MLB Player News

The Athletics optioned Spence to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday.

The transaction comes one day after Spence was torched for eight runs over six innings in a loss to Atlanta. Spence was not scheduled for another start before the All-Star break, so the A's have replaced him with some bullpen protection in the form of Osvaldo Bido. It's possible Spence gets another chance in the big-league rotation after the All-Star break, although he won't be eligible to be recalled until July 25.

The Rays optioned Orze to Triple-A Durham on Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

His roster spot will be filled by Bryan Baker, who was acquired via trade earlier Thursday. Orze has been a trusted member of the Rays' bullpen for much of the season, but he's stumbled lately, allowing nine runs (eight earned) over his last 10.2 innings.

Bautista earned the save in the opening game of Thursday's doubleheader with the Mets, delivering a perfect ninth inning to seal a 3-1 win.

Bautista has converted 11 straight save chances while allowing just one earned run in his last 16 innings. Overall, the 6-foot-8 right-hander has posted a 2.41 ERA across 33.2 innings with a 1.04 WHIP and 48 strikeouts while converting 18 of 19 save opportunities.

Waddell will serve as the Mets' opening pitcher in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader in Baltimore, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports.

He's being classified as an opener, but Waddell has the ability to go multiple innings, having lasted at least 2.2 frames in each of his last three appearances for the Mets. Once Waddell is done Thursday, Justin Hagenman is a good bet to eat some innings out of the Mets' bullpen.

McLean struck out 10 while giving up three hits and three walks over six scoreless innings for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday.

It's the second straight start with double-digit strikeouts for the 23-year-old right-hander, who is making a loud statement that he's ready for the next challenge. Over his last nine Triple-A outings, McLean has delivered a 2.59 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 54:20 K:BB through 48.2 innings. The Mets' big-league rotation is about to get significant reinforcements with both Kodai Senga (hamstring) and Sean Manaea (elbow/oblique) set to come off the IL right before the All-Star break, but McLean could make his MLB debut in the second half if injuries create further opportunities.

Williams struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his 13th save of the season in a 9-6 win over the Mariners.

The Airbender has put a shaky start to his tenure in the Bronx firmly behind him. Williams has converted nine straight save chances since moving back into the closer picture in late May, posting a 3.14 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 17:2 K:BB over his 14.1 innings, and he's been charged with runs in only one of his last 11 appearances. Given Luke Weaver's current struggles, Williams would seem to have a firm grip on the ninth-inning role for the Yankees.

Casparius notched a hold against Milwaukee on Wednesday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter over 1.2 scoreless innings.

Casparius got into a game for the first time since July 4, when he tossed three innings against Houston as a starter. Prior to that he had been working on a starter's schedule as a bulk reliever, but Wednesday's outing came in a traditional bullpen role. That appears to be Casparius' role moving forward, as Los Angeles' rotation is beginning to get healthy -- Tyler Glasnow returned from the IL and started Wednesday, while Blake Snell (shoulder) is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab stint Thursday. Casparius had also struggled in his previous four outings, allowing 17 earned runs over 15.2 frames during that span, so Wednesday's effective relief appearance was a positive step toward getting back on track.

Romero has surrendered just one earned run over his last 23 appearances, netting 12 holds over that stretch.

Romero held a 7.27 ERA and 5:6 K:BB over 8.2 innings covering his first 11 appearances. He was averaging just 92.8 mph with his sinker during that span, but after work in the weight room and a mechanical adjustment, Romero has his sinker up to 94.3 mph on average during the aforementioned 23-game stretch. The left-hander is the Cardinals' primary left-handed setup man and should continue to be a solid source of holds moving forward.

The Rays acquired Baker from the Orioles on Thursday in exchange for the No. 37 overall pick in the 2025 First-Year Player Draft, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Baker has been a dependable setup man for the Orioles this season, notching three holds, 11 holds and two saves while accruing a 3.52 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 49:9 K:BB in 38.1 innings. With Pete Fairbanks maintaining good health and excelling as the Rays' closer so far this season, Baker's path to saves isn't likely to get any clearer as he moves on to a new AL East locale, but he should be a key part of the bridge to the ninth inning in Tampa Bay.

The Mets recalled Warren from Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday.

Warren will be the 27th man on the roster for the Mets in Thursday's doubleheader against the Orioles. The righty reliever has allowed one run in five frames for the Mets this season and has collected a 3.82 ERA and 38:12 K:BB over 30.2 innings with Syracuse.