MLB Player News

Puk and Kevin Ginkel are the favorites for save opportunities after Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo removed Paul Sewald from the closer role Friday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Puk has recorded a hold and has five strikeouts in three scoreless appearances since being acquired by Arizona last week, and the closer role is now open after Sewald's rough July. Lovullo didn't name a replacement, but Puk and the right-handed Ginkel are the likeliest candidates to take over. Ryan Thompson could also be involved.

The Marlins claimed McMillon off waivers from the Royals on Friday.

McMillon has spent all of this season at the Triple-A level, where he has posted a 6.53 ERA in 30.1 appearances. At his best, McMillon has shown late-inning caliber stuff, but he has dealt with arm injuries and his stuff was diminished this season. He'll head to Triple-A Jacksonville, where he represents relief depth for Miami.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that he is removing Sewald from the closer role, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

The veteran right-hander allowed two runs on three walks in one-third of an inning Wednesday versus Washington, which capped an ugly July that saw him blow four saves and give up 12 earned runs across 10 innings. Sewald appeared to have turned things around with five straight scoreless appearances after an awful start to the month, but he finished with five runs allowed in his last four outings. Lovullo didn't say who will replace Sewald as Arizona's closer, but A.J. Puk and Kevin Ginkel are the likeliest candidates and could even form a matchup-based committee. Ryan Thompson could also be in the mix.

The Diamondbacks recalled Castellanos from Triple-A Reno on Friday.

The right-hander was sent to Reno on July 23 but will return to the majors as Bryce Jarvis (elbow) heads to the injured list. Castellanos has appeared in seven big-league games this season and has a 5.23 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 7:4 K:BB over 10.1 innings.

The White Sox recalled Berroa from Triple-A Charlotte on Friday, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Berroa has spent virtually all of the 2024 season with Charlotte, putting up a 6.69 ERA and 45:28 K:BB over 40.1 innings. The hard-throwing righty made one appearance with the White Sox back in April, hitting one batter with a pitch and retiring the other.

The Diamondbacks placed Jarvis on the 15-day injured list Friday due to a sprained right elbow.

It's unclear when exactly the right-hander sustained the injury, but he last pitched Tuesday against the Nationals and allowed two hits with two strikeouts over a scoreless frame. Jarvis will be eligible to be reinstated in mid-August, but it's possible he faces a longer absence.

The Orioles outrighted Krook to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Krook was dropped from the 40-man roster earlier this week but will remain in the organization after passing through waivers unclaimed. He holds a 4.11 ERA and 1.43 WHIP with 41 strikeouts over 35 innings this season at Norfolk.

The White Sox claimed Varland off waivers and optioned him to Triple-A Charlotte on Friday.

The right-hander was designated for assignment by the Dodgers on Tuesday, and the White Sox utilized their No. 1 spot in the waiver order to bolster their relief depth. Varland allowed two earned runs over six innings for Los Angeles but has struggled to a 7.99 ERA in 28 outings at Triple-A this year.

The Astros claimed Junk off waivers from the Brewers on Friday and optioned him to Triple-A Sugar Land, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Junk has allowed six runs in eight innings in the majors this season but holds a 2.55 ERA and 35:15 K:BB across 35.1 frames at the Triple-A level. He's been pitching in relief exclusively since May, but Junk does have extensive starting pitcher experience and it's not clear what role the Astros have planned for him.

O'Brien (forearm) could be activated from the 60-day injured list next week after making two more rehab appearances with Triple-A Memphis, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

O'Brien will make back-to-back appearances with Memphis on Saturday and Sunday, which would appear to be the final box he'll need to check before rejoining the Cardinals' bullpen. The reliever has been sidelined since suffering a right flexor strain back on Opening Day.