MLB Player News

The Nationals activated Ribalta (biceps) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday and optioned him to Triple-A Rochester.

Ribalta has recovered from the right biceps strain that's kept him out since mid-April, but the Nationals have elected to keep him at Rochester, where he had been on a rehab assignment. The righty reliever should get another opportunity with the big club later on this season.

Eder (0-1) took the loss Tuesday as the Angels were downed 6-3 by the Mets, coughing up five runs on seven hits and a walk over six relief innings. He struck out seven.

The left-hander entered the game in the third inning as the third Angels pitcher to take the mound, and Eder stuck around to the bitter end, tossing 67 of 98 pitches for strikes but serving up a three-run homer to Pete Alonso in the third that put the Mets in the lead for good. Eder has taken the ball every fifth day since July 13 and tossed at least 50 pitches in all three long-relief outings, but his 5.54 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 11:5 K:BB over 13 innings during that span aren't exactly encouraging. It's unclear what the team's plans are for the fifth starter spot, but if Eder stays on schedule his next appearance will come at home early next week against the Rangers.

The Rangers designated Jackson for assignment Wednesday.

Jackson still leads the Rangers with nine saves this season, but he has posted an uninspiring 4.11 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 24:19 K:BB over 35 innings. The right-hander is under contract at a manageable $1.5 million salary, so he could attract some interest via trade or waivers. Even if he quickly finds a home in a new organization, Jackson is unlikely to earn usage in high-leverage spots out of the bullpen, at least not right away.

Faucher earned the save in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Padres, allowing one hit without recording a walk or strikeout over 1.2 scoreless innings.

Faucher was called upon with one out and the tying run aboard in the eighth, and he delivered a five-out save on just 22 pitches. It was an encouraging effort after the 29-year-old blew a save Friday and entered Wednesday having allowed six earned runs across his previous eight outings. On the season, he's 9-for-14 in save chances with a 4.03 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 37:16 K:BB across 38 innings as part of a closer committee with Ronny Henriquez and Anthony Bender.

The Athletics selected Bowden's contract from Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Bowden earned a promotion by putting up a 1.36 ERA and 41:18 K:BB over 39.2 innings at Las Vegas. The left-handed reliever's lone action in the majors to this point came with the Rockies in 3032, when he collected a 6.56 ERA over 39 appearances.

The Athletics optioned Harris to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Harris has coughed up 12 runs (10 earned) over his last 14 innings to earn a trip back to the minors. His spot on the 26-man active roster and in the bullpen will be absorbed by lefty Ben Bowden, who was recalled from Triple-A.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Wednesday that Beeks (back) has a good chance at being cleared to face live hitters Friday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Beeks hasn't faced hitters since landing on the 15-day injured list just before the All-Star break with lower-back inflammation. It's unclear whether Beeks will need a rehab assignment before rejoining the Arizona bullpen.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Wednesday that there's a good chance Miller (forearm/back) will face live hitters Friday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Miller threw 16 pitches to hitters Tuesday but cut the session short when his back tightened up on him. The back issue is considered minor, however, and Miller looks like he'll be back throwing after a couple days of rest. Miller initially went on the 15-day injured list in early July with a right forearm strain. A timetable for his return should become clearer if he gets through a throwing session Friday without any concerns.

An MRI on Casparius' right calf came back negative Wednesday, Sonja Chen of MLB.com reports.

Casparius first felt his calf cramping while warming up prior to an appearance in Tuesday's 10-7 loss to the Twins and he was pulled after letting four straight batters reach base. While he doesn't have any structural damage and is expected to avoid the 15-day injured list, Casparius is likely to be unavailable to pitch for a few days.

Flexen surrendered five earned runs on seven hits and one walk while failing to record a strikeout over three innings of relief in Monday's 12-4 loss to the Royals.

Flexen made a four-inning start against the Yankees in his final appearance before the All-Star break July 11, but the Cubs shifted him back to the bullpen to begin the second half. He ended up being one of two bulk relievers the Cubs deployed behind opening pitcher Ryan Brasier on Monday, with Ben Brown giving up seven runs (six earned) in four innings before Flexen entered the contest in the top of the sixth. The Cubs still have a void in the rotation until Jameson Taillon (calf) returns from the injured list, so Flexen and/or Brown could be called upon to start or work in bulk relief the next time a fifth spot in the rotation comes up Sunday against the White Sox.