MLB Player News

Howard was charged with three runs (two earned) on four hits and one walk over one inning of relief in Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the Cubs. He recorded three strikeouts.

After making both of his previous two appearances as a starter, Howard was deployed out of the bullpen behind opening pitcher Erik Miller. Miller left the game after pitching the first inning, then Spencer Bivens, Sean Hjelle and Taylor Rogers worked innings two through six before Howard entered the game in the top of the seventh. Though he worked just one frame, Howard tossed 33 pitches and should remain fairly stretched out if the Giants need to turn to him for a start or a bulk-relief appearance during the team's four-game series against the Cubs to begin the upcoming week. The Giants currently have just two healthy full-time starters (Logan Webb and Jordan Hicks).

Kelly will serve as the Red Sox's opening pitcher for Sunday's game against Cincinnati, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Kelly will make his second start of the season Sunday, likely throwing only 1-to-2 innings before handing the ball off. It's unclear if the Red Sox will commit to a full bullpen game or utilize a bulk reliever, though Chase Anderson would be the likely option to work extended innings behind Kelly if Boston elects to go that route.

The Angels recalled Zuniga from Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday.

With Patrick Sandoval (elbow) hitting the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move, Zuniga will join the Angels' active roster for the first time since suffering a pectoral strain in early April. In four appearances with the Angels, Zuniga logged a 7.20 ERA. He hasn't fared much better at Salt Lake, posting a 7.36 ERA in 7.1 innings on the season.

Bednar was unavailable for Saturday's 4-3 win over the Rays due to left side tightness, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Bednar missed out on a save chance Saturday as Aroldis Chapman stepped up in the ninth to close out the win. Bednar's absence was planned after he felt the tightness during his pregame throwing program, but the injury isn't considered to be serious at this point. If he ends up missing more than just Saturday's game, expect Chapman to continue to see save chances.

The Marlins plan to call up Tyler from Triple-A Jacksonville to start Sunday's game against the Mariners, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Tyler will make a spot start Sunday in place of Braxton Garrett, who was scratched from his start this weekend with left elbow discomfort. Tyler's only appearance this season with Miami came April 26, when he allowed one run on one hit across two innings before being designated for assignment. He cleared waivers and remained in the organization as a full-time member of the rotation at Jacksonville, with whom he's accrued a 2.25 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 29:16 K:BB in 40 innings since the beginning of May.

The Rockies designated Hartlieb for assignment Saturday.

After having his contract selected June 8, Hartlieb appeared in five games for the Rockies, registering a 9.00 ERA and 1.89 WHIP over nine innings. The move corresponds with Colorado selecting the contract of Austin Kitchen from Triple-A Albuquerque.

The Astros selected King's contract from Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday.

King has pitched well at Triple-A this season, posting a 1.87 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 41:14 K:BB while recording three saves over 33.2 innings. He'll provide the Astros with a left-handed option out of the bullpen. To make room on the 40-man roster for King, Houston designated right-hander Alex Speas for assignment.

Romano experienced right elbow soreness after long tossing from 120 feet Friday and has been shut down from throwing, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Romano was slated to throw off the mound over the weekend, but he will now take a break while the team determines the next steps. Prior to landing on the injured list June 1, the 31-year-old closer registered eight saves across 15 outings with a 6.59 ERA and 1.46 WHIP over 13.2 innings.

The Astros recalled Contreras from Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

After being optioned to Triple-A on Friday, Contreras is back with the big club with Jake Bloss (shoulder) headed to the injured list. Contreras has pitched well in his 19 outings with Sugar Land this season, posting a 1.40 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 20:7 K:BB over 19.1 innings. The 28-year-old right-hander could make his major-league debut out of the bullpen in his second call-up with the Astros.

Cisnero (shoulder) threw from 120 feet Friday, per MLB.com.

Cisnero had previously thrown from 120 feet in mid-May but then had his throwing program halted after suffering lower-back tightness. The righty reliever appears to be back on track in his rehab, though it's unclear how far away he is from being ready to return to the Angels' bullpen. Cisnero hasn't pitched in a game since April 27, so he may require a rehab assignment before being activated from the injured list.