MLB Player News

The Cubs optioned Pearson to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.

Pearson's stay with the Cubs lasted just two days, with the right-hander getting sent back to Iowa after he was roughed up for five earned runs on five hits and two walks over two innings while mopping up in Sunday's 14-6 loss to the Mariners. Chicago called up right-hander Michael Fulmer from Iowa to take Pearson's spot in the bullpen.

The Rangers optioned Boushley to Triple-A Round Rock on Monday.

After giving up five earned runs on 10 hits and one walk while tossing four innings and 72 pitches in relief in Sunday's 8-3 loss to the Pirates, Boushley wasn't going to be available for at least the next couple of days, so the Rangers opted to move him off the active roster in exchange for a fresh arm. Texas called up right-hander Dane Dunning from Triple-A to replace Boushley.

The Rangers selected Dunning's contract from Triple-A Round Rock on Monday.

Dunning will be available out of the bullpen for Monday's series opener in Baltimore, but if he goes unused, he'll be an option to make a spot start or serve as a bulk reliever in Tuesday's contest. Since being outrighted off the Rangers' 40-man roster in May, Dunning has been working out of the rotation at Round Rock, pitching to a 3.76 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 28:9 K:BB in 26.1 innings. Even if he ends up getting a start Tuesday, Dunning likely won't be in store for multiple turns through the rotation since Nathan Eovaldi (triceps) looks poised to return from the 15-day injured list later this week.

The Mets optioned Zuber to Triple-A Syracuse on Monday.

He's being replaced on the roster and in the bullpen by Richard Lovelady, who signed a one-year contract with the team. Zuber was with the big club for just a couple days, allowing two runs over two innings in his lone relief appearance.

Junk is scheduled to start Thursday's game against the Giants in San Francisco, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Junk will make his second straight start and his third consecutive turn through the rotation overall, after he previously worked in bulk relief in a July 14 victory over Washington. The right-hander has been credited with the win in both of his last two appearances while permitting just one earned run on seven hits and no walks while striking out nine over 10.2 innings. Junk doesn't have a long track record of success at the big-league level, but he should be able to hold down a rotation spot for Miami until Max Meyer (hip) or Ryan Weathers (lat) is ready to return from the injured list.

The Mets signed Lovelady to a one-year contract Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Lovelady opted out of his minor-league contract with the Twins last week and now joins the Mets' big-league roster. The lefty reliever allowed four runs over 1.2 innings earlier this season with the Blue Jays but collected a 1.31 ERA and 22:7 K:BB over 20.2 innings with Triple-A St. Paul.

Garcia (shoulder) was sent to the rookie-level Florida Complex League on Monday to begin a rehab assignment.

He's been cleared to pitch in games after missing the past month due to a right shoulder impingement. Garcia will likely move up to a higher affiliate eventually to continue his rehab but shouldn't require more than a few appearances before returning from the 15-day injured list.

Cruz (2-3) earned the win over Baltimore on Sunday, striking out all three batters he faced in a perfect inning of work.

Cruz came on in the eighth inning with the Orioles up 2-1, inheriting runners on first and second base with no outs. The right-hander put out the fire by striking out Ramon Laureano, Colton Cowser and Cedric Mullins on 13 total pitches. Cruz has been a punchout machine since coming off the injured list June 3, racking up 15 strikeouts over 6.2 innings covering eight appearances. He's given up four runs in that span but overall still holds a solid 3.26 ERA as one of New York's top high-leverage options this season.

Rogers picked up a hold in a scoreless inning during Sunday's 9-5 win over the Red Sox, allowing two hits while striking out one.

The 34-year-old surrendered a pair of singles, though Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran was thrown out trying to stretch the first one into a double. Rogers was effective while earning his second hold in as many days, throwing 10 of his 12 pitches for strikes. The right-hander now owns a 1.24 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and a 31:4 K:BB across 36.1 innings in 38 appearances this season.

Casparius (6-1) picked up the win Sunday against Washington, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk with two strikeouts over five innings.

Casparius followed Shohei Ohtani for a second consecutive outing and completed five frames for the first time this season. All of the damage against Casparius came with one swing of the bat when Nathaniel Lowe launched a three-run home run in the third inning. In his last three outings, Casparius has allowed six runs with a 6:4 K:BB over 12.2 innings. He's in line to make his next appearance against Kansas City, though he may follow Ohtani again.