MLB Player News

Smith is expected to be placed on the injured list with an arm injury Thursday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Smith hasn't pitched since Sunday, so his likely move to the IL will presumably be backdated to July 25. Assuming that's the case, the right-hander will be eligible to return as early as Aug. 9, but his injury could lead the Mets to seek out other relievers ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline. Smith has picked up 14 holds while posting a 3.51 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 41 innings over 37 appearances this year.

Castano was diagnosed with a mild concussion and a forehead contusion after he was removed in the first inning of his start Thursday against the Reds. He recorded two outs and was charged with one earned run on two hits.

Castano exited the contest after Donovan Solano's comebacker struck the lefty pitcher in the forehead. The Marlins plan to evaluate Castano further, but the fact that he's already been diagnosed with a mild concussion suggests he'll be a candidate to go on the 7-day injured list. Miami called up Castano from Triple-A Jacksonville earlier in the day to serve as its fifth starter following Max Meyer's (elbow) recent placement on the IL, but Castano may not have been in line for another start even if he was able to escape Thursday's contest unscathed. Jesus Luzardo (forearm) completed his third rehab start Wednesday and could be ready to return from the 60-day IL when Miami requires a fifth starter next week.

Castano was removed from Thursday's game against the Reds in the bottom of the first inning after being hit in the head by a comebacker, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Castano was called up prior to Thursday's start and allowed a run on two hits and no walks while failing to strike out a batter in two-thirds of an inning prior to his removal. The ball that ricocheted off his head was 104.3 mph off the bat, and the left-hander was thankfully able to walk off the field under his own power. While it's encouraging that Castano didn't require a cart to get off the field, the extent of his injury isn't yet clear. Even if he doesn't require an IL stint, he isn't guaranteed another turn through the rotation since Jesus Luzardo (forearm) will likely be in the mix to return next week.

The Marlins announced Castano will be called up from Triple-A Jacksonville to start Thursday's game in Cincinnati, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Castano will be entering the rotation as a replacement for Max Meyer (elbow), who was moved to the 15-day injured list over the weekend. Before he was optioned to Jacksonville on July 15, Castano made nine appearances (six starts) for Miami, posting a 3.86 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 20:9 K:BB across 35 innings. The southpaw may just be making one turn through the rotation before heading back to Triple-A, as Jesus Luzardo (forearm) could be ready to come off the 60-day IL when the Marlins next require a fifth starter Aug. 2.

Melancon earned a save over the Giants on Wednesday, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one batter in one scoreless inning.

Melancon preserved a two-run ninth-inning lead, but not without difficulty. The veteran closer allowed two of the first three batters he faced to reach base before setting down the next two hitters. Melancon has had some blowups this season, but he's posted a 2.74 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 22:7 K:BB over his past 25 appearances dating back to May 18. He's converted 14 of 16 save opportunities on the season, so his role as Arizona's closer appears decently secure for the time being.

Rogers (1-5) allowed two earned runs on three hits and one walk while striking out one to blow the save and take a loss Wednesday against the Tigers.

Rogers entered the game with a one-run lead, but he allowed a pair of doubles and an infield single to lose the advantage. He has now allowed at least one earned run in eight of his last 11 appearances, during which he's maintained a 7.59 ERA and 1.78 WHIP. The Padres have kept Rogers in the closer role despite his struggles, though he could start to lose save chances -- at least in the short term -- if his performance doesn't turn around quickly.

Martin is listed as the Diamondbacks' scheduled starting pitcher for Saturday's game in Atlanta.

Coming out of the All-Star break, Martin entered the Diamondbacks' rotation as a replacement for Dallas Keuchel, who was designated for assignment. The 26-year-old right-hander limited the Nationals to one earned run over four innings in his first outing for the big club since May 4, but the outing was marred by the five free passes he issued. Despite Martin's bout with wildness, he looks like he'll get at least one more chance to prove he belongs in the big-league rotation.

The Dodgers optioned White to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

White's demotion doesn't come as a major surprise after manager Dave Roberts said after Tuesday's 8-3 loss to the Nationals the team would stick with a five-man rotation following Andrew Heaney's (shoulder) return from the 15-day injured list ahead of Wednesday's series finale, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. While Heaney was on the shelf, White served as the Dodgers' No. 5 starter and turned in a 3.56 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 30.1 innings over his six starts since his late-June promotion from Triple-A. White should be the next man up to join the rotation if the Dodgers lose one of their five starters to an injury at some point in the second half.

The Dodgers optioned Cleavinger to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

Cleavinger's demotion comes after he imploded in Tuesday's 8-3 loss to the Nationals while failing to protect a 3-2 lead in the top of the eighth inning. The lefty needed 36 pitches to record five outs and was charged with six runs (four earned) on three hits, a walk and a hit batsmen en route to taking the loss. The Dodgers called up Jake Reed from Triple-A to provide the team with a fresh option out of the bullpen for Wednesday's series finale.

The Dodgers recalled Reed from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

Reed will join the Los Angeles bullpen as a replacement for lefty Garrett Cleavinger, who was optioned to Triple-A after he was charged with a blown save in Tuesday's loss to the Nationals. Expect Reed to see most of his opportunities in lower-leverage spots for what will be his first stint in the big leagues with the Dodgers.