MLB Player News

Atlanta optioned Karinchak to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday.

Karinchak was unscored upon in six straight outings before giving up one run in each of his last two appearances. He's being replaced with a fresh bullpen arm.

Castano (pectoral) is expected to begin a throwing program next week, MLB.com reports.

Castano will need more than a week to build up as he works his way back from a right pectoral strain, so he doesn't appear to be in line to return from the 15-day injured list until after the All-Star break. Before landing on the shelf June 21, Castano turned in a 3.92 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 17:6 K:BB in 20.2 innings over 10 appearances out of the Colorado bullpen.

Atlanta recalled Molina from Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday.

Molina has been used primarily as a starter with Gwinnett, so he will provide some length in the bullpen after the team's relievers were knocked around for eight runs in Thursday's loss to the Cardinals. The righty has been charged with four runs (three earned) in five innings for Atlanta in 2026.

The Athletics designated Krook for assignment Thursday.

Krook was roughed up for seven runs with a 5:4 K:BB over 3.2 innings during his brief time with the big club. The lefty has been outrighted previously, so he could elect free agency if he passes through waivers.

The Athletics activated Suarez from the paternity leave list Thursday.

Suarez was away from the club for a few days while welcoming a new addition to the family. Matt Krook was designated for assignment in a corresponding roster move.

Munoz earned a save against the Angels on Thursday, allowing two hits and walking one batter in one scoreless inning.

Munoz had little margin for error when he took over in the ninth frame, as Seattle held a meager 1-0 lead. The veteran closer allowed the first two batters he faced to reach base and yielded three total baserunners in the inning, but a caught stealing helped him escape without blowing the save. The unsteadiness has been typical for Munoz this season -- he's recorded 16 saves but has also blown five opportunities while posting an uncharacteristic 4.60 ERA ad 1.34 WHIP. Nonetheless, he's locked into the closer role and has now successfully converted each of his past seven save chances.

Waldrep took a no-decision Thursday against the Cardinals, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk in 5.1 innings. He struck out four.

Waldrep gave up all three of his runs in the opening frame, but he was at least able to settle in afterwards and push for a quality start. The 24-year-old right-hander threw 76 pitches in his second major-league outing of 2026, so he may not be fully built up to handle a traditional starter's workload quite yet. Waldrep is contending with Grant Holmes' for a rotation spot going forward, and Thursday's showing might have offered the club enough positive takeaways to hand Waldrep another chance to start next week in Pittsburgh.

Taylor (4-2) took the loss and blew the save Thursday against the Guardians, allowing two runs on one hit and two walks in 1.1 innings. He struck out two.

Even though Seranthony Dominguez has blown back-to-back saves, Taylor isn't making much of a case for ninth-inning work. The 24-year-old right-hander has coughed up eight runs in his last seven outings, blowing two save chances during that stretch. Taylor still has a strong 3.02 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 64:14 K:BB over 44.1 innings, but he's converted only two of his five save opportunities and has just five holds.

Baker secured the save Thursday against the Royals, striking out one in a clean ninth inning.

Baker remains firmly entrenched as Tampa Bay's closer. The 31-year-old right-hander has yielded just one run in his past 15 outings and last blew a save back on May 13, converting 11 straight. His 22 saves trail only Cade Smith's 26 for the major-league lead, while Baker boasts a 1.89 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 36:11 K:BB over 33.1 innings.

Seymour (5-1) earned the win Thursday against the Royals, allowing one run on three hits and one walk in six innings. He struck out eight.

That's now back-to-back quality starts for Seymour, who has excelled over his past five outings (three starts) while getting stretched out. During that span, the 27-year-old southpaw has a 2.52 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 27:6 K:BB covering 25 innings. Seymour, who holds a 4.02 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 60:21 K:BB over 56 innings on the year, is pushing for a permanent stay in the Rays' rotation, but a tough assignment against the Yankees awaits him for his next start.