MLB Player News

Assad worked in relief during Tuesday's 9-7 win over the Padres, striking out one over 2.2 innings while allowing four earned runs on five hits and two walks.

After a three-game run as a starter during which he went 3-0 with a 2.70 ERA and 0.96 WHIP over 16.2 innings, Assad was somewhat surprisingly deployed in relief Tuesday. In his second start back from the injured list, Matthew Boyd was lifted after covering the first five innings, with Assad entering behind him and being tasked with protecting a five-run lead. Assad's move to the bullpen doesn't sound like it will be a permanent one, with manager Craig Counsell telling Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network on Wednesday that the right-hander will make one more start before the All-Star break. However, with Jameson Taillon (hamstring) nearing a return from the injured list, Assad could be the odd man out of the rotation when the Cubs open their second-half schedule.

Single-A Fort Myers reinstated Barr (arm) from its 60-day injured list June 23 and assigned him to the rookie-level Florida Complex League.

Barr opened the season on Fort Myers' IL after he developed a stress fracture in his right arm during spring training. He was cleared to begin a rehab assignment in the FCL on May 25 and looks like he'll end up sticking around with the affiliate for a little while longer before potentially moving back up to the Twins' Florida State League affiliate. Through six starts in the Complex League, Barr has turned in a 6.00 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 12:9 K:BB in 12 innings.

The Dodgers optioned Mills to Triple-A Oklahoma City following Tuesday's 9-3 win over the Athletics.

Mills struck out the side in the ninth inning to finish out Tuesday's victory in what was his lone appearance out of the Los Angeles bullpen during his latest stint in the big leagues. Per Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register, the Dodgers are expected to recall left-hander Charlie Barnes from Oklahoma City on Wednesday in a corresponding move, and he's likely to be used as a bulk reliever in the club's series finale in Sacramento.

The Dodgers are expected to recall Barnes from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Wednesday's game against the Athletics in Sacramento, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Los Angeles has a vacancy on the 26-man active roster after optioning Wyatt Mills to Triple-A following Tuesday's 9-3 win, so Barnes will slide into the open spot. After Shohei Ohtani had his next turn in the rotation pushed to Friday, the Dodgers are expected to opt for a bullpen game for the series finale in Sacramento, and Barnes will likely be a prominent part of the team's pitching plan. Barnes has produced a 3.67 ERA and 1.59 WHIP over six starts with Oklahoma City, and after covering 5.2 innings in his most recent outing last Thursday, he'll offer plenty of length out of the Los Angeles bullpen.

Pinango will start in left field and bat sixth in Wednesday's game against the Mets.

Toronto will include Pinango in the starting nine for a fifth straight game after he went 2-for-12 with a home run and two RBI in his first four contests following his call-up from Triple-A Buffalo over the weekend. The 24-year-old looks like he'll have the opportunity to play regularly in left field while Jesus Sanchez (ankle) is on the injured list.

The Blue Jays recalled Clase from Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday.

Clase received his first call-up of the season after the Blue Jays had a need for an extra bat while George Springer (personal) is on the paternity leave list. Springer is expected to be away from the team for just 1-to-3 days, so Clase's stay with the big club will likely be a brief one. The switch-hitting outfielder has produced a .223./321/.359 slash line with five home runs and 17 steals over 53 games at Triple-A this season.

McMahon (illness) is dealing with food poisoning and will no longer play a rehab game Wednesday with Double-A Somerset, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

The goal is for McMahon to play in Thursday's game instead, and if he feels well, he will still return from the 10-day injured list Friday. McMahon landed on the IL last week with a throat and ear infection.

Buxton (hip) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros.

The Twins are viewing Buxton day-to-day while he recovers from a right hip impingement, which will keep him on the bench for a third consecutive game. Minnesota is off Thursday, so Buxton's condition will presumably be reassessed Friday, when the team opens a three-game series versus the Yankees. Ryan Kreidler will pick up another start in center field Wednesday in place of Buxton.

Kelly is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres.

Kelly will rest for the day game after he caught all nine innings of the Cubs' 9-7 win Tuesday night. Miguel Amaya will handle catching duties in Wednesday's contest.

Andujar is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.

Andujar started each of the last four games -- twice against lefties, twice against righties -- and went 6-for-14 with two doubles, one walk and one run. He should remain a regular presence in the lineup versus southpaws, but Andujar may have to settle for a part-time role against righties while the Padres seem to be prioritizing Ty France over him for the final spot in the everyday lineup.