MLB Player News

The Orioles designated Nicolas for assignment Saturday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Nicolas will lose his place on the 40-man roster in order to make room for Dom Keegan, who was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Saturday. Nicolas has given up seven earned runs in 7.1 major-league innings this season, and he hasn't been much better since joining Triple-A Norfolk (three earned runs in 4.1 IP).

The Orioles claimed Keegan off waivers from the Rays on Saturday and optioned him to Double-A Chesapeake, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Keegan was DFA'd by the Rays on Tuesday, but he'll retain a spot on a 40-man roster upon joining the Orioles organization. The 25-year-old backstop has spent the entire season at Triple-A, slashing .185/.322/.298 with six homers, 23 RBI, 24 runs and six steals through 214 plate appearances. He'll move down to Double-A to begin his tenure with the O's, but he could reach Triple-A Norfolk at some point if his hitting improves.

Langford was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's game against Toronto due to left hamstring tightness, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Langford has slashed .405/.457/.833 while logging a base hit in nine of the Rangers' last 10 games, but a hamstring issue will prevent him from continuing his hot streak Saturday. The severity of his injury is still unclear, but the team will likely provide more information in the near future.

Povich (elbow) made the second start of his rehab assignment for Double-A Chesapeake on Friday, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and one walk in 3.2 innings. He struck out four.

The 26-year-old left-hander also landed 44 of his 66 pitches for strikes. Povich is working his way back from nearly a two-month absence due to left elbow inflammation, but he could still be optioned to the minor leagues once activated from the injured list, especially if Dean Kremer (quadriceps) finishes his rehab assignment first.

Kremer (quadriceps) made his second rehab start for Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, giving up two hits and one walk in 6.2 scoreless innings. He struck out eight.

The 30-year-old right-hander fired 50 of his 79 pitches for strikes. Kremer, who's recovering from a multi-month absence with a right quadriceps strain, appears firmly on track to rejoin the Orioles at some point in early July, which will likely force Trey Gibson from Baltimore's rotation.

Teel isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Kansas City.

After going 2-for-5 with a homer, three RBI and two runs scored in Friday's blowout victory, Teel will grab a seat on the bench while Drew Romo starts behind the plate, batting ninth.

Springer (personal) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Texas.

Although no official roster move has been made just yet, Springer is expected to be away from the team for the weekend while on paternity leave. Vladimir Guerrero will fill in as Toronto's designated hitter with Springer out, opening up first base for Sean Keys.

Osuna isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays.

Osuna will pick up a day off Saturday after going 5-for-20 while starting each of Texas' last six games. While he rests, Jarred Kelenic, Wyatt Langford and Brandon Nimmo will start across the outfield.

Duran isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays.

Duran will grab a seat on the bench after going 2-for-4 with an RBI and a steal during Friday's win. His absence will allow Nicky Lopez to pick up another start at second base.

Higashioka isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Toronto.

Higashioka will get a breather after going 2-for-6 with a pair of walks through the first two games of the series. Elias Diaz will handle catching duties and bat eighth.