MLB Player News

The Phillies optioned Lazar to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Lazar will lose his place in the Phillies' bullpen after giving up three runs in four innings across three appearances since receiving a promotion to the majors July 7. Kyle Backhus was recalled from Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move.

The Phillies recalled Backhus from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Backhus has posted a 5.87 ERA and 1.57 WHIP across 15.1 innings in the majors this season, but he'll return to Philadelphia to provide the big club with a fresh bullpen arm. Max Lazar was sent down to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

The Phillies optioned McFarlane to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

McFarlane made just one appearance with the Phillies after being promoted Monday, allowing one hit in a scoreless inning against the Dodgers. He'll now head back to the minors to help make room on Philadelphia's pitching staff for Brian Keller, who is set to work as a bulk reliever Saturday.

The Phillies transferred Banks (forearm) to the 60-day injured list Saturday.

Banks landed on the injured list July 9 with a strained left forearm, and his move to the 60-day IL will officially rule him out until at least Sept. 7. He'll give up his place on the 40-man roster to Brian Keller, who was activated to work as a bulk reliever Saturday against the Yankees.

Mayza will serve as the opening pitcher in Saturday's game against the Yankees.

Mayza has given up seven earned runs in 3.1 innings across his last three appearances, but the Phillies will trust him to open Saturday's contest and set the stage for Brian Keller, who will be making his MLB debut as a bulk reliever.

The Phillies selected Keller's contract from Triple-A Lehigh Valley ahead of his scheduled appearance Saturday against the Yankees.

Keller, 32, will be making his MLB debut as a bulk reliever Saturday after posting a 2.23 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 38:11 K:BB across 36.1 innings at Lehigh Valley. Alex McFarlane and Max Lazar were sent down to Triple-A as part of a roster shuffle, and Tanner Banks (forearm) was transferred to the 60-day IL to clear a 40-man spot for Keller.

The Athletics optioned Muncy to Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday.

Muncy was brought up from Triple-A on Tuesday to provide infield depth when Joshua Kuroda-Grauer (groin) landed on the injured list, but the former will now head back to the minors following Nick Kurtz's (thumb) return from the IL. Muncy has slashed .223/.298/.389 across 178 plate appearances with the Athletics this season and would likely be one of the first choices to return to Sacramento if the big club's infield depth is tested again down the stretch.

The Athletics reinstated Kurtz (thumb) from the injured list Saturday.

Kurtz landed on the injured list July 11 due to a right thumb capsule sprain, but he's now been cleared to return to action without having to play in any rehab games. The 23-year-old slugger figures to immediately reclaim his role as the Athletics' everyday first baseman, and he'll replace Max Muncy on the active roster.

Kirk isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Red Sox.

Kirk has notched at least one base hit in each of his last four games, but the Blue Jays will keep him on the bench to begin Saturday's contest and instead start Brandon Valenzuela at catcher.

Campusano isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Marlins.

Campusano will retreat to the bench Saturday after going 0-for-2 with a walk and two strikeouts in Friday's series opener. Freddy Fermin will start behind the plate and bat ninth.