MLB Player News

The Athletics optioned Boyle to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Boyle has struggled since rejoining the big-league squad in mid-August, allowing 12 earned runs across 15.1 innings. He moved to the bullpen for his most recent outing, though it's unclear if he'll shift back into a starting role upon returning to Las Vegas. His roster spot will be given to Scott Alexander (shoulder), who returned from the injured list Wednesday.

The Cubs placed Steele on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with left elbow tendinitis, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Steele had to be scratched from his scheduled start Tuesday due to inflammation in his elbow, and he'll now officially sit out for another few turns through the rotation following his latest diagnosis. Kyle Hendricks started in Steele's place against the Pirates and figures to serve as Chicago's fifth starter while the left-hander is sidelined.

Kremer (forearm) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Kremer has progressed more quickly than expected after exiting his last start over the weekend after a liner hit his right forearm. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde previously indicated it was unlikely that Kremer would be ready for his next turn Friday versus the Rays, but it appears it hasn't been ruled out. The club will see how Kremer feels Thursday before making a determination.

Blackburn (hand) will rejoin the Mets' rotation early next week in Toronto, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The exact date of his return is uncertain, but Blackburn has been cleared to make his next start in the majors after tossing 6.2 innings of one-run ball in a rehab outing with Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday. He's been out since late August with a right hand contusion.

Senga (calf) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Wednesday with increased intensity, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Senga implied recently that he's past his left calf strain at this point and is now focused on getting his arm back in shape. It could be too late in the season to build him back up as a starter, but Senga has expressed a willingness to pitch in relief, if that's where the Mets would like to use him. It's unclear when he might be ready for a rehab assignment.

Rodriguez (lat) threw a bullpen session at Camden Yards on Wednesday, Baltimore Banner Sports reports.

The right-hander got back on the mound for the first time since he was diagnosed with a strained lat nearly a month ago. Rodriguez will need to face hitters at least once before being cleared for a rehab start, but that should come soon. The 24-year-old is probably still at least a couple weeks away from a return from the 15-day injured list, however.

Yamamoto (triceps) tossed two innings in his rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out three batters.

Yamamoto was slated to go three innings in the outing, but his pitch count got up to 53 after two frames, so he didn't return for the third. The elevated pitch count was largely due to a 17-pitch at-bat that ended in a walk against MLB veteran Omar Narvaez. While Yamamoto's final stat line was far from impressive, he did throw 36 of his 53 pitches for strikes and sat at 95-to-96 miles per hour on his fastball, so the overall takeaway was mostly positive. It's not yet clear if the right-hander will be asked to make an additional rehab start or if his next game action will be with the big-league club, though the former is probably more likely given the Dodgers' general preference to be cautious with injuries to their starting pitchers.

Robberse (elbow) was activated from Triple-A Memphis' 7-day injured list Wednesday.

Robberse made three rehab starts at Single-A Palm Beach, allowing two runs (one earned) on nine hits and a walk while striking out four over six innings. The Cardinals will likely stay cautious with the right-hander to close out the campaign, but he should be able to get at least two or three more appearances with Memphis before the end of the season.

The Twins recalled Varland from Triple-A St. Paul on Wednesday.

Ronny Henriquez will draw the starting assignment for the Twins in Wednesday's game at Tampa Bay, but he's expected to work an inning or two before giving way to Varland, who will likely be deployed in bulk relief, per Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. A decent showing Wednesday could be enough for Varland to stick around with the Twins as part of a six-man rotation. The Twins have just two days off over the final 26 days of the regular season, so the addition of Varland would help provide extra rest for the team's other starters heading into the playoffs.

Garrett (forearm) is scheduled to make a rehab start with Single-A Jupiter on Thursday, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

The left-hander progressed to throwing live batting practice over the weekend and has been deemed ready for game action after a bullpen session Tuesday. Garrett is expected to throw about three innings and/or 50 pitches Thursday in the first of what's likely to be a couple rehab starts. He's been on the shelf since mid-June due to a forearm strain.