MLB Player News

Lopez (2-1) picked up the win Wednesday over the Tigers, striking out two batters in two perfect innings of relief.

The right-hander breezed through the eighth and ninth innings on just 17 pitches (12 strikes) and got rewarded when Matt Olson launched a walk-off homer. It was Lopez's first relief appearance since losing his spot in the rotation, but he wasn't showing increased velocity in his new role -- he topped out at 93.6 mph with his fastball Wednesday -- and he figures to be in the bullpen for a while. With Spencer Strider (oblique) set to come off the IL this weekend and rookie JR Ritchie making a good impression since his promotion, there's simply no room for Lopez in Atlanta's rotation right now.

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said after Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Tigers that Ritchie won't be optioned back to Triple-A Gwinnett when Spencer Strider (oblique) returns from the injured list this weekend, Gabriel Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Weiss was effusive in his praise of the rookie right-hander after he battled for a no-decision Wednesday, and the skipper made it clear Ritchie would take his next turn in the rotation early next week in his hometown of Seattle. Atlanta hasn't revealed if it will shift to a six-man rotation when Strider is activated, or whether Martin Perez -- who's been designated for assignment once already this season -- will get bumped instead. In either scenario, Ritchie will end up getting a longer look in the majors. Through his first two MLB starts, he's produced a 2.92 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 11:6 K:BB in 12.1 innings.

The Phillies recalled Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday.

Hoffman was just optioned Tuesday, but he's back to serve as the 27th man for Thursday's doubleheader against the Giants. The righty reliever will provide bullpen protection before likely being sent back down following the twin bill.

The Orioles recalled Espada from Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday.

Espada will serve as the 27th man for the Orioles during their doubleheader Thursday versus the Astros. The 29-year-old hasn't been particularly sharp with Norfolk in the early going, allowing seven runs (six earned) with a 7:9 K:BB over 10 frames. Espada will likely be sent back down after Thursday's games.

The Astros recalled Alexander from Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday.

Alexander will serve as the 27th man during Thursday's doubleheader against the Orioles. The right-hander has collected a 4.97 ERA and 20:10 K:BB over 29 innings covering six starts with Sugar Land this season. He will give the bullpen length Thursday before likely returning to the minors after the twin bill.

Jung went 1-for-4 with two RBI in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Yankees.

Jung's two-run single in the fifth inning was all the Rangers needed and extended a hit streak to nine games, during which he's 12-for-32 with six extra-base hits (two home runs) and nine RBI. It continued an impressive resurrection of the third baseman's bat. Since going 4-for-29 (.138) with one RBI over the first eight games, Jung has slashed .389/.458/.708 with 15 extra-base hits (four home runs), 16 RBI and 11 runs over the next 20 contests. That stretch has also earned him a higher placement in the order; Jung served as the No. 2 hitter the last three games.

The Astros activated Bolton (back) from the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Bolton had been on the shelf since mid-April with mid-back inflammation, but he was cleared to join the big club ahead of Thursday's doubleheader with the Orioles after making a two-inning rehab start with Triple-A Sugar Land over the weekend. Though he had made starts in his last two appearances with Houston prior to landing on the IL, Bolton will likely slot into the bullpen for the time being and operate as a multi-inning option.

The Astros placed Weiss on the paternity list Thursday.

Weiss will be away from the team for 1-to-3 days while welcoming a new addition to the family. Cody Bolton (back) has been activated from the injured list and will replace Weiss on the active roster.

The Mets are expected to place Robert (back) on the 10-day injured list, Chelsea Janes of SNY.tv reports.

Robert hasn't played since Sunday because of lower-back tightness and had to undergo an MRI. The results of that imaging haven't been revealed, but things are trending toward the outfielder requiring some extended down time. Tyrone Taylor and MJ Melendez will see more action in the outfield for the Mets while Robert is sidelined.

Duran started at second base and went 2-for-2 with a walk, a double and two runs scored in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Yankees.

Duran got the start in place of primary second baseman Josh Smith, who got the first of a "couple of days off," per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. Smith is scuffling with a slash line of .193/.306/.217 through 98 plate appearances. Meanwhile, Duran has been a useful fill-in at multiple positions and slashed .288/.354/.424 over 65 plate appearances.