MLB Player News

The Twins designated Jackson for assignment Thursday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The move comes shortly after Jackson allowed three runs in an inning of work during Thursday's loss to the Rays. Jackson cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment by the Twins last month, so he might wind up sticking around in the organization again. The club will announce a corresponding move prior to Friday's game in Oakland.

The Cardinals optioned Roycroft to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday.

Roycroft has done a decent job in the majors since being called back up to St. Louis on June 4, allowing just one run in 8.2 innings. However, he'll be sent back down to Triple-A in favor of Adam Kloffenstein, as the Cardinals look to keep their bullpen stocked with fresh arms.

The Royals placed Altavilla on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right oblique strain, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The reliever suffered the injury during an appearance in Wednesday's game against the Athletics. It's not clear how long Altavilla might be sidelined, but oblique strains often result in IL stays of beyond 15 days.

The Royals recalled Cruz from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

With Dan Altavilla (oblique) headed for the injured list, the Royals will bring up Cruz to help replenish their bullpen depth. The 25-year-old has spent all season with Omaha, posting a 4.50 ERA and 1.42 WHIP through 26 innings. He allowed seven earned runs through 12.2 frames during his time in the majors last season and will likely only be used during low-leverage situations.

Muller (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Sunday, MLB.com reports.

The left-hander began a throwing program June 6, and he appears to be progressing through it without setbacks. If all goes well with Sunday's bullpen session, Muller is slated to head out for a rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas at some point during the following week.

McFarland recorded his ninth hold in a win over the Royals on Wednesday, retiring the only batter he faced.

McFarland closed out the sixth inning for Luis Medina by retiring Adam Frazier on a flyout to left that left Nick Loftin stranded at first base. The veteran southpaw reliever has been outstanding since early May, recording a 1.17 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and four holds across 15.1 innings over his last 18 appearances. However, the fact he's typically used in middle relief usually limits McFarland to the occasional hold opportunity and leaves him with minimal fantasy appeal.

The Yankees designated Andrews for assignment Thursday.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of lefty reliever Tim Hill, who was signed to a big-league contract. Andrews has allowed 11 earned runs in just 3.2 frames during his brief time in the majors.

Beeks (3-3) threw a scoreless ninth inning while allowing one hit and striking out one to earn the win Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Beeks entered the game with the score knotted at 6-6. He delivered his sixth consecutive scoreless appearance, and in that span he has three holds and a win. Given the Rockies' struggles to find a reliable closer this season, Beeks may get a second look in the role.

Hudson threw two scoreless innings of relief and picked up his 11th hold of the season in Wednesday's victory over the Angels. He allowed a hit, struck out a batter and walked none.

Hudson allowed two earned runs in his final appearance of May, but he gave up only two all season prior to that, and he has not allowed any runs through eight frames in June. Add it all up and Hudson now owns a minuscule 0.90 ERA along with a 0.65 WHIP and 46:8 K:BB over 40 innings out of Milwaukee's bullpen.

The Yankees signed Hill to a one-year contract Thursday.

Hill was cut loose by the White Sox earlier this week after collecting a 5.87 ERA and 13:10 K:BB over 23 innings. He wasn't out of a job long, however, and will go directly onto the Yankees' major-league roster. Hill has had a rough two-year stretch, but he's been an effective reliever in the past, and the Yankees will see if the 34-year-old has more in the tank.