MLB Player News

Lopez's contract was selected by the Rays on Saturday.

The 24-year-old lefty was selected by the Padres in the Rule 5 Draft over the winter but was returned to the Rays when he failed to crack San Diego's roster. He hasn't been particularly impressive for Triple-A Durham, posting a 5.19 ERA in 26 innings of work, but he'll get a look at the big-league level for the Rays nonetheless. Luis Patino was optioned in a corresponding move.

Howard was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.

Howard made his season debut Friday after missing the first two months of the season with a lat strain, and it couldn't have gone much worse. The Rays bullied him to the tune of four runs in one-third of an inning, as he walked one batter, hit another and gave up four hits. Per Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News, the Rangers believe they called Howard up too early, as he joined the team after making just two rehab outings. He'll continue to get stretched out in the minors and is a potential rotation option if the Rangers get hit with more injuries.

Rodriguez was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.

Rodriguez made four relief appearances for the Rangers earlier in the year but didn't do much of note, allowing two runs on four hits across four innings while striking out one batter and walking two. His 4.91 ERA and 16.9 percent walk rate in 15 outings for Round Rock suggest he'll be limited to low-leverage duty in the majors. Spencer Howard was demoted in a corresponding move.

Miller was placed on the bereavement list Saturday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Players may spend between three and seven days on the bereavement list, placing Miller's expected return date somewhere between Tuesday and next Saturday. Andre Jackson was called up to take his place in the bullpen.

The Dodgers recalled Jackson from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Jackson made the Opening Day roster but is already on his fourth separate stint in the big leagues this season. He hasn't pitched well enough to stick around, struggling to a 7.98 ERA and a 19.4 percent strikeout rate. Shelby Miller was placed on the bereavement list in a corresponding move.

Houston placed Stanek on the family medical emergency list Saturday, Matt Young of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Stanek will take some time away from the Astros for at least a few days while dealing with more important matters. Houston will announce a corresponding transaction before Sunday's game against the Guardians.

Nelson (elbow) was sent on a rehab assignment with the ACL Dodgers on Saturday.

Nelson was transferred to the 60-day injured list in the middle of May, and while he's now eligible to be activated off the list since he's missed the entirety of the 2023 campaign, there's no clear timetable for when the right-hander will return to the Los Angeles bullpen. He'll likely need a couple weeks of rehab appearances at least, with a chance to help the Dodgers near the end of June.

Curtiss was recalled by the Mets on Saturday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Curtiss is on his third big-league stint of the season. He's struggled to a 4.85 ERA in 13 innings of relief at the highest level this year, striking out just 13.2 percent of opposing batters, and his 6.57 ERA in 13.1 Triple-A frames hardly inspires confidence. Tommy Hunter was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Muckenhirn was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Muckenhirn was called up Friday but was knocked around by the Pirates that same night, giving up three runs on six hits across 2.1 innings of relief. Josh Walker was called up to take his place in the bullpen.

Moore (oblique) has been cleared to begin a throwing program in the coming days, per MLB.com.

Moore underwent an MRI in late May and was diagnosed with a Grade 2 oblique strain. While his ability to resume throwing soon is clearly a positive development, the lefty reliever will likely need to build up on flat ground before returning to a mound. Moore was thriving prior to the injury, posting a 1.44 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 21:7 K:BB over 25 innings. He leads the team with 12 holds.