Duke in the MLB Update

Nate Freiman, Oakland Athletics: The A's needed to call someone up when they placed right fielder Josh Reddick on the disabled list, and Freiman was their guy. The 6-foot-8 first baseman spent the entire 2013 season on the major league roster in a platoon, but hadn't had a crack at big league action this year until Sunday, when he got the starting nod against Miami. He responded with the game-deciding three-run home run in the sixth inning of a 4-3 Oakland victory. His stint in the big leagues is likely contingent on the recovery of Reddick's right knee strain, as the A's already have a bit of a log-jam at first base.

Chris Capuano, Boston Red Sox: Capuano was designated for assignment by the Red Sox June 26 to make room for the return of injured starter Clay Bucholz. After an auspicious start to the season in which he did not allow a run in his first 12 appearances, things took a turn for the worse, as Capuano gave up 16 runs in his last 17 innings of work, skyrocketing his ERA to 4.55. His struggles cost him the trust of manager John Farrell, as Capuano made just five appearances out of the bullpen in June. The Red Sox have until July 6 to trade or release the veteran.

Dan Otero, Oakland Athletics: The A's have vaulted to the best record in baseball at the halfway point, with a little help from Otero, who has carved out a role for himself in the Oakland bullpen and become something of a win vulture. He has been the beneficiary of late-game heroics from Oakland's offense, compiling a 6-1 record. Otero—who played his first three years at Duke before transferring to South Florida to finish out his college career—has put together a solid 2.77 ERA on the year.

Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks/Brewers: Parker made a guest appearance at Miller Park as part of his goodwill tour in his new city after he was drafted second overall by the Bucks in Thursday's NBA Draft. Parker looked comfortable toeing the rubber, but his offering one-hopped the plate, so he may want to stick to the hardwood.