MLB Player News

Smith was designated for assignment by Cleveland on Friday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Smith threw 8.1 innings at the big-league level this season, recording a 5.40 ERA and a 1.92 WHIP. His 2.73 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 52.2 frames for Triple-A Columbus were considerably better but not enough to keep him on the 40-man roster.

Chapman earned the save in Game 2 of a doubleheader against Detroit on Thursday, holding the Tigers scoreless over two-thirds of an inning while allowing one hit and striking out one.

Chapman entered with one out in the ninth inning and a runner on third base with the Yankees staked to a three-run lead. He allowed the inherited runner to score on an infield single but set the next two hitters down in order to preserve the win. The save was Chapman's first since Aug. 26 and only his third outing since that date, a consequence of New York's penchant for winning big or walking off in the past three weeks. The downtime could prove valuable down the stretch and in the playoffs, as Chapman has already logged 57 appearances and 54.1 innings this season, surpassing his workload in each of the past two campaigns. He has converted 37 of 42 save opportunities while posting a 2.32 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 80:25 K:BB in 2019.

Heller pitched one inning in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against Detroit, allowing one run on two hits and a walk while striking out one.

Heller entered in the eighth inning for his first big league appearance since 2017. He showed a fair amount of rust, allowing a solo homer to Travis Demeritte along with a single and a walk, but he also displayed poise by retiring the final batter of the frame with a pair of runners on base. Heller is unlikely to be on the playoff roster after his extensive layoff, but he'll have a chance to audition for a spot in next year's bullpen down the stretch.

Leclerc picked up the save against the Rays on Thursday, working around a walk to toss a scoreless ninth inning and close out a 6-4 victory for the Rangers. He didn't record a strikeout.

The right-hander gave up a run in his last appearance, but he managed a scoreless effort this time out and nabbed his 13th save of the season in 17 opportunities. His 4.10 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across 63.2 innings remain unspectacular, but Leclerc has now converted five straight save opportunities and figures to continue to serve as the Rangers' primary ninth-inning option.

Hendriks earned the save against Houston on Thursday, pitching one scoreless inning and giving up one hit and one walk while striking out two.

Hendriks made things interesting by allowing the first two batters he faced to reach base, but a crucial strikeout of George Springer followed by a flyout and another whiff helped the 30-year-old preserve his 21st save. Hendriks went through a rough patch at the end of July in which he blew three out of four save opportunities but has recovered to convert 12 of 13 chances since the start of August. He has been a revelation in his first season as a closer, posting a 1.61 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 114:20 K:BB in 78.1 innings.

Kahnle (wrist) surrendered two runs on a hit and a walk while striking out one over one innings in Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Tigers.

Kahnle hadn't pitched since Saturday due to right wrist tendinitis, but he was able to return to the mound for the nightcap. After struggling through his outing, he hurt his hand on a sunflower seeds bin in the dugout, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, which warranted further evaluation by team trainers. The Yankees have yet to issue an update on the right-hander's status.

Lopez (4-7) allowed three runs (two earned) on eight hits and two walks while striking out two across 5.1 innings to earn the win Thursday against the White Sox.

Lopez was in trouble throughout his start, allowing multiple baserunners in four of the six innings he pitched. However, he managed to work out of danger and has now allowed only two earned across his last two starts -- spanning 11.1 frames. Still, for the season he owns a 6.09 ERA and 1.48 WHIP across 109.1 innings. He's scheduled to take the ball next Tuesday at Oakland.

Green (4-4) received the win after surrendering one run on a hit and a walk while striking out two over 2.1 innings in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against Detroit.

Green was called on with two outs in the fifth inning, and he ultimately took home the victory after giving up just one run in the seventh on a groundout to shortstop. The 28-year-old right-hander owns a 4.57 ERA with 83 strikeouts over 63 innings this season following Thursday's relief appearance.

Palumbo (thumb) threw a simulated inning Thursday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Palumbo has been sidelined since Aug. 20 with a blister. This is a step in the right direction for the 24-year-old lefty, who could return to action as soon as Saturday, per Grant. If and when Palumbo returns this season, he'll likely pitch in shorter stints of one or two innings.

Karinchak's contract was purchased from Triple-A Columbus prior to Friday's game against the Twins, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The top relief-pitching prospect yet to make his big-league debut, Karinchak has logged comically absurd strikeout rates thanks to some deception, a bulldog mentality and pretty good stuff. The 23-year-old righty has a 2.67 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 74:17 K:BB in 30.1 innings, primarily at Double-A and Triple-A. With Brad Hand (arm) day-to-day, it's possible that Karinchak could immediately figure into the ninth-inning equation. He saved eight games in eight opportunities in the minors. While he should already be rostered in dynasty leagues, Karinchak has a chance to be valuable over the final 15 games of the season if his stuff translates.