MLB Player News

The Yankees optioned Bird to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday.

After allowing five earned runs in one-third of an inning in the Yankees' 8-2 loss in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader with the Dodgers, Bird was sent down to Triple-A in advance of Game 2. The Yankees will swap Bird off the 26-man active roster for a fresh bullpen arm in Kervin Castro, who was recalled from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in a corresponding move.

The Yankees recalled Castro from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday.

Castro will be up with the big-league club for the second time this season, after he previously made a two-inning relief appearance May 8 in Milwaukee during his abbreviated stint with the Yankees. The 27-year-old has been one of the stronger performers out of the Triple-A bullpen this season, posting a 2.05 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 27:6 K:BB in 26.1 innings.

Detroit transferred Vest (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday.

Vest was initially placed on the IL on July 1 due to posterior right elbow inflammation, but follow-up tests later revealed a stress fracture. The injury will result in an extended absence for Vest, who won't be eligible for activation until Aug. 27. Through 27 appearances on the season, the 31-year-old reliever has turned in a 6.08 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 27:10 K:BB in 26.2 innings.

Baltimore transferred Helsley (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday.

Though he was cleared of any structural damage to his UCL following a recent MRI, Helsley is tending to inflammation around the ligament and will require an extended period of rest and recovery. The Orioles are optimistic that the 31-year-old will be activated from the IL before the end of the season, but a clearer target date for his return won't be known until he starts throwing again. At the very least, Helsley's move to the 60-day IL ensures he won't be available for the Orioles until Aug. 29. While Helsley is on the shelf, Tyler Wells and Andrew Kittredge look to be the top options for saves out of the Baltimore bullpen.

Baltimore optioned Sanders to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday.

After being acquired from the Pirates on Monday, Sanders was initially optioned to Norfolk before joining the Orioles ahead of their weekend series in Houston. He was used in relief in both of the first two games of the series, striking out two over 1.2 perfect innings while notching his first MLB win Friday and his first MLB save Saturday. The Orioles opted to replace Sanders on the 26-man active roster with catcher Sam Huff, who was called up from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

The Guardians optioned Allen to Triple-A Columbus on Sunday.

The left-hander served as the 27th man for Saturday's doubleheader against the Pirates and started the nightcap, taking a no-decision after giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits with three strikeouts and three walks over 3.1 innings. Allen will rejoin Columbus' rotation but could get another look in the majors when Cleveland needs some length.

The Astros will activate Blanco (elbow) from the 60-day injured list to start Monday's series opener against the Marlins in Houston, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Blanco will be making his 2026 debut for the Astros after completing his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent last June. The 32-year-old began a rehab assignment in mid-June and was able to build up to 4.1 innings and 68 pitches in his final outing at Triple-A Sugar Land last weekend. Overall, Blanco turned in a 1.06 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 13:6 K:BB in 17 innings over five starts with three different affiliates.

Bradford (elbow) allowed one hit and struck out four over two scoreless innings for Double-A Frisco on Saturday.

Bradford was sharper in his second rehab start for the RoughRiders, upping his pitch count to 37 (27 strikes). The left-hander still has time left on his 30-day rehab assignment to make at least three more starts and build up to five or six innings.

Herrin (elbow) struck out three batters in a scoreless inning for Triple-A Columbus on Saturday.

Herrin, who began a rehab assignment with the Clippers, started the second game of a doubleheader and fanned all three batters faced. Relievers typically don't require a long assignment, so Herrin could be back in Cleveland at some point this week.

Allen didn't factor into the decision in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Pirates, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits and three walks over 3.1 innings. He struck out three.

Called up as the 27th man to get the start in the nightcap of the twin bill, Allen needed 81 pitches (51 strikes) to record just 10 outs before getting the hook in line for the loss. Cleveland's offense was able to bail him out late, however. The southpaw is likely to return to Triple-A Columbus, but through two big-league appearances (one start) this season, he's posted a 2.45 ERA, 2.05 WHIP and 10:4 K:BB over 7.1 innings.