MLB Player News

The Orioles optioned Wolfram to Triple-A Norfolk following Thursday's doubleheader with the Mets, Cordell Woodland of 105.7 The Fan Baltimore reports.

Wolfram threw two scoreless innings in the first game of the doubleheader against the Mets, striking out four while picking up his first career win. He's primarily pitched at Norfolk this season, but he could be back as an extra arm in Baltimore's bullpen if needed later in the summer.

The Orioles recalled Selby from Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday.

Selby has given up two earned runs with a 10:1 K:BB over 5.2 innings at the major-league level this season and has collected a 2.38 ERA and 31:12 K:BB in 22.2 frames with Norfolk. He will provide the Orioles' bullpen with a fresh arm.

Ashby (hand) retired one batter and allowed one earned run on one hit and two walks in his relief appearance during Wednesday's 3-2 extra-inning win over the Dodgers.

Ashby's pitching hand was struck by a comebacker during his previous appearance in Monday's series opener with the Dodgers, but he avoided any significant damage and received the green light to pitch just two days later. Even though he wasn't at his best Wednesday, Ashby continues to hold down sterling ratios (1.66 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 22.1 K-BB%) in 21.2 innings out of the Milwaukee bullpen since returning in late May from a season-opening stint on the injured list.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Slaten (shoulder) is no longer throwing and is instead doing plyometric exercises, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Out since late May with right shoulder inflammation, Slaten played catch back on June 27, but he's backed off a throwing program since then and is focusing on rebuilding shoulder strength. Once he's throwing again, Slaten will need time to build back up, so he looks to be several weeks away from a potential return.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that he's hopeful Leiter (leg) can resume a throwing program this weekend, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Leiter landed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a left fibular head stress fracture, an injury he actually suffered two weeks prior. It shouldn't take Leiter long to ramp back up from a stamina standpoint, but it's uncertain how his leg will respond to increased activity.

The Athletics optioned Spence to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday.

The transaction comes one day after Spence was torched for eight runs over six innings in a loss to Atlanta. Spence was not scheduled for another start before the All-Star break, so the A's have replaced him with some bullpen protection in the form of Osvaldo Bido. It's possible Spence gets another chance in the big-league rotation after the All-Star break, although he won't be eligible to be recalled until July 25.

The Rays optioned Orze to Triple-A Durham on Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

His roster spot will be filled by Bryan Baker, who was acquired via trade earlier Thursday. Orze has been a trusted member of the Rays' bullpen for much of the season, but he's stumbled lately, allowing nine runs (eight earned) over his last 10.2 innings.

Bautista earned the save in the opening game of Thursday's doubleheader with the Mets, delivering a perfect ninth inning to seal a 3-1 win.

Bautista has converted 11 straight save chances while allowing just one earned run in his last 16 innings. Overall, the 6-foot-8 right-hander has posted a 2.41 ERA across 33.2 innings with a 1.04 WHIP and 48 strikeouts while converting 18 of 19 save opportunities.

Waddell will serve as the Mets' opening pitcher in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader in Baltimore, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports.

He's being classified as an opener, but Waddell has the ability to go multiple innings, having lasted at least 2.2 frames in each of his last three appearances for the Mets. Once Waddell is done Thursday, Justin Hagenman is a good bet to eat some innings out of the Mets' bullpen.

McLean struck out 10 while giving up three hits and three walks over six scoreless innings for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday.

It's the second straight start with double-digit strikeouts for the 23-year-old right-hander, who is making a loud statement that he's ready for the next challenge. Over his last nine Triple-A outings, McLean has delivered a 2.59 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 54:20 K:BB through 48.2 innings. The Mets' big-league rotation is about to get significant reinforcements with both Kodai Senga (hamstring) and Sean Manaea (elbow/oblique) set to come off the IL right before the All-Star break, but McLean could make his MLB debut in the second half if injuries create further opportunities.