MLB Player News

Atlanta outrighted Arano to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday after he cleared waivers, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Arano posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in seven innings for Gwinnett before Atlanta cast him off its 40-man roster Friday. The 26-year-old posted a 2.73 ERA and gathered 10 holds in 60 appearances for the Phillies in 2018, but he hasn't re-emerged as a big-league-caliber reliever since undergoing arthroscopic elbow surgery in May 2019.

The Cardinals assigned Webb to Triple-A Memphis after he cleared waivers Sunday.

Webb was designated for assignment Thursday after posting an ugly 13.22 ERA and 2.51 WHIP over his 22 relief appearances for the big club this season. The 30-year-old will likely need to show sharper command and control at Triple-A for an extended period before the Cardinals entertain the idea of adding him back to the 40-man roster.

Junis was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Sunday, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports reports.

Junis picked up a relief win during his last outing, but he's posted a 5.19 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 34.2 innings across 15 innings (five starts) to begin the year. He'll head to the minors as part of a shuffle to make room for Jackson Kowar, who will be called up to make his major-league debut as Monday's starter against the Angels.

Kowar will be called up to start Monday's game against the Angels, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports reports.

Kowar was dominant in the minors to begin the season, and he was named the Triple-A East pitcher of the month in May. Across six starts for Triple-A Omaha, the right-hander posted a 0.85 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 41:10 K:BB in 31.2 innings. Kowar boasts a mid-90s fastball and an elite changeup and will fill in while Danny Duffy (forearm) is sidelined, though the 24-year-old could also make a case for a long-term rotation spot.

The Orioles optioned Lowther to Triple-A Norfolk following Sunday's 18-5 win over Cleveland, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports. Lowther covered the final two innings of the contest, giving up two runs on three hits while striking out three.

Baltimore summoned Lowther from Triple-A earlier Sunday after staff ace John Means (shoulder) was moved to the injured list in a corresponding move. Due to upcoming off days Monday and Thursday, the Orioles are expected to get by with four starters until June 15 in Cleveland, so the team didn't call up Lowther to serve as a direct replacement in the rotation. Lowther would be eligible to rejoin the Orioles on June 15, so he could still be an option to start that game if Means isn't ready to return from the IL.

Smith gave up a solo home run and struck out one in one inning to earn the save in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Dodgers.

The southpaw was taken deep by Albert Pujols in the ninth inning, but he was able to close out the contest. Smith has given up a run in two of his three appearances in June. He's now a perfect 11-for-11 in save chances despite a somewhat shaky 4.30 ERA and has posted a 1.17 WHIP and 33:8 K:BB across 23 innings. He entered Sunday with a 2.04 FIP, so it's fair to say he's had some bad luck. However, it hasn't resulted in any risk to Smith's grip on the closer job.

Pressly allowed a walk in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Sunday's 6-3 win over Toronto.

Pressly was never in danger of giving up a three-run lead in the ninth inning. Houston's closer has gone 9-for-10 in save chances with a 2.16 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 25:5 K:BB across 25 innings this year.

Garcia pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Sunday's 3-1 win over Pittsburgh.

After taking blown saves in his last two outings, this was an encouraging return to form for Garcia. He protected a two-run lead to make sure Sandy Alcantara's eight-inning gem didn't go to waste. For the year, Garcia is 10-for-13 in save chances. He's posted a 2.63 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 23:7 K:BB across 24 innings.

Triple-A Omaha reinstated Lovelady (undisclosed) from its 7-day injured list Sunday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Lovelady's injury had prevented him from pitching since he was optioned to the minors April 17. The 25-year-old lefty has made 26 appearances out of the Kansas City bullpen over the past two seasons, logging a 7.71 ERA over 21 career innings.

Voth was removed in the top of the third inning of Sunday's game against the Phillies after he was hit in the face by a Vince Velasquez pitch during an at-bat, Maria Torres of The Athletic reports.

Summoned from the bullpen to make a spot start in place of Stephen Strasburg (neck), Voth struck out two over a perfect two innings and appeared poised to come back out for a third frame. However, he didn't get the opportunity after taking a 90 mile-per-hour Velasquez offering to the front of his helmet, with the ball then deflecting off the left side of his face. Though sporting a bloody nose, Voth was able to walk off the field under his own power, but he'll likely be subject to X-rays and concussion tests before the Nationals provide an updated diagnosis of his injury.