MLB Player News

Keller (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday.

Keller has been sidelined by right forearm tendinitis since June 16, but he's now been cleared to return to a game setting and looks to still be on track to return to Philadelphia's bullpen well before the All-Star break.

Estrada (knee) has been throwing at the Padres' spring-training complex in Arizona, per MLB.com.

When Estrada landed on the IL with right knee inflammation June 5, it was initially believed that he wouldn't be out long. However, the righty reliever has now been sidelined nearly a month, and the Padres haven't shared a timeline for when he will return. San Diego recently lost setup man Jason Adam to the injured list because of a shoulder strain, so Estrada's continued absence has taken on extra significance.

The Athletics reinstated Leiter (hip) from the 15-day injured list Friday.

Leiter was placed on the 15-day IL on June 18 due to a right hip impingement. He's been cleared to return to the majors without embarking on a rehab assignment and will reclaim his spot in the A's bullpen. Geoff Hartlieb was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Orioles recalled Nunez from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday.

With Ryan Helsley (elbow) back on the 15-day injured list, Nunez will rejoin the Baltimore bullpen after posting a 4.98 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 38:14 K:BB across 34.1 innings spanning 32 appearances this season prior to being sent down 17 days ago.

The Orioles placed Helsley on the 15-day injured list Friday with right elbow discomfort.

Helsey felt discomfort in his elbow while warming up in the bullpen Wednesday, and he'll now miss at least the next couple weeks. The right-hander missed seven weeks with elbow inflammation earlier this season and just returned from the injured list two weeks ago. Rico Garcia figures to be next in line for saves for Baltimore.

The Guardians optioned Espino to Triple-A Columbus on Friday.

He'll swap places with Franco Aleman, who was summoned from Columbus in a corresponding move. The 25-year-old Espino made his major-league debut last month and allowed three runs on five hits and three walks with nine strikeouts across his first five big-league innings out of Cleveland's bullpen.

The Cardinals optioned Graceffo to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Graceffo has managed a 3.35 ERA and 1.12 WHIP out of the St. Louis bullpen this season but an 18:19 K:BB over 40.1 innings suggests rocky days could be ahead. He's being sent out in order to make space on the roster for the return of Ryne Stanek from paternity leave.

The Astros transferred Sousa (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The move was made in order to activate Cristian Javier (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list. Sousa hasn't pitched since May 4 and this doesn't alter his timeline, as he's still expected to rejoin the Houston bullpen following the All-Star break in a couple weeks. He's working his way back from elbow inflammation.

The Cardinals activated Stanek from the paternity leave list Friday.

Stanek missed the series earlier this week in Atlanta as he welcomed a new baby to the family, but he's active ahead of the Cardinals' weekend set against the rival Cubs. Gordon Graceffo was optioned to Triple-A Memphis in order to make room on the roster.

The Marlins recalled Kempner from Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Kempner was sent down last month despite logging nine scoreless innings with a 10:2 K:BB in six relief appearances. The 25-year-old will likely fill a middle relief role, but his stay in the majors could be brief as the Marlins will need a spot next week for a fifth starter, expected to be Janson Junk (shin).