A's release reliever Casilla

Ohtani cleared to begin throwing

The Los Angeles Angels say two-way star Shohei Ohtani's elbow ligament is continuing to heal and he has been medically cleared to begin a throwing progression. The team said Ohtani was given a six-week evaluation Thursday by Dr. Steve Yoon at the Kerlan Jobe Institute. The Angels said they would release specifics about his progress and rehabilitation schedule at another time. Ohtani was placed on the disabled list with an ulnar collateral ligament sprain on June 8 after complaining about tightness in his right elbow following a June 6 start against Kansas City. The Japanese sensation has since returned to the roster as a designated hitter, but his prospects to pitch remain unclear. He is hitting .283 with seven home runs and 22 RBIs. On the mound, Ohtani won four of his first five decisions before getting injured.

Cubs place closer Morrow on DL

The Chicago Cubs have placed closer Brandon Morrow on the 10-day disabled list with right biceps inflammation. Morrow has 22 saves and a 1.47 ERA in 35 games in his first season with the Cubs. The DL stint is retroactive to Monday. Morrow, who turns 34 on July 26, also spent time on the DL earlier this season with lower back tightness.

The Cubs also activated outfielder Albert Almora Jr. and relievers Carl Edwards Jr. and Anthony Bass before Thursday night's game against St. Louis. Almora was placed on the family medical emergency list on Sunday. Edwards was on the paternity list, and Bass was sidelined by an illness.

Infielder David Bote and reliever Rob Zastryzny were sent down to Triple-A Iowa. The Oakland Athletics have released veteran reliever Santiago Casilla, five days after he was designated for assignment.

Casilla is 42-31 with 144 career saves in 15 seasons, but has been up and down with the A's this year while having control issues. Used primarily in middle relief, the right-hander has a 3.16 ERA despite 20 walks and four hit batters in 31 1/3 innings. He turns 38 next week,

Casilla made his major league debut in 2004 and spent his first six seasons with the A's before signing with San Francisco in 2010. He returned to Oakland last year and had 16 saves.

The A's have used a mostly young bullpen this season anchored by rookie Lou Trivino and All-Star closer Blake Treinen.