MLB Player News

Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said July 31 that Criswell (shoulder) has resumed a throwing progression, MLB.com reports.

Hollander didn't go into many specifics regarding where Criswell stood in his throwing progression beyond noting that he was about a week behind fellow reliever Matt Brash (lat), who had yet to resume throwing off a mound as of the July 31 update. With that in mind, Criswell looks like he's still limited to playing catch for the time being, so his return from the injured list wouldn't appear to be imminent. Criswell went on the shelf June 9 after being diagnosed with a right shoulder strain.

The Brewers designated Rom for assignment Sunday.

Rom will give up his spot on the 40-man roster to outfielder Ji Hwan Bae, who signed a minor-league deal with the Brewers earlier Sunday before being elevated to the big leagues after Cooper Pratt (hamstring) moved to the injured list in a corresponding move. A 26-year-old lefty, Rom was previously up for two stints in the majors earlier this season, logging a 3.18 ERA and 1.76 WHIP in 5.2 innings over five relief appearances.

The Mets selected Weisenburger's contract from Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday.

The 28-year-old righty will hit the big leagues for the first time after he submitted a 7.22 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 46:27 K:BB across 52.1 innings at Syracuse. Weisenburger will likely fill a low-leverage role out of the bullpen while he's up in the majors.

The Mets optioned Curry to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday.

Curry continues to be shuffled between Syracuse and Queens, with Sunday marking the third time he's been demoted since being added to the 40-man roster in early July. The right-hander has a 2.81 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 10:7 K:BB across 16 big-league innings (seven appearances), so he seems likely to get another look in the majors when the Mets need a fresh bullpen arm.

The Angels optioned Kerry to Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday.

The right-hander worked in long relief Saturday in Miami after starter Walbert Urena lasted just 2.1 frames. Kerry allowed three runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and a walk across 5.2 innings. He's filled that role in his first three MLB appearances for the Angels and has pitched well with a 3.95 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 12:2 K:BB across 13.2 innings. Ryan Watson, who was claimed off waivers from the Red Sox on Friday, will fill Kerry's roster spot.

The Red Sox selected Martinez's contract from Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Boston optioned left-hander Raymond Burgos to Triple-A to clear room for Martinez, who is up with the big club for the first time this season. Over 34 appearances (nine starts) at Worcester, Martinez produced a 5.46 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 52:20 K:BB in 62.2 innings. He'll be capable of covering multiple innings in Sunday's game against the Athletics as the Red Sox deploy a bullpen day.

The Red Sox optioned Burgos to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

The Red Sox will swap Burgos out for a fresh bullpen arm in Seth Martinez, whose contract was selected from Triple-A in a corresponding move. After getting called up Friday, Burgos made three-inning relief appearances on consecutive days, giving up two earned runs on two hits and no walks while striking out four and earning his first MLB save.

The Phillies optioned Shugart to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

He'll give up his spot to right-hander Alan Rangel, who was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move. Over two stints in the majors this season, Shugart has logged a 4.93 ERA and 1.33 WHIP over 38.1 innings while making most of his appearances in lower-leverage spots.

Hill (shoulder) completed a bullpen session Saturday, MLB.com reports.

Hill has been ramping up his activity the last few weeks, and his session Saturday reportedly went according to plan. The right-hander has been sidelined since June 20 due to shoulder tendinitis.

The Nationals recalled Bird from Triple-A Rochester on Sunday.

Bird will join the Washington bullpen as a replacement for left-hander Carson Palmquist, who was optioned to Triple-A following Saturday's 8-2 win. The Nationals are treating Sunday's series finale as a bullpen game, so Bird could be called upon to cover an inning or two once opening pitcher Brad Lord exits the contest. Acquired from the Yankees on Monday in a five-player trade, Bird will be making his Nationals debut when he gets into a game.