MLB Player News

Spiers didn't factor into the decision in Sunday's 15-7 loss to the Cubs after striking out seven while allowing three runs on five hits and two walks over four innings.

After allowing three runs in his first two innings, Spiers salvaged his major-league debut by retiring the final six batters he faced. The 25-year-old right-hander had shown some strikeout upside in the minors, punching out 45 over his last six Triple-A starts (33 innings). With Hunter Greene, Brandon Williamson and Ben Lively all due to return from the COVID-19 list, Spiers will most likely return to the minors soon.

Atlanta optioned Vines to Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

Though the young right-hander cruised to a win while striking out five over six innings of two-run ball in his big-league debut this past Wednesday in Colorado, he was sent back to Gwinnett to make room on the roster for a fresh relief arm in right-hander Ben Heller, who was called up from Triple-A in a corresponding move. Per Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta is likely to call up either of Michael Soroka or Dylan Dodd from Triple-A when the team breaks a new No. 5 starter into the rotation Tuesday versus the Cardinals. Vines will head back to the minors for now but should be an option to rejoin the big club later in September, either as a multi-inning reliever or starter.

The Rockies reinstated Anderson (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list prior to his start Sunday against the Blue Jays.

Anderson will rejoin the Colorado rotation after he had resided on the IL for the past five weeks due to shoulder inflammation. The 35-year-old righty will be returning to the 28-man active roster after he completed two minor-league rehab starts, most recently tossing three shutout innings and 64 pitches this past Tuesday for Triple-A Albuquerque. Though not fully stretched out, Anderson could be able to reach the five innings he would need to qualify for a win Sunday if he can be efficient with his pitch count.

The Red Sox placed Whitlock on the bereavement list Sunday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Whitlock will be away from the Red Sox for at least the next three days -- and no more than seven -- as he tends to a personal matter. Lefty reliever Brennan Bernardino (illness) was activated from the COVID-19 injured list in a corresponding move.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Kluber (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session soon, MLB.com reports.

If all goes well in the session, Kluber will go on a rehab assignment. Cora said the team hopes the right-hander can pitch again this season.

The Rays recalled Bradley from Triple-A Durham ahead of his start Sunday against the Guardians.

Bradley will be making his first appearance in the majors since July 29, when he surrendered five runs in just 3.1 frames against Houston. He's pitched to a 2.91 ERA and 1.38 WHIP through 21.2 innings in the minors since being optioned to Durham, but fantasy managers should be cautious with Bradley until he can re-establish himself as a regular part of the Tampa Bay rotation.

Grove (lat) has been throwing at the Dodgers' complex in Arizona and could be activated to join the big-league bullpen next weekend, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Grove has been on the shelf with right lat tightness since Aug. 5 but has recently been able to resume throwing. The right-hander may go on a minor-league rehab assignment with Los Angeles' Triple-A club in Oklahoma City prior to making his return to the majors, with the Dodgers' series in Washington that begins Sept. 8 looking like the target for his activation. Grove has started in 12 of his 15 appearances with the big-league club this season but will be a part of the team's bullpen upon his return, per Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register.

Rea came away with a no-decision in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Phillies, giving up two runs on three hits over 4.1 innings. He struck out six without walking a batter.

The right-hander had a little trouble keeping the ball in the park, serving up solo shots to Kyle Schwarber in the first inning and J.T. Realmuto in the second, but Rea was otherwise sharp in his return to the big-league rotation. The 30-year-old got the hook after only 66 pitches (46 strikes), however, denying him his sixth win of the season. Rea figures to get at least one more turn while Adrian Houser (elbow) is sidelined, and if he pitches well again next weekend on the road against the Yankees, he might be able to retain a spot in the rotation for the stretch run.

Nola (12-9) took the loss Saturday, coughing up seven runs on eight hits and three walks over 4.2 innings as the Phillies fell 7-5 to the Brewers. He struck out five.

Five of the eight hits off Nola went for extra bases, including a two-run blast by Carlos Santana in the fifth inning that helped chase the right-hander from the game. Nola saw his three-game win streak snapped, while the seven runs were the most he's allowed since he got tagged for eight by Arizona just over a year ago. He'll look to get back on track in his next outing, likely to come at home next weekend against the Marlins.

Muller is slated to start Sunday's game against the Angels in Oakland.

Despite being lit up for six earned runs on nine hits and three walks over four innings in his return to the rotation this past Monday in Seattle, Muller will get a second straight start. A strong showing against the Angels could buy Muller some more time in the Oakland rotation, but another poor outing would put him at risk of a move to the bullpen or a demotion to Triple-A Las Vegas next week. The Athletics could get some reinforcement to their rotation as soon as next week with both Luis Medina (finger) and Mason Miller (elbow) tracking toward returns from the injured list.