MLB Player News

Oakland transferred Rucinski (illness/knee) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

This move clears out a 40-man roster spot for Yacksel Rios, who is joining the A's bullpen. Rucinski originally landed on the 15-day IL in late May due to a stomach illness and then recently suffered a low-grade MCL sprain in his right knee. He won't be eligible for activation until late July.

Williams will be called up by the Guardians from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday to make his major-league debut versus the Athletics, Guardians Perspective reports.

Williams was arguably the best pitching prospect in baseball still in the minors and now he's on his way to the big leagues. A first-round pick in the 2021 first-year player draft, Williams has collected a 2.39 ERA and 81:24 K:BB over 60.1 innings covering 12 starts between Columbus and Double-A Akron this season. With Triston McKenzie (elbow) and Cal Quantrill (shoulder) out indefinitely, Williams should have an opportunity to stick in the majors over the long haul if he pitches well. He should be rostered in all fantasy formats.

Lyles did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk over six innings against the Tigers. He struck out three.

Lyles notched his second quality start of the year and first since April 17. The right-hander hasn't exactly been sharp in 2023, boasting a 6.72 ERA, but he has been able to eat up innings, completing at least five frames in 13 of his 15 outings (85.2 innings total). However, that alone isn't enough to warrant much fantasy attention, so until Lyles turns things around, he can safely be left on the waiver wire in standard leagues.

Berrios (7-5) took the loss Monday, allowing five runs on eight hits and one walk over four innings against the Marlins. He struck out four.

Berrios flirted with a no-hitter last time out, but he couldn't replicate that form and struggled mightily versus Miami. It was just the third time all season that the right-hander had given up at least eight hits and five runs in a game and the first time since May 1. Despite the poor outing, Berrios still sports an above-average 3.64 ERA and 1.21 WHIP while posting a modest 79:26 K:BB through 15 starts (89 innings). He'll look to shake off Monday's outing in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for a home matchup versus the Athletics.

Prielipp (elbow) has not pitched since making a rehab start in the Florida Complex League on June 9.

The talented lefty gave up two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out four in 2.2 innings, but it's possible his elbow didn't respond well, given that he hasn't pitched in 11 days since. He was originally shut down in mid-April with left elbow soreness after making one start for High-A Cedar Rapids.

Medina will serve as a bulk reliever behind opening pitcher Ken Waldichuk in Tuesday's game against the Guardians, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Since he had previously been serving as a starter before transitioning to a bullpen role about a month ago, Waldichuk could be capable of covering somewhere around 1-to-3 innings before turning the game over to Medina. While pitching out of the bullpen likely puts a cap on Medina's potential innings count, it should enhance his chances of factoring into the decision. Over his last five outings, Medina has gone 1-4 with an 8.06 ERA and 1.88 WHIP across 22.1 innings.

Watkins was designated for assignment Tuesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Watkins was called up by the Orioles over the weekend but didn't make an appearance. The 30-year-old has posted a 7.27 ERA this season at Triple-A Norfolk and would seem to have a good chance of clearing waivers.

Hancock has generated a 5.92 ERA and 1.45 WHIP across 62.1 innings over 14 starts with Double-A Arkansas, but he's posted three straight quality starts to push his record to 8-3.

It's been a true feast-or-famine season for Hancock, whose contradictory set of metrics is due to four outings where he's allowed between six and nine earned runs. Otherwise, the right-hander, the sixth overall pick in the 2020 First-Year Player Draft, has given up three earned runs or less in his other 10 starts, including a pair of blankings against Tulsa over five and six innings. Hancock has dealt with both shoulder and lat injuries over the past two seasons, but he's sporting a career-best 11.0 K/9, albeit alongside a career-high 4.6 BB/9. If he's able to maintain his current form, a move to Triple-A Tacoma later in the summer wouldn't be inconceivable.

Houck (face) is scheduled for a follow-up meeting with a doctor Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Houck, who was hit just under the right eye by a batted ball last Friday, was placed on the injured list while the Red Sox gather information. At this point, the team is not sure if Houck will need surgery or how long he'll be out. Tuesday's exam, they hope, will provide more clarity.

Brown dropped to 6-4 in Monday's 11-1 loss to the Mets after allowing six runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out seven batters over 5.2 innings.

Brown got an extra day of rest between starts, but that didn't seem to be to his advantage as he surrendered a season-high six runs. Most of the damage against the right-hander came in the third inning, when New York pounded him for five runs on five hits, including two homers. Brown had recorded two straight quality starts -- including a scoreless seven-inning outing -- coming into the contest, so Monday's rough appearance may end up being just a blip on the radar. He still owns a respectable 3.78 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 14 starts on the season.