MLB Player News

Flexen surrendered five earned runs on seven hits and one walk while failing to record a strikeout over three innings of relief in Monday's 12-4 loss to the Royals.

Flexen made a four-inning start against the Yankees in his final appearance before the All-Star break July 11, but the Cubs shifted him back to the bullpen to begin the second half. He ended up being one of two bulk relievers the Cubs deployed behind opening pitcher Ryan Brasier on Monday, with Ben Brown giving up seven runs (six earned) in four innings before Flexen entered the contest in the top of the sixth. The Cubs still have a void in the rotation until Jameson Taillon (calf) returns from the injured list, so Flexen and/or Brown could be called upon to start or work in bulk relief the next time a fifth spot in the rotation comes up Sunday against the White Sox.

The Cardinals recalled Granillo from Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday.

He will give manager Oliver Marmol a fresh relief arm after the bullpen was needed for five innings in Tuesday's loss to the Rockies. Granillo allowed one run with a 2:1 K:BB over 6.2 innings covering five appearances during his first stint with the big club.

Gibson struck out one in 1.1 perfect innings Tuesday to record his fourth hold of the season in a win over the Padres.

The Marlins' bullpen has had few set roles this season as manager Clayton McCullough swaps players in and out of high-leverage duty, but Gibson seems to have worked himself into a consistent spot in the late-inning mix as the team's top left-handed reliever. All four of his holds have come in his last 10 appearances, a stretch in which Gibson has posted a 3.60 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB over 10 innings.

The Mets optioned Garza to Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Garza was recalled Tuesday and did not make an appearance during his most recent stint with the big club. He's clearing out to make room on the roster for Jose Butto's (illness) return from the 15-day injured list.

The Mets activated Butto (illness) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Butto has been out for all of July due to an unspecified illness but is ready to go after making three scoreless rehab appearances. The right-hander has posted a 2.47 ERA and 39:20 K:BB over 43.2 frames this season out of the Mets bullpen.

Scott confirmed after Tuesday's 10-7 loss to the Twins that an MRI on his left elbow did not show any structural damage, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Scott was hurt during an appearance Monday and placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with left elbow inflammation. The Dodgers haven't provided a timetable for his return, but the reliever said Tuesday that he fully expects to be back at some point later this season. Scott will not be eligible to return until after the trade deadline, and with the Dodgers known to be shopping for relief help, it's possible Scott will see fewer save chances when he does make it back.

Bednar gave up a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his 15th save of the season in an 8-5 win over the Tigers.

The veteran closer extended his streak without an earned run allowed to 21 appearances and 20.1 innings, a streak that dates back to May 24 and in which he's converted all 11 of his save chances while producing a 0.74 WHIP and 26:5 K:BB. Bednar seems increasingly likely to be on the move at the trade deadline, and his current form will only increase the return from a contender in need of high-leverage reinforcements.

Atlanta recalled Stratton from Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

Stratton was acquired from the Pirates in a trade earlier this month and will be making his debut for Atlanta when he gets into a game. The righty has permitted seven earned runs in 2.2 innings at the major-league level in 2025.

Atlanta recalled Dodd from Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

Dodd will provide some length in the bullpen. The left-hander has made 11 relief appearances for Atlanta this season, yielding five runs with a 9:2 K:BB across 12 innings.

Atlanta optioned Suero to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

Suero was needed for two innings and 47 pitches out of the bullpen in Tuesday's loss to the Giants, so he's being replaced by a fresh bullpen arm in lefty Dylan Dodd, who was recalled from Triple-A. The righty has allowed six runs over five frames in his three appearances for Atlanta this season.