MLB Player News

Nance (forearm) threw live batting practice Tuesday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Nance was cleared to begin throwing off a mound Thursday, and he seems to be making considerable progress in his recovery given that he's now facing live hitters. He's scheduled to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, and a return from the injured list may come shortly thereafter.

Whitlock (knee) "felt really good" while throwing a side session Tuesday, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

The right-hander was shut down from throwing for a few days late last week after experiencing some knee discomfort following an injection, but he's now returned to mound work with no issues. Whitlock landed on the shelf May 28 due to knee inflammation and may not need an extended stay on the IL if he continues building his throwing program back up with no further issues.

The Athletics transferred Kriske (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster. Kriske remains shut down as he rehabs a right shoulder impingement, and now he's not eligible for activation until after the All-Star break.

The Athletics recalled Barnett from Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Barnett made one scoreless relief appearance for the Athletics earlier this season but has spent most of the year in the rotation at Las Vegas, holding a 4.64 ERA and 41:26 K:BB over 42.2 innings. He could get a chance to make some starts for the Athletics, though the club has not yet clarified what Barnett's role will be.

The Athletics optioned Kelly to Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Kelly made one appearance during his most recent stint in the majors and was bludgeoned for six runs while recording only two outs in that outing. He'll try to get back on track at Las Vegas.

The Astros activated Hader (biceps) from the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

Hader is ready to go after missing the first two months of the season with left biceps tendinitis. He was also shelved down the stretch of last season with a left shoulder strain, though the issues are considered unrelated. Hader posted a 4.15 ERA and 11:3 K:BB over 8.2 innings on a rehab assignment and displayed diminished velocity, averaging just 92.9 mph with his four-seamer in his last rehab appearance. The southpaw should move back into the Houston closer role even if he's unable to rediscover the pep on his heater, though Hader might be eased into high-leverage situations.

The Royals selected Way's contract from Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

Way earned the call-up by collecting a 4.50 ERA and 42:10 K:BB over 30 innings with Omaha. The 26-year-old right-hander will be making his major-league debut if/when he enters a game.

The Royals optioned Morgan to Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

Morgan pitched the last two days and three of the last four, so he's being sent out in favor of a fresh bullpen arm. The righty holds a 5.51 ERA and 15:8 K:BB across 16.1 innings during his time with the Royals this season.

The Twins optioned Funderburk to Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday, Theodore Tollefson of Zone Coverage reports.

The transaction clears a spot on the active roster for Justin Lawrence, who was acquired via trade. Funderburk has managed a 3.44 ERA for the Twins this season, but that's come with an ugly 10:16 K:BB over 18.1 innings.

Jackson has struck out four batters while allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits and one walk across 4.1 innings in four appearances for Triple-A Omaha since signing a minor-league contract with the Royals on May 22.

Kansas City is Jackson's second organization of the season, as he previously signed a minor-league deal with the Mets in April before being released in mid-May after posting an 11.57 ERA and 2.14 WHIP over 4.2 innings at Triple-A Syracuse. Jackson hasn't fared much better thus far with the Royals' Triple-A affiliate and doesn't appear likely to be in the mix for a promotion to the big leagues anytime soon.