MLB Player News

Littell was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Friday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Littell's two-week stint with the big club was largely uneventful -- he made a total of three appearances, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out two over four scoreless innings. Expect Littell to remain on the shuttle up and down until rosters expand in September, providing a fresh arm when needed.

The Rangers claimed Biddle off waivers from Seattle on Friday.

As with any waiver claim, Biddle will go on the 40-man roster, and the team has confirmed that the lefty will join the major-league roster as well upon arrival. Biddle has struggled to a 7.54 ERA and 2.43 WHIP in 22.2 innings so far this season, leading to DFAs by both the Braves and Mariners. He's still only 27 and is just a year removed from posting a 3.11 ERA and 1.27 WHIP.

Beeks was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Friday, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Beeks delivered 3.1 scoreless frames as the bulk reliever Thursday but will head to Triple-A with the Rays adding Jose Alvarado (personal) and Casey Sadler to the major-league roster. Beeks has a 2.79 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 51:22 K:BB this season and figures to rejoin the Rays before too long.

Alvarado (personal) was activated off the restricted list Friday, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Alvarado has been throwing bullpen sessions over the past couple weeks following his absence from the team at the start of June to tend to a family matter. The 24-year-old has a 3.09 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 32:16 K:BB over 23.1 innings this season, and he should rejoin the Rays' closing committee.

Beeks worked as a bulk reliever behind opener Ryne Stanek in Thursday's extra-innings win over the Twins and fired 3.1 scoreless innings during which he allowed two hits and three walks while also recording a strikeout. He did not factor into the decision.

Beeks threw 48 pitches and, except for some control issues, he was largely effective. The young southpaw's scoreless effort was particularly welcome after he'd allowed two earned runs apiece over his previous pair of outings. Beeks has been a valuable long reliever for manager Kevin Cash this season despite the occasional stumble, as evidenced by his 5-0 record and 2.79 ERA across 61.1 innings.

Stanek allowed two earned runs on three hits over two innings as the opener in the Rays' extra-innings win over the Twins on Thursday. He also recorded three strikeouts.

Stanek didn't have his smoothest performance as an opener, allowing an RBI groundout to Mitch Garver and a run-scoring single to Luis Arraez in an eventful first inning. Despite the hiccups Thursday, Stanek has still put together another strong month in June, generating a 2.70 ERA and 16 strikeouts across 13.1 innings. Moreover, the 27-year-old continues to be highly proficient at keeping the ball in the park, as he's now gone 16 straight appearances without allowing a home run.

Yarbrough (7-3) allowed two hits and no walks while striking out five across three scoreless innings to earn the win Thursday against the Twins.

Yarbrough got unexpected work after the contest turned into an 18-inning marathon. That didn't affect his performance, however, as he managed to work the final three innings without surrendering an extra-base hit. While the win and solid peripherals were nice for those that included him in weekly lineups, Yarbrough's usage in the extra-inning affair muddles his availability for his next turn as a starter or primary pitcher.

Treinen threw 20 pitches off flat ground Thursday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

This was the first time Treinen threw since being placed on the 10-day injured list on June 22. He'll have a rest day built in Friday, with the next step in his recovery being a bullpen session.

Barria was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Barria performed well in his return to the rotation Wednesday, allowing one run on three hits while striking out five across five innings, but it apparently wasn't enough to earn the right-hander another start. The Angels have yet to announce who will replace Barria as the team's fifth starter. Andrelton Simmons (ankle) was reinstated from the injured list in a corresponding move.

Jurado (5-3) picked up the win against the Tigers on Thursday, giving up six hits, striking out four and walking one over seven scoreless innings as the Rangers took a 3-1 victory.

The right-hander spun a gem in this contest, throwing 70 of his 100 pitches for strikes while keeping the Tigers off the scoreboard over seven solid frames and picking up his fifth win of the season. He's been on a nice run lately aside from a seven-run blowup against the Reds on June 16, as he's now fired five quality starts since May 26. For the season, Jurado sports a 3.90 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 41:15 K:BB over 57.2 innings.