MLB Player News

Kahnle (0-3) allowed a ninth-inning home run and was tagged with the loss in Tuesday's 7-6 loss to the Athletics.

While it wasn't a save situation for Kahnle, it was certainly closer-like, as Chicago had just tied up the game in the top of the ninth and needed a shutdown inning to get into extra frames. And with closer David Robertson away from the team while on the paternity list, it was a chance to see how Kahnle might respond as Chicago's fill-in closer. The White Sox will eventually need an arm to replace Robertson, who is expected to be traded later this month, and Kahnle's name has been floated as a potential closer for the rest of the season.

Wilson pitched a perfect ninth with one strikeout in Tuesday's 5-3 win over San Francisco, earning his ninth save.

Wilson has earned saves in four of his last five appearances after going more than three weeks in June without one (through little fault of his own). The lefty closer's ratios are terrific, so he's capable of being a borderline-elite bullpen arm if the Tigers can just get him save chances more consistently.

Lawrence, who was sent back to Triple-A Tacoma on June 14, is using his major-league experiences from earlier this season to improve as a pitcher, Terrence Holmes of The News Tribune reports. "He's been a really good starter for a number of years," Tacoma manager Pat Listach said. "When you do go to the big leagues and you get the confidence that you are a big leaguer, you're just in Triple-A - it means something. You are hungry to get back so you have a little more incentive because you already been there and got a taste of it."

The 29-year-old right-hander has given up seven earned runs over the 25.2 innings encompassing his four appearances with the Rainiers since returning from his Mariners stint, with his most recent outing a complete-game shutout of Albuquerque on Monday in which he scattered seven hits. Lawrence also had a no-hitter through six innings in a June 18 start against Salt Lake before being pulled in that game, so he's certainly shown stretches of dominance. Lawrence credits his time with the Mariners this season -- which has consisted of 17.1 innings across six appearances -- with helping him "learn more about [himself]" and then putting those things into practice with Tacoma. Given his strong work at the Triple-A level, Lawrence figures to have a solid chance of another stint with the major-league club in the season's second half.

Colome allowed two runs on two hits and two walks over an inning of work but was able to escape with his 22nd save of the season Tuesday against the Cubs.

Colome needed every bit of the three-run lead he was staked to upon entering the game as he put two men on before allowing an RBI single to Anthony Rizzo and a run-scoring fielder's choice off the bat of Ben Zobrist. He then walked a man but was able to close out the game by getting Jason Heyward to fly out. Colome has struggled mightily of late, allowing a whopping 10 earned runs over five innings in his last five appearances to inflate his ERA to 4.10. His saving grace is the fact that he has only blown one save during that rough stretch, but he will need to improve his performance if he is to maintain his role on a club that is scrapping for a playoff spot.

Manager Ned Yost said Strahm will receive a second opinion on his injured knee Thursday, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.

Strahm was recently shifted to the 60-day disabled list, and the Royals are hoping Thursday's appointment will help determine the next step in his recovery. The 25-year-old southpaw could return Aug. 30 at the earliest, though he could be sidelined for the rest of the season if the injury requires surgery.

Almonte was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.

Almonte's demotion clears the way for Danny Duffy (oblique) to return from the 10-day disabled list ahead of his scheduled start Tuesday against the Mariners. During his latest stint with the Royals, Almonte made a lone appearance during one game of Saturday's doubleheader with the Twins, working around a hit and a walk to toss a scoreless inning.

Fulmer (8-6) went eight innings against the Giants on Tuesday, striking out five while allowing three runs on five hits in a 5-3 win.

His successful sophomore campaign continues, although Fulmer has experienced a noticeable decline in strikeout rate -- he's at 6.8 K/9 after last year's 7.5 mark. That doesn't appear to have hurt him much, as Fulmer's grounder-heavy repertoire is working out well, but he did give up a pair of homers in this one; he'd only allowed four in his first 15 starts. Even if BABIP and HR/FB regression comes his way, though, he'll still be a reliable fantasy asset. The new-minted All-Star is on schedule to make one more start -- Sunday at Cleveland -- before participating in the midseason classic's festivities.

Farquhar accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

The 30-year-old was unable to fetch much interest as a waiver claim after submitting a 4.11 ERA and 33:22 K:BB over 35 innings. Now more than three years removed from his last stint as a closer in the big leagues with the Mariners and struggling to contribute in a middle-relief role, Farquhar no longer finds himself on the fantasy landscape.

Harvey (elbow) threw a two-inning simulated game Tuesday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

He has not yet returned to game action, and while he is technically on the 7-day DL at High-A Frederick, Harvey is expected to rehab in rookie-league games before coming off the DL.

Yacabonis was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday.

After tossing 3.1 innings of relief in Monday's 8-1 loss to the Brewers, the Orioles decided to swap Yacabonis out for a fresh bullpen arm. He allowed just one run on three hits while striking out two batters, so he should be back with the Orioles when the team needs another reliever. In the meantime, Tyler Wilson was recalled from Triple-A to take his place in the bullpen.