MLB Player News

Neal was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Sunday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Neal will assume the 25-man spot of starter Jesse Hahn, who was optioned back to Nashville to open up a rotation spot for Paul Blackburn. It's expected that Neal, who was touched up for 13 runs in 13.2 innings in five appearances with the Athletics earlier this season, will have to settle for low-leverage, long-relief work during his time with the big club.

Strahm was diagnosed with a torn patellar tendon in his left knee and will receive a second opinion in the coming days to determine if surgery is necessary, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.

Until Strahm receives the second opinion, the Royals won't issue an expected timetable for his return, but potential surgery could sideline the young lefty for the remainder of the season. Strahm, who recently converted to a starting role before hitting the 10-day disabled list, has had a disappointing 2017 campaign, submitting a 5.45 ERA and 37:22 K:BB over 34.2 innings.

Yacabonis was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Yacabonis will assume the bullpen spot of Alec Asher, who was optioned to Triple-A after allowing five runs in 1.2 innings during Saturday's game against the Rays. Though he had difficultly finding the strike zone in his first three big-league appearances in June, Yacabonis has been solid for Norfolk this season, turning in a 0.93 ERA and 0.99 WHIP while closing games for the team. He'll likely work in middle relief during his second stint with the Orioles.

Tolliver was recalled from Triple-A Fresno on Sunday.

Tolliver was up with the Astros back in May and tossed four innings of one-run ball in his only appearance. It hasn't gone as smoothly at the Triple-A level, however, as the lefty owns an 8.14 ERA across 20 appearances. He'll head back to Houston nonetheless, giving the Astros an extra option in the bullpen, particularly against left-handed hitters.

Chapman was charged with his second blown save of the season during Saturday's loss to Houston. He didn't allow an earned run, though.

The lefty entered in the bottom of the eighth with runners on first and third and allowed a two-run double. Houston stopper Ken Giles closed out the Yankees in the top of the ninth inning, and the game was in the books. It was a tough spot for Chapman, and his status as an elite closer isn't in doubt. He sports a 3.12 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 14.5 K/9 while pitching for a winning team.

Betances (3-3) allowed four runs on a hit and three walks during Saturday's loss to Houston. He recorded just two outs.

The Astros stole three bases against Betances, and Evan Gattis also squared up a fastball for a no-doubt home run. The flame-throwing righty has now allowed six runs over just 1.1 innings through his past two appearances, and his ERA has ballooned 272 points since June 22. The ease that Houston exploited his slow delivery was particularly concerning Saturday, too. Still, considering his track record, Betances is likely to overcome his current funk in short order and remains a solid fantasy asset.

Giles pitched a scoreless ninth inning to record his 19th save of the season during Saturday's win over the Yankees.

Giles continues to be prone to rough patches, but he's the clear closer for a contender and boasts a 3.45 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 39 strikeouts through 31.1 innings. The ratios don't jump off the page, but his counting stats project to remain high-end marks. Considering the multiple closer carousels throughout the league, Giles is an excellent relief option going forward.

Almonte was recalled by the Royals on Saturday.

Almonte made his lone relief appearance in a big-league stint earlier this season, allowing three earned runs on four hits in a loss to the Indians, but will get a chance to redeem himself as part of a taxed Royals bullpen. The right-handed reliever hasn't allowed a run over nine innings with Triple-A Omaha this season while also demonstrating his versatility to serve as both a starter and middle reliever. Almonte takes the roster spot of the injured Matt Strahm (knee), though his stay will likely be on a temporary basis.

Strahm (knee) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Saturday.

Strahm exited Saturday's relief appearance against the Twins with knee inflammation and manager Ned Yost later revealed the southpaw has been dealing with patellar tendinitis for quite some time. It was the first outing for the 25-year-old since being removed from the rotation, but he's unlikely to retake the mound until after the upcoming All-Star break. Right-hander Miguel Almonte -- recalled from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move -- will take his place in the bullpen.

Wilson pitched a clean ninth inning with two strikeouts to pick up his eighth save of the season Saturday against the Indians.

He needed just 14 pitches to take care of Lonnie Chisenhall, Carlos Santana, and Brandon Guyer en route to his fourth consecutive perfect outing. Wilson continues to be one of the few bright spots in the Detroit bullpen with 46 strikeouts in 30.2 innings and a 2.64 ERA. Given that he's already pitched Saturday, the Tigers may opt to go with someone else if a save situation arises in Game 2 of their doubleheader against the Indians. That said, Wilson figures to be available again Sunday if the Tigers need him to close things out.