MLB Player News

The Twins selected Gearrin's contract from their alternate training site Sunday.

Gearrin will assume the active roster spot of reliever Sean Poppen, who was optioned one day after working two innings out of the bullpen. A veteran of 336 career MLB appearances, Gearrin is expected to work mostly in low-leverage situations initially.

Diekman was credited with his fourth hold in a win over the Astros on Saturday, allowing a hit and no walks over a scoreless eighth inning while also recording a strikeout.

Diekman was exceedingly sharp, throwing nine of his 10 pitches for strikes while extending his season-opening scoreless streak to 6.2 innings over seven appearances. The hard-throwing left-hander is one of several veteran later-inning options for manager Bob Melvin that have thrived this season, leading to Oakland's bullpen sporting a 1.80 ERA and .195 BAA across a sample of 219 batters faced going into Sunday's action.

Graveman (neck) will see a specialist during the coming week to help determine his path to recovery, but he remains without a timetable for return, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. "He's going to miss more than one start," manager Scott Servais said. "It's going to be some significant time. We don't have a definite timetable, but I would not expect to see him back in our rotation any time soon."

The right-hander recently noted the neck issue is one that's been a recurring one for him throughout his career, although it hasn't felled him to the tune of an injured-list stint until this point. Graveman's spot in the rotation was taken by Nick Margevicius on Saturday, and considering the left-hander gave a solid accounting of himself, he may continue in that role for the time being.

Fairbanks (2-1) was credited with the victory in a win over the Yankees in the second game of a doubleheader Saturday despite allowing an earned run on two hits and a walk over an inning. He also recorded a strikeout.

Fairbanks gave up a game-tying RBI single to Luke Voit in the fourth inning of the seven-inning affair, but he became eligible for the win when Austin Meadows singled in Willy Adames and Kevin Kiermaier with his own run-scoring hit in the home half of the frame. Fairbanks had opened August with back-to-back scoreless one-inning efforts, but Saturday marked the third time in six appearances he's allowed an earned run.

The Rays selected Curtiss's contract from their alternate training site Sunday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Curtis will assume the 40-man and active roster spot of catcher Kevan Smith, who was designated for assignment in a corresponding move. The 27-year-old has yet to make his 2020 debut, but Curtiss previously made 18 big-league appearances with the Twins and Angels over the last three seasons.

Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Chapman (COVID-19) will face hitters in a live throwing session Tuesday at the Yankees' alternate training site, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

Based on how Chapman fares in Tuesday's workout, Boone said the Yankees will map out the remainder of the reliever's throwing program, which should help pinpoint a potential target date for his season debut, per Marly Rivera of ESPN.com. While Chapman has been recovering from his positive test for COVID-19, Zack Britton has stepped in as the Yankees' closer, going a perfect 5-for-5 in save chances while having yet to allow a run.

Chapman (illness) completed a bullpen session Saturday and is expected to face hitters this week, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Chapman continues to build up his arm after missing over two weeks of summer camp due to a positive test for COVID-19. The veteran closer has now tossed multiple bullpens and appears ready to tackle his final hurdle -- facing hitters -- before joining the big-league club. While Chapman remains out, Zack Britton will continue to receive the bulk of save opportunities for the Yankees.

Johnson is a candidate to replace Ryan Weber in the starting rotation, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Boston manager Ron Roenicke indicated that someone from the alternate training camp in Pawtucket would replace Weber, so Dylan Covey, who was called up Saturday after Weber was optioned, is expected to pitch out of the bullpen. "We already have plans on who's going to come up and be one of the other starters. And like we talked about, we're waiting to see if somebody takes off. And who knows? Maybe that will be the third or fourth spot and every fifth day we won't have to worry about it," Roenicke said. Johnson pitched a simulated game Friday, per Christopher Smith of MassLive.com, which puts the left-hander on schedule to throw Wednesday on regular rest. The Red Sox would need to add Johnson to the 40-man roster.

Covey is expected to pitch as a reliever, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Covey was called up Saturday after Boston optioned Ryan Weber after three poor starts. While Covey was a starter for the White Sox the last few seasons, the Red Sox plan to call up a pitcher from the alternate camp to take Weber's spot in the rotation. The list of candidates includes Brian Johnson, Kyle Hart and Tanner Houck.

Texas manager Chris Woodward confirmed that Montero is the closer with Jose Leclerc (shoulder) on the injured list, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Montero closed out games Friday and Saturday and has emerged as the replacement closer. Earlier this week, Woodward was leaning toward a committee, but Montero's efforts the last two games stabilizes late-inning roles. Jonathan Hernandez will be the primary eighth-inning setup man.