturday.

The Mets recalled Hartlieb from Triple-A Syracuse to be the 27th man in Saturday's doubleheader.

Hartlieb, whom the Mets claimed off waivers Thursday, had a 7.71 ERA in 4.2 innings with the Pirates this season. He'll provide some added bullpen depth in Saturday's games before likely returning to the minors after the doubleheader.

Leone allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless inning to earn a hold in Friday's 5-3 win over Washington.

Leone has emerged as a reliable arm in the bridge to the late-innings duo of Tyler Rogers and Jake McGee. Through 17 appearances, Leone has a 1.04 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 19:5 K:BB across 17.1 innings. He's added five holds, two blown saves and a 2-0 record. With an FIP of 2.59, the right-hander's success so far should be fairly sustainable, although he's limited opponents to a .195 BABIP that will likely tick higher in the second half of the season.