MLB Player News

The Orioles recalled Nunez from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday.

With Ryan Helsley (elbow) back on the 15-day injured list, Nunez will rejoin the Baltimore bullpen after posting a 4.98 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 38:14 K:BB across 34.1 innings spanning 32 appearances this season prior to being sent down 17 days ago.

The Orioles placed Helsley on the 15-day injured list Friday with right elbow discomfort.

Helsey felt discomfort in his elbow while warming up in the bullpen Wednesday, and he'll now miss at least the next couple weeks. The right-hander missed seven weeks with elbow inflammation earlier this season and just returned from the injured list two weeks ago. Rico Garcia figures to be next in line for saves for Baltimore.

The Guardians optioned Espino to Triple-A Columbus on Friday.

He'll swap places with Franco Aleman, who was summoned from Columbus in a corresponding move. The 25-year-old Espino made his major-league debut last month and allowed three runs on five hits and three walks with nine strikeouts across his first five big-league innings out of Cleveland's bullpen.

The Astros transferred Sousa (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The move was made in order to activate Cristian Javier (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list. Sousa hasn't pitched since May 4 and this doesn't alter his timeline, as he's still expected to rejoin the Houston bullpen following the All-Star break in a couple weeks. He's working his way back from elbow inflammation.

The Guardians recalled Aleman from Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Aleman has been dominant at Columbus this season, authoring a 0.32 ERA and 43:7 K:BB over 28.1 innings. The big righty gave up one run over two outings covering 2.2 frames earlier this season with the big club. Aleman has the upside to be used in high-leverage situations, but the Guardians will likely deploy him in middle relief for now.

The Astros optioned Ullola to Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday.

Ullola couldn't have fared much better in his first two big-league appearances this week, logging four scoreless frames with a 7:0 K:BB and only two hits allowed. He should get another opportunity sooner rather than later, but for now Ullola's roster spot will be taken by Cristian Javier (shoulder), who is due back from the injured list Friday.

The Athletics designated Krook for assignment Thursday.

Krook was roughed up for seven runs with a 5:4 K:BB over 3.2 innings during his brief time with the big club. The lefty has been outrighted previously, so he could elect free agency if he passes through waivers.

The Athletics activated Suarez from the paternity leave list Thursday.

Suarez was away from the club for a few days while welcoming a new addition to the family. Matt Krook was designated for assignment in a corresponding roster move.

Munoz earned a save against the Angels on Thursday, allowing two hits and walking one batter in one scoreless inning.

Munoz had little margin for error when he took over in the ninth frame, as Seattle held a meager 1-0 lead. The veteran closer allowed the first two batters he faced to reach base and yielded three total baserunners in the inning, but a caught stealing helped him escape without blowing the save. The unsteadiness has been typical for Munoz this season -- he's recorded 16 saves but has also blown five opportunities while posting an uncharacteristic 4.60 ERA ad 1.34 WHIP. Nonetheless, he's locked into the closer role and has now successfully converted each of his past seven save chances.

Taylor (4-2) took the loss and blew the save Thursday against the Guardians, allowing two runs on one hit and two walks in 1.1 innings. He struck out two.

Even though Seranthony Dominguez has blown back-to-back saves, Taylor isn't making much of a case for ninth-inning work. The 24-year-old right-hander has coughed up eight runs in his last seven outings, blowing two save chances during that stretch. Taylor still has a strong 3.02 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 64:14 K:BB over 44.1 innings, but he's converted only two of his five save opportunities and has just five holds.