MLB Player News

Newcomb will start Friday's contest against the Tigers, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Newcomb will take the mound first in what is expected to be a bullpen game for Chicago. The southpaw has not exceeded three innings in an appearance out of the bullpen this season, so he will likely not remain in the game long enough to qualify for a decision. Newcomb owns a 2.66 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 60 strikeouts over 64.1 innings in 44 appearances, including one start, so far in 2026.

Jansen delivered a perfect ninth inning Thursday to earn the save in a 3-0 win over the Guardians.

It was encouraging to see Jansen turn in a clean inning Thursday, after he had given up a run in two of his last three appearances. The veteran closer has now converted 15 of his 19 save chances this season, posting a 3.86 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 37:20 K:BB across 32.2 innings.

The Royals designated Morgan for assignment Thursday.

Morgan owns a 5.12 ERA and 1.71 WHIP across 19.1 innings in the majors this year but has been far more effective at Triple-A, posting a 1.40 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 25.2 frames. He'll now end up as the roster casualty necessary to clear space on the 40-man roster for Tony Gonsolin (elbow), who signed a major-league deal with Kansas City on Thursday.

Munoz struck out two in a clean ninth inning for the save Thursday against the Yankees.

Munoz made quick work of the Yankees on Thursday, landing eight of his 11 pitches for strikes. The star closer has been shaky at times in 2026, but he's been scored upon just twice since June 16 (19 outings). Through 43.2 innings, Munoz has a 3.71 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 69:17 K:BB with 21 saves in 27 opportunities.

The Rays designated Martin for assignment Thursday.

Martin will cede his spot on the 40-man roster to Jorge Mateo, who officially signed a major-league deal with the Rays on Thursday. The 25-year-old righty has given up four runs in 11.1 innings with Tampa Bay this year and owns a 3.09 ERA through 43.2 frames at Durham, though his inability to limit traffic may deter teams from picking him up via waivers.

The Rays optioned Grove to Triple-A Durham on Thursday.

After giving up two home runs in two innings Wednesday, Grove will end up as the odd man out of a roster spot to make room for Jesse Scholtens, who was recalled from Durham in a corresponding move. Grove has now given up four earned runs in seven innings with the Rays but could still return to the big leagues down the stretch to provide a fresh bullpen arm.

The Rays recalled Scholtens from Triple-A Durham on Thursday.

Scholtens owns a 3.82 ERA and 1.27 WHIP through 37.2 frames in the majors this year but has fired 10.2 consecutive shutout innings at Triple-A. He'll return to the big leagues presumably to make a spot start during the Rays' upcoming series against Baltimore. Michael Grove was optioned to Durham in a corresponding move.

Speier (back) retired two batters -- one via strikeout -- and allowed three earned runs on three hits and two walks in Wednesday's 10-5 loss to the Yankees. He was the pitcher of record in the loss, dropping to 2-3 on the season.

Speier wasn't available for Tuesday's 4-1 loss while he nursed a back issue, but he received clearance for Wednesday's contest and was the first pitcher the Mariners turned to out of the bullpen when starter Bryce Miller exited after six innings. After entering a 5-5 game, Speier induced a Amed Rosario flyout to open the bottom of the seventh, but he allowed six of the next seven batters to reach base before he was mercifully pulled from the contest. Following the blowup appearance, Speier now sits on a 2.93 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over 30.2 innings on the season.

The Blue Jays recalled Estrada from Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday.

He'll slide into the roster spot vacated by Brendon Little (paternity). Estrada has permitted seven runs (six earned) with an 8:8 K:BB over 12 frames during his time with the big club this season.

The Blue Jays placed Little on the paternity list Thursday.

He'll be away from the club for a few days while welcoming a new baby to the family. Lazaro Estrada will absorb Little's spot on the Blue Jays' roster.