MLB Player News

The Astros recalled Hernandez from Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Astros optioned Luis Contreras to Triple-A in a corresponding move. Hernandez has tossed seven innings in the minors this season, logging a 7:2 K:BB and a 1.29 ERA. He'll provide Houston depth out of the bullpen after Contreras threw 35 pitches in relief Monday.

The Astros optioned Contreras to Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Contreras threw 35 pitches across two innings of relief Monday against the Cardinals. On the season, he has a 9.00 ERA and 10:6 K:BB in nine innings of work. In a corresponding move, the Astros recalled fellow right-handed reliever Nick Hernandez.

Orioles GM Mike Elias said Tuesday that Kittredge (knee) could be back by the end of May, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Kittredge threw his first mound session over the weekend and seems to be flying through his return from arthroscopic knee surgery. The veteran right-hander could face live batters in about two weeks. Kittredge had originally been given a June/July timeframe for his recovery.

Brzykcy (quad) will begin a rehab assignment at Single-A Fredericksburg on Tuesday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Brzykcy strained his quad early on in spring training and was limited to just one appearance on the mound. Now healthy, Brzykcy will get his arm conditioned in the minors before a potential return to the big leagues. Brzykcy pitched at High-A, Double-A, Triple-A and in the majors during the 2024 campaign. In 5.2 innings with the Nationals last season, Brzykcy registered a 14.29 ERA and 4:3 K:BB.

Reds manager Terry Francona indicated Tuesday that Pagan will continue to serve as the team's primary closer for now even after Alexis Diaz's return from the injured list, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

Francona has suggested previously that he wants Diaz to get his closer job back, but he plans to ease the reliever back into high-leverage work. Pagan holds a 1.23 ERA and has successfully converted all four of his save opportunities thus far. While Diaz should get another crack at the ninth inning if he pitches well, fantasy managers should hang on to Pagan for the time being.

Reds manager Terry Francona said Tuesday that Diaz will not be the team's set closer, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

The skipper plans to use Diaz, who was activated from the 15-day injured list Tuesday, "when it makes sense." There's a good chance Diaz will eventually get his closer job back if he pitches well, but Francona has been pleased with Emilio Pagan's performance and it sounds like Pagan will continue serving as the club's primary closer for the time being.

The Reds activated Diaz (hamstring) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday.

Diaz has been shelved with a strained hamstring that threw his mechanics out of whack, but he's been deemed ready to go after making five rehab appearances with Triple-A Louisville. The reliever was tagged for four runs (three earned) on six hits and four walks while striking out eight over five innings during the stint, so the Reds might not entrust Diaz with the closer job right out of the chute. That said, manager Terry Francona has indicated a desire for Diaz to regain his closer job, so the 28-year-old looks like the best bet for saves in the Reds' bullpen over the long haul.

The Pirates recalled Shugart from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Shugart has tossed 3.2 scoreless frames during his time in the big leagues this season. The right-hander will operate in middle relief out of the Pirates' bullpen.

The Orioles optioned Selby to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday.

The transaction frees a spot on the active roster for waiver claim Scott Blewett. Selby made one appearance during his brief stint with the big club, allowing two runs over an inning of work.

Atlanta released Farmer on Tuesday.

Farmer was roughed up for five runs (four earned) with a 7:4 K:BB over 4.2 innings with Triple-A Gwinnett. The 34-year-old shouldn't have trouble landing another minor-league contract elsewhere.