MLB Player News

Fleming will start Sunday's game against Twins, radio broadcaster Steve Carney reports.

Fleming has worked as a starter and as a reliever this season, and he will start Sunday for the second time. Don't expect him to be out there too long, as he has not gone more than 3.1 innings in any of his four appearances to date.

Puk, who fired two scoreless innings during which he allowed a hit and recorded four strikeouts in a loss to the Guardians on Friday, now has an 0.96 ERA and 0.86 WHIP across his first six appearances.

The big left-hander may have found his home as a member of the bullpen for the time being, as he's allowed just one earned run across 9.1 innings while posting an 11:2 K:BB. Puk has logged four appearances of more than one inning -- including three of two frames apiece -- and he's encouragingly displayed much better control than he did during two prior big-league stints.

Brentz was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left flexor strain Saturday.

Brentz was ineffective against the Yankees on Friday, allowing five runs (four earned) on four hits while failing to record an out. It's possible his injury contributed to his struggles, and he'll be sidelined for at least 10 days. It's not yet clear how much time the southpaw is expected to miss, but right-hander Matt Peacock was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to provide an additional arm in the bullpen.

Howard was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.

Howard threw just 51 pitches during Friday's loss to Atlanta, and he'll be sent to the minors to work on increasing his pitch count. The Rangers have two days off next week, so the team may be able to utilize a four-man rotation until Jon Gray (knee) is able to return.

Peguero was recalled by the Angels on Saturday.

Peguero began the season at Triple-A Salt Lake and posted a 1.74 ERA and 0.69 WHIP in 10.1 innings over six relief appearances. He gave up seven runs in 2.1 innings over three outings with the Angels last year, and he's unlikely to pitch in high-leverage situations during his current stint in the majors.

Tapia was claimed off waivers by the Athletics on Saturday.

Tapia was designated for assignment by the Royals on Sunday, and he'll now head to Triple-A Las Vegas after being claimed by the Athletics. He made five appearances at Triple-A Omaha this year and posted a 3.60 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in five innings.

Trivino (illness) will begin a rehab assignment at Single-A Stockton on Sunday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander has been on the COVID-19 injured list since April 18, but he'll now return to game action with the Athletics' minor-league affiliate. Manager Mark Kotsay said Saturday that Trivino will be evaluated on a game-by-game basis to determine when he'll be cleared to rejoin the major-league club.

Francis was recalled by the Blue Jays on Saturday.

Francis was sent to Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, but he'll quickly rejoin the major-league club as bullpen depth after Tayler Saucedo (hip) was placed on the 10-day injured list. The right-hander should pitch mainly in low-leverage situations.

Saucedo (hip) was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday.

Saucedo was removed from Friday's game against the Astros due to right hip discomfort, and he'll be sidelined for at least a week and a half. Bowden Francis was recalled to provide additional bullpen depth.

Stephan (2-0) picked up the win Friday versus the Athletics, pitching two perfect innings with two strikeouts.

It was an efficient outing for Stephan, who threw 16 of 19 pitches for strikes. That was good enough for the official scorers to credit the right-hander with the win instead of Enyel De Los Santos, who was in the game when the Guardians took the lead. Across 10 innings this season, Stephan has allowed one unearned run with a 10:0 K:BB and three holds in nine appearances. He won't be that effective all season, but he should have a chance to be part of the high-leverage mix in front of closer Emmanuel Clase.