MLB Player News

Wells allowed three runs on five hits, walking two and striking out seven in 5.2 innings of Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Rays. He did not factor into the decision.

The rookie was one out shy of a quality start, but he had thrown 93 pitches and was pulled with two gone in the fifth. Wells' outing would've been even better if not for a pair of poorly located pitches, one a curveball and the other a fastball, that Randy Arozarena crushed for solo home runs. His K/9 was a modest 7.7 in 43 minor-league innings this year, so it remains to be seen whether his stuff truly plays in the big leagues or if Wednesday was an anomaly against the Rays, which strike out more than any team in baseball. It's unclear whether Wells will become a mainstay in Baltimore's rotation, or if he'll be either relegated to the bullpen or optioned to Triple-A once Keegan Akin (COVID-19) returns.

Brasier (concussion) has been cleared to increase baseball activities, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Brasier had been dealing with restrictions from the concussion protocol since early June, but he was able to resume some baseball activities in late June. Although the right-hander doesn't yet have a timetable to return to game action, his clearance to increase his workload represents a clear step forward in his recovery process.

Fulmer (neck) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Toledo on Thursday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Fulmer progressed to throwing bullpen sessions and live batting practice recently, and he'll now be able to return to game action with the minor-league club. The right-hander has been on the injured list since June 27 due to a right cervical spine strain in his neck, but he could return after a relatively brief rehab stint. Once Fulmer is cleared to rejoin the Tigers, he could reclaim a late-inning relief role with the major-league squad.

Merryweather (oblique) doesn't yet have a timetable to return to mound work, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Merryweather had a minor setback in his recovery in early July, but he's still been able to play catch recently. A better timetable for the right-hander's return could be revealed once he resumes mound work, but it appears as though he could be sidelined until at least mid-August.

Garza was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Garza served as a bulk reliever Wednesday and allowed a run on four hits and no walks while striking out one in 3.1 innings. He'll now return to the minors after first baseman Yu Chang was recalled in a corresponding move.

Loaisiga (illness) threw on flat ground Tuesday and will possibly be activated over the weekend, Max Goodman of SI.com reports.

The right-hander was placed on the COVID-19 injured list July 10 and didn't clear health and safety protocols until Sunday. He's expected to throw a bullpen Wednesday and will need a second bullpen or live throwing session before potentially returning this weekend for the Yankees' series at Boston. Loaisiga has been one of the team's most valuable bullpen pieces this season, registering a 2.11 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 46:10 K:BB across 47 innings. He has picked up seven wins, 10 holds and two saves.

Moll has fired two scoreless innings over his first two appearances with the Athletics since being called up from Triple-A Las Vegas on July 3.

The 29-year-old has given up one hit and two walks over that span without recording any strikeouts, but Moll's second big-league stint has certainly started better than his initial one with Oakland back in 2017, when he pitched to a 10.80 ERA and 2.40 WHIP across 6.2 innings. Moll is likely to remain in low-leverage scenarios for the time being.

Payamps was traded from the Blue Jays to the Royals on Wednesday in exchange for cash considerations.

Payamps will land another spot on a 40-man roster after he was designated for assignment by Toronto on Friday. The right-hander has posted a 2.70 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 30 innings across 22 relief appearances in the majors this year and could join the Royals' bullpen at some point during the second half of the season, but he'll head to Triple-A Omaha for now.

Chargois recorded his eighth hold in a win over the Rockies on Tuesday, giving up two hits over a scoreless sixth inning.

The right-hander now has five consecutive scoreless appearances, even as he's pitched to some contact by allowing four hits over that five-inning span. Chargois didn't fare well in either of his save chances earlier this season, but he has offered value with his eight holds, 2.30 ERA and 0.88 WHIP over 27.1 innings.

Low-A Kannapolis reinstated Kelley (elbow) from its 7-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday in the first half of a doubleheader versus Fayetteville.

Kelley, one of the White Sox's most highly touted pitching prospects, will make his return to Kannapolis after he was on the shelf for approximately two months with right elbow inflammation. He was cleared to rejoin the Kannapolis rotation after making a pair of rehab starts in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League over the past week and a half.