MLB Player News

Atlanta optioned Cox to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.

The left-hander was called up Saturday but will return to the minors without seeing the mound. Cox has a 3.86 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 26:9 K:BB across 23.1 innings at the Triple-A level this season.

The Phillies claimed Cusick off waivers from the White Sox on Sunday and optioned him to their rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate.

Cusick has been riding a roller coaster between organizations of late -- he was designated for assignment by the Athletics on May 27 and claimed by Detroit three days later, only to be DFA'd by the Tigers before the White Sox claimed him June 4. Chicago subsequently DFA's the right-hander again Friday, and he's now been picked up by the Phillies. Cusick has yet to pitch in the majors, and he's posted a 6.32 ERA, 1.85 WHIP and 11:14 K:BB over 15.2 innings across stops with two Triple-A teams so far this season.

The White Sox transferred Ellard (lat) to the 60-day injured list Sunday.

Ellard landed on the 15-day IL in early May due to a left lat strain, and he's far enough way from a return to warrant placement on the 60-day IL. The move makes room on the 40-man roster for veteran reliever Tyler Alexander, who agreed to a contract with Chicago on Sunday.

The White Sox placed Shuster on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to a blister on his left hand.

Shuster last pitched Wednesday against Detroit, allowing four runs in one inning as an opener. He appears to have picked up a blister in that outing and will now be sidelined for about two weeks. The IL move is retroactive to June 5, so Shuster will be eligible to be activated June 20. In corresponding roster moves, the White Sox signed veteran reliever Tyler Alexander and transferred Fraser Ellard to the 60-day IL.

Rogers (3-2) picked up the win in Saturday's 3-2 victory over Atlanta, issuing one walk in a scoreless ninth inning.

The right-hander entered the game with the Giants facing a 2-1 deficit and threw eight of his 12 pitches for strikes. Matt Chapman followed with a two-run walk-off homer in the bottom of the inning, giving Rogers his first win since April 24. The veteran reliever now owns a 1.48 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and a 28:4 K:BB across 30.1 innings in 32 appearances this season.

The White Sox signed Alexander to a one-year, $760,000 contract Sunday.

Alexander was DFA'd by Milwaukee last Sunday and elected free agency after clearing waivers. He struggled during his tenure with the Brewers, posting a 6.19 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 30:12 K:BB over 36.1 innings while picking up a hold, a save and a 3-5 record. Alexander can serve in a swingman role, as he made four starts earlier this season, including a start against Cincinnati on April 4 during which he tossed 5.2 hitless innings. In corresponding roster moves Sunday, Jared Shuster landed on the 15-day IL due to a blister, and Fraser Ellard was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

The Athletics designated Duran for assignment Sunday.

The 23-year-old was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for catcher Austin Wynns. Duran, acquired from the Dodgers on April 2, made just one appearance in the majors, allowing three runs in one-third of an inning. His struggles have continued at Triple-A Las Vegas, where he's posted an 8.00 ERA and 1.96 WHIP over 27 innings.

Baltimore activated Blewett in advance of Sunday's matchup versus the Athletics.

After the Orioles traded Blewett to Atlanta in late April, the teams engaged in another trade Friday to send the right-hander back to Baltimore. In a corresponding move to Blewett's activation, Matt Bowman was designated for assignment.

The Orioles designated Bowman for assignment Sunday.

Bowman was previously DFA'd in early May, but he was brought back onto the 40-man roster May 28 and made two appearances out of the bullpen, allowing one run while posting a 4:2 K:BB over 4.1 innings. He's now a roster casualty again with Baltimore activating recent trade acquisition Scott Blewett.

The Diamondbacks selected Backhus' contract from Triple-A Reno on Sunday.

Arizona designated catcher Aramis Garcia for assignment to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for Backhus, a 27-year-old lefty reliever who will be making his MLB debut when he gets into a game. Over his 24 appearances at Triple-A this season, Backhus has logged a 2.22 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 36:10 K:BB across 24.1 innings.