MLB Player News

The Astros activated Hader (biceps) from the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

Hader is ready to go after missing the first two months of the season with left biceps tendinitis. He was also shelved down the stretch of last season with a left shoulder strain, though the issues are considered unrelated. Hader posted a 4.15 ERA and 11:3 K:BB over 8.2 innings on a rehab assignment and displayed diminished velocity, averaging just 92.9 mph with his four-seamer in his last rehab appearance. The southpaw should move back into the Houston closer role even if he's unable to rediscover the pep on his heater, though Hader might be eased into high-leverage situations.

The Royals selected Way's contract from Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

Way earned the call-up by collecting a 4.50 ERA and 42:10 K:BB over 30 innings with Omaha. The 26-year-old right-hander will be making his major-league debut if/when he enters a game.

The Royals optioned Morgan to Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

Morgan pitched the last two days and three of the last four, so he's being sent out in favor of a fresh bullpen arm. The righty holds a 5.51 ERA and 15:8 K:BB across 16.1 innings during his time with the Royals this season.

Lovelady will start Tuesday's game against the Marlins, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

It will be the fourth opening assignment of the year for the 30-year-old, who has also been in the high-leverage mix for the Nationals with four saves and four holds. The recent return of Clayton Beeter may have pushed Lovelady into more of a middle-relief role, especially with his 1.75 WHIP being unsustainable for late-inning work.

The Phillies optioned Hoffman to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday.

Hoffman made one appearance during his most recent stint with the big club, getting charged with one run over 1.1 innings. He's exiting the active roster in order to make space for Aaron Nola's return from paternity leave.

The Reds designated Richardson for assignment Tuesday.

Richardson served as the opener Monday versus Kansas City and took the loss after surrendering four runs over one inning, and he's now been removed from both the 26-man and 40-man rosters. Brandon Leibrandt was also DFA'd, opening up roster space for the promotions of Zach McCambley and Luis Mey.

The Reds designated Leibrandt for assignment Tuesday.

The left-hander had his contract selected from Triple-A Louisville on Monday and was immediately called upon to cover six innings out of the bullpen. Leibrandt gave up five runs on 10 hits and three walks with six strikeouts. It was the 33-year-old's first big-league appearance since 2024.

The Twins optioned Funderburk to Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday, Theodore Tollefson of Zone Coverage reports.

The transaction clears a spot on the active roster for Justin Lawrence, who was acquired via trade. Funderburk has managed a 3.44 ERA for the Twins this season, but that's come with an ugly 10:16 K:BB over 18.1 innings.

Jackson has struck out four batters while allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits and one walk across 4.1 innings in four appearances for Triple-A Omaha since signing a minor-league contract with the Royals on May 22.

Kansas City is Jackson's second organization of the season, as he previously signed a minor-league deal with the Mets in April before being released in mid-May after posting an 11.57 ERA and 2.14 WHIP over 4.2 innings at Triple-A Syracuse. Jackson hasn't fared much better thus far with the Royals' Triple-A affiliate and doesn't appear likely to be in the mix for a promotion to the big leagues anytime soon.

King is likely to move into a setup role with the Astros in the wake of the expected activation of closer Josh Hader (biceps) from the injured list Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Bryan Abreu was expected to step into the closer role with Hader sidelined to begin the season, but his early struggles opened the door for King, who leads the team with six saves. With Hader coming back to reclaim the ninth inning, King should now slide into a setup role. He's been effective with a 2.84 ERA across 25.1 innings this year, though his 1.30 WHIP and 19:10 K:BB are a bit underwhelming.