MLB Player News

The Astros selected Blubaugh's contract from Triple-A Sugar Land ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday against the Tigers in Houston.

Blubaugh will be making his MLB debut Wednesday, but with Lance McCullers (forearm) seemingly on track to return from the 15-day injured list next week, the 24-year-old is likely headed back to Sugar Land regardless of how he performs versus Detroit. The young right-hander has struck out 28 batters and has allowed just one home run over 21 innings in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League this season, but walks have been an issue (10.8 BB%).

Torkelson is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game in Houston.

It's the first day off this season for Torkelson, who is in a bit of a mini-slump in going just 4-for-31 at the dish over the last nine games. Colt Keith will play first base and bat fifth for the Tigers.

The Astros placed Abreu on the paternity list Wednesday.

Abreu will be away from the Astros for between one and three games while he welcomes a new addition to his family. He'll temporarily cede his spot on the 26-man active roster to right-hander AJ Blubaugh, who was called up from Triple-A Sugar Land ahead of his first MLB start Wednesday against the Tigers.

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

Bowlan has turned in one scoreless appearance with the big club this season. He's clearing out to make room on the roster for Noah Cameron, who is making a spot start Wednesday.

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

Loftin was recalled this past weekend and didn't see any action during his brief time with the big club. He will return to a regular role with Omaha.

The Royals reinstated Tolbert (personal) from the bereavement list Wednesday.

Kansas City optioned infielder Nick Loftin to Triple-A Omaha to reopen a spot on the 26-man active roster for Tolbert, who had been away from the team since Sunday while tending to a personal matter. Since receiving his first big-league call-up March 31, Tolbert has made just one start and has logged just five plate appearances, but he's carved out a degree of utility in AL-only leagues by going 6-for-6 in stolen-base attempts.

The Royals recalled Cameron from Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

Cameron is set to make his major-league debut Wednesday with a start against the Rays, filling in for the injured Cole Ragans (groin). The left-handed Cameron has posted a 3.22 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 27:8 K:BB in 22.1 innings through his five starts with Omaha this season. Kansas City expects Ragans to be ready for his next turn, so as things stand right now it's likely to be just a spot start for Cameron before he returns to Omaha.

Cecconi (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Cecconi got a late start to the season due to a left oblique strain suffered back in mid-March, but he is finally ready to pitch in games. The right-hander could eventually push for a spot in the Cleveland rotation, but he'll need time in the minors to get ramped back up.

The Guardians acquired Festa from the Rangers on Wednesday in exchange for cash considerations.

The right-hander had been signed to a minor-league deal with Texas, so he won't be part of Cleveland's 40-man roster and will be assigned to Triple-A Columbus as he moves on to his new organization. The 32-year-old righty has seen big-league action in five of the past six seasons, and it wouldn't be surprising if he eventually gets a call to the Cleveland bullpen after getting off to a strong start to the campaign in the minors. Over his nine appearances for Triple-A Round Rock, Festa didn't allow a run across 14.2 innings and struck out 20 while walking seven and allowing 10 hits.

McCusker is hitting .329/.398/.671 with seven home runs in 23 games for Triple-A St. Paul.

McCusker isn't seen as a top prospect as a 27-year old playing in Triple-A and without much pedigree as an undrafted free agent. Still, he could get a shot in the majors this summer if the Minnesota offense remains in a slump.