MLB Player News

Thielbar was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right oblique strain, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

The severity of Thielbar's injury is unclear at the moment, so there's no telling if he will require more than a minimum stay on the IL. Either way, it's a tough blow to the Twins' bullpen as Thielbar currently holds a 1.80 ERA and 0.90 WHIP across 11 appearances.

Wantz was recalled Friday from Triple-A Salt Lake, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

He will replace Aaron Loup (hamstring) in the Angels' bullpen ahead of Friday's series opener against the Rangers. Wantz holds a sharp 0.79 ERA with 12 strikeouts through 11.1 major-league innings this year.

Loup was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday with a hamstring injury, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Loup will be absent from the Angels' bullpen for at least a couple of weeks. The veteran left-hander has struggled to a 7.00 ERA and 2.11 WHIP through nine innings (11 appearances) to begin the 2023 regular season.

Pop was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right hamstring strain.

Pop had to be helped off the field Thursday after injuring his hamstring. The 26-year-old reliever has struggled this season to the tune of a 6.59 ERA and will now be out for at least two weeks. Jay Jackson was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to fill Pop's spot on the roster.

Toronto recalled Jackson from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

The right-hander will take the place of Zach Pop after Pop was placed on the 15-day injured list with a hamstring injury. Jackson wasn't particularly effective in Triple-A with a 5.91 ERA over 10.2 innings, but he did strike out 15 hitters in that timeframe. He'll be a low-leverage option to begin his time with the Blue Jays.

Fleming (foot) has been cleared to pitch Sunday versus the Yankees after getting through a 15-20 pitch bullpen session Friday with no issues, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Fleming had to leave an appearance Tuesday against the Pirates after being hit by a liner in the left foot, but he's progressed well since then and will be fine. It's not clear whether he'll serve as a traditional starter Sunday or bulk reliever.

Cox was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

Cox did well in his major-league debut Thursday, allowing just one man to reach base over two scoreless frames. He's performed well in Triple-A as well (2.21 ERA, 1.29 WHIP), so it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to Kansas City at some point this season. Jonathan Heasley was promoted to the Royals to take Cox's roster spot.

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

Heasley hasn't gotten off to a great start in Triple-A this season, posting a 9.00 ERA and 1.65 WHIP through 31 innings over six starts. It's unclear whether the Royals will decide to insert him into their starting rotation or use him as a multi-inning reliever, but he's not a recommended fantasy option either way. Austin Cox was optioned to Omaha in a corresponding move.

Littell was acquired by the Red Sox from the Rangers on Friday in exchange for cash considerations, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Littell has posted a 2.25 ERA and 16:2 K:BB over 12 innings this season at the Triple-A level. He'll report to Triple-A Worcester for now but could get a look with the big club before long.

Hentges was activated from the 15-day injured list Friday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Hentges will join the Guardians' bullpen Friday night against the Twins after missing the first five weeks of the 2023 regular season due to shoulder inflammation. The 26-year-old lefty broke out to the tune of a 2.32 ERA and 72:19 K:BB over 62 innings of relief with Cleveland in 2022.