MLB Player News

The Astros optioned Ullola to Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday.

Ullola couldn't have fared much better in his first two big-league appearances this week, logging four scoreless frames with a 7:0 K:BB and only two hits allowed. He should get another opportunity sooner rather than later, but for now Ullola's roster spot will be taken by Cristian Javier (shoulder), who is due back from the injured list Friday.

The Phillies will recall Banks from Triple-A Lehigh Valley prior to Saturday's game in Kansas City, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The Phillies have a rare Friday off day because of the World Cup going on in Kansas City, so the Banks transaction will become official Saturday. Banks has posted a 5.86 ERA, 1.92 WHIP and 31:13 K:BB across 27.2 frames with the big club this season.

Atlanta designated Hamilton for assignment Friday.

Hamilton has allowed four runs with a 4:3 K:BB over 4.2 innings in low-leverage appearances out of the Atlanta bullpen this season. The 31-year-old accepted a previous outright assignment to Triple-A, so he could remain in the organization again if he passes through waivers.

Atlanta activated Young (elbow) from the 60-day injured list Friday.

Coming back from Tommy John surgery, Young was sharp in five rehab outings, posting an 8:4 K:BB while yielding just one hit and one unearned run over 5.1 innings. With a career 78:25 K:BB over 60.2 frames, Young could provide a nice boost to the Atlanta bullpen in a low-leverage role.

Atlanta optioned Karinchak to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday.

Karinchak was unscored upon in six straight outings before giving up one run in each of his last two appearances. He's being replaced with a fresh bullpen arm.

Castano (pectoral) is expected to begin a throwing program next week, MLB.com reports.

Castano will need more than a week to build up as he works his way back from a right pectoral strain, so he doesn't appear to be in line to return from the 15-day injured list until after the All-Star break. Before landing on the shelf June 21, Castano turned in a 3.92 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 17:6 K:BB in 20.2 innings over 10 appearances out of the Colorado bullpen.

Atlanta recalled Molina from Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday.

Molina has been used primarily as a starter with Gwinnett, so he will provide some length in the bullpen after the team's relievers were knocked around for eight runs in Thursday's loss to the Cardinals. The righty has been charged with four runs (three earned) in five innings for Atlanta in 2026.

The Athletics designated Krook for assignment Thursday.

Krook was roughed up for seven runs with a 5:4 K:BB over 3.2 innings during his brief time with the big club. The lefty has been outrighted previously, so he could elect free agency if he passes through waivers.

The Athletics activated Suarez from the paternity leave list Thursday.

Suarez was away from the club for a few days while welcoming a new addition to the family. Matt Krook was designated for assignment in a corresponding roster move.

Atlanta signed McCutchen to a minor-league contract Thursday.

McCutchen was released by the Rangers in late May after slashing just .192/.277/.260 across 37 games. The 39-year-old has been assigned to the Florida Complex League for the time being but should report to Triple-A Gwinnett once he's shaken off some rust. McCutchen could eventually get an opportunity in Atlanta as a short-side platoon bat.