MLB Player News

Mark Leiter Jr., who was brought in with a 6-2 lead in the eighth, gave up a three-run homer to Jake Burger, necessitating Kuhnel’s early entrance. All worked out for the A’s, though, as Kuhnel retired the four batters he faced. He’s 3-for-3 saving games and has yet to allow a run since being called up on Apr. 7. There still isn’t much reason to believe Kuhnel will be an above reliever going forward, but he’s definitely the pitcher worth rostering in the A’s pen at the moment.

Sandlin went unclaimed on waivers after being removed from Los Angeles’ relief corps earlier this week. The 29-year-old struggled to an 11.42 ERA over 8 2/3 innings with the Angels this season.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters Polanco isn’t close to starting a rehab assignment. The 32-year-old hit the injured list with a right wrist contusion back on April 18. Clearly, the Mets aren’t going to rush him back after he missed time with wrist and Achilles issues last month.

Senga has progressed to playing catch after hitting the shelf last week with lumbar spine inflammation. The 33-year-old righty is going to need a couple weeks to ramp-up his throwing program before he’s an option for the Mets. What exactly his role will be once he’s ready to return is a complete unknown.

Minter will be slowed down temporarily after experiencing hip discomfort. It’s not considered a massive setback, but it will further delay his return to New York’s bullpen, which likely would’ve happened soon. He’s at least a couple weeks from making it back to the Mets’ high-leverage mix.

Jones showcased his complete five-pitch repertoire, while averaging 98.8 mph and topping out at 100.1 mph on his fastball, during his second rehab outing. He struck out two and only issued one walk while throwing 54 pitches (35 strikes). The 24-year-old former top prospect is working his way back from last year’s internal brace procedure on his right elbow and figures to make his season debut before the end of May.

Webb downplayed the severity of the issue while speaking to reporters after Tuesday’s start, but added that he’s been pitching through a knee issue “for a little while.” The 29-year-old workhorse, who has led the senior circuit in innings for three consecutive seasons, threw just 62 pitches over four innings while allowing a season-high six runs in a loss to San Diego. He’s tentatively scheduled to start against the Dodgers on Monday. There should be some much-needed clarity on his status later this week.

Giants manager Tony Vitello told reporters he’s hopeful Arraez will be ready for Friday’s series opener against the Pirates after sitting out a pair of contests to deal with a minor thumb issue.

Garcia will sit out his second straight contest after being diagnosed with a right wrist sprain. He’s expected to avoid a trip to the injured list. Curtis Mead makes another start at the hot corner in his place on Wednesday evening.

Padres manager Craig Stammen told reporters Campusano is banged up after fouling a ball off his foot during Tuesday’s game against the Giants. He’s questionable for Thursday’s series opener against the Cardinals.

The Angels are already without starter Logan O’Hoppe (wrist), so they’re going to need to bring up some additional catching depth, even if d’Arnaud manages to avoid a trip to the injured list. The 37-year-old backstop took White Sox rookie southpaw Noah Schultz deep for a three-run homer before leaving Wednesday afternoon’s contest in the fifth inning. He’s set to undergo further testing prior to Friday’s series opener against Toronto.