MLB Transaction Update: August 16

• • The Seattle Mariners have placed backup catcher Tom Murphy on the Injured List with a left thumb sprain. Since the move is retroactive to August 14, Murphy will first be eligible to return next Thursday, August 24. This season, Murphy is hitting .290 with eight home runs.
  • The Kansas City Royals placed starting pitcher Brad Keller on the 60-day Injured List with right shoulder impingement syndrome. Keller has been injured since May 15 and underwent a month-long rehab assignment in July. He was shut down briefly, then sent on another rehab assignment earlier this week. However, he’s eligible to return to major-league action at any time since he’s been on the injured list for more than 60 days already. In 9 starts this season, Keller is 3-4 with a 4.36 ERA.
  • The Tampa Bay Rays placed right-hander Kevin Kelly on the 15-day Injured List with a left ankle sprain. He is eligible to return on August 31. This season, Kelly has a 3.48 ERA in 54.1 innings in relief.

  Rehab Assignments & Options

  • The Oakland Athletics have sent right-hander Mason Miller on a rehab assignment to Single-A Stockton. Miller has been on the injured list since May 11 with right forearm tightness. This season, his rookie year, Miller is 0-2 with a 3.38 ERA in 4 starts. In addition, the A’s recalled left-hander Kyle Muller from Triple-A. Muller is 1-4 with a 7.79 ERA in 11 starts in the majors this season. He was optioned on July 2 but now rejoins the Major League club.
  • The Cincinnati Reds designated starter Luke Weaver for assignment today. This year, Weaver is 2-4 with a 6.87 ERA in 21 starts.
  • The Royals optioned reliever Nick Wittgren to Triple-A Omaha. Wittgren is 1-0 this season with a 4.97 ERA in 29 innings pitched.

Contract Moves

• • The Rays have released right-handed reliever Ryan Thompson. He was designated for assignment earlier today; however, he chose to be released instead. This season, Thompson has a 6.11 ERA in 18 appearances. He is now a free agent.