MLB Player News

The Astros optioned King to Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

This looks like merely a numbers game and King having minor-league options available, as his 2.05 ERA and 27:9 K:BB over 22 innings doesn't point to a guy deserving of a demotion. King should be back in the Houston bullpen soon enough.

The Astros activated Pressly (back) from the 15-day injured list Thursday, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Pressly missed just the minimum 15 days while recovering from a lower-back strain. He did not go out on a rehab assignment, but manager Joe Espada is unlikely to shy away from using Pressly in high-leverage spots right away.

The Astros designated Junk for assignment Thursday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Jason Heyward. Junk was claimed off waivers earlier this month by the Astros and is now slated to go through the waiver process again.

Joyce struck out two and allowed one hit over 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the save in Thursday's 3-0 win against the Tigers.

Joyce entered with two outs in the bottom of the eighth with the bases loaded and proceeded to strikeout Spencer Torkelson. Joyce then pitched a clean ninth inning to pick up his third save and second straight save of four or more outs. The 23-year-old gave up five runs in his first three appearances this season but has since been dominant, allowing three runs in his last 25 appearances.

Voth secured his 12th hold in a win over the Rays on Wednesday, firing 1.1 perfect innings during which he recorded three strikeouts.

Voth put on a clinic in efficiency, requiring only 15 pitches to record his four outs. The veteran right-hander has been a largely steady hand for the Mariners' bullpen all season, with Wednesday's performance lowering his ERA and WHIP to 3.02 and 0.93, respectively, across 53.2 innings and affording him his first hold since July 28 in the process.

Ferguson (2-1) got the win and a hold against the Reds on Wednesday, firing a clean eighth inning during which he recorded a strikeout.

Ferguson was dialed in during his setup duties, getting through his one frame on 12 pitches (10 strikes). The 30-year-old rookie had allowed an earned run for the first time since Aug. 2 in Tuesday's appearance, but his ability to bounce back Wednesday lowered his ERA and WHIP to 3.58 and 1.09, respectively, across his first 37.2 big-league innings.

The White Sox optioned Peralta to Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday.

After being recalled from Charlotte on Monday, Peralta made a pair of appearances out of the Chicago bullpen, giving up three earned runs on five hits and one walk while striking out three over 4.1 innings. He'll head back to the minors and cede his spot on the 26-man active roster to right-hander Nick Nastrini, who was called up from Triple-A ahead of his scheduled start Thursday versus the Rangers.

The Tigers optioned Englert to Triple-A Toledo on Thursday.

Englert tossed two scoreless frames as the Tigers' opening pitcher in Wednesday's win over the Angels but now finds himself back in the minors. He's clearing out to make room on the active roster for Will Vest's return from paternity leave.

The Tigers activated Vest (personal) from the paternity list Thursday.

Vest was away for the last three games while welcoming a new addition to his family. He will be available out of the Detroit bullpen for Thursday's series finale against the Angels.

Miller gave up a hit and a walk in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to record his 23rd save of the season in a 9-6 win over the Reds. He struck out two.

He made things interesting by putting two runners aboard with one out, but Miller then fanned Amed Rosario and Will Benson to wrap things up. The right-hander has converted all eight of his save chances in August, posting a 1.59 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 16:4 K:BB over 11.1 innings as he puts the finishing touches on a dazzling first season as Oakland's closer.