MLB Player News

Bielak (1-0) picked up the win in an extra-innings victory over the Rockies on Thursday, allowing a hit and a walk over one-third of an inning. He struck out one.

Bielak came into the game with runners at the corners and two outs in the top of the 11th, and after allowing both inherited runners to score, he was able to strike out Jordan Beck to end the inning. That set the stage for the unlikeliest of victories, as the Athletics mounted a five-run rally in the home half of the frame to walk it off. Bielak, who was just acquired via trade from the Astros on May 16, has allowed two earned runs on eight hits and a walk over 5.2 innings across three appearances since his arrival.

Atlanta recalled Kerr from Triple-A Gwinnett to start Friday's game at Pittsburgh.

The left-hander was optioned to Gwinnett following Monday's twin bill against the Padres but will be allowed to quickly rejoin the big club as AJ Smith-Shawver (oblique) lands on the injured list. Kerr's four appearances for Atlanta this season have all come out of the bullpen, but he's pitched well with a 2.89 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 10:0 K:BB across 9.1 innings. He threw 64 pitches over 3.1 frames in his last outing and figures to face some workload limitations since that was his longest outing of the campaign. Kerr could piggyback with Darius Vines, who was called up Monday but has yet to appear in a game for Atlanta.

The Twins recalled Alcala from Triple-A St. Paul on Friday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

The club had previously optioned Caleb Boushley and now have announced Alcala as his replacement on the roster and in the bullpen. In eight appearances this season, Alcala has collected a 3.27 ERA and 10:6 K:BB. He figures to be utilized in middle relief.

Pop worked a scoreless seventh inning Thursday to record his second hold of the season in a win over the Tigers.

Entering the game to protect a two-run lead, Pop needed only seven pitches (six strikes) to set down the middle of Detroit's batting order. The right-hander has been effective since his promotion in late April, posting a 3.60 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 7:1 K:BB in 10 innings, but he could be the pitcher who gets bumped out of the big-league bullpen when Chad Green (shoulder) comes off the IL.

Lee (1-1) picked up the win Thursday over the Cubs, striking out one in a scoreless inning of relief.

AJ Smith-Shawver got the start but lasted only 4.1 innings before handing the ball off to Lee in the fifth inning to continue what proved to be a combined shutout for Atlanta. Lee has been impressive in a low-leverage role this season, posting a 1.21 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 20:7 K:BB through 22.1 innings, but he has just one win and two holds in 14 appearances.

The Twins optioned Boushley to Triple-A St. Paul on Thursday.

The club will announce a corresponding move prior to Friday's game against the Rangers. Boushley has yielded two runs over two relief innings during his brief time in the majors this season.

Saucedo (knee) struck out one over a scoreless inning Thursday in his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Tacoma.

Saucedo landed on the 15-day injured list a little over two weeks ago with a hyperextended right knee. Because he hasn't missed much time, the left-handed reliever shouldn't need more than a couple rehab appearances, setting himself up for a return within the next few days.

Kimbrel picked up the save Thursday, getting the final two outs in an 8-6 victory over the White Sox.

Jonathan Heasley stayed in the game to start the ninth inning with the O's ahead 8-2 after getting the last out in the eighth, though he would quickly run into trouble after failing to retire the first four batters he faced in the final frame. He would be relieved by Yennier Cano, but Cano allowed three inherited runners to score while getting only one out, making it an 8-6 ballgame. That's when Kimbrel came in to save the day, needing just two pitches to record a bizarre double play as Andrew Vaughn was called out for runner's interference on an infield fly. The veteran reliever has converted all three of his save attempts this month after blowing back-to-back saves to close out April. Kimbrel also hasn't allowed any hits or walks in those three appearances with five strikeouts.

Jackson (2-1) allowed a run on two hits and struck out two over one inning, earning the win Thursday over the Pirates.

Jackson allowed a solo home run to Bryan Reynolds in the seventh inning, but the Giants pulled ahead with a five-run eighth. Jackson has been scored on in four of his last five outings, allowing multiple baserunners each time he's given up at least a run. The homer was the first he's allowed all year. Jackson is at an uninspiring 5.84 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 15:7 K:BB with two holds and three blown saves over 12.1 innings this season.

Faedo allowed three runs on three hits and a walk across 1.2 innings of relief in Thursday's 9-1 loss to the Blue Jays. He struck out one.

After starting the season with a 2.25 ERA across his first 14 appearances, Faedo has allowed runs in his last three outings, and he has a 9.00 ERA during that stretch. The righty was a middling starter the last two years, and while he's looked a little better out of the bullpen, he may be regressing closer to his career 4.67 ERA. Faedo doesn't have a ton of fantasy value in his current middle-relief role, particularly given his recent struggles.