MLB Player News

Woods Richardson didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Nationals, allowing five runs on four hits and two walks in 4.1 innings. He struck out two.

Washington catcher Keibert Ruiz in particular had Woods Richardson's number, plating three runs on a pair of doubles versus the hurler. It's been a struggle in 2026 so far for Woods Richardson, who has surrendered at least four runs in five of his last six starts while fanning three or fewer each time out during that period. Still winless on the campaign, the right-hander will bring a ghastly 6.92 ERA, 1.72 WHIP and 19:16 K:BB over 39 innings into his next scheduled outing versus Miami.

Jax allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and a walk while striking out three over four innings in a no-decision versus the Red Sox on Thursday.

Jax stretched out to four innings and 59 pitches (38 strikes) as he continues to build up to being a rotation option. This was his first time allowing runs in an appearance he's started this year, and he's added a 7:3 K:BB across nine innings over his three starts. Jax has a 5.00 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 17:10 K:BB across 14 appearances spanning 18 innings overall. The right-hander is still at least two outings away from approaching a full starter's workload, and it could be longer if the Rays are cautious with him. Jax is tentatively projected for a road start versus the Blue Jays his next time out.

VanWey is expected to be called up from Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

VanWey will join the Astros in Cincinnati ahead of the team's three-game series against the Reds. The right-hander has compiled a 5.74 ERA and 1.58 WHIP with 19 strikeouts over 15.2 innings in 15 appearances with Sugar Land so far this season. VanWey will replace Jason Alexander on the major-league roster after Alexander was sent down to Triple-A on Wednesday.

Ragans was diagnosed with valgus extension overload in his left elbow Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Ragans' elbow forced him to make an early exit from his start Wednesday after three innings. The Royals are going to allow the 28-year-old lefty to rest for a few days and see how he feels before determining next steps. Ragans said Thursday that he has already begun to feel better since leaving Wednesday's game, per Rogers, which bodes well for his chances of avoiding a trip to the IL.

Estevez (foot) was diagnosed with a right rotator cuff strain Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Estevez made his first rehab appearance in the minors Wednesday as part of his recovery from a left foot injury, but he was removed after just two-thirds of an inning after displaying diminished velocity. Now that he's been officially diagnosed with a strained rotator cuff, the Royals will shut him down from throwing for three weeks before reevaluating him, at which point he may be cleared to restart a throwing program. Lucas Erceg will continue to work as Kansas City's go-to closer while Estevez is out.

The Yankees are calling up Castro from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Castro made his last appearances in the MLB during the 2022 season, when he was with the Giants and Cubs. He made just 10 appearances during that season and had a 10.22 ERA with a 1.78 WHIP and a 11:7 K:BB through 12.1 innings. For Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2026, the 27-year-old has a 3.14 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP and a 10:4 K:BB across 14.1 innings.

Gray was removed from Thursday's game versus the Yankees after being struck in the forearm by a comebacker, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Gray's exit appeared precautionary, but the Rangers should have more on his status after the game. The reliever was charged with one run on two hits and a walk over one inning of work before departing.

The White Sox activated Murphy (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday and optioned him to Triple-A Charlotte.

Murphy is recovered from his left elbow impingement, but the White Sox have elected to keep him at Charlotte, where he had been on a rehab assignment. The southpaw allowed seven runs with a 6:5 K:BB over six innings before landing on the IL last month.

Garcia recorded his second save of the season Wednesday after tossing a scoreless ninth inning against the Marlins, walking one and striking out one.

Garcia needed just 15 pitches (nine strikes) to get the job done in the bottom of the ninth while holding a three-run lead. After issuing a leadoff walk to Owen Caissie, Garcia induced a double-play groundout from Otto Lopez before retiring Javier Sanoja on a game-ending strikeout. Garcia seems to be the top option to operate as the Orioles' closer as long as Ryan Helsley (elbow) is on the shelf and has been pitching very well of late. This was his sixth straight scoreless outing, a span where he's yet to allow a hit while posting a 6:2 K:BB through five frames.

Kelly picked up a hold Wednesday against Toronto, allowing two hits and no walks in a scoreless inning of work.

Although the 28-year-old right-hander hasn't received a save opportunity since early April, he's still been a key part of Tampa Bay's bullpen despite falling out of favor in the Rays' closer picture. Kelly sports a 3.45 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB across 15.2 innings this year while also collecting six holds.