MLB Player News

The Athletics designated Junk for assignment Thursday.

Junk's lone appearance for the Athletics went as poorly as it could possibly go, as he was walloped for seven runs without recording an out in Wednesday's loss to the Mariners. He'll be replaced on the roster by Brady Basso.

Crawford is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest in Oakland.

It's a routine day off for Crawford, who is just 2-for-24 at the plate since returning from the injured list. Leo Rivas will start at shortstop and bat ninth for the Mariners.

Arozarena is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game in Oakland.

It's the second day off for Arozarena since he was acquired by the Mariners via trade in late July. Victor Robles will shift over to left field and Mitch Haniger will get the start in right field in Thursday's series finale.

The Royals activated Altavilla (oblique) from the 60-day injured list Thursday and designated him for assignment.

Altavilla is recovered from his right oblique strain, but the Royals have decided there isn't a place for him on the active roster. The veteran reliever has coughed up six runs over 3.2 frames covering five appearances for Kansas City this season.

The Royals optioned Cruz to Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

Cruz had three scoreless appearances during his brief stint in the majors but nonetheless will head back to Omaha. He could get another opportunity later this month.

The Royals activated Renfroe (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Renfroe has been shelved since late August with a right hamstring strain but got through a rehab game this week with no issues. It's unclear how the Royals will make all the pieces fit, as they acquired Tommy Pham, Yuli Gurriel and Robbie Grossman since Renfroe was last active. He will likely start against most lefties, but it's possible he could ride the pine against some righties.

The Yankees activated Gil (back) from the 15-day injured list Thursday, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.

Gil will rejoin the rotation Friday with a start against the Cubs after missing the last two weeks with lower-back discomfort. He went just 3.2 innings but threw 80 pitches in his lone rehab start, so Gil is mostly stretched out. The Yankees could look to shift Gil to relief later in September and perhaps even use him as their closer, but for now, the right-hander will be part of what appears to be a six-man rotation.

The Twins transferred Funderburk (oblique) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list Thursday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of DaShawn Keirsey. Funderburk resumed throwing in late August as he works his way back from a left oblique strain but now isn't eligible for activation until late September.

Gray went 1-for-4 with a double in a loss to the Mariners on Wednesday.

Gray recorded his first hit in an Athletics uniform when he laced one of three doubles in the lopsided loss for Oakland. The 28-year-old, who had just five career big-league plate appearances prior to this season, is capable of playing across the infield and has now drawn three straight starts.

The Twins placed Kepler on the 10-day injured list Thursday with left patellar tendinitis, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Kepler had missed four straight games and started just three of the last 11 contests because of the nagging knee issue. The Twins have finally opted to put him on the IL, bringing up DaShawn Keirsey as a replacement. Most of the playing time in right field while Kepler is sidelined should go to Matt Wallner.