MLB Player News

The Athletics claimed Rodriguez off waivers from the Pirates on Thursday and optioned him to Triple-A Las Vegas.

The A's were running a bit thin on outfield depth on the 40-man roster after losing Tyler Soderstrom (hip) for the season, so they'll pick up Rodriguez to help solve that problem. Rodriguez has gone just 2-for-11 in the majors this season but owns a .286/.380/.410 slash line through 321 plate appearances at Triple-A.

Gimenez was removed from Thursday's game versus the Rays in the fourth inning with a right hamstring injury, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Gimenez was attempting to beat out an infield single in the top of the fourth inning when he tweaked his hamstring while running through the first-base bag. He walked off the field gingerly and did not take his position for the bottom of the frame. The Blue Jays should have more on Gimenez's status after the game, but it looked like an issue that could force a stint on the injured list. If that happens, Ernie Clement would likely take over at shortstop, with Josh Smith and/or Charles McAdoo handling second base. Gimenez went 1-for-2 with two stolen bases Thursday before exiting.

Black struck out a batter and allowed two earned runs on two hits and three walks in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Athletics.

For a third consecutive appearance since being called up from Triple-A Omaha on Aug. 7, Black ended up covering multiple innings in relief behind starter Daniel Lynch. The two pitchers' schedules have been intertwined while Lynch has gradually been building up his pitch count after making the in-season transition from relieving to starting, but Black could soon be ready to handle a more flexible relief role. Lynch tossed four innings and 45 pitches Tuesday and could be ready to handle five or six innings when his turn in the rotation comes up again Sunday versus the Tigers.

Martin (finger) threw a bullpen session Wednesday and is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon, James Fegan of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Martin was placed on the 15-day injured list last week with a blister on his right middle finger. Though he might only need one rehab start from a physical standpoint, Martin's struggles over the last several weeks could encourage the White Sox to keep him on his rehab assignment longer than that.

Woo (shoulder) threw his normal between-starts bullpen session Thursday, Zach Sweet of MLB.com reports.

Woo had to leave his last outing versus the Astros on Sunday after 75 pitches because of right shoulder soreness. However, Woo and the Mariners downplayed the issue at the time, and he appears in line to make his next scheduled start Saturday against the Cubs, provided he bounces back from Thursday's mound work with no hiccups.

Wilson (shoulder) is expected to be placed on the 10-day injured list and is unlikely to return this season, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Wilson is missing a fourth consecutive start for the Athletics on Thursday as he deals with nagging soreness in his left shoulder. The shortstop suffered a dislocated left shoulder earlier this season, and he is headed back to Sacramento to be examined by a doctor before the next steps are determined. Even if Wilson doesn't ultimately require surgery, it sounds like he will be shut down for the rest of the campaign. Wilson was limited to only 80 games this season, slashing a disappointing .266/.298/.388with seven home runs. With Wilson sidelined, the Athletics could use a combination of Darell Hernaiz and Alika Williams at shortstop for the time being. Joshua Kuroda-Grauer (testicle) will also be an option at the position when he returns.

Sulser (back) threw a clean inning for Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, per MLB.com.

Sulser started a minor-league rehab assignment, the final step before rejoining Tampa Bay's bullpen. The right-hander is recovering from lower-back spasms and should make his return before the end of August, barring any setbacks.

Blackburn notched a hold against the Orioles on Wednesday, allowing one hit and issuing one walk while striking out one batter over one scoreless inning.

Blackburn worked as the final bridge to closer David Bednar, entering in the eighth inning with New York up 5-3. The veteran right-hander got into a bit of trouble in yielding a one-out single and issuing a two-out free pass, but he got out of the jam by inducing a Leody Taveras popout. The scoreless frame earned Blackburn a hold for the second straight day and extended his streak of scoreless outings to 10 (spanning 11.1 innings). Blackburn has five holds during that span after registering just two holds across his initial 38 appearances of the campaign. He's earned the higher-leverage opportunities with what is tracking to be easily a career-best season that includes a 1.80 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 57:27 K:BB across 70 frames over 48 outings.

Rice went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in a 5-3 win against Baltimore on Wednesday.

Rice gave New York a 3-1 lead with a prodigious 447-foot solo blast in the third inning. It was the slugger's second long ball over his past three games and his 34th of the campaign, tied for fifth most in the majors. Fantasy managers who roster Rice are certainly glad to see his bat coming alive after he batted just .158 with only three home runs over his initial 27 contests following the All-Star break. Even with that slump, his .878 OPS ranks No. 13 in MLB.

Raleigh is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest in Milwaukee.

Raleigh is slashing just .104/.271/.229 in August as his season-long offensive struggles continue. Jhonny Pereda will fill in at catcher for the Mariners in the series finale while Raleigh regroups.