MLB Player News

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay announced Saturday that Lovelady (forearm) has been shut down for the remainder of the season, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Kotsay didn't provide any other information, but Lovelady's weekend visit with Dr. Neal ElAttrache apparently didn't yield encouraging news regarding the reliever's recovery from a strained left forearm. The 28-year-old reliever finishes the 2023 campaign with a 4.63 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 24:10 K:BB in 23.1 innings.

Smith's contract was selected by the Athletics on Saturday.

Smith owns a 6.75 ERA and 9:6 K:BB in 12 major-league innings this season, and his 7.88 ERA and 18.9 percent walk rate in 24 Triple-A frames doesn't paint an optimistic picture either. He'll presumably be limited to low-leverage situations and may not stick around once Angel Felipe returns from the paternity list.

The Athletics placed Felipe on the paternity list Saturday.

Felipe has allowed one run on two hits in 6.1 innings of relief this season, though his 6:4 K:BB paints a less encouraging picture of his performance. Chad Smith had his contract selected to take Felipe's place on the roster.

Martinez was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Martinez made four appearances during his time in the majors, allowing seven runs in 3.1 innings while walking more batters (five) than he struck out (four). He'll exit the roster to create space for Brandon Pfaadt, who was recalled to start against the Reds.

Jackson (back) was activated from the 15-day injured list Saturday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Recovered from the lower-back strain that sent him to the injured list June 25, the 31-year-old right-hander will be available out of the Giants' bullpen Saturday in Washington. When healthy this season, Jackson has registered a sharp 2.16 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB in 8.1 major-league innings.

Jacob was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation Saturday.

The move was backdated to Friday, so Jacob could return as soon as Aug. 12 if his inflammation has subsided by then. In three appearances during his brief time with the team, Jacob struck out five of the 10 batters he faced while not allowing a run or a hit. Jacob's roster spot will go to Jackson Wolf, whose contract was selected ahead of his big-league debut.

Lee (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Saturday in Milwaukee, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Lee is traveling with the NL East leaders on their current road trip and is scheduled to throw another bullpen session next week in Boston. If all goes well in that workout, Atlanta can maybe start thinking about sending him out on a minor-league rehab assignment. The 28-year-old left-hander has been sidelined since mid-May because of shoulder inflammation.

Moreta didn't allow a baserunner while striking out three over 1.1 scoreless innings Friday against the Angels.

Following a rough June that saw him allow 10 runs over 10 innings, Moreta has given up only one run with a 0.72 WHIP and 13 strikeouts through 8.1 frames in July. While currently holding a middle-relief role in Pittsburgh, continued impactful outings could lead to a rise in role if the Pirates trade away closer David Bednar and/or setup man Colin Holderman continues to struggle.

Neris two walks over a scoreless inning in Friday's 6-4 win over the Athletics. He didn't strike out or walk a batter.

Neris entered in the eighth inning with Houston leading 6-4. The veteran reliever walked the first two batters he faced before inducing a pop out and a double play to escape the frame. Neris has earned a hold in three of his last four appearances, allowing just one hit (a home run) and striking out five across four innings during that stretch.

Cabrera will join the Blue Jays in Seattle and could be added to the 26-man active roster Sunday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Cabrera was acquired from the Cardinals via trade Friday, and he appears on track to head directly to the big-league club rather than going to the minors first. The left-hander holds a 5.06 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 38:18 K:BB over 32 innings in the majors in 2023.