MLB Player News

Romano (back) is on track to return to the Blue Jays on Tuesday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Romano is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Saturday with Triple-A Buffalo and could be activated from the IL after making just one appearance for the Bisons. The 30-year-old closer has been sidelined since late July because of lower-back inflammation.

Hamilton is serving as the Yankees' opener Friday at Miami.

Randy Vasquez is expected to operate as the bulk reliever behind Hamilton. This is the third opener assignment of the season for the 28-year-old right-hander, who has pitched to an overall 1.63 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 47:19 K:BB through 38.2 innings with New York.

Muckenhirn cleared waivers Friday and was sent outright to Triple-A Tacoma.

The Mariners DFA'd Muckenhirn on Wednesday, but he will remain in the organization after going unclaimed. The 28-year-old reliever hasn't pitched for Seattle in the majors since being acquired from the Mets in July, and he's put up a 9.35 ERA and 1.95 WHIP through 8.2 frames with Tacoma.

Walter was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Friday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Walter was just recalled Wednesday and didn't make an appearance in his most recent stint in the majors. He's making room for the return of Chris Sale (shoulder) from the injured list.

Danner was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday.

Danner was added to the Blue Jays' 40-man roster a couple offseasons ago but this will be his first stint in the big leagues. He earned the opportunity after beginning the season at Low-A Dunedin, ultimately climbing up to Triple-A Buffalo and collecting a 3.66 ERA and 56:11 K:BB over 39.1 innings across three levels.

Krehbiel was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

That marks three transactions in three days involving Krehbiel as he yo-yo's between the majors and Triple-A. He's made two appearances with the Orioles this season, tossing 1.2 scoreless innings.

Vespi was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Vespi has put up a 3.00 ERA and 7:1 K:BB over nine relief innings during his time in the big leagues this season. He'll provide Orioles manager Brandon Hyde with a fresh left-handed bullpen arm.

Clase picked up the save in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Blue Jays, striking out two over a perfect inning.

Clase entered the contest with a one-run lead in the top of the ninth and took care of business, striking out Daulton Varsho on three straight pitches before finishing the inning with another strikeout against Paul DeJong. The right-hander needed just 11 pitches to record his 31st save of the season. Clase has not allowed an earned run since July 4 and has seven strikeouts to only one walk through four August appearances.

Zerpa is expected to serve in a bulk-relief role behind opener Dylan Coleman in Friday's game against the Cardinals, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Zerpa looks like he'll get the first chance to fill the opening in the Kansas City rotation that was created when Zack Greinke (elbow) moved to the injured list. Though Zerpa has made only three appearances in the big leagues in 2023 while spending a significant chunk of time on the injured list, he had been serving as a starter at Triple-A Omaha prior to his call-up Aug. 1. Over six outings with Omaha, Zerpa compiled a 4.73 ERA and 1.53 WHIP over 26.2 innings.

Bautista picked up the save in Thursday's 5-4 win over the Astros, allowing one run on two hits and two walks over one inning.

Bautista entered the game with a two-run lead in the ninth inning and got Jake Meyers to fly out before things got dicey. The right-handed reliever surrendered a double to Jose Altuve and then proceeded to walk two of the next three batters, setting up an RBI single for Yainer Diaz. Bautista was still able to escape with his 31st save of the season, though he's now allowed runs in back-to-back appearances after previously not allowing a run since June 24.