MLB Player News

The Mets optioned Myers to Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday.

Myers' most recent stint in the majors lasted only one day, and he allowed one run over two frames in Wednesday's win over the Royals. Dan Hammer is taking Myers' spot on the roster and in the bullpen.

The Mets selected Hammer's contract from Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday.

Hammer has collected a 2.16 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and a 38:21 K:BB across 33.1 combined innings between Double-A Binghamton and Syracuse. The 28-year-old will be making his major-league debut when/if he gets into a game.

Winn (elbow) allowed a walk while striking out one over a scoreless inning during Triple-A Sacramento's 6-1 win over Salt Lake on Wednesday.

After making rehab appearances in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League and Single-A, Winn continued his rehab assignment in Sacramento, throwing seven of his 14 pitches for strikes Wednesday. According to Evan Webeck of the California Post, Giants manager Tony Vitello said he expects the right-hander to return either just before the All-Star break or immediately afterward.

Rea (7-5) picked up the win Wednesday, giving up three runs on seven hits and two walks over 5.1 innings in a 9-7 victory over the Orioles. He struck out two.

The veteran right-hander did just about the bare minimum to record the win, leaving the mound after 91 pitches (58 strikes) with the Cubs ahead 4-3, and their offense was able to stay ahead of the bullpen's stumbles. After going winless over five outings in June, Rea has won two straight starts to begin July. He'll take a 4.75 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 70:36 K:BB through 94.2 innings into the All-Star break.

Fermin (head) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday, going 1-for-4 with an RBI.

Fermin served as the Chihuahuas' designated hitter, contributing an RBI single in one of his four trips to the dish. The 31-year-old is working his way back from a head bruise and is tracking toward being activated at the start of the second half.

The Pirates signed Kessinger to a minor-league contract Wednesday.

Kessinger -- who had been in the Mets organization -- will help backfill the organization's shortstop depth following the injury to Konnor Griffin (finger). The 28-year-old Kessinger missed the beginning of this season with a significant hamstring strain and slashed just .151/.242/.264 in 17 games with Triple-A Syracuse.

Atlanta designated Azocar for assignment Thursday.

Azocar was with the major-league club for a few days while Eli White was on paternity leave. With White returned to the active roster, Azocar is now headed to waivers. Azocar has re-signed with Atlanta on a minor-league deal after clearing waivers on two occasions earlier this season, so he could stick around.

Atlanta activated White from the paternity leave list Thursday.

White was away from the club the past few days while he and his family welcomed a new addition. He'll be available for Thursday's series finale in Pittsburgh.

Vargas went 1-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Wednesday's 10-4 loss to the Padres.

Vargas was included in the lineup for the fifth time in six games. He's made three starts at first base as well as one each at second and shortstop during that span as he looks to be settling into more of a utility role. Vargas has gone 5-for-18 over five games in July, and while that's not all that impressive, he's still showing more consistency at the plate than his main competition for playing time, Pavin Smith. Vargas is batting .257 with a .699 OPS, seven home runs, 46 RBI, 39 runs scored, 12 doubles, two triples and two steals through 79 games this season.

Arenado went 3-for-4 in Wednesday's 10-4 loss to the Padres.

All three hits were singles, and Arenado ultimately wasn't directly involved in any run production. The third baseman has gone 18-for-74 (.243) with six extra-base hits and six RBI over his last 20 games. For the season, he's hitting .243 with a .711 OPS, 10 home runs, 37 RBI, 39 runs scored, 16 doubles and three stolen bases over 86 contests.