MLB Player News

The Mariners optioned Diaz to Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday.

Diaz made a spot start in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the White Sox in place of the injured Bryan Woo (arm), allowing three runs over 5.1 innings in a no-decision. Woo's status remains in limbo, and Diaz could be considered for a call-up if Woo ends up landing on the injured list before his next turn through the rotation comes up.

Kuhnel signed a minor-league contract with the Brewers on Tuesday.

Kuhnel was assigned to Triple-A Nashville after signing with Milwaukee, and the affiliate wasted little time in putting him to work. He appeared out of the bullpen Tuesday in Nashville's 13-9 loss to Gwinnett, covering one inning and striking out two while allowing two earned runs on two hits and one walk. Prior to joining Milwaukee, Kuhnel spent time in the big leagues this season with Houston, giving up four earned runs over two innings in his lone relief appearance.

The Athletics activated Erceg (forearm) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Erceg spent the minimum amount of time on the IL and was able to skip a rehab assignment prior to being activated. He's been terrific in relief for Oakland this season, collecting a 2.86 ERA and 27:8 K:BB across 22 innings as the primary setup man ahead of closer Mason Miller.

Stewart (shoulder) threw five pitches off the mound Wednesday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Stewart threw off the bump for the first time since he went down with right shoulder tendinitis more than a month ago. He'll need to continue going through a ramp-up progression and will likely require at least a rehab appearance or two before returning from the 15-day injured list and slotting back into a setup role for the Twins.

Alexander (0-1) took the loss against the Padres on Tuesday, allowing an earned run on one hit and one walk over two-thirds of an inning.

Unfortunately for Alexander, the one hit he allowed was a walk-off solo home run to Kyle Higashioka, saddling the veteran southpaw with his first loss of the season. Alexander has now allowed an earned run in each of his last two appearances after generating four consecutive scoreless efforts of an inning apiece, but he's still carrying an acceptable 4.00 ERA and stellar 0.67 WHIP across the nine innings covering his 10 appearances.

Thornton (2-1) got the win against the White Sox on Tuesday, firing 1.2 scoreless innings while recording two strikeouts.

Thornton was rewarded for his pristine work -- he cruised through his six-out outing on 11 pitches, 10 of which found the strike zone -- when Cal Raleigh drove home the tying and go-ahead runs in the home half of the seventh inning after the reliever had thrown his last pitch. Thornton has bounced back from a rare stumble against the Angels on May 31 (three runs allowed over two-thirds of an inning) to produce scoreless efforts in three of his subsequent four appearances, a span in which he's recorded a pair of holds in addition to Tuesday's win.

Abreu didn't allow a baserunner and struck out one across a scoreless eighth inning to earn the hold Tuesday against the Giants.

Abreu turned in his fifth consecutive scoreless appearance and has earned four holds in that span. He has a team-high 15 holds this season and is also ranked inside the top five in the league with that mark. Overall, Abreu has an effective 2.88 ERA, though he has issued 20 free passes across 34.1 innings.

The Twins designated Castillo for assignment Wednesday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

The Twins needed to free up a spot on their 40-man roster for the addition of right-hander Jay Jackson to the bullpen. Castillo had just been sent down to Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday following a brief stint with the big club in which he allowed two runs with a 3:7 K:BB over seven innings. If Castillo clears waivers, he will have the ability to elect free agency if he chooses to do so.

Triple-A Albuquerque reinstated Hollowell (undisclosed) from its 7-day injured list Tuesday.

Hollowell made his first appearance for Albuquerque since April 9 in Tuesday's 10-3 loss to El Paso, giving up one run on two hits while striking out two over an inning of relief. The 26-year-old right-hander, who possesses a spot on the Rockies' 40-man roster, was cleared to rejoin the Triple-A club after making two rehab appearances in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League.

Finnegan (2-3) earned the win in Tuesday's 10-inning victory over the Tigers, striking out three over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Finnegan struck out Colt Keith for the final out in the ninth, stranding the winning run on second base, before the Nats took a 5-4 lead in the top of the 10th. The right-hander would then set Detroit down in order in the bottom half, stranding the free runner to close out his second win this season. The 32-year-old Finnegan has been superb this year, allowing just two earned runs in his last 25.2 innings. Overall, he sports a 1.65 ERA with a 0.84 WHIP and 29:10 K:BB while converting 18 of 20 save chances across 27.1 innings.