MLB Player News

Hall was removed from Thursday's game versus the Giants due to an undisclosed injury, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

It's unclear what was bothering Hall, but he was escorted to the clubhouse with the Brewers' trainer in the fifth inning. The lefty had struck out one over 2.1 scoreless frames before being pulled. The Brewers should have more on Hall's status soon.

The Diamondbacks recalled Abner from Triple-A Reno on Thursday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Abner will join Kade Strowd on the trip back to the majors to replace Brandon Pfaadt and Taylor Clarke (bereavement) in Arizona's bullpen. Abner gave up two earned runs in 2.1 innings during his lone appearance with the D-backs this season and has pitched to a 5.12 ERA in 19.1 frames during his time in Triple-A, so he shouldn't be expected to receive much more than low-leverage work.

Phillips will enter Friday's game versus the Rays at some point after starting pitcher Ryan Gusto, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Each of Phillips' last two appearances were traditional starts, but he'll come out of the bullpen Friday. The right-hander went five innings and threw 72 pitches his last time out, so he'll likely provide length Friday in what could be a piggyback start with Gusto.

Gusto will start Friday's game against the Rays, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Tyler Phillips is also expected to pitch in what could be a piggyback start for the Marlins. Gusto threw just two innings and allowed three runs in a relief outing Tuesday versus the Nationals in his first big-league appearance this season. However, while he will be pitching on just two days' rest Friday after tossing 40 pitches Tuesday, Gusto had lasted five-plus innings in five of his last seven outings for Triple-A Jacksonville prior to his promotion, so he's capable of pitching deeper into games than he did Tuesday.

The Diamondbacks placed Clarke on the bereavement list Thursday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Clarke will miss between three and seven games while he tends to personal matters. With Brandon Pfaadt also on the move to Triple-A Reno, Kade Strowd and Philip Abner will come up from the minors to round out Arizona's bullpen.

The Diamondbacks optioned Pfaadt to Triple-A Reno on Thursday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Wednesday that Pfaadt could be stretched out into a starter in the near future, and his demotion to Triple-A suggests that the D-backs are already putting that plan into motion. While the 27-year-old works on building up his workload, Kade Strowd and Philip Abner will come up from Reno to fill the open spots in Arizona's bullpen.

The Orioles designated Nunez for assignment Thursday.

Nunez was just acquired via trade from the Athletics in May, but the Orioles will now clear him off the 40-man roster to make room for a new trade acquisition in Kyle Nicolas. The 26-year-old Nunez has posted a 7.13 ERA and 21:19 K:BB across 17.2 frames in the minors this season.

The Orioles acquired Nicolas from the Reds on Thursday in exchange for cash considerations.

Nicolas had been designated for assignment and is now on the move to his third organization since March. The hard-throwing reliever has spent most of his time this season at Triple-A Louisville, where he held a 5.17 ERA and 20:17 K:BB over 15.2 innings. He will report to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Red Sox optioned Samaniego to Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Samaniego has fared well with the Red Sox this season, posting a 2.66 ERA and 17:8 K:BB over 20.1 innings, but he's being sent out in order to clear a spot for the addition of Tommy Kahnle to the Boston bullpen. The left-handed Samaniego should get another chance with the big club later this summer.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Wednesday that he will play the matchups in the ninth inning for the short term, but he still views Erceg as a long-term closer option, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

Quatraro made the statement prior to Alex Lange notching his first save of the season in Wednesday's win over the Reds. Erceg blew his sixth save of the season Tuesday and holds a 6.45 ERA with a 20:15 K:BB across 22.1 innings this season. While Erceg could still see save chances for the Royals in the immediate future, he will have to contend with Lange, Daniel Lynch and Matt Strahm. Carlos Estevez (shoulder) should also throw his hat back in the ring if he can get healthy.