MLB Player News

Axford was designated for assignment by the A's on Thursday.

Axford has given up an earned run in five of his last six outings, and things got particularly bad Monday when he gave up two walks and an earned run before recording an out. Another suitor could always take a risk on a 34-year-old sporting a 6.73 ERA, but if not, he may elect to remain in the Oakland system with hopes of a shot at redemption down the stretch.

Lopez allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out 10 over five innings for Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday.

This was the sixth straight start that Lopez has allowed two or fewer runs. He's struck out 49 and walked just eight over his last 36.2 innings. General manager Rick Hahn told Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times that Lopez is "getting close; he's forcing the issue," noting how impressive Lopez's recent stretch has been.

Kimbrel faced two Mariners in the ninth inning Wednesday and struck them both out for his 25th save.

With the Sox nursing a 4-0 lead, Blaine Boyer started the inning on the heels of a successful eighth, but after he put two men on -- creating a save situation -- manager John Farrell turned to Kimbrel. The veteran closer made short work of the two Seattle hitters he faced, requiring just nine pitches to dispatch Mitch Haniger and Carlos Ruiz. Kimbrel's turned back the clock to his old superstar days with the Braves, as he's on pace to finish with a sub-2.00 ERA for the first time since 2014.

Norris (groin) is set to receive a cortisone shot Wednesday, followed by a few days of rest before restarting his rehab assignment, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Norris suffered a setback during Sunday's rehab start, re-injuring his groin after just 32 pitches with Triple-A Toledo. The left-hander should be able to continue with his recovery by early next week, barring any other setbacks following the injection. It seems likely that Norris will require a couple more appearances at the minor-league level before rejoining the Tigers, placing his return around the timeframe of mid-August.

Armstrong was called up by the Indians on Wednesday.

Armstrong has spent most of the year bouncing back and forth between Cleveland and Triple-A Columbus, and will rejoin the major-league club after spending a couple weeks down with the Clippers. During 16 appearances with the Indians this year, Armstrong has posted an ERA of 4.26 with a 1.11 WHIP and should figure to slide into low-leverage roles while he's back in the big leagues.

Flynn was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

Flynn was sent down in order to make room for the recently acquired Trevor Cahill, who will making his Kansas City debut on Saturday against the Red Sox. After earning a promotion to the big leagues Monday, Flynn heads back to Omaha without getting an opportunity over the past couple games. The reliever has struggled with Omaha this season, posting a 7.29 ERA and 2.14 WHIP in 21 innings.

Gonsalves, 23, has a 2.78 ERA and 88:17 K:BB in 74.1 innings at Double-A Chattanooga.

Gonsalves has little left to prove at this level. In 2016, he also pitched 74.1 innings at Double-A, posting a 1.82 ERA and 89:37 K:BB. His control has been even better in 2017. The argument could be made that he's the top prospect for the Twins, and he should see Triple-A in short order.

Santiago (back) gave up four runs (three earned) on three hits and two walks in one inning Tuesday in a rehab appearance for Triple-A Rochester.

Santiago is scheduled to make at least three appearances during his rehab assignment. With the Twins trading for Jamie Garcia, Santiago appears likely to move to the bullpen when he returns from the disabled list.

Kimbrel stuck out three with a walk and a hit in one inning during a non-save situation Tuesday against the Mariners.

It was Kimbrel's first appearance in a week, and the hurler seemed rested as he struck out three after giving up a leadoff single. The closer is on pace to pass 100 strikeouts in a season for the first time since 2012 when he had 116 during his second full campaign with Atlanta.

Diaz fired a scoreless ninth inning in Tuesday's 6-5 extra-inning win over the Red Sox, allowing a hit and a walk.

The young closer had a different role than usual Tuesday, as he was asked to preserve a 4-4 tie. Diaz succeeded while disposing of Xander Bogaerts, Mitch Moreland and Mookie Betts, working around a Christian Vazquez single and Rafael Devers walk. It was a positive outing overall for Diaz, who'd blown a save against the Yankees last Saturday in his most recent appearance. Despite that stumble, he's enjoyed a strong July overall, compiling a 1.54 ERA and six saves over 11.2 innings across 11 appearances.