MLB Player News

Almonte (elbow) is progressing well, but he might need a rehab stint before joining the Dodgers, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

He threw a bullpen session Sunday and feels good and will get back on the mound Tuesday intent on using his entire pitch mix. It sounds like Almonte could join the big-league bullpen with two or three weeks to go in the regular season.

Fairbanks allowed one hit and struck out two over a scoreless inning while earning a save over the Red Sox.

Fairbanks worked around a leadoff single by Reese McGuire to finish off the 4-3 victory. The hard-throwing righty is now riding a 15.2-inning scoreless streak, lowering his season ERA to 1.53 with a 26:1 K:BB through 18 appearances. He's now converted all five of his save chances, though Monday's was his first since Aug. 21.

Thompson allowed one hit over three shutout innings against the Cardinals on Monday. He struck out one and earned a save.

Thompson hadn't pitched more than an inning in any MLB appearance this season but he had no trouble working through the final three frames of Monday's victory. He's now sporting a 0.75 ERA through 12 innings with Washington this season. Thompson picked up his first save of the year Monday and shouldn't be expected to see many more opportunities down the stretch.

Baumann was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk following his spot start in the first game of Monday's doubleheader against the Blue Jays, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports. He gave up three earned runs on eight hits and zero walks while striking out two in five innings to take the loss in the Blue Jays' 7-3 victory.

The innings total was a season high for Baumann in the majors, as he had typically been pitching out of the bullpen as a multi-inning reliever. He will continue to operate as a swingman or serve as organizational bullpen depth over the final month of the season.

Bruihl was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.

He was optioned to Triple-A back on June 30 and hadn't returned until now. Bruihl had a 4.34 ERA, 1.82 WHIP and a 13:12 K:BB in 18.2 innings since getting optioned, so he should work in low-leverage spots for the Dodgers.

Marte was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Monday.

Marte has logged an 8.44 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 10 strikeouts in 10.2 innings as a big-league reliever in the second half. He should work in low-leverage situations.

Banda was outrighted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday.

Banda was designated for assignment Saturday and will ultimately remain in the organization after going unclaimed on waivers. Over 32 appearances (one start) in the majors this year, the 29-year-old has posted a 6.75 ERA and 2.10 WHIP in 26.2 innings.

Akin is starting the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the Blue Jays, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Although manager Brandon Hyde said after the first game of Monday's twin bill that Jordan Lyles (illness) would start, Akin warmed up with starting catcher Robinson Chirinos ahead of the nightcap and will ultimately take the mound for Game 2. Akin hasn't lasted longer than 3.2 innings in any of his appearances this season, so it's possible that he's used as an opener Monday.

The Orioles recalled Zimmermann from Triple-A Norfolk ahead of the second game of Monday's doubleheader with the Blue Jays.

Zimmermann made 13 of his previous 14 appearances with the Orioles this season as a starter, but he'll be rejoining the big club as a long reliever. He'll step in as a multi-inning option in place of Beau Sulser, who was optioned to Triple-A following the Orioles' 7-3 loss in Game 1.

Lawrence was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Monday, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports.

Lawrence was called up by the Blue Jays on Thursday, but he didn't make any big-league appearances over the last few days. The right-hander will head back to the minors after Julian Merryweather (oblique) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list ahead of the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the Orioles.