MLB Player News

Pirates manager Don Kelly said that Ashcraft will start Saturday's game against the Reds, Danny Demilio of PittsburghBaseballNow.com reports.

Ashcraft will be making his second start of the season after posting a 3.24 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across 33.1 innings with the Pirates while primarily serving as a middle reliever. The 25-year-old righty had been starting at Triple-A Indianapolis before being called up in late May, but since then, he's maxed out at three innings at the big-league level on three occasions. Additionally, Ashcraft will be taking the mound on three days' rest, so the Pirates are unlikely to let the right-hander work deep enough into Saturday's start to qualify for a win. With a strong showing against the Reds, Ashcraft could stick around in the rotation on a more permanent basis.

Santana earned the save in Friday's 3-2 win over the Reds, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.

Santana was called on to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning and needed just eight pitches to close it out. It was an encouraging rebound after the 29-year-old blew his first save chance since taking over as the Pirates' closer Wednesday. On the season, he's 7-for-9 in save opportunities with a 2.52 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 40:11 K:BB across 50 innings.

Manager Rob Thomson said Friday that he expects Robertson to join the active roster Sunday, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reports.

Robertson reported to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after signing a one-year deal with the Phillies on July 21. He's had mixed results with the IronPigs, surrendering three runs in one inning during two of his six minor-league outings while going without an earned run allowed during his other four. Despite his inconsistent performance, the 40-year-old veteran will nab a spot in Philadelphia's bullpen and is likely ticketed for a middle-relief role.

Martin (calf) threw a bullpen session Friday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Martin is working through a left calf strain that landed him on the 15-day injured list July 21. He has progressed enough in his recovery to throw bullpen sessions, and a rehab assignment could be the next step in his rehab program. Martin has a 2.36 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 12 holds and 36:6 K:BB across 34.1 innings this season.

The Rockies placed Chivilli on the restricted list Friday.

The team hasn't provided any details as to why Chivilli was moved to the restricted list, but some clarity may come in the near future. The 23-year-old currently carries a 7.29 ERA and 1.76 WHIP through 42 innings in the majors this year and isn't likely to receive many high-leverage opportunities once he's activated.

The Rays designated Seabold for assignment Friday, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Seabold will lose his spot on the 40-man roster to make room for Tristan Peters. The 29-year-old has pitched 61 innings for Triple-A Durham this season, posting a 6.49 ERA. Assuming he clears waivers, he could stay within the Rays organization.

Heuer was recalled from Triple-A Toledo on Friday.

Heuer is set to make his Tigers debut after being traded from Texasa to Detroit on July 31. The 28-year-old appeared in 35 games at Triple-A Round Rock before the trade, logging a 3.43 ERA over 39.1 innings. Luke Jackson was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The White Sox recalled Gonzalez from Triple-A Charlotte on Friday.

Gonzalez will take Jonathan Cannon's spot on the active roster, joining the big-league bullpen for the first time since being optioned July 22. In three outings with the White Sox this season, the 23-year-old has allowed two runs on four hits with a 5:4 K:BB across five innings.

The Marlins recalled Soriano from Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Soriano has struggled to a 7.97 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in 12 appearances with the big club this season, but he pitched well during his latest stint in Jacksonville, allowing just one earned run with an 11:2 K:BB in 9.2 innings since June 7. He replaces lefty Cade Gibson on the active roster and in the Miami bullpen.

The Marlins optioned Gibson to Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Gibson has pitched well overall this season, but he gave up another run Thursday against Atlanta, marking his third straight appearance allowing at least one run. The lefty will be swapped out for a fresh arm in right-hander George Soriano, but Gibson figures to be on the short list to return the next time the Marlins need bullpen reinforcements.