MLB Player News

The Athletics plan to select Puk's contract from Triple-A Las Vegas ahead of Tuesday's series opener versus the Yankees, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Puk spent much of the first half of the season recovering from his April 2018 Tommy John surgery before resuming minor-league action in mid-June. After beginning his rehab at the lower rungs of the minors, Puk moved up to Triple-A in late July and posted a 4.91 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 16:3 K:BB across nine appearances spanning 11 innings. The Athletics view Puk as a staple in their rotation for the long haul, but he'll be making his big-league debut as a reliever as the organization looks to manage his workload carefully coming off a major arm injury. The 6-foot-7 southpaw could immediately step into a key multi-inning setup role for the Athletics, who have been lacking in impact arms out of the bullpen this season beyond closer Liam Hendriks.

Alvarado (1-5) was credited with the victory in a win over the Tigers on Sunday, firing a scoreless ninth inning in which he allowed no hits, issued two walks and struck out one.

It was a signature Alvarado outing in that he struggled with his location before wiggling out of trouble. The left-hander worked up to 23 pitches due to his control, and an error by Willy Adames also helped extend the inning. Alvarado ultimately struck out Harold Castro to get out of the inning and then became the pitcher of record courtesy of Ji-Man Choi's game-winning single in the home half of the frame. Alvarado has fired 1.2 scoreless innings across the two appearances he's logged since returning from a month-plus stay on the injured list due to an oblique issue.

Manaea (shoulder) was credited with the victory in Triple-A Las Vegas' win over Albuquerque on Sunday, allowing two earned runs on two hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out six.

Manaea was impressive in his return from a short pause to his rehab program due to side soreness. The left-hander worked up to 91 pitches, and even though he wasn't particularly sharp while getting only 54 of those offerings into the strike zone, it was still encouraging to see him put in a relatively hefty workload. Manaea may be physically ready for activation at this point, but as previously reported, he may not have an immediate spot waiting for him in the Athletics' starting rotation. Consequently, the team may ultimately opt to utilize one of his remaining minor-league options to keep him with the Aviators for the time being.

Blach allowed five runs on five hits with three walks and six strikeouts across 5.1 innings during a no-decision against the Red Sox on Sunday.

The Orioles spotted Blach a six-run lead, but the Red Sox scored 13 of the final 14 runs in the game, five of which came against Blach. The 28-year-old has allowed at least five runs in three of his four outings this season, so obviously that's led to some ugly numbers. He is 0-1 with a 12.06 ERA, 2.30 WHIP and 13 strikeouts with 10 walks in 15.2 innings during 2019.

Burke will be called up from Triple-A Nashville and start the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Angels, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Burke will be making his MLB debut, and the Rangers are not planning on this being a one-start opportunity for left-hander. He could eventually replace Ariel Jurado in the starting rotation.

Richards allowed two runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out six over 3.1 innings Sunday against the Tigers.

Richards surrendered a two-run homer in the first inning, though he was able to hold Detroit off the board for the remainder of his outing. He was lifted with 71 pitches (51 strikes), as the Rays continue to build him back up to a starting role after acquiring the right-hander from the Marlins at the end of July. The 26-year-old now owns a 4.53 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with a 109:52 K:BB over 115.1 innings this season in the majors.

Rogers allowed two hits and struck out two batters in a scoreless frame, earning the save over Texas on Sunday.

Rogers got the save chance while Sergio Romo worked the eighth inning Sunday after the two reversed roles on Friday. It looks like the Twins are going to be using more of a closer-by-committee strategy until one of the two pulls away with the job. Rogers is now 19-for-25 in save chances with a 2.59 ERA.

Garcia threw five innings without allowing a hit for Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre on Saturday, giving up one unearned run and five walks while striking out seven against Gwinnett.

With Ben Heller (forearm) beginning his rehab assignment by tossing one inning as the opener, Garcia came out of the bullpen for the first time this season. Despite throwing only 43 of 85 pitches for strikes, Garcia looked dominant. The Yankees' top-ranked pitching prospect has shown flashes of potential in seven appearances at the Triple-A level this season, compiling 34 strikeouts in 32 innings, but has posted a 5.01 ERA and 1.45 WHIP while issuing 17 walks. Should he be promoted to the big club when rosters expand in September, it will likely be in a relief role.

Johnson is a candidate to replace Chris Sale (elbow) for Tuesday's start, but Boston has yet to make an official announcement, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

The Red Sox's rotation is in flux at the moment, and they need a starter Tuesday. Johnson and Andrew Cashner are possible candidates. David Price (wrist) is expected to rejoin the rotation this week but may not be ready in time for Tuesday's game. Going forward, Johnson could pick up a start every fifth day, joining Price, Eduardo Rodriguez, Nathan Eovaldi and Rick Porcello.

Richards was recalled from Triple-A Durham and will start Sunday's game against the Tigers.

Though Richards' promotion doesn't come as a surprise, the Rays were expected to deploy him as a bulk reliever behind an opener rather than as a traditional starter in his team debut. In the aftermath of Saturday's 1-0, 13-inning win, manager Kevin Cash may have decided it was better to have Richards eat innings right away rather than calling on a member of his overtaxed bullpen to serve as an opener. In any case, Richards will likely have a restricted workload Sunday after maxing out at only 49 pitches during his three appearances with Durham following his July 31 acquisition from the Marlins.