MLB Player News

The Orioles recalled Espada from Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday.

Espada will provide reinforcement to an Orioles bullpen that will be without closer Ryan Helsley (personal), who was placed on the bereavement list Wednesday in a corresponding move. Though he's unlikely to enter the mix for save chances while Helsley is away from the team, Espada will provide the Orioles with a fresh arm in middle relief. Espada has posted a 5.40 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and 7:9 K:BB in 10 innings with Norfolk this season.

Gelof is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game in Seattle.

Gelof started each of the previous three games, including the last two in center field while Denzel Clarke (foot) was unavailable. Clarke was placed on the 10-day injured list earlier Wednesday, but Gelof will begin the series finale on the bench while Lawrence Butler shifts over to center field.

The Orioles placed Helsley on the bereavement/family medical emergency list Wednesday.

Per MLB rules, Helsley will be away from the Orioles for a minimum of three days and a maximum of seven days after going on bereavement leave. After signing a two-year deal with Baltimore over the winter, Helsley has gotten off to a respectable start to the season as the team's closer, converting all six of his save chances while pitching to a 2.79 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 15:7 K:BB in 9.2 innings. Rico Garcia (0.75 ERA, 0.42 WHIP in 12 innings) and Yennier Cano (1.23 ERA, 0.68 WHIP in 7.1 innings) have been the Orioles' top-performing setup arms this season and could be the top choices for save chances while Helsley is deactivated.

Alexander is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Royals.

Alexander had cracked the lineup in each of the last three games, making starts at third base, center field and right field while going 0-for-10 at the plate. The 27-year-old's ability to play multiple infield and outfield spots has helped him see semi-regular starts for most of the season, but his poor offensive production has prevented him from solidifying a full-time role. Alexander is slashing just .185/.254/.204 with a 31.7 percent strikeout rate over 60 plate appearances on the campaign.

Rutschman is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Royals.

Rutschman returned with a bang Tuesday following a stint on the injured list, going 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in the Orioles' 6-5 loss. With the Orioles wrapping up their series in Kansas City with a day game after a night game, Rutschman will receive a breather Wednesday, but now that he's healthy again, he should be locked into a near-everyday role between catcher and designated hitter.

Jimenez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels.

Following a stretch of four consecutive starts at designated hitter, Jimenez will take a seat for the series finale while Vladimir Guerrero covers the DH spot and Lenyn Sosa enters the lineup at first base. Since being called up from Triple-A Buffalo on April 12, Jimenez has gone 8-for-21 (.381 average) with three walks against four strikeouts, but his opportunities remain likely to dry up once the Blue Jays get either of George Springer (toe) or Addison Barger (ankle) back from the injured list.

The Athletics recalled Thomas from Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Thomas has slashed .309/.397/.574 with five home runs over his first 17 contests with Las Vegas this season. The 25-year-old could see some reps in the outfield and/or at designated hitter while Denzel Clarke (foot) and Brent Rooker (oblique) are shelved.

Lowe is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The left-handed-hitting Lowe will be held out of the starting nine for the second straight day while the Angels face off against another left-handed starting pitcher (Eric Lauer). In Lowe's absence, Bryce Teodosio will pick up another start in the outfield, this time covering center while Mike Trout occupies the designated-hitter spot.

The Athletics placed Clarke on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a bone bruise in his right foot.

Clarke didn't start either of the previous two games, though he appeared on defense in Tuesday's win over the Mariners. He will be eligible for activation at the beginning of May, but it's unclear whether he will be ready to go at that time. Zack Gelof started the last two contests in center field for the Athletics and Lawrence Butler will shift over to center in Wednesday's game in Seattle.

Frazier is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

After a stretch of four consecutive starts -- all against right-handed pitching -- Frazier will hit the bench for the second day in a row while the Angels face another left-handed starter (Eric Lauer). Vaughn Grissom will receive the nod at second base Wednesday while the Angels continue to take a committee approach to the keystone.