MLB Player News

Bazardo was called up from Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday.

Bazardo will return to the big-league bullpen after being sent down to Tacoma on July 12. The right-hander has made 13 appearances with Seattle this season, posting a 6.62 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 17.2 innings, the latter of which suggests better results are ahead. Bazardo will replace Jonathan Hernandez on the major-league roster after Hernandez was designated for assignment Thursday.

Hanifee will serve as the Tigers' opener during Thursday's game against the Mariners.

Hanifee has allowed two earned runs in four innings since having his contract selected from Triple-A on Aug. 1, and he'll now make his first MLB start after pitching the ninth inning of Wednesday's contest. The 26-year-old righty worked primarily as a starter throughout his minor-league career up until this season and is still capable of pitching multiple innings, but he will likely be pulled after a frame or two Thursday for Kenta Maeda, who is expected to pitch in bulk relief.

The Rays optioned Bigge to Triple-A Durham on Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 26-year-old righty will be squeezed out of the big-league bullpen as Richard Lovelady (forearm) returns from the injured list. Bigge has given up just one earned run in 7.1 MLB innings this season, and he has not been scored upon in four frames since joining the Rays.

The Rays activated Lovelady (forearm) from the 15-day injured list Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lovelady has been on the sidelines since early June with a flexor strain, but he's been cleared to return after making 11 rehab appearances, the last six of which were scoreless. Hunter Bigge has been sent down in a corresponding move.

The Blue Jays selected Nance's contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Nance was just acquired from the Padres for cash considerations Wednesday and a day later has been added to the major-league roster. The 33-year-old had been at Triple-A El Paso all season, posting a 4.05 ERA and 35:8 K:BB over 33.1 innings. Nance -- who last appeared in the majors during 2022 -- could be sent back down once Genesis Cabrera returns from paternity leave.

The Blue Jays placed Cabrera on the paternity list Thursday.

Cabrera will be allowed to miss up to three games as he spends time with his expanding family. Tommy Nance was selected from Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move to replenish Toronto's bullpen depth.

Smith (3-0) earned the win Wednesday over the Blue Jays, striking out two over a perfect inning.

Smith has maintained a 2.31 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 15:2 K:BB over 11.2 innings since he first joined the Orioles' big-league roster in mid-July. The right-hander has provided some stability to address one of Baltimore's weak spots. Smith has also picked up two holds since the start of August, which suggests he's moving up the leverage ladder. For the season, he has a 3.70 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 38:11 K:BB over 41.1 innings between Baltimore and Miami, but it's clear he's more comfortable with his current team than he was with his previous one.

McFarland (2-1) got the win against the White Sox on Wednesday, firing a scoreless seventh inning during which he allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout.

McFarland was particularly sharp during his one frame, locating nine of 11 pitches for strikes and comfortably navigating around the infield single he allowed. The veteran left-hander was then the beneficiary of Oakland's three-run rally in the bottom of the seventh, which put McFarland in line for his first win since April 28. The scoreless appearance was also the fifth consecutive for McFarland, who boasts Wednesday's win, two holds and a 1.59 ERA over his last eight trips to the mound overall.

Francis came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 7-3 loss to the Orioles, giving up two runs on three hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out seven.

The right-hander put together one of his best performances of the year against a tough opponent, with the seven Ks tying his season high, and he shut down the O's after serving up a two-run shot to Anthony Santander in the first inning. Francis left the mound after 81 pitches (59 strikes) in line for his fifth win, but the Toronto bullpen fell apart late. Over the final weeks of the season, Francis will get a chance to establish himself as part of the Blue Jays' 2025 rotation plans, but his 5.44 ERA and 1.39 WHIP over 49.2 big-league innings in 2024 aren't encouraging. He's scheduled to make his next start on the road early next week against the Angels.

Cisnero (shoulder) tossed a scoreless inning during his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday.

Cisnero has been on the shelf since late April due to right shoulder inflammation but has finally been cleared to pitch in games. Given the length of his absence, the reliever is likely to require a handful of rehab appearances before rejoining the Angels' bullpen.