MLB Player News

Wittgren is expected to elect free agency after being sent to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Kansas City announced Wednesday afternoon that Wittgren had been optioned to Omaha, but it would appear that the 32-year-old right-hander didn't actually have any minor-league options left. He had pitched to a 4.97 ERA and 18:11 K:BB through 29 innings of work this season out of the Royals' bullpen.

Jackson is scheduled to start Friday's game against the Twins in Minnesota, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The right-hander will get a second straight turn through the rotation despite a rocky showing in his first MLB start versus the Reds this past Sunday, when he struck out five while allowing three earned runs on five hits and two walks over 3.2 innings en route to taking a no-decision in the second game of a doubleheader with Cincinnati. Over 26.1 innings in the majors this season, Jackson has posted a stellar 28:5 K:BB, but most of his other ratios (5.47 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 2.1 HR/9) are less impressive.

Thompson (knee) will head to Double-A Harrisburg later this week to begin a rehab assignment, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Thompson has been on the injured list since Aug. 5 due to a left knee contusion, so he'll likely require only one or two tune-up outings in the minors before getting cleared to rejoin the Nationals' bullpen. Though he's been one of the team's top setup options this season, he had struggled throughout July (9.00 ERA, 2.13 WHIP in eight innings) prior to landing on the shelf.

Helsley underwent an MRI on Wednesday that showed improved healing in his strained right forearm, but he remains without a clear timeline to resume his rehab assignment, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

After making his third rehab appearance for Double-A Springfield on Sunday, Helsley reported residual soreness in his forearm and was pulled off the minor-league assignment to be sent in for further testing. Fortunately for Helsley, the MRI revealed nothing concerning, but the right-hander is still expected to stay away from pitching in minor-league games for an indefinite period of time. Helsley remains optimistic he'll make his way back from the 60-day injured list this season, though any return may be more likely to happen in September at this stage.

Kansas City optioned Wittgren to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

John McMillon is joining the Royals' bullpen in a corresponding move. Wittgren, 32, carries a 4.97 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 18:11 K:BB in 29 innings this season at the major-league level.

Saucedo recorded his first save in an extra-inning win over the Royals on Tuesday, firing a perfect 10th inning during which he didn't record a strikeout or issue a walk.

With Justin Topa and Andres Munoz having worked the previous 2.2 innings and Matt Brash having pitched the previous two days, Saucedo was called on for a rare save opportunity. The 30-year-old southpaw was masterful while rising to the task, disposing of MJ Melendez, Freddy Fermin and Nelson Velazquez in extremely efficient fashion. Saucedo has now posted scoreless appearances in nine of his last 10 trips to the mound, a 10.1-inning stretch during which he's pitched to an 0.87 ERA and 0.87 WHIP while recording a win and two holds in addition to Tuesday's save.

The Reds recalled Busenitz from Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday.

He'll be joining the 26-man active roster as a replacement on the pitching staff for right-hander Luke Weaver, who was designated for assignment. Busenitz has spent much of the season in the minors but has previously made four appearances out of the Cincinnati bullpen, giving up two earned runs on seven hits and one walk over four innings.

Kennedy is expected to join Cincinnati's rotation and make a start during this weekend's home series versus the Blue Jays, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Kennedy previously made a five-inning spot start in his Reds debut July 4, but since returning from Triple-A Louisville on Aug. 7, he's made one two-inning appearance out of the bullpen. However, with the Reds designating Luke Weaver for assignment Wednesday, Kennedy now looks to be the next man up to fill the team's vacant fifth starter role. Kennedy looks poised to start either Friday or Saturday, but he may be in line for only a brief stay in the rotation, as the Reds could get Nick Lodolo (tibia) back from the injured list as soon as next weekend.

Kelly was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a left ankle sprain, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Kelly evidently suffered the injury during Tuesday's appearance in San Francisco. He'll will now be sidelined for at least the remainder of August.

Davidson (1-2) allowed two runs (one earned) on a hit and a walk while striking out one over one inning to take the extra-inning loss Tuesday versus the Mariners.

The Royals rallied from three runs down in the ninth inning to force extras, but Davidson gave up a two-run single to Ty France in the 10th. Over 3.2 innings with the Royals, Davidson has yielded four runs (three earned) with a 3:2 K:BB. The southpaw has a 6.62 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and 34:13 K:BB through 35.1 innings between the Royals and the Angels this year. While the Kansas City bullpen is a mess, Davidson hasn't pitched well enough to be considered for a higher volume of leverage situations.