MLB Player News

Neal was recalled to Oakland on Friday, Joe Stiglich of CSN California reports.

It's not confirmed yet that Neal will be joining the rotation, but it's probable considering the A's have two rotation spots to fill after demoting Jesse Hahn and placing Rich Hill (groin) on the DL. Neal had a rough debut as a starter earlier in the year, allowing seven earned runs in four inning while striking out only one.

Chargois was recalled from Triple-A Rochester, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Chargois has been outstanding as Rochester's closer since moving up from Double-A as he was 11-for-11 in save opportunities with a 1.13 ERA and 34:9 K:BB between the two levels. Although he's a rookie, it's not crazy to think he could figure into the mix for saves before too long given the chaos at the Minnesota closer position.

May was placed on the 15-day DL with a back injury, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

May missed a week with a sore lower back and then was hit hard in his return as he gave up three runs without recording an out in Thursday's loss. May has been terrible since mid-May with 14 earned runs and 16 hits allowed in 7.2 innings and this injury could be the cause.

Chargois is on the verge of being called up by the Twins, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Chargois reached the Triple-A level this season for the first time since being drafted in 2012, and it appears he will not have to wait long before advancing to the majors for the first time as well. It seems unlikely that Chargois would jump right into the closer's role for the Twins, but the team's ninth-inning situation is in flux, and he was 11-for-11 in save opportunities this season, so he could at least be in the mix.

May gave up hits to all three batters he faced and didn't record an out while giving up three runs in Thursday's loss to Miami. His ERA rose to 6.08.

May missed a week with a sore lower back, the same injury that bothered him late last season. May has been terrible since mid-May with 14 earned runs and 16 hits allowed in 7.2 innings since May 13. After such a strong beginning to the season (1.89 ERA in first 19 innings), it would seem possible the back ailment may be bothering him more than has been disclosed.

Robertson gave up two hits in the ninth inning Thursday against Washington, but struck out one and was able to come away with his 14th save.

After coming in for a non-save situation and giving up three runs Wednesday against these same Nats, Robertson got into a jam while trying to preserve a two-run lead in this one, putting runners on first and third before he got Daniel Murphy to fly out and end it. That implosion has conspired with his May 28 disaster against the Royals -- also in a non-save situation -- to make his ratios ugly (4.18 ERA, 1.27 WHIP), but Robertson's one of the game's better closers and should get things back in order soon.

Chapman allowed a hit and struck out two while securing his 11th save of the season Thursday against the Angels.

The intimidating left-hander hasn't exactly been dominant by his standards. Chapman has allowed a baserunner in four of his five outings this month, and has given up two runs after allowing only two in the entire month of May. However, we're really nitpicking here if we harp on this point. The bottom line is Chapman is downright nasty and any team who rosters him should consider themselves fortunate.

Diekman walked one while picking up the first save of his five-year career Thursday against the Astros.

The 29-year-old left-hander was called on to provide Sam Dyson with a much-needed day off, and Diekman got the job done after inducing a game-ending double play. Surprisingly, the team's Opening Day closer, Shawn Tolleson, didn't even see the field in this one. Diekman has been extremely valuable in leagues that count holds, and his ratios and strikeouts seemingly have him next in line to close (even as a lefty) with Tolleson bumped down the bullpen hierarchy.

McHugh lasted just 3.2 innings, giving up four runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out six in Thursday's loss to the Rangers.

Thursday marked the first time all season that McHugh couldn't get past the fourth inning. Things went south quickly for the right-hander after he cruised through the first two innings without allowing a baserunner. In the bottom of the third, the first four Rangers got aboard in what wound up being a three-run inning. The situation didn't improve when Prince Fielder sent a ball 414 feet into the stands to lead off the fourth. Two more hits in the inning and McHugh's day was over. His ERA ballooned back over 5.00 after a brief, two-game hiatus from the five-plus mark. Things won't exactly get any easier when he heads to St. Louis for his next start Wednesday.

Axford tossed a scoreless inning in Oakland's 4-0 loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Axford has been highly efficient of late, allowing only four baserunners and striking out eight batters in his last 5.2 innings of work. During that time, he's lowered his ERA from 3.79 to 2.92 and his WHIP from 1.32 to 1.18.