MLB Player News

The Dodgers optioned Sauer to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday.

Sauer was recalled Thursday and yielded two runs on three hits while striking out two over two innings of relief that day against the Rockies. He'll head back to Triple-A on Friday, yielding his spot on the 26-man roster to Tanner Scott. Sauer has a 4.86 ERA and 73:23 K:BB across 76 innings with Oklahoma City this season.

The Dodgers reinstated Scott (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Friday.

Scott will rejoin the active roster after a month-long stint on the IL with left elbow inflammation, pushing Matt Sauer back to Triple-A. Scott has converted on 19 of 26 save chances this season. He figures to step right back into his closing role.

Urias is not in the Athletics' starting lineup against the Mariners on Friday.

Urias will be on the bench for a second straight game while Darell Hernaiz starts at second base and bats seventh. Urias hasn't been that productive at the plate since the All-Star break, posting a .546 OPS with five runs, one homer and six RBI across 66 plate appearances.

Church will bat ninth and play center field Friday against Tampa Bay.

Church was initially tabbed for a night off, but he'll enter the starting nine Friday after Brendan Donovan (wrist) was scratched. Church is hitless in 14 at-bats this season, but he's driven in two runs, scored four times and stolen a bag.

Diaz (hamstring) is not in the Rays' starting lineup against the Cardinals on Friday.

Diaz was diagnosed with a low-grade hamstring injury that he suffered against St. Louis on Thursday. He'll be out of the lineup Friday but could be available for Sunday's series finale. Brandon Lowe will serve as the Rays' designated hitter Friday while Tristan Gray draws the start at second base and bats ninth.

The Cubs placed Brasier on the 15-day injured list Friday due to a left groin strain.

The injury may explain Brasier's recent struggles out of the bullpen, with the veteran right-hander allowing eight runs on 11 hits and two walks while striking out three batters across five innings in his last six outings. He'll undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury, but he'll be out of action until at least Sept. 6. In a corresponding move, the Cubs recalled Javier Assad from Triple-A Iowa, and Assad will start against the Angels on Friday.

The Cubs recalled Assad from Triple-A Iowa, and he is scheduled to start against the Angels on Friday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Assad will take the spot on the Cubs' 26-man roster vacated by Ryan Brasier (groin), who was placed on the 15-day injured list. Assad was dispatched to Triple-A on Monday, but he'll provide some short-term relief in the rotation with Michael Soroka (shoulder) on the 15-day IL.

Burleson was scratched from Friday's lineup with a wrist injury, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Burleson was initially slated to bat third and play left field, but a wrist injury will prevent him from doing so. Instead, Lars Nootbaar will slide over to left while Nathan Church enters the lineup and plays center field.

The Rangers recalled Helman from Triple-A Round Rock on Friday.

Helman will replace Evan Carter (wrist) on the 26-man roster. Helman's ability to play infield and outfield will provide Texas with some additional versatility going forward. His clearest path to playing time comes in center field.

Merrill (ankle) is not in the Padres' starting lineup against the Dodgers on Friday.

Merrill will ride the bench for a fifth consecutive game while working through a left ankle contusion that he suffered this past Sunday against the Dodgers. It's not clear whether an IL stint is needed, but the lack of new lockers in the Padres' clubhouse doesn't suggest any player being called up from the minors anytime soon, so Merrill could be available to return at some point during this weekend's home series, per Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Ramon Laureano will start in center field and bat seventh.