MLB Player News

The Pirates selected Heller's contract from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Heller had posted a 4.91 ERA but also a 34:8 K:BB over 18.1 innings with Indianapolis. The 32-year-old has extensive major-league experience, having collected a 3.06 ERA over 50 career appearances covering parts of five seasons.

The Pirates optioned Hernandez to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez hadn't pitched in nearly two weeks after being recalled back on May 23 and making an appearance that day. He's being replaced on the roster and in the bullpen by Ben Heller.

The Pirates designated Koch for assignment Tuesday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Koch served as the Pirates' backup catcher for a few days but is being removed from both their 26-man and 40-man rosters as Henry Davis returns. He'll likely clear waivers and remain in the organization.

The Cardinals optioned Loutos to Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.

St. Louis is swapping out right-handed relievers, replacing Loutos with Chris Roycroft. Loutos contributed 1.1 scoreless innings over two appearances during his brief time in the majors.

Martini was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday.

Martini will move to Louisville despite batting .258 with a home run and seven runs scored over nine games upon being called up from Triple-A on May 22. He'll be replaced on the active roster by outfielder Blake Dunn, whose contract was selected from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Major League Baseball announced Tuesday that it has cleared Ohtani, closed its investigation and considers him "a victim of fraud" at the hands of his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud charges Tuesday, per Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com, and MLB considers the mattered settled given the "thoroughness of the federal investigation." Ohtani has continued to produce as an MVP candidate despite the background noise and has 14 home runs, 14 steals and a .322/.392/.596 slash line through 58 games this season.

Atlanta transferred Matzek (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Tuesday, Grant McAuley of 92.9 The Game Atlanta

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for infielder Brian Anderson, who signed a one-year deal with the club. Matzek has been sidelined for nearly a month with left elbow inflammation and now won't be eligible to return for at least another month.

Bae was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a sprained right wrist, Alex Stumpf of MLB.comreports.

Bae presumably suffered the injury during Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, during which he went 1-for-5 with a strikeout. It's unclear how long the 24-year-old will be sidelined, but he'll be eligible to rejoin the active roster June 13. Jack Suwinski was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move and should see regular playing time going forward, especially since outfielder Michael Taylor was also placed on the paternity list Tuesday.

The Pirates recalled Davis from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Manager Derek Shelton confirmed that Davis will draw the start at catcher Tuesday against the Dodgers in the 24-year-old's return to the big leagues. He should ultimately split starts behind the dish with veteran Yasmani Grandal. Davis was optioned in early May after a dreadful start to the season, but he rebounded at Indianapolis by slashing .296/.436/.642 with seven home runs in 23 contests.

The Pirates recalled Peguero from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Peguero was a somewhat surprising exclusion from the Pirates' Opening Day roster and wound up spending a couple months at Indianapolis before getting another shot with the big club. He's slashed .272/.341/.387 this year with Indianapolis, hitting two home runs and stealing five bases. Peguero will back up at both middle infield spots.