MLB Player News

Morejon was activated from the injured list ahead of Monday's game against the Rockies, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Morejon was placed on the injured list Saturday, with team declining to go into details surrounding the southpaw's health. It wound up being just a short stint on the injured list for the left-hander. Morejon was previously scheduled to start last Saturday against the Rockies, but it's currently unclear if he will make his next appearance as a starter or in relief.

Banda was acquired by the Giants on Monday, freelance baseball writer Robert Murray reports.

Banda was designated for assignment by the Rays on Sunday, but he'll find a new home just one day later. The lefty hasn't been particularly effective out of the major-league bullpen this season as he carries a 10.29 ERA and 4:5 K:BB over seven innings.

Topa's contract was selected from the Brewers' alternate training site Monday.

An unheralded righty reliever, Topa apparently turned heads this summer at the alternate training site, so the Brewers want to give him a look with the roster spot that opened up after David Phelps was traded to Philadelphia. He had a 2.63 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 24 innings at Double-A last year as a 28-year-old.

Castro (illness) was traded from the Orioles to the Mets in exchange for Kevin Smith on Monday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Castro, who isn't expected to miss much more time with his sinus infection, could have had the opportunity to pick up save chances in Baltimore but will now likely fill a setup role unless the Mets get sick of Edwin Diaz again. Castro had never posted a strikeout rate north of 22.3 percent prior to this season but has a 34.3 percent mark through his first 15.2 innings this year. He's also trimmed his walk rate to a career-low 7.1 percent while posting a career-high 55.0 percent groundball rate, suggesting that he could improve on his respectable 4.02 ERA going forward.

Chafin (finger) was traded from the Diamondbacks to the Cubs on Monday in exchange for a player to be named later, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Chafin has been sidelined since Aug. 19 with a sprained left index finger, and he'll suit up for a new team once he returns. The southpaw was wearing a splint for the past week to help his finger heal, although it's unclear when he'll be able to take the mound again. Chafin allowed six runs on nine hits and four walks while striking out 10 over 6.2 innings this season.

Helsley (illness) threw a bullpen session Sunday and is with the team on its road trip that begins Monday, the Associated Press reports.

Helsley's return is apparently imminent, with Sunday's bullpen possibly the final step toward being cleared for activation. The right-hander could potentially still face live hitters before one of the Cardinals' upcoming games as yet another benchmark in his recovery from COVID-19 infection, but under any scenario, it appears Helsley will soon be available out of the bullpen again for manager Mike Shildt.

Suter will start Monday's game against the Pirates, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Suter will be the first to toe the rubber for Milwaukee on Monday as the team plans to rely heavily on its bullpen. It'll be the southpaw's first start in the past two seasons. To begin the year, Suter made nine relief appearances while posting a 3.68 ERA and 18:1 K:BB over 14.2 innings.

Jurado was optioned to the Mets' alternate training site Monday.

Jurado received his first callup of 2020 on Sunday, joining the Mets as the 29th man for their doubleheader with the Yankees. He went unused in either contest and will now head back to the alternate site as the Mets reduce their active roster to the standard 28 men ahead of Monday's make-up game against the Marlins.

Smith was optioned to the Mets' secondary training site Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith leaves the roster just one day after joining it Sunday. He allowed four runs (three earned) in his lone inning of work, picking up the loss against the Yankees. Hunter Strickland's contract was selected in a corresponding move.

Minter (1-0) was perfect over 1.2 innings Sunday, striking out four and earning the win versus the Phillies.

Minter was the third pitcher of the game for the Braves, and he was able to finish off the fourth inning cleanly. He then pitched a clean fifth and was credited with his first victory of the year. The 26-year-old reliever has a stellar 0.73 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 15 strikeouts through 12.1 innings this season. Minter has added three holds.