MLB Player News

Okert was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday, freelance writer Andrew Baggarly reports.

The Giants are simply being proactive here, as they will option an extraneous reliever in order to make room for the pending activation of Santiago Casilla from the paternity list. Okert appeared in two games for the Giants since his Friday call-up, tossing a total of five pitches.

Kiekhefer was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Kiekhefer hasn't pitched for the Cards since June 8, and has allowed seven earned runs over 11 innings this season. The team needed a roster spot for the activation of righty Seth Maness, and with Kiekhefer last in the bullpen pecking order, the middle reliever will ultimately head back to Memphis.

Underwood gave up one run in four innings against Double-A Jackson on Friday, but he also gave up four hits, two walks, and hit a batter.

Underwood got off to a late start this year due to an elbow injury, but he's struggled all season for Tennessee. He's 0-4 with a 5.12 ERA in 10 starts and has walked 24 in 45.2 innings. Though he's still considered one of the best pitching prospects in the Cubs' system, Underwood appears to have a lot of work to do.

Gearrin was called on in a save opportunity Saturday because closer Santiago Casilla (paternity leave) was unavailable.

Gearrin converted Saturday's save opportunity, his second of the season, but did give up a homer in the Giants' 6-4 win over the Rays. The right-hander has pitched well of late for San Francisco, having posted 11 straight scoreless appearances before Saturday's outing.

Ottavino (elbow) struck out the side while earning his first save Thursday during a rehab appearance with High-A Modesto, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports.

Ottavino did allow two hits, but neither of the baserunners crossed the plate. The right-hander, who is in the process of returning from Tommy John surgery, is making good progress in his return and is expected to return to the Rockies bullpen around the second week of July.

Boscan is a candidate to make a spot start Tuesday against the Giants, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

With Juan Nicasio on the restricted list and unlikely to rejoin the team for a few days, the Pirates will likely need a spot starter for Tuesday's contest against the Giants. Boscan is reportedly in line to start that day at Triple-A Indianapolis according to Berry, so he'd be a logical choice to get the call-up given that he'd be going on regular rest. While no move will likely be made official until early in the week, Boscan will be a name to monitor over the next few days. Boscan has not started at the major league level this season, but in nine starts at Triple-A Indianapolis, he has a 2.92 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP.

Kontos has thrown six shutout innings dating back to May 29.

Kontos struggled mightily when he returned from the disabled list May 20, giving up five runs in his first four appearances. Since that time, he has settled down, dropping his ERA to 3.31 over that span. With lackluster strikeout and walk rates, he doesn't have much value as a reliever in fantasy.

Adleman (oblique) will begin throwing from a mound Monday at the Reds' spring training facility in Arizona, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Adleman might not have a rotation spot to come back to, with Anthony DeSclafani having returned from the DL.

Wittgren (2-1) picked up the win in Friday's victory over the Rockies after tossing just five pitches to record the final out in the sixth inning.

Wittgren was simply in the right place at the right time. He entered with the bases loaded and two outs after starter Adam Conley allowed the game's first run by hitting Ryan Raburn. Wittgren retired Mark Reynolds and ended up on the positive side of the ledger when the Marlins took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the frame. Wittgren has posted a steady 2.76 ERA and 1.04 WHIP over 16.1 innings while registering 17 strikeouts against just four walks in his rookie campaign. The 25-year-old will continue to contribute in middle relief for the Marlins, but it wouldn't be a shock to see him work in some high-leverage situations if his success continues.

Joe Jordan, the Phillies' director of player development, said Cordero (shoulder) is just getting started with a throwing program, Mitch Rupert of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette reports.

Cordero has yet to pitch this season due to a shoulder issue. Jordan said the Phillies hope to have Cordero pitching in games by mid-July.