MLB Player News

Mlodzinski didn't factor into the decision during Friday's 2-0 win over the Cubs, allowing six hits and three walks over 5.1 scoreless innings. He struck out two.

The 27-year-old right-hander wasn't particularly efficient, throwing 48 of 81 pitches for strikes, but he got locked in a 0-0 pitchers' duel with Shota Imanaga until exiting the mound in the sixth inning. Mlodzinski is still looking for his first win of 2026, but he'll take a 2.51 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB through 14.1 innings into his next start, which lines up to come at home next week against the Nationals.

The Reds recalled Nicolas from Triple-A Louisville on Friday.

Cincinnati optioned Jose Franco in a corresponding move. Nicolas was acquired from the Pirates during spring training and will make his Reds debut in his next appearance. The right-hander turned in a 4.74 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 34:18 K:BB across 38 innings with Pittsburgh last season.

The Cubs recalled Roberts from Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Roberts will take the place of Phil Maton (knee) in the bullpen. Roberts worked 10 games out of the Cubs' bullpen last season, logging a 6.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 6:2 K:BB across nine innings.

The Cubs placed Maton on the 15-day injured list Friday with right knee tendinitis, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

With Maton headed to the IL, Ethan Roberts has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa to take his spot in the bullpen. Maton has an ugly 13.50 ERA, 2.50 WHIP and 5:4 K:BB across four innings.

Vasquez allowed one run on seven hits and no walks while striking out eight batters over 5.2 innings in a no-decision against Colorado on Thursday.

Vasquez served up a solo homer to Brenton Doyle in the third inning but was otherwise unscored upon. He got 13 whiffs among his 92 pitches and struck out eight batters for the second time through three starts this season. Notably, Vasquez exceeded five punchouts just once in 28 outings (26 starts) during the regular season in 2025. The right-hander has been outstanding to begin the campaign, posting a 1.02 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 19:4 K:BB through 17.2 frames. He's become an intriguing option in all fantasy leagues, especially considering his increased strikeout numbers.

Minter (lat) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A St. Lucie on Thursday, Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports.

It will be the first game appearance for Minter since he underwent surgery on his left lat last May. Given how long the layoff has been, Minter is going to require a handful of rehab appearances before rejoining the Mets' bullpen. The veteran lefty will eventually slot into a setup role but could be eased into high-leverage situations.

Herget will be the Rockies' opening pitcher in Thursday's game at San Diego.

The Rockies aren't revealing their pitching plans for Thursday post-Herget, but Chase Dollander is likely to cover the bulk of the innings. Herget is off to a fine start this season, yielding just one run with a 6:0 K:BB over six innings.

Naughton suffered a left arm injury during an appearance with Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday, Kyle Reis of MLB.com reports.

Naughton immediately grabbed his pitching arm after delivering a pitch and walked off the field with the trainer. There's no word yet on the details, but it looked like another serious arm injury for the southpaw. Naughton missed all of 2025 and most of 2024 due to a pair of elbow surgeries.

Ferguson (oblique) will throw a bullpen session Thursday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

It appears to be the first time Ferguson has thrown off a mound since he suffered a right oblique strain in mid-March. Ferguson will need a rehab assignment before rejoining the Reds' bullpen.

The Marlins activated Fairbanks from the paternity leave list Thursday.

Fairbanks missed the first three games of the series against the Reds as he welcomed a new addition to the family, but he'll be available for the series finale Thursday. The veteran closer has permitted three runs with a 6:1 K:BB over his first four innings this season, collecting a pair of saves along the way.