MLB Player News

Melton didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Yankees, allowing no runs on two hits and one walk in 6.1 innings. He struck out seven.

Given the sweltering conditions at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, Melton hung in there for quite an efficient and impressive outing. The 25-year-old right-hander has been especially superb over his last three starts, during which he's yielded only a pair of runs to go with an 18:4 K:BB covering 18.1 innings. Melton will take an outstanding 2.05 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 32:10 K:BB over 43.2 innings into his next scheduled outing at home against the Athletics.

Warren didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Tigers, allowing two runs on five hits and no walks in 5.1 innings. He struck out seven.

Warren handled a bit of reduced workload Wednesday, tossing his second-fewest pitches (79) of the year, with the sweltering heat at Yankee Stadium potentially factoring into the quick hook. It was still an encouraging bounce-back display by the right-hander, who coughed up five runs and recorded no strikeouts his last time out in Boston. Warren will carry a quality 3.73 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 91:29 K:BB over 89.1 innings into his next scheduled outing at pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay.

The Yankees optioned Cruz to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday.

Cruz struck out three batters over two scoreless innings Tuesday, giving him six punchouts through 4.1 shutout frames to begin his MLB career. He'll lose his place in New York's bullpen in preparation for David Bednar's return from the paternity list, but Cruz's strong showings with the big club will likely buy him more opportunities in the Bronx later this summer.

Astros manager Joe Espada said that Javier (shoulder) will be activated from the 60-day injured list Friday and work out of the bullpen, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Before landing on the IL on April 10 due to a Grade 2 shoulder strain, Javier struggled over his three starts with Houston, coughing up 13 earned runs while striking out four batters and walking nine in 9.1 innings. Javier had been building up a starter during his rehab assignment and most recently tossed six shutout innings for Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday, but the Astros won't open up a spot for him in their crowded rotation. Espada noted that Javier's move to the bullpen isn't necessarily permanent, though it may take an injury to or poor performance by another starter before the 29-year-old righty receives another look in the rotation.

The Athletics announced Wednesday that Lasko underwent spinal decompression and stabilization surgery resulting from a C6-C7 vertebra fracture, which he sustained in a collision in the outfield with a teammate during a game Tuesday with Double-A Midland, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Lasko needed to be stretchered off the field after the frightening collision, which delayed the game for several minutes. The 24-year-old outfielder is in stable condition following surgery but is without a timeline to return to game action. Lasko has produced a .210/.275/.362 slash line with six home runs and five stolen bases in 74 games with Midland this season.

The Astros rescinded Teng's option and placed him on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a right knee sprain, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Teng had been sent down to Triple-A Sugar Land following Saturday's start versus the Tigers, but it's been determined he suffered an injury before that transaction and will instead hit the injured list. It's unclear how long the right-hander might be sidelined.

Pena (calf) did some light running at Daikin Park on Wednesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Pena was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday due to a left calf strain that had been lingering. The Astros are optimistic that the shortstop can return when his 10 days are up, and his ability to do some light running already bodes well for potentially reaching that goal. Raynel Delgado is filling in at shortstop for the Astros on Wednesday versus the Twins after Nick Allen manned the position the previous two days.

Sousa (elbow) will throw a simulated game at Daikin Park on Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Sousa has been limited to only five appearances for the Astros this season, first missing time due to an oblique strain and more recently battling left elbow inflammation. He's been shelved for nearly two months but appears close to throwing in a game. Sousa appears unlikely to join the Astros' active roster before the All-Star break.

The Royals placed Seabold on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a right lat strain.

Seabold had to be pulled from an appearance Tuesday against the Rays because of the injury. The severity of the strain is unclear, but even a mild one could result in an absence beyond the 15-day minimum. Seabold has pitched for three different teams this season, collecting a 5.25 ERA and 20:11 K:BB across 24 frames.

The Royals optioned Cerantola to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

Cerantola had a disastrous outing Tuesday versus the Rays, walking six of the nine batters he faced while surrendering a pair of runs. He'll head back to Omaha as the Royals replace him with a fresh bullpen arm.