MLB Player News

McLean struck out 10 while giving up three hits and three walks over six scoreless innings for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday.

It's the second straight start with double-digit strikeouts for the 23-year-old right-hander, who is making a loud statement that he's ready for the next challenge. Over his last nine Triple-A outings, McLean has delivered a 2.59 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 54:20 K:BB through 48.2 innings. The Mets' big-league rotation is about to get significant reinforcements with both Kodai Senga (hamstring) and Sean Manaea (elbow/oblique) set to come off the IL right before the All-Star break, but McLean could make his MLB debut in the second half if injuries create further opportunities.

Casparius notched a hold against Milwaukee on Wednesday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter over 1.2 scoreless innings.

Casparius got into a game for the first time since July 4, when he tossed three innings against Houston as a starter. Prior to that he had been working on a starter's schedule as a bulk reliever, but Wednesday's outing came in a traditional bullpen role. That appears to be Casparius' role moving forward, as Los Angeles' rotation is beginning to get healthy -- Tyler Glasnow returned from the IL and started Wednesday, while Blake Snell (shoulder) is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab stint Thursday. Casparius had also struggled in his previous four outings, allowing 17 earned runs over 15.2 frames during that span, so Wednesday's effective relief appearance was a positive step toward getting back on track.

Romero has surrendered just one earned run over his last 23 appearances, netting 12 holds over that stretch.

Romero held a 7.27 ERA and 5:6 K:BB over 8.2 innings covering his first 11 appearances. He was averaging just 92.8 mph with his sinker during that span, but after work in the weight room and a mechanical adjustment, Romero has his sinker up to 94.3 mph on average during the aforementioned 23-game stretch. The left-hander is the Cardinals' primary left-handed setup man and should continue to be a solid source of holds moving forward.

The Mets recalled Warren from Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday.

Warren will be the 27th man on the roster for the Mets in Thursday's doubleheader against the Orioles. The righty reliever has allowed one run in five frames for the Mets this season and has collected a 3.82 ERA and 38:12 K:BB over 30.2 innings with Syracuse.

Assad (oblique) has been completing bullpen sessions as part of his rehab work but has yet to throw live batting practice, which the team says is his next step, MLB.com reports.

Assad, who suffered a left oblique strain during spring training and then aggravated the injury during a rehab start in late April, has yet to throw a pitch for the Cubs this season. The righty is still targeting an August return, but after missing such a significant chunk of time, it wouldn't be surprising to see him eased into action via a long-relief role. Assad worked exclusively out of the rotation last year, compiling a 3.73 ERA in 29 starts (147 innings) for the Cubs. In 2023, he served as a valuable swing man and posted a 3.05 ERA across 109.1 innings while making 10 starts and 22 relief appearances.

Bickford signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies on Wednesday.

After being released by the Cubs last Wednesday, Bickford will now give some depth to the Phillies' farm system. The 29-year-old righty is off to a great start in the minors this year with a 2.43 ERA and 0.72 WHIP, and if he continues to impress with his new organization, he could earn a spot in Philadelphia's bullpen.

Brasier, who tossed 1.1 scoreless innings in Wednesday's loss to the Twins, has now logged 11 straight scoreless appearances dating back to early June.

In 17 appearances overall this season, Brasier has only been scored on twice, and he's now sitting with a stellar 1.10 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. The veteran righty didn't make his season debut until May 24 due to a strained left groin sustained in spring training, but he's been an effective relief option when healthy. He has no wins or saves and has only recorded one hold, so his fantasy value is capped, though Brasier could have some appeal in deeper leagues due to his strong ratios.

Kopech (knee) underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus this week, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

This helps explain the Dodgers' decision to transfer Kopech to the 60-day IL earlier Wednesday. The good news for Los Angeles is that Kopech is still expected back before the end of the season, though he isn't eligible to return until late August. Kopech is among six Dodgers relievers to currently occupy a spot on the 60-day injured list.

The Diamondbacks optioned Jarvis to Triple-A Reno on Wednesday.

Jarvis tossed 66 pitches across four innings of relief in last Sunday's 4-0 loss to the Royals. He allowed three hits and two walks while striking out a pair in the scoreless outing. Jarvis has a 4.40 ERA and 13:7 K:BB across 14.1 innings of work with Arizona this season.

The Diamondbacks recalled Saalfrank from Triple-A Reno on Wednesday.

In a corresponding move, Arizona optioned Bryce Jarvis to Triple-A. Saalfrank has yet to pitch in the big leagues this season and has struggled with his command at Reno, logging a 7.15 ERA and 14:10 K:BB across 11.1 innings of work. He'll fill a middle-relief role with the Diamondbacks.