MLB Player News

Sandoval (biceps) is an option to replace Connelly Early (elbow) in Boston's rotation, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy mentioned Sandoval or Brayan Bello as potential fill-ins for Early, who was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with left elbow inflammation. Sandoval, whose rehab assignment ends Saturday, will make one more start at Double-A Portland this weekend and is scheduled to throw around 70 pitches. With a scheduled day off coming Monday, however, Boston won't need a fifth starter until July 11.

Eaton will appeal the three-game suspension he received Thursday and will be eligible to play until the appeal process is completed, Evan Drellich of The Athletic reports.

MLB issued bans for Eaton and teammate Willson Contreras (seven games) along with Washington pitchers Cade Cavalli (seven games) and Miles Mikolas (five games) for their roles in a benches-clearing incident that occurred Tuesday. Eaton's suspension was set to begin Friday, but the utility player will remain active for the time being.

Contreras will appeal the seven-game suspension he received Thursday, allowing him to keep playing until the appeal process is completed, Evan Drellich of The Athletic reports.

MLB issued bans for Contreras and teammate Nate Eaton (three games) along with Washington pitchers Cade Cavalli (seven games) and Miles Mikolas (five games) for their roles in a benches-clearing incident that occurred Tuesday. Contreras' suspension was set to begin Friday, but he'll remain active for the Red Sox's series opener against the Angels while he waits for appeal process to play out.

The Guardians recalled Aleman from Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Aleman has been dominant at Columbus this season, authoring a 0.32 ERA and 43:7 K:BB over 28.1 innings. The big righty gave up one run over two outings covering 2.2 frames earlier this season with the big club. Aleman has the upside to be used in high-leverage situations, but the Guardians will likely deploy him in middle relief for now.

The Astros optioned Ullola to Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday.

Ullola couldn't have fared much better in his first two big-league appearances this week, logging four scoreless frames with a 7:0 K:BB and only two hits allowed. He should get another opportunity sooner rather than later, but for now Ullola's roster spot will be taken by Cristian Javier (shoulder), who is due back from the injured list Friday.

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.

McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored in Thursday's 10-4 loss to the Rangers.

While it's been a struggle overall this season for McKinstry, he is showing some signs of life lately. Over his last 12 games, the utility player is batting .304 with an .812 OPS, six RBI and eight runs scored, but McKinstry's season batting average (.199) and OPS (.577) are much more unsightly. The veteran is seeing fairly regular playing time at shortstop for the Tigers, so if he can keep up his recent level of performance, he has a path to consistent fantasy utility in the second half.

Keith went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Thursday's 10-4 loss to the Rangers.

Keith got only two at-bats before getting pulled for a pinch hitter in the sixth inning, but he still made an impact when he took Nathan Eovaldi deep in the fifth. After going the first 62 games of the year without leaving the yard, the 24-year-old has tallied all six of his long balls across his last 18 contests. During that span, Keith has an .869 OPS, compared to his .678 mark overall.

Lopez went 3-for-5 with a stolen base, an RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's 10-4 win over Detroit.

Lopez extended his hit streak to nine games, during which the infielder is 13-for-29 (.448) with two steals on four attempts, three RBI and five runs scored. Whether at second base or shortstop, Lopez has thrived since joining the Rangers, slashing .355/.388/.409 over 31 games, and there's plenty of playing time available while Corey Seager (back) and Wyatt Langford (hamstring) are on the shelf and Ezequiel Duran spends more time in the outfield.