MLB Player News

Williams didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Giants, giving up two hits and three walks in six scoreless innings. He struck out six.

Williams turned in his third scoreless start of the season, scattering two singles Thursday. The 25-year-old right-hander appears to be settling in a bit following a shaky start to the year -- which saw him log a 5.06 ERA and 1.75 WHIP through his first seven outings -- as he's produced a 2.49 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 41:23 K:BB covering his last eight appearances (43.1 innings). Up next for Williams is a scheduled matchup versus the hot-hitting Blue Jays, who are slugging .449 against right-handed pitching over their last 38 games.

Vargas went 2-for-4 with a walk, one RBI, one run scored and a stolen base in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Cardinals.

Vargas was a thorn in the Cardinals' side throughout the game, highlighted by an RBI single and a stolen base in the fifth inning. The 25-year-old extended his hitting streak to seven games, a stretch that includes six extra-base hits, three RBI and seven runs scored. On the season, he's slashing .244/.323/.439 with 10 home runs, 32 RBI, 37 runs scored and three steals across 294 plate appearances.

Rodon (9-5) earned the win Thursday over the Angels, allowing three runs on four hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out seven.

Rodon gave up three home runs Thursday, though they were all solo shots, as the left-hander eventually settled in to record the win and a quality start. Overall, it was a much-needed return to form for Rodon, who had dropped his previous two outings, allowing eight runs over 10 innings in that span. Rodon's ERA sits at 3.10 through 16 starts (95.2 innings) this season with a 0.98 WHIP and 114:33 K:BB. He's currently lined up to face the Reds on the road in his next outing.

Burke did not factor into the decision in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks with seven strikeouts over 5.1 innings.

While he was unable to finish the sixth inning, Burke reached 100 pitches for the first time in a start and recorded a season-high seven strikeouts. It was a solid rebound for the 25-year-old after surrendering seven earned runs in his previous outing, and he's now held opponents to two earned runs or fewer in seven of his past 10 starts. He'll carry a 4.50 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 61:35 K:BB across 76 innings into a tough matchup with the Diamondbacks next week.

Wynns isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Astros.

Wynns will take a seat for Thursday's series finale after going 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored Wednesday. While he rests, Willie MacIver will take over at catcher and bat eighth.

The Athletics voided Holman's optional assignment to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday and placed him on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to Monday) with rotator cuff tendinitis in his right shoulder.

The A's originally optioned Holman to Triple-A on Monday after he had posted a 5.09 ERA in 23 innings with the major-league club. However, the team uncovered a shoulder injury Thursday and will keep him around to rehab with the big-league squad. He'll be eligible to return from the IL beginning July 1, though he may still be sent down to the minors whenever he's fully healthy.

The Athletics optioned Bido to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday.

Bido has struggled quite a bit since rejoining the big-league squad at the end of May, giving up seven runs (five earned) in only five innings. He'll now be sent back to the minors in order to right the ship, and Anthony Maldonado will come up to replenish the Athletics' bullpen depth.

The Yankees optioned Sandridge to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barres on Tuesday.

Sandridge was called up to the Yankees for the first time in his career Thursday but did not take the mound during the 7-3 win over the Angels. The 26-year-old will have to wait until his next promotion to potentially make his major-league debut.

The Athletics recalled Maldonado from Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday.

Maldonado was relegated to the minors at the end of May after giving up eight earned runs over six innings. Since then, he's allowed just two runs in 6.1 frames with the Aviators -- good enough to earn another chance in the Athletics' bullpen. Osvaldo Bido was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Tauchman isn't in the lineup for the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Cardinals.

Tauchman will get a chance to regroup during the nightcap Thursday after going 0-for-5 with two strikeouts during Game 1. His absence will allow Austin Slater to start in right field while batting seventh.