MLB Player News

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.

Faucher walked one and struck out one in a scoreless eighth inning Wednesday to record his fourth hold of the season in a win over the Nationals.

The right-hander was the bridge between an impressive outing by Max Meyer and closer Pete Fairbanks in the ninth. It was Faucher's first hold since April 27 as the rest of the Miami bullpen remains extremely volatile in terms of roles and usage. Over 25 appearances and 24 innings this season, Faucher also has four wins and a save while producing a 4.13 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 27:20 K:BB.

Lee walked one and struck out one in a scoreless seventh inning Wednesday to record his 11th hold of the season in a win over the Blue Jays.

The 31-year-old leads Atlanta in holds, and he's already got his career high of 19 in his sights. Lee is tracking toward the best season of his MLB career, producing a 1.26 ERA, 0.63 WHIP and 35:4 K:BB through 29 appearances and 28.2 innings as the primary left-handed setup man for closer Raisel Iglesias.

The Astros announced Friday that Walter (elbow) is in the midst of a throwing progression at the team's complex in West Palm Beach, Fla., Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Walter is one of three Astros starters in Florida rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, though Hayden Wesneski (elbow) and Ronel Blanco (elbow) are further along in their programs after undergoing procedures in May and June of last year, respectively. Both Wesneski and Blanco will have chances at returning from the 60-day injured list late in the season, but since he had his surgery Sept. 23, 2025, Walter isn't a realistic candidate to pitch until 2027. Walter's main focus will be building up toward facing live hitters by the end of the season with the aim of entering spring training with few restrictions, if any.

The Astros announced Friday that Sousa (elbow) has begun a throwing progression, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Sousa was placed on the 15-day injured list May 9 due to left elbow inflammation and was shut down from activity for nearly three weeks before receiving clearance to start playing catch. The left-handed reliever isn't expected to require a lengthy buildup period, but he'll presumably need to complete a rehab assignment prior to being activated from the IL.

Patrick struck out four over four shutout innings of relief in Wednesday's 1-0 loss to the Giants. He scattered three hits and two walks in the 49-pitch appearance.

After making a four-inning start versus the Cardinals on May 27, Patrick has since returned to the bullpen and ended up being used twice during the Brewers' three-game series versus the Giants. Patrick essentially piggybacked starter Robert Gasser in Wednesday's contest, entering the contest while the Brewers faced a one-run deficit and proceeding to cover the final four frames. Three spots in the Milwaukee rotation are in flux at the moment while Brandon Woodruff (shoulder), Logan Henderson (back) and Quinn Priester (shoulder) are all on the shelf, but the Brewers appear content to keep Patrick in a versatile relief role rather than recommitting to him as a full-time starter.

O'Brien recorded his 15th save of the season in Wednesday's win over the Rangers. He tossed a scoreless ninth inning with one walk.

O'Brien walked Kyle Higashioka to start the ninth inning, but he retired Michael Helman, Joc Pederson and Josh Jung to close out the door on a potential Rangers comeback. O'Brien is now 15-for-19 in save chances in 2026 while posting a 3.95 ERA and 29:6 K:BB across 27.1 innings in 27 appearances. He should continue to operate as St. Louis' go-to option in the ninth inning until further notice.

The Red Sox selected Kahnle's contract from Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Kahnle exercised an opt-out clause in his minor-league contract earlier this week, and the Red Sox have decided to add him to the big-league roster rather than let him reach free agency. The veteran reliever has collected a 1.40 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 21:11 K:BB in 19.1 innings at Worcester and will fill a middle-relief role in Boston.

Harris (3-0) earned the win in relief in Wednesday's extra-inning victory over the Cubs. He tossed a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts.

Harris tossed 11 strikes in a 17-pitch inning, and with the A's grabbing the lead in the 10th, he ended up getting his third win of the season. Harris has been excellent in recent weeks and has 12 scoreless outings over his last 13 appearances, with the lone exception a May 19 outing in which he allowed two runs over an inning against the Angels. Over that 13-appearance stretch, Harris owns a 1.74 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 12.2 K/9 across 10.1 innings.