MLB Player News

Banks was added to the White Sox roster as the 27th man for Thursday's doubleheader against the Yankees.

The White Sox used five pitchers in their Game 1 win over the Yankees, including several of their high-leverage relievers. Banks could reasonably be expected to see game action in the nightcap as a result, and he has performed well at the big-league level across the last two seasons by maintaining a 3.10 ERA and 54:20 K:BB across 61 frames.

Rockies manager Bud Black said after Thursday's 6-4 loss to the Giants that Johnson's status as the primary closer will be "addressed," Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Johnson was called into Thursday's game with the Rockies leading 4-3 in the top of the ninth inning and promptly gave up three earned runs on two hits and two walks while recording only two outs. He's blown two saves in the last week and his season ERA has risen to 7.50. Justin Lawrence, Jake Bird, Brent Suter and Brad Hand are among the other options at closer for Colorado. Daniel Bard could maybe even get another shot.

Moll will serve as the Athletics' opening pitcher Friday against the Brewers, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Luis Medina had been the listed starter for Oakland, but he'll instead operate in bulk relief. Moll owns a 4.57 ERA through 21.2 innings this year, working exclusively out of the bullpen.

Bautista picked up the save in Thursday's 6-3 victory over Milwaukee. He allowed a hit while striking out two over a scoreless inning.

Bautista has allowed just one earned run in his last 14 appearances (15.1 innings), striking out 34 in that span. The 6-foot-8 right-hander has emerged as one of the elite closing options in the league since Baltimore traded Jorge Lopez at the trade deadline last summer. Bautista is 16-for-20 in save chances this season, with Thursday's performance lowering his ERA to a pristine 1.20 with a 1.10 WHIP and 62:17 K:BB through 30 innings.

Alvarado (elbow) will be activated from the injured list Friday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Alvarado is again ready to be a high-leverage contributor out of the Phillies' bullpen following a four-week recovery from left elbow inflammation. He had become manager Rob Thomson's primary closer prior to the IL stint and should quickly work his way back toward the top of the saves mix. When healthy this year, Alvarado has delivered a terrific 0.63 ERA with 24 strikeouts and no walks in 14.1 innings.

The Nationals claimed La Sorsa off waivers from the Rays on Thursday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

La Sorsa was designated for assignment by Tampa Bay last weekend after making two relief appearances -- his first career appearances at the major-league level. The 25-year-old left-hander will report to the Nats' Triple-A affiliate in Rochester.

Hamilton (groin) threw a bullpen session Wednesday and is slated to throw another one this weekend, Meredith Marakovits of YES Network reports.

The expectation is that Hamilton should be ready to face hitters next week, with a rehab assignment following. He went down with a strained right groin in mid-May but seems to be tracking toward a return, possibly by the end of next week.

Murphy was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The good news is Murphy tossed 3.1 scoreless relief innings in Wednesday's loss to Cleveland in his major-league debut. The bad news is that means he was going to be unavailable for a few days, which is why he finds himself back in the minors.

The Yankees recalled Krook from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday.

Krook will hop back into New York's bullpen mix ahead of Thursday's doubleheader against the visiting White Sox. The 28-year-old left-hander spent five days in the majors last month but did not make an appearance.

Murfee (elbow) fired 1.1 scoreless innings during which he issued a walk and recorded a strikeout in Triple-A Tacoma's win over Reno on Wednesday.

Murfee was sharp for the second time in as many rehab appearances, earning the win in the process. The right-hander worked up to 26 pitches, pounding 15 in for strikes. With 2.1 scoreless, hitless frames under his belt already with the Rainiers, Murfee may only need one or two more appearances on the farm to convince the Mariners he's ready for activation.