MLB Player News

Clarke (shoulder) is starting in center field and batting ninth Sunday against the Orioles.

The 25-year-old was withheld from the starting nine Saturday after he exited Friday's contest due to a bruised left shoulder, but he's ready to play after sitting out just one game. After going 1-for-19 with 15 strikeouts in his first six big-league games, Clarke has found his footing of late with one homer, three steals and a .333/.379/.481 slash line in his past eight contests. However, he still has a 41.4 percent strikeout rate during that latter stretch, so the production may not be sustainable.

The White Sox transferred Ellard (lat) to the 60-day injured list Sunday.

Ellard landed on the 15-day IL in early May due to a left lat strain, and he's far enough way from a return to warrant placement on the 60-day IL. The move makes room on the 40-man roster for veteran reliever Tyler Alexander, who agreed to a contract with Chicago on Sunday.

The Athletics acquired Wynns from the Reds on Sunday in exchange for cash considerations.

The 34-year-old was designated for assignment by the Reds on Friday but will remain on a 40-man roster with the A's. Wynns has a 1.142 OPS with three homers in 18 big-league games this season and will provide the Athletics with some veteran catching depth.

The White Sox placed Shuster on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to a blister on his left hand.

Shuster last pitched Wednesday against Detroit, allowing four runs in one inning as an opener. He appears to have picked up a blister in that outing and will now be sidelined for about two weeks. The IL move is retroactive to June 5, so Shuster will be eligible to be activated June 20. In corresponding roster moves, the White Sox signed veteran reliever Tyler Alexander and transferred Fraser Ellard to the 60-day IL.

The White Sox signed Alexander to a one-year, $760,000 contract Sunday.

Alexander was DFA'd by Milwaukee last Sunday and elected free agency after clearing waivers. He struggled during his tenure with the Brewers, posting a 6.19 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 30:12 K:BB over 36.1 innings while picking up a hold, a save and a 3-5 record. Alexander can serve in a swingman role, as he made four starts earlier this season, including a start against Cincinnati on April 4 during which he tossed 5.2 hitless innings. In corresponding roster moves Sunday, Jared Shuster landed on the 15-day IL due to a blister, and Fraser Ellard was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

The Athletics designated Duran for assignment Sunday.

The 23-year-old was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for catcher Austin Wynns. Duran, acquired from the Dodgers on April 2, made just one appearance in the majors, allowing three runs in one-third of an inning. His struggles have continued at Triple-A Las Vegas, where he's posted an 8.00 ERA and 1.96 WHIP over 27 innings.

Baltimore activated Blewett in advance of Sunday's matchup versus the Athletics.

After the Orioles traded Blewett to Atlanta in late April, the teams engaged in another trade Friday to send the right-hander back to Baltimore. In a corresponding move to Blewett's activation, Matt Bowman was designated for assignment.

Bader is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.

Bader appears to be receiving a routine day off after starting each of the Twins' last five games. Willi Castro will fill in for Bader in left field.

The Orioles designated Bowman for assignment Sunday.

Bowman was previously DFA'd in early May, but he was brought back onto the 40-man roster May 28 and made two appearances out of the bullpen, allowing one run while posting a 4:2 K:BB over 4.1 innings. He's now a roster casualty again with Baltimore activating recent trade acquisition Scott Blewett.

Lewis is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.

Lewis has finally begun to round into form at the plate, but the Twins will still give him a chance to catch his breath in Sunday's series finale. Brooks Lee will step in at third base in place of Lewis, who has gone 5-for-14 with two doubles, four walks, four RBI and three runs in his last five contests.