MLB Player News

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.

Manaea (oblique/shoulder) completed a 30-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Manaea was shut down from throwing June 23 after experiencing soreness around his right oblique, but his quick return to the mound indicates it was only a minor issue. The 27-year-old appeared to be close to a rehab stint prior to the oblique problem but will likely have to build his arm back up a bit after briefly pausing his throwing program.

Barlow was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

Barlow has been with the Royals all season, but his 6.19 ERA didn't make a case for him remaining there. His 31.3 percent strikeout rate is promising, though he walked too many batters (10.2 percent) and recorded a low 33.3 percent groundball rate. Jake Newberry was recalled to replace him in the bullpen.

Pruitt was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Pruitt has thrown 15.2 innings for the Rays this season, stumbling to a 5.74 ERA. He has a similarly unimpressive 5.61 ERA in 33.2 frames for Durham. Ryan Yarbrough was optioned in a corresponding move.