MLB Player News

Robert (hip) went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and two runs scored in Tuesday's rehab appearance with Triple-A Charlotte.

Tuesday was Robert's first game with Charlotte after he spent the previous five days with the team's rookie-level Arizona Complex League club. He also started in center field and played seven innings, a good sign that he's nearing his return from the injured list.

Littell (2-3) took the loss Tuesday as the Rays fell 3-0 to the A's, allowing three unearned runs on five hits and a walk over seven innings. He struck out nine.

The right-hander set a new career high in strikeouts, generating 30 called or swinging strikes among his 95 pitches, but a Brandon Lowe error helped prolong the sixth inning and set the stage for a three-run homer by Miguel Andujar. Littell had to settle for his fourth quality start of the year, and he'll take a 3.03 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 64:10 K:BB through 62.1 innings into his next outing, which lines up to come on the road this weekend in Baltimore.

Andujar went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Rays.

The 29-year-old accounted for all the offense in the game when he took Zack Littell deep in the sixth inning. It was Andujar's first homer of the season, and he appears to be getting a chance to lock down the starting role in left field -- he's started three of four games since being activated from the injured list, going 4-for-12 with five RBI.

Miller gave up a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his 11th save of the season in a 3-0 win over the Rays.

The flamethrowing righty continues to dominate. Miller has yet to blow a save in 2024, and his 52.8 percent strikeout rate is the highest in the majors among pitchers who have worked at least 20 innings. Trade rumors are swirling around him, not surprising given the state of the Oakland franchise, but Miller would likely be the best closing option for any team that acquired him. Through 24 innings this season, he sports a 1.88 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 47:7 K:BB.

Spence (4-2) picked up the win Tuesday, allowing only one hit and one walk over 5.1 scoreless innings in a 3-0 victory over the Rays. He struck out four.

A Rule 5 pick out of the Yankees' system this offseason, Spence has been impressive since moving into the rotation for the A's, delivering a 2.08 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 12:5 K:BB through 13 innings over three starts. The 26-year-old right-hander got stretched out to 98 pitches (61 strikes) Tuesday, and even once Oakland's staff gets healthier, Spence figures to remain in the rotation as long as he's producing strong results. He's set for a tough test in his next outing, a road start in Atlanta this weekend.

Walls (hip) will have his rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, MLB.com reports.

Walls has been playing in the Florida Complex League for the last week and went 2-for-17 with one home run, two walks and two strikeouts across five games. He was able to play entire games at shortstop and will now move up levels in what should be a final stint in his rehab before being activated from the injured list.

Eflin (back) will throw a bullpen session Thursday, MLB.com reports.

Eflin has played catch twice since Sunday and will now advance to more intense work. His progress has been steady since he was placed on the injured list retroactive to May 19, though a firm target for his return has yet to be set.

Lowe (oblique) went through a full workout on the field and hit in the batting cage prior to Tuesday's game against the A's, MLB.com reports.

Lowe felt good after the work and will now increase the intensity of his activity over the next several days, including hitting against a high-velocity pitching machine and throwing with full intensity. For now, Lowe is expecting to be back from the injured list when first eligible.

Vierling will start in center field and bat second in the first game of Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Vierling had already started five of the Tigers' previous six games at three different positions (center field, left field and third base), but he should maintain an even more stable role in the outfield for at least the next week and a half after the Tigers placed Kerry Carpenter (back) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday. The 27-year-old Vierling has been one of the Tigers' top hitters in May, slashing .290/.320/.536 with three home runs, 16 RBI and eight runs on the month heading into Wednesday's twin bill.

Springer went 2-for-2 with two runs scored and three walks during Tuesday's 7-2 win over the White Sox.

Springer reached base safely in all five plate appearances and came around to score multiple times for a second straight game. After enduring a 1-for-17 stretch at the plate, Springer has generated a pair of hits in back-to-back games. Overall, Springer is slashing .204/.291/.304 with four homers, seven stolen bases and 21 runs scored over 206 plate appearances.