MLB Player News

The Brewers acquired Sousa from the Reds in exchange for cash considerations Sunday and optioned him to Triple-A Nashville, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Sousa was designated for assignment by the Reds last week and will remain in the NL Central with the trade. He'll provide depth as an up-and-down option for the Brewers while on the 40-man roster.

The Mariners recalled Bukauskas from Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Bukauskas is one of two new arms for Seattle's bullpen, with Justin Topa joining the right-hander in being called up from Tacoma to replace Matt Festa and Andres Munoz (shoulder). It's likely he'll operate in low-leverage situations for the most part while he's with the Mariners.

The Mariners recalled Topa from Triple-A Tacoma, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Topa was recalled with the Mariners sending Matt Festa to Tacoma and placing Andres Munoz on the injured list. The right-hander will operate in the middle innings while a member of Seattle's pitching staff.

Seattle placed Munoz on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a right deltoid strain, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Mariners manager Scott Servais said that Munoz hasn't been bouncing back well from his most recent relief appearance Friday and needs a short break. The right-hander felt something in his shoulder and underwent imaging, and now he'll be shut down for a few days before being re-evaluated. While Munoz is out, Paul Sewald should see the majority of save chances for Seattle, but Matt Brash could also get looks in the late innings.

The Marlins designated Villalobos for assignment Sunday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Designating Villabos for assignment clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Devin Smeltzer. The right-hander struggled to an 11.57 ERA over three appearances for the Jumbo Shrimp to open the Triple-A season. If unclaimed, Villalobos likely will remain with Miami as a bullpen option in Jacksonville.

The Marlins selected Smeltzer's contract from Triple-A Jacksonville on Sunday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Smeltzer gives the Marlins a fresh arm and replaces Daniel Castano on the roster with Castano sent down to Jacksonville in the corresponding move. Smeltzer allowed five runs over five innings in his only appearance with the Jumbo Shrimp before the promotion.

The Marlins optioned Castano to Triple-A Jacksonville on Sunday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Castano struggled in his only appearance for the Marlins on Friday, allowing three runs on two homers. He goes to Triple-A to make room for Devin Smeltzer after Smeltzer had his contract purchased Sunday.

Sims (back) will begin a rehab assignment Sunday with Triple-A Louisville.

Since Sims' placement on the IL is retroactive to March 27, he'll be eligible for activation as soon as Tuesday, but it's unclear if he'll be immediately reinstated at that time. The Reds will likely wait and see how he fares during his upcoming appearance Sunday before deciding whether he's fit to join the big-league bullpen or requires at least one more outing in the minors. Once activated, Sims is expected to settle into a setup role in front of closer Alexis Diaz.

Hearn allowed four runs on five hits and one walk while striking out two over 1.2 innings in Saturday's 10-3 loss to the Cubs.

The Rangers' bullpen had been sharp prior to Saturday, including Hearn, who had not allowed a hit and struck out four over his first 3.1 relief innings. The one-time starter found a measure of success as a multi-inning reliever in 2022. If there's a need for a fill-in starter, other starters in the organization have moved ahead of Hearn.

Holmes walked one and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his second save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Orioles.

He also uncorked a wild pitch and threw only seven of 14 pitches for strikes, but Holmes was able to get the job done. The right-hander is 2-for-2 in save chances to begin the season, and his 6:1 K:BB through 3.2 innings is a strong sign he's ready to build on last year's breakout campaign.