MLB Player News

Fleming (9-5) allowed two runs on five hits while striking out six in five innings, earning the win in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Mariners.

The lefty was removed in the sixth inning after allowing leadoff triple to Mitch Haniger, who ultimately scored on a sacrifice fly. Fleming has thrown five innings and struck out at least six in consecutive starts after failing to reach either mark in his previous four outings. The 25-year-old has developed into a valuable starter for the Rays, posting a 4.12 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 87.1 innings this season. He's expected to make his next start Wednesday against the Red Sox.

The Blue Jays recalled Saucedo from Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday.

The lefty was demoted to Buffalo after the acquisition of Joakim Soria, but Soria landed on the injured list Wednesday with finger inflammation, creating an opening for Saucedo to rejoin the big-league club. Saucedo has appeared in 15 games for the Blue Jays, posting a 2.03 ERA and 13:4 K:BB in 13.1 innings of relief.

Akin will rejoin the Orioles starting rotation sometime next week, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

He'll take the spot of Alexander Wells, who was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after starting Tuesday. Baltimore has scheduled off days Thursday and Monday, so Akin's return to the rotation could be pushed until late next week. The left-hander may continue to be available out of the bullpen until the team determines exactly when his next start will be.

Lambert (elbow) threw a simulated game at Coors Field on Wednesday, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

Lambert threw a pair of 20-pitch innings while facing hitters Wednesday, and he's slated to throw another simulated game before the Rockies determine whether he's ready to take another step in his recovery. Manager Bud Black said after Wednesday's throwing session that he still expects the right-hander to pitch in a major-league game this season, but he'll presumably require several rehab appearances before he's cleared to return.

The Angels selected Naughton's contract from Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday.

The southpaw has appeared in 11 games (eight starts) at Triple-A this season, posting a 5.23 ERA and 49:13 K:BB in 51.2 innings. It's unclear whether Naughton will be used as a starter or reliever, but either way, he will be making his major-league debut when he first takes the mound. Chris Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake in a corresponding move.

The Angels optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

After working as a reliever in his first 13 big-league appearances, Rodriguez made his first career start Monday against the Rangers, covering six innings and striking out seven while giving up four runs (three earned) on four hits and two walks. Rodriguez's demotion appears to be mostly for roster-management purposes rather than a performance-based decision. As Fletcher notes, the Angels have a doubleheader coming up Aug. 10 in Toronto, and Rodriguez would be eligible to rejoin the big club before the minimum 10 days to start one half of the twin bill.

Diplan's contract was selected by the Orioles on Wednesday.

Diplan began the year at Triple-A Norfolk after he was designated for assignment in January, and he recorded a 4.12 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in 19.2 innings across 17 relief appearances. He'll serve as a low-leverage reliever for Baltimore and will be in line to make his major-league debut.

The Mets recalled Reed from Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday.

After being claimed off waivers from the Rays on Monday, Reed was initially assigned to the minors, but he didn't have to wait long to receive his first call-up to the Mets. He'll assume the active roster spot of closer Edwin Diaz (personal), who was placed on the paternity list. Diaz is expected to rejoin the Mets within 1-to-3 days, so Reed's stint in the majors will likely be a brief one.

The Mets placed Diaz on the paternity list Wednesday.

Diaz is expected to remain away from the team for 1-to-3 days while he observes the birth of his child. The Mets called up Jake Reed from Triple-A Syracuse to give the team another arm in the bullpen, but Seth Lugo, Trevor May and Jeurys Familia are likelier candidates to receive looks as closer while Diaz is inactive.

The Red Sox reinstated Barnes (illness) from the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday.

Barnes was placed on the IL on Tuesday while he was recovering from an illness, but the Red Sox's decision to deactivate him looks to have been out of an abundance of precaution. He's tested negative for the coronavirus in the 24 hours since landing on the IL and is apparently feeling healthy again, so Barnes should be ready to pitch Wednesday against the Tigers if a save situation is presented. Infielder Jonathan Arauz was optioned to Triple-A Worcester to clear a spot on the active roster for Barnes.