MLB Player News

The Mariners recalled Mills from Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday.

Seattle called up Mills for the second time in three days after the team moved another reliever (Kendall Graveman) to the 10-day injured list. After getting a promotion Friday, Mills was roughed up for four runs in his lone inning of relief in the Mariners' loss to the Padres before being optioned to Triple-A the following day.

The Mariners placed Graveman on the injured list Sunday without a designation.

Given that Seattle placed four relief pitchers on the COVID-19 injured list Friday, Graveman's lack of an injury designation likely indicates that his shutdown is also the result of a COVID-19-related concern, whether it be a positive test or a contact-tracing issue. More clarity on Graveman's situation could come within the next few days, but for the time being, the Mariners will have to turn to other options in save situations. Rafael Montero and Keynan Middleton probably represent the best bets to work as closers in the short term.

Puk (biceps) allowed three earned runs on four hits and a walk over two-thirds of an inning in a rehab appearance for Triple-A Las Vegas against Salt Lake on Saturday.

The left-hander gave up some hard contact to a couple of hitters with major-league experience in Luis Rengifo and Jo Adell, who tagged him for a double and a solo home run, respectively. Saturday's outing represented a test of sorts for Puk, as it came on the shortest amount of rest yet (two days) during his four-appearance rehab assignment. It remains to be seen if Puk's poor final line will play any role in the Athletics' decision on when to activate him, as he'd already put together three previous solid appearances for the Aviators.

Yamamoto was removed from Sunday's start against the Marlins with right shoulder soreness, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The right-hander was pulled due to the shoulder issue after surrendering five runs (four earned) on six hits across four innings. It was likely only a spot start for Yamamoto with Jacob deGrom (side) set to return from this injured list this week, but the 25-year-old could now be headed to the injured list rather than back to the minors.

Lambert (elbow) was recently cleared to resume throwing bullpen sessions, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

Lambert will advance to the next phase in his rehab program following July 2020 Tommy John surgery after he experienced no setbacks while throwing off flat ground. The right-hander should gradually increase the intensity of his bullpen sessions over the next few weeks before testing himself against hitters in live batting practice at some point in June. The 24-year-old will have an outside chance to return from the 60-day injured list late in the second half of the season, but the Rockies likely won't be counting on him to fill a rotation spot.

Lakins was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday.

Lakins recorded a poor 7.36 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 12:11 K:BB across 14.2 innings at the major-league level this season. He'll work on finding his game in the minors. Brandon Waddell was called up in a corresponding move.

Betances (shoulder) threw a side session Sunday, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

The 33-year-old has been sidelined by a right shoulder impingement since making his season debut April 7, and this is the first indication that he's back to throwing. Betances is eligible to return from the 60-day injured list in early June, though he figures to face a longer absence given Sunday's side session was his first since landing on the shelf.

Karinchak (2-0) pitched 1.1 scoreless innings and struck out two to earn the extra-inning win over Minnesota on Saturday.

The right-hander was called upon for the last out of the ninth inning in a tied game. Cleveland couldn't win it in the bottom of the ninth, but Karinchak stymied Minnesota in the 10th. Cesar Hernandez then launched a walkoff two-run home run to give Karinchak his second win of the season. The 25-year-old reliever has added five saves, five holds, a 0.44 ERA, 0.48 WHIP and 38:7 K:BB across 20.2 innings this season as a dominant option at the back of Cleveland's bullpen.

Scott gave up three runs (two earned) on four hits and struck out one in one inning of Saturday's 12-9 loss to Washington.

The southpaw worked the sixth inning, but he didn't find much success as Washington racked up three runs to extend its lead. Prior to Saturday, Scott had pitched 3.2 scoreless innings over his last six appearances. The 26-year-old has a solid 3.00 ERA, but his 1.61 WHIP and 22:16 K:BB remain causes of concern for his ability to continue keeping runs off the scoreboard.

Zimmermann allowed five runs on seven hits and a walk with two strikeouts over three innings versus Washington on Saturday. He did not factor in the decision.

Zimmermann took a turn as the fifth starter and got through the order with relative ease the first time. The second turn didn't go as well for the southpaw, who allowed a grand slam to Josh Harrison in the third inning. Zimmermann has logged a 5.59 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 30:12 K:BB across 38.2 innings. He's started seven of his eight appearances, but the 26-year-old may not be a long-term solution for Baltimore's lack of starting pitching depth this season.