MLB Player News

Kowar was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

Kowar was called up Wednesday, and he gave up two runs on two hits and two walks while failing to strike out a batter in one-third of an inning during Friday's game against the Yankees. He'll head back to the minors after Jonathan Heasley (shoulder) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list.

Heasley (shoulder) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list ahead of Saturday's start against the Yankees.

Heasley spent just under three weeks on the injured list due to right shoulder tendinitis, but he tossed 60 pitches during a rehab start at Triple-A Omaha on Sunday. He'll likely have his pitch count monitored during Saturday's matchup and will attempt to improve upon his results since he posted a 9.56 ERA and 1.75 WHIP in 16 innings over his four starts leading up to his absence.

Abreu (2-0) was credited with the win against Kansas City on Friday, pitching a scoreless inning during which he allowed one hit.

New York trailed when Abreu entered the contest in the eighth inning, and he kept the deficit to two with a scoreless frame. The right-hander then moved into position for the win as a result of the Yankees exploding for eight runs in the bottom of the frame. Since latching on with the Yankees on June 21, Abreu has allowed only two runs over 15.1 innings while posting a 16:4 K:BB.

Beeks (lower leg) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Saturday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Beeks landed on the injured list just before the All-Star break due to right lower leg tightness, but he'll rejoin the Rays' bullpen following a minimal IL stint. Over four appearances in July, the southpaw has posted a 1.35 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in 6.2 innings.

Barnes (shoulder) might be activated next week, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Barnes is rehabbing with Double-A Portland and appeared for the Sea Dogs on Friday, the second of back-to-back outings for the right-hander. He hit 96 mph during Thursday's appearance and could provide a boost to Boston's bullpen, which ranks 25th in ERA (4.25) and leads the majors in blown saves (21).

Soto pitched a clean ninth inning with one strikeout to record the save in Friday's 4-2 win over the Blue Jays.

Detroit's All-Star closer continued his steady play, as he now has 19 saves in 21 chances this season to go along with a 2.36 ERA. Soto is sporting an even better 0.96 ERA across his past 10 appearances. The lefty has a firm grip on closing duties and should be a solid fantasy asset the rest of the way.

Tate (2-3) allowed two hits in 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the win Friday over the Reds.

Tate extended his scoreless streak to 8.1 innings over his last eight appearances, and the Orioles' four-run rally in the ninth inning put him in line for the win -- his first since July 8 and just his second of the year. The right-hander has a 2.22 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 43:10 K:BB across 48.2 innings overall while adding two saves and 12 holds as a high-leverage option, though he remains a step or two below closer Jorge Lopez in the bullpen hierarchy.

Law's contract was purchased from Triple-A Toledo on Friday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

The Tigers went with a bullpen game Friday and need a fresh reliever, so Law gets added to the roster. He has a 5.57 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 21 innings across 19 appearances out of the Triple-A bullpen since the beginning of June.

Vasquez (ankle) made his second rehab appearance Wednesday, striking out one over a scoreless inning for Triple-A Buffalo.

Vasquez started up his rehab assignment last weekend in the rookie-level Florida Complex League before moving up to the Blue Jays' top affiliate. The 28-year-old southpaw will likely stick with Buffalo through the weekend before the team decides whether to activate him from the 15-day injured list or extend his minor-league assignment.

Weber signed a minor-league deal with the Yankees on Friday, Matt Kardos of MLB.com reports.

Weber elected free agency after being designated for assignment by New York earlier in the week, but he's now back in the organization. The right-hander has given up one earned run with a 2:1 K:BB across 7.2 big-league innings this year.