MLB Player News

Thaiss was traded from the White Sox to the Rays on Tuesday in exchange for Dru Baker.

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times speculates that Ben Rortvedt's roster spot will be in jeopardy when Thaiss joins the team, so the latter appears set to take over as Danny Jansen's backup. The lefty-hitting Thaiss slashed .212/.382/.294 with one home run, one steal and more walks (23) than strikeouts (21) in 110 plate appearances with the White Sox.

The Guardians reinstated Gaddis (personal) from the bereavement list Tuesday.

The right-hander stepped away from the team for a few days for personal reasons but is back on the active roster ahead of Tuesday's matchup with the Dodgers. Gaddis has been a key bullpen piece for Cleveland this season with 13 holds and a 0.86 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 29:8 K:BB across 21 innings.

Baker was traded from the Rays to the White Sox on Tuesday in exchange for Matt Thaiss.

A fourth-round selection in 2021, Baker performed well until he reached an age-appropriate level at Double-A in 2023 as a 23-year-old. Since then, he's performed near league-average rates as an overall hitter while failing to hit for much power (two homers in 162 games above High-A). Baker has primarily played the corner-outfield spots over the last couple years while also seeing time in center field and at second base.

The Athletics designated Cusick for assignment Tuesday.

The right-hander has spent the season with Triple-A Las Vegas after missing out on the Opening Day roster, and he's now been jettisoned from the 40-man roster after posting a 6.75 ERA over 14.2 innings with Las Vegas. Cusick is likely to pass through waivers unclaimed and could stick around at the Athletics' highest-level affiliate.

The Athletics designated Krook for assignment Tuesday.

The left-hander was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday and has now lost his place on the 40-man roster. Krook will likely remain with Vegas if he passes through waivers unclaimed.

The Athletics selected Avans contract from Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old has been productive through 47 games at Triple-A this year with four homers, 16 steals and a .328/.410/.446 slash line, and he'll now receive his first taste of the majors. Prospect Denzel Clarke has taken over as the Athletics' primary center fielder after JJ Bleday was demoted last week, so there could be a path to playing time for Avans if Clarke is unable to lock down the job.

The Athletics acquired Newcomb from the Red Sox on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations.

The left-hander was designated for assignment by Boston over the weekend, but he found a new home on an MLB roster. Newcomb opened the season in the Red Sox's rotation before shifting to a long-relief role, and overall he had a 3.95 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and 41:17 K:BB across 41 innings. The 31-year-old spent the 2023 and 2024 campaigns with the Athletics but pitched in just 14 games (two starts).

The Athletics placed Kurtz on the 10-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to May 25, due to a strained left hip flexor.

The 22-year-old suffered the injury during Saturday's game against the Angels and will spend at least the next week on the shelf. Logan Davidson was called up by the A's late last week and could see more action at first base while Kurtz is sidelined.

Kahnle tossed a scoreless inning of relief in Monday's 3-1 win over the Giants to record his sixth hold of the season.

Kahnle is now second on the team with his six holds, and he also has six saves, which is tied with Will Vest for the team lead. It was Vest who earned the save Monday, working the ninth inning after Kahnle cruised through the eighth on only 10 pitches. The two veteran righties are locked into a closer-by-committee arrangement for the time being, giving them both some fantasy value but also limiting their upside. Kahnle has earned the right to close out games, as he's now sitting with a 1.66 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 20 strikeouts across 21.2 innings this year.

Triple-A Norfolk placed Castillo on its 7-day injured list May 13 due to an unspecified injury.

After being acquired from the Mariners on May 7 and claiming a spot on the Orioles' 40-man roster, Castillo has yet to make his organizational debut. He may have gotten hurt during his final appearance with Triple-A Tacoma on May 3, though any potential injury didn't prevent him from passing a physical before the trade was made official. Once he's healthy, Castillo should occupy a spot in the Norfolk rotation.