MLB Player News

The Astros are expected to recall Ullola from Triple-A Sugar Land prior to Sunday's game against the Tigers, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Houston has already optioned right-hander Kai-Wei Teng to Triple-A to open up room on the 26-man active roster for Ullola, who is set to receive his first big-league call-up.The 24-year-old has posted a 5.48 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 64:35 K:BB in 47.2 innings over 20 total appearances with Sugar Land this season, but he pitched more effectively after making the full-time move to the bullpen in late May, turning in a 2.70 ERA and 16:6 K:BB across 10 frames. Ullola is likely to serve as a low-leverage reliever while he's up with Houston.

The Cubs recalled Ferguson from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Ferguson was sent back to Triple-A after throwing two shutout innings during Wednesday's doubleheader against the Mets, but he'll now rejoin the big club to replace Hoby Milner (abdomen). The 32-year-old Ferguson will likely be limited to low-leverage opportunities while with the Cubs.

The Cubs placed Milner on the 15-day injured list Saturday due to appendicitis, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Milner will make his way to the 15-day IL after last appearing against the Mets on Thursday, when he failed to record an out while giving up an earned run on three hits. On the campaign, the 35-year-old has posted a 3.53 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 18:9 K:BB in 35.2 innings. Tyler Ferguson will make his way up to the big-league club to fill the open spot on the roster.

Hart will serve as the opening pitcher in Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Hart has given up just one run in 7.1 innings since joining the big club June 15, and the Padres will now trust him to handle the top of the Dodgers' order to begin the game. He'll likely work an inning or two before handing the game over to bulk reliever Randy Vasquez.

The Cubs optioned Murray to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

After a rocky appearance Friday against Milwaukee, Murray will head back down to Iowa after just being recalled Tuesday. The 29-year-old made two appearances after being called up, giving up six earned runs on six hits and two walks through three innings. Bryse Wilson will be added to the active roster as a corresponding move.

Ragans will undergo surgery on his left elbow Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

A left elbow impingement has kept Ragans on the shelf since early May. He suffered a setback in his recovery June 13 and will now opt to go under the knife to address the issue. The type of procedure he receives will be determined once the surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, diagnoses exactly what is wrong with Ragans' elbow, so a timeline for the southpaw's return won't be available until the operation is complete.

The Mariners recalled Simpson from Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday.

Simpson has coughed up two earned runs in just 2.1 innings with the Mariners this year, but he's turned in a 2.92 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 12.1 Triple-A frames since making his last big-league appearance May 13. He'll provide Seattle's bullpen with a fresh low-leverage arm, replacing Alex Hoppe.

The Mariners optioned Hoppe to Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday.

Hoppe will lose his place in Seattle's bullpen after giving up multiple runs in each of his last two appearances, elevating his ERA to 6.38 through 24 innings. Josh Simpson was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

The Orioles designated Nicolas for assignment Saturday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Nicolas will lose his place on the 40-man roster in order to make room for Dom Keegan, who was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Saturday. Nicolas has given up seven earned runs in 7.1 major-league innings this season, and he hasn't been much better since joining Triple-A Norfolk (three earned runs in 4.1 IP).

The Royals recalled Cerantola from Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

Cerantola has given up six earned runs in 10.2 innings at Triple-A since making his last appearance in the big leagues, but he'll return to Kansas City to help stabilize a Royals staff that went through eight pitchers while giving up 22 runs Friday. Mitch Spence was optioned to Omaha in a corresponding move.