MLB Player News

The Royals recalled Spence from Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

With Stephen Kolek going on paternity leave and missing his scheduled start Friday against the White Sox, Spence will give the Royals' bullpen some length behind opener Steven Cruz. Spence has appeared in two games for Kansas City this season, allowing 12 runs on 11 hits and six walks with just four strikeouts across eight innings. He's operated as a starter with Omaha.

Cruz is listed as the Royals' opener for Friday's game against the White Sox.

Kansas City has an opening in its rotation Friday with Stephen Kolek (personal) away from the team while he awaits the birth of his child, so Cruz will step in to make his first MLB start since 2023. The 27-year-old right-hander hasn't recorded more than six outs in any appearance this season and will be pitching on just two days' rest, so he's unlikely to last even once through the batting order. The Royals called up Mitch Spence from Triple-A Omaha on Friday, and he'll presumably be tasked with covering multiple innings in bulk relief.

The Pirates optioned Brannigan to Double-A Altoona on Friday.

Brannigan was on the major-league roster for just one day and did not play in Thursday's win over the Mariners. The 25-year-old has slashed .235/.333/.522 with eight homers in 31 contests during his time with Altoona in 2026.

The Pirates activated Griffin (elbow) from the 10-day injured list Friday.

Griffin has been sidelined for all of June after being diagnosed with a flexor strain. He played just one rehab game with Double-A Altoona, reaching base in all four plate appearances which included a home run and a triple. Griffin played shortstop in that contest, so it does not appear the Pirates will ease the rookie back into things at designated hitter. He's at shortstop and batting leadoff in Friday's game versus the Reds. The 20-year-old was slashing .270/.327/.402 with four home runs and 14 stolen bases in 51 games before getting hurt.

The Mets optioned Melendez to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.

Melendez had a hot first couple weeks with the Mets in producing a 1.024 OPS in his first 16 games, but he stumbled to a .123/.273/.222 batting line over his last 40 contests. Tyrone Taylor (hip) has returned from the injured list in a corresponding move.

The Mets optioned Duarte to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.

Duarte was just recalled Thursday and did not make an appearance in a loss to the Cubs. The righty reliever has managed five scoreless frames across three appearances for the Mets this season.

Bericoto went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 9-6 loss to the Athletics.

Bericoto went yard to center field in the sixth inning, giving the Giants a 6-2 lead before the bullpen melted down. The 24-year-old outfielder has started back-to-back outings, homering in both contests. He's slashing .231/.231/.577 with four RBI and three long balls across 26 plate appearances this season.

The Mets recalled Thornton from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.

Thornton is slated to either start or pitch in bulk relief Friday against the Phillies. The left-hander made a spot start in May in his major-league debut, permitting four runs on four hits and two walks in 4.1 innings in a loss to the Nationals. The southpaw holds a 4.25 ERA and 56:23 K:BB over 55 innings this season between Double-A Birmingham and Syracuse. Thornton could get an opportunity to make multiple starts for the Mets if he pitches well.

Adames went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and an additional run scored in Thursday's 9-6 loss to the Athletics.

The veteran shortstop scored the first run of the game in the fourth inning, launching a home run to left-center field off Jeffrey Springs. Adames also drew a walk in the sixth before coming around to score. Over 20 appearances in June, the 30-year-old is slashing .171/.232/.434 with 12 runs scored, nine RBI and six long balls across 82 plate appearances.

The Mets activated Taylor (hip) from the 10-day injured list Friday.

Taylor missed the last month of action while battling a hip flexor strain, but he's ready to roll after going 7-for-15 with a pair of home runs over four rehab games. The right-handed hitter will likely see most of his playing time versus southpaws as a short-side platoon partner for rookies A.J. Ewing and Carson Benge in the outfield.