MLB Player News

Szapucki was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Friday.

Szapucki was called up by the Giants in mid-August, and he posted a 2.25 ERA and 1.50 WHIP while striking out seven in four innings over three relief appearances during this stint with the major-league club. However, he'll cede his spot in the bullpen to Scott Alexander, whose contract was selected Friday.

Alexander's contract was selected from Triple-A Sacramento on Friday.

Alexander joined the Giants on a minor-league contract in early May and struck out eight in 7.2 scoreless innings over seven relief appearances at Sacramento. He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2021 but will join the Giants' bullpen after Thomas Szapucki was sent down.

Gott (forearm) started playing catch Friday, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.

Gott has been out for just over two weeks with a right forearm strain, but he's taking steps in the right direction. It's unclear if he'll require a rehab assignment before being activated from the injured list.

Castillo was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Castillo was called up by the Padres on Tuesday and allowed a run on a hit and a walk while striking out one in a relief inning Wednesday against the Guardians. However, he'll head back to the minors as part of a move after Yu Darvish was reinstated from the paternity list.

Rodriguez (elbow) was activated off the 60-day injured list Friday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Rodriguez looked like he had an outside shot to close games for the Cubs back in March, but he wound up failing to make the Opening Day roster and suffered a strained elbow after making just two minor-league appearances. He's ready to go after allowing one run while striking out 12 batters across six rehab innings and could theoretically move into a high-leverage role in a wide-open Cubs bullpen if his first few appearances go well.

Naughton was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Naughton has been up with the big-league club since late June, but he'll head back to the minors after recording only one out in each of his past two outings. The 26-year-old has a 5.14 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 28:6 K:BB over 28 innings this season.

Helsley (personal) was activated from the restricted list Friday.

The 28-year-old has been away from the team for the past week following the birth of his first child, but he's back with the Cardinals ahead of Friday's series opener versus Atlanta. Helsley has converted 12 of 15 save chances with a 0.91 ERA, 0.66 WHIP and 72:13 K:BB across 49.2 innings this year, and he should reclaim the closer role now that he's back on the active roster.

Ramirez was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Ramirez was sent down Sunday but will quickly rejoin the Pirates' bullpen after Colin Holderman (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday. Over six relief appearances with the Pirates this year, Ramirez has posted a 6.43 ERA and 1.71 WHIP in seven innings.

Holderman (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Holderman exited Wednesday's appearance against Atlanta due to right shoulder soreness and will be unavailable for at least the next two weeks. A timetable for his return isn't yet clear, but Yohan Ramirez was recalled Friday to provide additional bullpen depth.

Nance will start Friday's game against the Dodgers, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

The Marlins will employ a bullpen game Friday, and Nance will be the first pitcher on the mound. The 31-year-old has covered two or three frames in each of his last three outings and should have a similar workload versus Los Angeles.