MLB Player News

Fairbanks picked up the save over the Cardinals on Thursday, pitching a perfect ninth inning.

Fairbanks took the mound with a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth and retired the side on just eight pitches to lock down his 22nd save of the season. The right-handed reliever has yet to allow a baserunner in three appearances this month, and he's converted his last 12 save opportunities. Fairbanks has surrendered only one hit over his last six innings (six appearances) while posting four strikeouts over that stretch.

Green posted a save against the Orioles on Thursday, allowing one run on two hits while striking out one batter over one inning.

It didn't look like Green would be needed in the contest with Toronto carrying a 7-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning. However, reliever Zach Pop couldn't record an out while loading the bases, so Green was brought in to contain the damage. He didn't do remarkably well himself, as a fielder's choice, a double and a single allowed Baltimore to bring the deficit to within one run. However, Green was able to get Anthony Santander to fly out with the tying run on first base to end the threat and record his 10th save. Green hasn't blown a save this season and is firmly entrenched in the closer role with Yimi Garcia now in Seattle and Jordan Romano uncertain to return in 2024 due to an elbow injury.

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.