MLB Player News

The Athletics designated Zhuang for assignment Friday.

The move corresponds with the Athletics selecting Jonathan Ornelas' contract from Triple-A Las Vegas and optioning Colby Thomas to Triple-A. Zhuang has spent the entire 2026 season in Las Vegas but has allowed at least six earned runs over his last five outings, which has him at a 7.84 ERA and 1.79 WHIP across 59.2 innings in Triple-A.

The Athletics optioned Thomas to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.

The move makes room on the 26-man roster for Jonathan Ornelas, whose contract was selected by the Athletics from Las Vegas. Thomas has been on the big-league roster since late April, but in 16 games since July 1 he's gone 4-for-34 (.118) with one RBI and a 38.9 percent strikeout rate while operating in a reserve role. He'll head back to Triple-A, where he's slashing .309/.397/.574 with one steal, five home runs and 19 RBI over 78 plate appearances this season.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Friday that Imai will be moving to the bullpen for the team's weekend series against the Rangers, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Imai struggled in his last start against the Angels on Monday, when he tossed only 12 of 33 pitches for strikes and allowed two runs on one hit and four walks while striking out one batter over two-thirds of an inning. He was in line to start in Sunday's series finale, and while a replacement has yet to been announced, Chandler Rome of The Athletic suggested Thursday that Peter Lambert could be on the mound on short rest.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Friday that Bassitt (back) will make 1-to-2 more rehab starts before rejoining the active roster, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Bassitt gave up one run over 3.1 innings in his first rehab outing with Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday. He got his pitch count up to 46 in that start and will continue to stretch out with at least one more rehab outing. Bassitt has been out since early June following surgery to remove bone spurs from his back, and he posted a 5.27 ERA in 56.1 innings before getting hurt. The 37-year-old isn't a given to go back into the Orioles' rotation once he's deemed physically ready, though that could depend on what the club does at the trade deadline.

Detroit announced that Holton will act as the opener for Friday's matchup against the Athletics, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

With Casey Mize scratched with his trade interest heating up, the Tigers will send out Holton to open Friday's matchup with the A's. Holton has started two prior games this season. On the campaign, the 30-year-old owns a 3.04 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 37:11 K:BB through 47.1 innings. The left-hander has recorded scoreless outings in seven of his last eight appearances.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Friday that Helsley (elbow) has resumed a throwing program, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Helsley has made two separate trips to the injured list this season with right elbow trouble. He was shut down for nearly a month this time around, so it will take him some time to get ramped back up. Helsley was shifted to the 60-day IL earlier this month and is ineligible for activation until Aug. 29.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Friday that Selby underwent right shoulder surgery Tuesday to repair his labrum and rotator cuff, Andy Kostka of TheBanner.com reports.

Selby has been shelved for the entire 2026 and opted for surgery following multiple opinions. The procedure will knock Selby out for the remainder of this season, and he's expected to get a late start to next season, as well.

Loftin is out of the lineup for Kansas City's matchup with the Rockies on Friday.

After going 0-for-4 in Thursday's series finale against Minnesota, Loftin will sit for Friday's series opener against Colorado. Josh Rojas will take over at third base and bat eighth for the Royals.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Friday that Bautista (shoulder) will throw a live batting practice session next week, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Bautista is coming back from right labrum and rotator cuff surgery. The Orioles have not ruled out a late-season return for the reliever, and progressing to facing hitters in early August seemingly gives him a chance to make it back this year. More clarity on Bautista's timeline should arise in the coming weeks.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Friday that Rutschman (wrist) will resume hitting Saturday and could begin a rehab assignment next week, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Rutschman went down with left wrist inflammation just after the All-Star break and has made enough progress in order to be cleared to ramp up activities. The switch-hitting catcher has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate, and while he can be dealt while on the injured list, Rutschman's wrist issue could hinder the chances of a trade.