MLB Player News

Festa (1-0) allowed five runs on seven hits and one walk over five innings to earn the win Thursday against the Diamondbacks. He struck out two.

Festa's first career start began about as well as he could have possibly imagined. By the time he hit the mound in the fourth inning, he had faced just one batter over the minimum and was staked to an 11-run lead. Following a solo homer to open the fourth, Festa struck out the next two but followed up by allowing five consecutive singles and three additional earned runs. Festa then allowed one more run in the fifth as the Twins coasted to victory. It was an up-and-down debut, but Festa should continue to earn additional starting opportunities for the Twins if they continue to have a rotational need. His next chance is slated to come in the middle of next week when the Twins welcome the Tigers to Minnesota.

The Tigers optioned Montero to Triple-A Toledo on Thursday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Montero was recalled from the minors to serve as a bulk reliever for Wednesday's game, during which he allowed five earned runs in just 4.1 innings. He'll now head back to Toledo in order to free up a roster spot for Alex Faedo (hip), who returned from the IL on Thursday.

The Angels recalled Daniel from Triple-A Salt Lake to start Thursday's game versus Detroit.

Daniel has yet to pitch in the majors this season despite joining the active roster for one day in May. He posted a 2.19 ERA and 1.30 WHIP through 12.1 innings across three games with the Halos last season, but fantasy managers should expect results closer to his Triple-A statline (5.33 ERA, 1.50 WHIP in 76 innings) as he makes his first career MLB start Thursday. Guillermo Zuniga was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

The Guardians optioned Curry to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday.

Curry took the loss out of the bullpen for the Guardians on Wednesday versus the Orioles and finds himself back in the minors a day later. He'll be replaced by a fresh bullpen arm in Darren McCaughan.

Clevinger's (elbow) next rehab start has been pushed back to next week due to neck stiffness, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

Clevinger last pitched with Triple-A Charlotte on Sunday, when he allowed five runs and threw 71 pitches over 4.2 innings. The White Sox are hopeful that he will need just one more rehab start before rejoining their rotation, although that will be dependent on how he looks and feels. Clevinger is targeting 70-to-80 pitches in next week's rehab start.

Boyd (elbow) agreed to terms on a contract with the Guardians on Thursday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

It's unclear how much more rehab work Boyd has to do after undergoing Tommy John surgery last June, but the Guardians seem comfortable enough with his progress to bring him in on a major-league deal. The 33-year-old southpaw posted a 5.45 ERA and 1.32 WHIP across 71 innings over 15 starts with the Tigers before getting injured last season.

Williams (elbow) yielded one run on three hits and two walks over four innings in a rehab start with Triple-A Columbus on Thursday.

Williams wasn't very efficient, needing 82 pitches to cover his four frames. The results were impressive, though, as he struck out six, induced 16 whiffs and gave up just one batted ball hit at 95-plus mph. The Guardians have not confirmed any plans for when Williams' season debut for them will occur, but it could be next week, as soon as Tuesday versus the White Sox. Williams has been on the injured list all season with a right elbow problem.

Kremer (triceps) allowed four runs on six hits and two walks over 4.1 innings in his third rehab start with Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports. He struck out five batters.

Kremer got his pitch count up to 75 and looks ready to return from the 15-day injured list from a workload standpoint, but it's unclear if Baltimore is keen on slotting him back into the rotation while he's largely struggled during the minor-league assignment. The right-hander has posted an 11.42 ERA and 9:4 K:BB over 8.2 innings across his three starts. He's been out since late May with a right triceps strain.

Blackburn (foot) threw a bullpen session Tuesday at Angel Stadium and is set to complete another one Saturday, MLB.com reports.

The right-hander has been making steady progress over the last week-plus, as he's already thrown two bullpen sessions and has seemingly come away from that activity without setbacks. If Saturday's session also goes off without a hitch, Blackburn could progress to facing hitters as the next step in his recovery.

Woods Richardson (3-1) picked up the win over the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out four.

Woods Richardson allowed just one run over the first five innings but had to be relieved by Josh Staumont with one out in the sixth after allowing two of the first three batters to reach. It marked the right-hander's first win since May 28 against the Royals, though he's now walked multiple batters in three consecutive outings and in five of his last six overall. Woods Richardson has also given up multiple runs in each of his last three starts and now holds a 4.50 ERA in June to go along with a 26:10 K:BB.