MLB Player News

The Mets will recall Thornton from Triple-A Syracuse to pitch Friday against the Phillies, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

It's unclear whether he'll be in store for a traditional start or a bulk-relief outing, but Thornton has a chance to remain in the Mets rotation for a while following the trade of David Peterson and demotion of Kodai Senga to the bullpen. Thornton struggled in a spot start in his major-league debut last month, allowing four runs on four hits and two walks in 4.1 innings in a loss to the Nationals. The lefty holds a 4.25 ERA and 56:23 K:BB over 55 innings this season between Double-A Birmingham and Syracuse.

The Diamondbacks will recall Pfaadt from Triple-A Reno to start Friday against the Rays at Tropicana Field, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Pfaadt has been getting stretched back out during his time at Reno after he had been used in relief toward the end of his previous stint with Arizona. The right-hander threw 52 pitches over 3.2 innings in his last appearance with Reno over the weekend, so he will still be somewhat limited from a workload perspective Friday. Pfaaft should receive at least one additional start for the Diamondbacks after Friday while Ryne Nelson (elbow) and Michael Soroka (glute) remain on the injured list.

Lee went 2-for-4 with a double in Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Athletics.

Lee lined a double to right field in the second inning and singled in the seventh, recording his fourth multi-hit performance over the last five games. The 27-year-old outfielder has been highly productive over 20 appearances in June, batting .408 with 16 runs scored, eight RBI, five stolen bases and two long balls in 81 plate appearances during that span. Overall, he's slashing .333/.367/.474 with 40 runs scored, 27 RBI, five home runs and five stolen bases across 289 plate appearances this season.

The Diamondbacks will option Bratt to Triple-A Reno prior to Thursday's game in St. Louis, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Bratt had a solid abbreviated major-league debut Wednesday versus the Cardinals, yielding one run over three innings of work. The left-hander is not fully stretched out yet after recently returning from injury at Reno, so he will continue to rebuild his stamina at the team's top minor-league affiliate. Brandon Pfaadt will enter the Arizona rotation in Bratt's place.

Koss (wrist) went 2-for-3 with an RBI in the ACL Giants' 9-1 win over the ACL Padres in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League on Wednesday.

After being optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on May 15, Koss fractured his left wrist and landed on the injured list. However, he began a rehab assignment in Arizona on Wednesday, logging two singles and an RBI over the first two innings before being lifted in the sixth. The 28-year-old infielder made San Francisco's Opening Day roster but slashed just .071/.133/.143 with a run scored in 15 plate appearances before being sent down.

The Diamondbacks will add Kepler (suspension) to their active roster before Thursday's game in St. Louis, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Upon completing his 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, Kepler will go directly onto the Diamondbacks' roster. The outfielder slashed .333/.474/.567 with two home runs and a 7:6 BB:K in 10 minor-league games, though much of that production came at the lower levels. Kepler gives the Diamondbacks another option in the corner outfield or at designated hitter against right-handed pitching, though he isn't guaranteed a regular role.

Raley (2-2) took the loss in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Cubs, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk in one inning of relief. He didn't strike out a batter.

The veteran lefty entered Wednesday's nightcap to begin the sixth inning with the score tied 3-3 and promptly served up a double and a triple to the first two batters he faced, with both coming around to score. Raley has been tagged for runs in three of his eight June appearances, stumbling to a 6.14 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 6:3 K:BB in 7.1 innings on the month with zero saves or holds.

The Pirates recalled Brannigan from Double-A Altoona on Thursday.

He'll grab the roster spot vacated by the injured Spencer Horwitz (hamstring). Brannigan got a late start to the season after fracturing his nose during spring training, and he's hit .235/.333/.522 with eight homers in 31 contests at Altoona since returning. The 25-year-old is likely set for a reserve role, and he'll be making his major-league debut when/if he gets into a game.

The Pirates placed Horwitz on the 10-day injured list Thursday due to a left hamstring strain.

Horwitz suffered the injury during Wednesday's win over the Mariners. The Pirates haven't provided word on the severity of the strain, making it difficult to forecast a timeline for Horwitz's return. Horwitz will be eligible for activation in early July, but with the All-Star break looming, the Pirates could proceed cautiously with the first baseman and keep him on the shelf until the start of the second half, even if his strain is mild.

Alvarez went 3-for-7 with a walk and two solo home runs across both ends of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Cubs.

After taking Javier Assad deep in the matinee, Alvarez crushed a Shota Imanaga fastball over the fence in left-center field during the nightcap. The 24-year-old catcher has homered in three straight games, giving him eight on the year. Over 50 plate appearances since returning to the lineup in early June from knee surgery, he's delivered a .319/.360/.574 slash line with four homers and eight RBI.