MLB Player News

Montero and Kendall Graveman were traded from the Mariners to the Astros on Tuesday in exchange for Abraham Toro and Joe Smith, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Montero was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Friday, and he'll join the Astros instead of going through the waiver wire. The 30-year-old converted seven of 13 save chances this season and has struggled with a 7.27 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 37:15 K:BB across 43.1 innings.

Graveman and Rafael Montero were traded from the Mariners to the Astros in exchange for Abraham Toro and Joe Smith on Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The players will simply switch clubhouses since the two teams are in the midst of a three-game set in Seattle. Graveman has been electric this season with a 0.82 ERA, 0.70 WHIP and 34:8 K:BB over 33 innings, and he's recorded four holds and 10 saves in 12 chances. Ryan Pressly has also been dominant as Houston's closer this year, so Graveman figures to lose some fantasy value since he'll operate as a setup man for his new team.

King (hand) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

Per Lindsey Adler of The Athletic, manager Aaron Boone said that King saw a hand specialist Tuesday and he will continue to not throw for about another week. The right-hander's move to the 60-day IL means he won't be able to be activated until at least Sept. 3, though it's not yet clear if his arm will be fully ready at that point.

The Yankees optioned Abreu to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday.

The righty appeared in one game after being called up July 10, striking out one and walking two in 1.2 scoreless, hitless innings. Overall this season, Abreu has posted a 1.88 ERA and 0.77 WHIP in 14.1 big-league innings. Now, he returns to Triple-A to clear a roster spot for newly acquired reliever Clay Holmes.

The Athletics optioned Moll to Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday.

The lefty has appeared in three games for the Athletics, throwing 2.2 scoreless frames with two strikeouts and three walks. Moll returns to the minors to clear a spot for the newly acquired Andrew Chafin, but it wouldn't be shocking to see him back with the big-league club at some point this season.

The Cubs recalled Abbott from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The righty has pitched 11.1 innings of relief for the Cubs this season, posting a 6.35 ERA with eight strikeouts and seven walks across his five appearances. It's unclear what the intended role is for Abbott, who has been starting in Triple-A but has only worked as a reliever at the big-league level.

Sborz was placed on the paternity list Tuesday.

Players typically miss three days while on paternity leave. If that's the case with Sborz, he'll be back for Friday's game against Seattle. Jason Martin was recalled in a corresponding move.

The Cubs optioned Thompson to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Thompson struck out two in a scoreless inning Monday. The righty has appeared in 27 games for the Cubs this season, posting a 2.21 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 40.2 innings of work. Kyle Ryan was recalled from Iowa in a corresponding move Tuesday.

Hammer was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list prior to Tuesday's game against the Nationals.

Hammer landed on the COVID-19 IL on July 20. He wound up spending just seven days off the active roster, which indicates he most likely never tested positive for the virus. The right-hander has not appeared in a big-league game since mid-June, but he did not allow an earned run in either of his two one-inning outings this season.

The Twins placed Taylor (finger) on the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

A left middle finger sprain shortened the southpaw's outing Monday and will sideline him at least until August 5. It remains to be seen what impact this injury will have on the trade market for Rogers, as he was one of the top relievers considered available before the deadline. He has a 3.35 ERA and 1.14 WHIP this season, although those numbers would be much prettier if not for a three-hit, four-run inning July 11 against Detroit. Beau Burrows was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul in a corresponding move.