Junk (back) gave up one run on one hit and two walks over 3.2 innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros before leaving the game accompanied by a trainer. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

The 29-year-old right-hander appears to be the next man up in the Marlins' rotation with Ryan Weathers (forearm) set to begin the season on the IL, and Junk got stretched out to 55 pitches (35 strikes) as he prepares for the role. His body may not have been ready for that increased workload, as per Chuck King of MLB.com, back spams forced him from the contest. He doesn't think the issue will linger, however. "Just kind of one of those weird over-extension things, and doing some treatment modalities and stuff, it already feels better," he said after the game. Miami will be Junk's fourth team in five years since he made his big-league debut in 2021, and his last name accurately reflects the lack of fantasy appeal in his arsenal -- he's got a 6.75 ERA and 34:11 K:BB over 40 career MLB innings.

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said Thursday that Junk will be stretched out in the wake of the injury to Ryan Weathers (forearm), Isaac Azout of FishOnFirst.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Connor Gillispie had already seemed likely to take Edward Cabrera's (blister) spot in the rotation, and now Junk might be the favorite to open the season among the team's starting five as well. Junk has made one start and four relief appearances this spring, allowing six runs with a 10:4 K:BB over 10.1 frames. The 29-year-old has made seven starts and eight relief appearances at the big-league level, compiling a 6.75 ERA.

Junk signed a minor-league contract with the Marlins on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Junk's deal includes an invitation to big-league spring training, where he'll get the chance to compete for a spot in Miami's Opening Day bullpen. The 29-year-old has seen MLB action in each of the last four campaigns, but he hasn't covered more than 17 innings in any of those seasons while bouncing around across five different organizations. Over his 15 career MLB appearances (seven starts) spanning 40 innings, Junk owns a 6.75 ERA and 1.78 WHIP.

The Athletics outrighted Junk to Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Junk will remain in the Oakland organization after he was recently designated for assignment for a third time this season. The 28-year-old right-hander has made six appearances at the big-league level in 2024 between Milwaukee and Oakland, logging a 14.62 ERA and 3.25 WHIP in eight innings.

The Athletics designated Junk for assignment Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Junk's lone appearance for the Athletics went as poorly as it could possibly go, as he was walloped for seven runs without recording an out in Wednesday's loss to the Mariners. He'll be replaced on the roster by Brady Basso.

The Athletics claimed Junk off waivers from Houston on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Junk never appeared in a game for the Astros, and he was DFA'd on Thursday after posting a 6.14 ERA and 1.34 WHIP through 14.2 innings at Triple-A Sugar Land. He'll now presumably return to the majors as he switches organizations, though he figures to stay in a low-leverage role out of the bullpen. Miguel Andujar (abdomen) was transferred to the 60-day IL in a corresponding move.

The Astros designated Junk for assignment Thursday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Jason Heyward. Junk was claimed off waivers earlier this month by the Astros and is now slated to go through the waiver process again.

The Astros claimed Junk off waivers from the Brewers on Friday and optioned him to Triple-A Sugar Land, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Junk has allowed six runs in eight innings in the majors this season but holds a 2.55 ERA and 35:15 K:BB across 35.1 frames at the Triple-A level. He's been pitching in relief exclusively since May, but Junk does have extensive starting pitcher experience and it's not clear what role the Astros have planned for him.

The Brewers designated Junk for assignment Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander will lose his place on the 26-man and 40-man rosters due to Devin Williams (back) returning from the 60-day injured list Sunday. Junk has allowed six earned runs in five big-league outings this season but has a 2.65 ERA across 34 innings at Triple-A.

The Brewers recalled Junk from Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The move corresponds with Milwaukee placing southpaw Rob Zastryzny on the 15-day injured list due to left elbow tendinitis. Junk has spent most of this season in Nashville, posting a 2.65 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 34 innings. He's made three major-league outings this season, with his last coming May 5 against the Cubs, when he allowed one run on three hits and one walk while striking out two across two frames. Junk will rejoin the Brewers' bullpen with Zastryzny sidelined.