MLB Player News

Harris will serve as a bulk reliever behind opening pitcher Shintaro Fujinami in Tuesday's game versus the Rays, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Harris will follow Fujinami for the second time this month after he allowed two runs on five hits while striking out five batters over five innings June 2 in Miami. The 26-year-old owns a 3.00 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with a 7.2 K/9 over 15 innings in his last three outings, and he'll look to continue his productive run as the Athletics attempt to extend their six-game win streak Tuesday.

The Cubs selected Kay's contract from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Kay was showing a 4.50 ERA and 32:15 K:BB through 28 innings this season at the Triple-A level. The 28-year-old left-hander is presumably going to work in a low-leverage relief role for Chicago.

Fujinami will operate as an opener for the Athletics on Tuesday versus the Rays, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Fujinami will get the ball first Tuesday ahead of Hogan Harris, who's expected to be the primary pitcher for Oakland's second contest of its series with Tampa Bay. Fujinami has rattled off three straight scoreless appearances out of the bullpen, allowing one run while walking five batters and striking two over three innings. He'll look to keep up his recent success as the Athletics attempt to extend their six-game win streak.

Estrada was optioned Tuesday to Triple-A Iowa, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Estrada had allowed eight earned runs over his last five appearances (2.2 innings) out of the Cubs' bullpen. Anthony Kay is getting the call to fill his roster spot.

The Blue Jays placed Cimber on the paternity list Tuesday.

Cimber is allowed to be away from the team for three days while he spends time with his family. Bowden Francis was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to replace Cimber in Toronto's bullpen.

Toronto recalled Francis from Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday.

Francis will return to the Blue Jays' bullpen ahead of Tuesday night's series opener in Baltimore. The 27-year-old right-hander tossed 2.2 innings of one-run ball earlier this month against the Twins. It was his lone appearance so far this season at the MLB level.

Boxberger (forearm) threw live batting practice Monday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Boxberger is currently working out at the Cubs' spring training complex in Arizona and could soon be cleared to embark on a minor-league rehab assignment. The reliever has been sidelined since mid-May due to a right forearm strain.

Hughes was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to June 12, with left knee inflammation, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

This is already the third IL stint of the year for Hughes, and they have all been related to left knee issues. He's struggled to a 7.24 ERA in 17 appearances for the Cubs when healthy.

Helsley (forearm) underwent a second round of imaging scans Tuesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Jones notes that "concern is minimal" for Helsley's right forearm, but the Cardinals want to check all of the boxes with their hard-throwing closer to be sure there's nothing structurally wrong. He was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday and is in the midst of a 10-day shutdown period that will extend into next week. Giovanny Gallegos is expected to function as the primary closer in St. Louis while Helsley is sidelined.

The Rangers recalled Bradford from Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Bradford will start for the Rangers on Tuesday against the Angels, marking the 25-year-old lefty's third start in the majors this season. Bradford holds a 7.20 ERA and 1.50 WHIP through 10 innings with Texas and just threw eight innings in a minor-league game Friday, so he likely will be on a relatively low pitch count Tuesday. Owen White was also recalled to provide multiple innings out of the bullpen, and Yerry Rodriguez and Cole Ragans were both optioned to Triple-A Round Rock in corresponding moves.