MLB Player News

Wittgren (2-3) was tagged with the loss Friday against the Rays after allowing five runs on three hits and a walk in one-third of an inning.

Wittgren entered the game to pitch the ninth inning with the score tied 4-4, but he was absolutely woeful. By the time he departed the game, Cleveland was down by five runs and he recorded just one out. The right-hander has looked far from dominant in recent outings, giving up runs in five of his last nine appearances. He has allowed 10 runs over nine innings during that span.

Fleming didn't factor into the decision Friday against Cleveland after allowing three runs on six hits and two walks while fanning one across four innings.

Fleming has not completed five innings in any of his last four starts and hasn't tossed a quality start since May 1, so it seems he simply can't be trusted to pitch deep into games. The southpaw has also allowed at least three runs in three of his last five outings while posting an 11:7 K:BB in that span.

Thompson allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out two in three innings to earn the save against the Diamondbacks on Friday.

Thompson entered Friday's game in the seventh inning with the Cubs leading 8-2. Although he gave up a solo home run to Daulton Varsho in the top of the ninth, he otherwise held the Diamondbacks in check to earn his first career save. The right-hander has now posted a 2.27 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 39.2 innings this season, but he likely won't see much high-leverage action.

Cleavinger was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Cleavinger has been effective while serving mainly as a low-leverage reliever in the majors this year, as he's posted a 2.12 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in 17 innings across 20 appearances (one start). The southpaw will now head to the minors after Darien Nunez was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move.

Barria has joined the Angels at Target Field and could start Sunday's game against the Twins, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The Angels are expected to shift to a six-man rotation, and Barria appears to be in line to start Sunday's series finale in Minnesota. The right-hander has allowed seven runs on seven hits and five walks while striking out one in six innings across two relief appearances this year.

Graterol will be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Graterol was sent to the minors in early July, but he'll rejoin the big-league club ahead of Friday's series opener against the Rockies after Max Muncy was placed on the paternity list. The right-hander has posted a 6.75 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in four innings across five relief appearances this year.

Kranick was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Kranick started Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks, and he allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out three in three innings. He'll now attempt to right the ship with the Triple-A club. The Pirates haven't yet announced who could fill his place in the starting rotation, but right-hander Luis Oviedo (quadriceps) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Montero was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Friday.

Montero had struggled to limit the opposition recently, as he posted a 13.09 ERA and 2.64 WHIP in 11 innings across his last eight relief appearances. He'll now be removed from the 40-man roster as right-hander Casey Sadler was reinstated from the 60-day IL in a corresponding move.

Bellatti was designated for assignment by the Marlins on Friday.

Bellatti's contract was selected by Miami on Monday, and he allowed five runs on six hits and a walk while striking out two in 2.1 innings across two relief appearances. He'll now be cast off the 40-man roster to make room for Deven Marrero.

Williams (elbow) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Williams has been able to throw off flat ground since early in the week, but he's now close to resuming mound work as he continues to make good progress in his recovery. The right-hander has been sidelined due to elbow discomfort since July 17, and it's not yet clear when he'll be able to return to game action.