MLB Player News

Beede is scheduled to start Saturday's game against the Reds at PNC Park, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Beede appeared on track to lose his spot in the rotation when Roansy Contreras was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis to start Wednesday against the Red Sox, but the Pirates will at least temporarily keep a six-man rotation in place. Keeping Beede on hand as a sixth starter will allow the Pirates to build in more rest between starts for Contreras, and at least in the short term, it allows Mitch Keller to get more recovery time after he exited his previous start Tuesday with right shoulder fatigue. Since he had been pitching out of the bullpen before entering the rotation Aug. 8, Beede isn't yet built up to a traditional starter's workload and didn't reach the fifth inning in either of his prior two turns through the rotation.

Stiever (lat) is throwing bullpen sessions at the White Sox's spring training facility in Arizona, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The 25-year-old has been sidelined since undergoing lat surgery in August of last year, and he could be available down the stretch for the White Sox. Stiever may soon advance to throwing live batting practice, and he could start a minor-league rehab assignment shortly thereafter.

Mejia (suspension) was reinstated from his rehab assignment and optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Mejia had been sidelined since mid-May for violating the league's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, but he was able to begin a rehab assignment in early August. The right-hander struck out four in 3.2 perfect innings over four rehab appearances but will remain in the minors now that his suspension has been served. According to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, as a result of the suspension, Mejia won't be eligible to pitch in the postseason if Milwaukee should qualify.

Yacabonis was designated for assignment by the Rays on Thursday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Yacabonis was claimed off waivers by the Rays in early August after being cast off the Marlins' 40-man roster, but he gave up four runs in 3.2 innings over four appearances with Tampa Bay. He'll now lose his spot on the Rays' 40-man roster, and it's not yet clear whether he'll find another landing spot via waivers.

Patino was recalled from Triple-A Durham ahead of Thursday's start against the Royals, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Patino was sent to the minors July 23, and he posted a 3.72 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 9.2 innings over three starts following his demotion. The Rays are in the midst of a stretch in which they're playing 17 games in 17 days, so the right-hander will return to the big leagues to start Thursday's home matchup. It's not yet clear whether Patino will make another turn through the rotation following Thursday's outing, and it's possible that the decision will be made based on how he performs against Kansas City.

Morejon (2-0) was credited with the win against the Marlins on Wednesday. He struck out three batters over 1.2 scoreless innings.

San Diego got off to a big early lead, but starter Mike Clevinger wasn't sharp and exited after allowing three of the four batters he faced in the fifth inning to reach base. Morejon came on and hit the first batter he faced with a pitch, but he rebounded by striking out the following two hitters. The southpaw remained in the game for the sixth frame and retired the side on 11 pitches. Morejon has been excellent through seven appearances in August, pitching 7.2 scoreless innings and posting a 7:1 K:BB.

Payamps was designated for assignment by the Royals on Thursday.

Payamps was reinstated from the bereavement list Wednesday but has now lost his spot on the 40-man roster. The 28-year-old has a 3.16 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 33:16 K:BB across 42.2 innings this year.

The Royals recalled Castillo from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday. He'll start the Royals' series opener at Tampa Bay.

Castillo will fill the vacancy in the rotation that was created when manager Mike Matheny moved Brad Keller to the bullpen Wednesday. One of two prospects the Royals acquired from the Blue Jays in the deadline deal that sent Whit Merrifield to Toronto, Castillo will be joining the Royals for the first time after he allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits and three walks in 3.2 innings over his initial two outings at Omaha. He performed far better in nine appearances (two starts) at the big-league level with Toronto earlier this season, turning in a 3.05 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 20:5 K:BB across 20.2 innings. Unless he flops badly Thursday, Castillo is likely to make multiple turns through the rotation as the Royals look to assess whether he fits into their long-term nucleus.

Bummer (shoulder) completed a 26-pitch bullpen session Thursday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The side session was Bummer's second since he was placed on the injured list June 12 with a left lat strain, but he incorporated his full arsenal Thursday for the first time. Bummer will still require another bullpen session and a simulated game or two as he works to build up his velocity, but if he remains free of setbacks during the ramp-up process, he could be ready to embark on a minor-league rehab assignment before the end of August. Before landing on the IL, the lefty reliever posted a 3.06 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 21:9 K:BB in 17.2 innings while collecting one save and nine holds.

Leone (3-4) allowed two runs on three hits and struck out one in one inning, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Diamondbacks.

Leone gave up a single to Christian Walker and a double to Stone Garrett before allowing a two-run single to Jake McCarthy in the eighth inning. The Giants' offense couldn't bail him out, sending Leone to a loss for the first time since July 24. In 9.1 innings since the All-Star break, the setup man has struggled, allowing nine runs, 13 hits and four walks while striking out 10. He has a 4.50 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 45:16 K:BB while adding three saves, 11 holds and four blown saves in 42 innings this year. Considering his recent form, Leone is not a realistic threat to unseat closer Camilo Doval.