MLB Player News

The Tigers designated Fernandez for assignment Wednesday.

He'll cede his spot on the 40-man roster to lefty Tyler Alexander, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Toledo in advance of his scheduled start for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the White Sox. Fernandez was roughed up for eight runs (seven earned) in four relief appearances with the big club earlier this season and posted a 3.90 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 27.2 innings with Toledo.

The Tigers selected Alexander's contract from Triple-A Toledo ahead of his scheduled start for the nightcap of Wednesday's doubleheader with the White Sox.

Alexander will act as the 26th man for the doubleheader, meaning he'll likely be ticketed for a return to Toledo immediately after making his MLB debut. In order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for the southpaw, the Tigers designated reliever Jose Fernandez for assignment. Over 73.2 innings in the International League this season, Alexander has posted a 6.23 ERA and 87:18 K:BB.

Soto is scheduled to make his next start with the Tigers on Saturday against the Red Sox, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Manager Ron Gardenhire confirmed over the weekend that Soto would receive another turn through the rotation, despite having posted an 8.44 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 15:12 K:BB in 21.1 innings over his prior six starts this season. Soto initially appeared in line to start Thursday's series finale with the White Sox, but he'll now be pushed back two days after Tuesday's contest was postponed. While he'll have the luxury of pitching at home rather than on the road, Soto will draw a tougher matchup in the Red Sox, the majors' sixth-best offense in terms of wRC+ (108).

The Twins recalled Littell from Triple-A Rochester following Tuesday's 8-6 loss to the Athletics, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Minnesota shuttled Jake Odorizzi (finger) to the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move, allowing Littell to stick around as an extra arm in the bullpen until a replacement in the rotation is needed for Odorizzi on Sunday versus the Rangers. Though Littell has made seven starts for Rochester this season, he has exceeded three innings in just one appearance in either Triple-A or the majors since May 19 and probably won't be in consideration for a spot start.

Hendriks gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his third save of the season in an 8-6 win over the Twins.

The veteran reliever continues to get the job done while Blake Treinen (shoulder) is on the shelf, although Treinen is on track to rejoin the A's bullpen Wednesday. Hendriks now boasts a 1.35 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 58:17 K:BB through 46.2 innings on the year, with three wins and seven holds in 39 appearances to go along with his saves.

Mengden (3-1) picked up the win in Tuesday's 8-6 victory over the Twins, coughing up five runs on eight hits over 5.2 innings while striking out five.

Miguel Sano and Jason Castro both took Mengden deep, but the Oakland offense responded with some big flies of its own, including a Chris Herrmann grand slam. The right-hander will carry a 4.67 ERA and 29:16 K:BB through 34.2 innings into his final start before the All-Star break Sunday in Seattle.

Junis (4-8) took the loss Tuesday, surrendering seven runs (six earned) on six hits and two walks over 4.2 innings while striking out four as the Royals were toppled 9-5 by Cleveland.

The right-hander did manage to keep the ball in the park -- just the fourth time in his last 11 starts he hasn't served up a homer -- but that was about the only silver lining in this one for Junis. He'll take a 5.53 ERA and 92:36 K:BB through 99.1 innings into his final outing before the All-Star break, on the road Sunday against the Nationals.

Thornton (2-6) allowed seven runs on 11 hits with one walk and a strikeout across 2.2 innings while taking a loss against the Red Sox on Tuesday.

While he gave up one long ball and one free pass, the good news is Thornton didn't really struggle with home runs and walks in this one. However, he did give up a season-high 11 hits. Thornton has yielded 12 runs on 18 hits in his last six innings. He is 2-6 with a 5.18 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 92 strikeouts in 88.2 innings overall and will next take the hill Sunday at home against the Orioles.

Alexander will have his contract selected from Triple-A Toledo by the Tigers to start Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the White Sox, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Alexander is set to serve as the 26th man for twin bill and will likely return to the minors after making his major-league debut. The 24-year-old has a 6.23 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 87:18 K:BB over 73.2 innings with the Mud Hens this season.

Lopez won't make his scheduled start Tuesday against the Tigers after the game was postponed due to inclement weather.

The White Sox announced Dylan Cease and Ross Detwiler will start Wednesday's doubleheader as previously scheduled, so it's not fully clear when Lopez will make his next start. The 25-year-old at least figures to make one final appearance before the All-Star break.