MLB Player News

Suero was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

Suero rejoined the Nationals on July 10 and fired 2.2 scoreless innings during this stint in the majors, and now has a 3.15 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over 20 major-league innings this season. The 26-year-old will likely be one of the first options to return to Washington when it needs an additional arm as the team starts the second half with only a six-man bullpen.

Smith was called up from Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.

Smith will provide additional depth to New York's bullpen ahead of this weekend series against the Yankees. He's only made three appearances at the big-league level this year, though he was sporting a 2.76 ERA and 1.18 WHIP across 32.2 innings with Las Vegas at the time of this promotion. Look for him to be utilized in low-leverage situations.

Rusin produced a 2.31 ERA in his final 12 appearances before the All-Star break.

The 2018 campaign has been a down year for the veteran lefty, as his season ERA sits at a lofty 6.18 despite the recent string of strong appearances. Home runs and a lack of control are largely to blame, as his 1.6 HR/9 and 4.4 BB/9 are easily career highs. However, he hasn't allowed a homer since June 7 and has walked just seven hitters since then. If Rusin can keep this up in the second half, he could see more high-leverage situations again and gather more holds down the stretch.

Wilson threw seven scoreless innings Thursday for Double-A Mississippi in a win over Montgomery, giving up three hits and a walk while tying his season high with nine strikeouts.

The 20-year-old right-hander has been absolutely brilliant since the calendar flipped to July, allowing only two runs in 27 innings over four starts with a 34:4 K:BB. Wilson's overall numbers in his first exposure to Double-A haven't been exceptional since an early May promotion from High-A (4.13 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 81:23 K:BB in 72 innings), but it looks like he's figured things out. The Braves' No. 13 fantasy prospect could still see a late-season move up to Triple-A Gwinnett if he continues to dominate the Southern League, but even if he remains in Double-A through the rest of the year, Wilson is on track for a potential 2019 big-league debut.

Strop retired the final batter of the game in Thursday's 9-6 win over the Cubs to secure his third save of the season.

With regular closer Brandon Morrow (biceps) landing on the disabled list before the game, Strop moved up in the bullpen pecking order. Morrow doesn't figure to be out long, so Strop's window for save opportunities might be brief, though it's encouraging to see that the team definitely trusts him in high-leverage situations. Strop has earned that trust with a strong 2.50 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 39.2 innings this season.

Miller's (elbow) MRI revealed no further damage to his UCL, though he will be shut down for at least another week, Jack Magruder of The Sports Xchange reports.

Miller hit the disabled list July 12 with elbow inflammation, a worrying diagnosis for a pitcher who only very recently returned from Tommy John surgery. It appears that he was lucky enough to avoid another UCL tear, though the Diamondbacks will certainly be careful with him going forward. He had struggled to an 11.40 ERA in four starts since returning to action, so there are significant question marks about his health and effectiveness for the rest of the season.

Yates is set to take over the closer role following the trade of Brad Hand to Cleveland on Thursday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

In addition to Hand, the Padres dealt Adam Cimber in exchange for catching prospect Francisco Mejia, further depleting the club's bullpen. Yates has logged a 1.43 ERA and 0.88 WHIP across 39 appearances this season, to go along with a fantastic 48:11 K:BB over 37.2 innings. Since Hand served as San Diego's closer, Yates has only recorded a pair of saves in 2018, though his 16 holds are only four fewer than he managed all of last year. It's possible, however, that Yates will be on the move in the coming weeks as he's a 31-year-old in the midst of the best season of his career, and he may be coveted by playoff contenders seeking a bullpen upgrade.

The Cubs activated Bass (illness) from the 10-day disabled list Wednesday.

Bass had been on the DL for about two weeks with the illness, but checked out fine after tossing an inning in relief during a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday. He should be available out of the bullpen Thursday for the Cubs' series opener with the Cardinals.

Bowman was called up from Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday.

Bowman will take the place of Miles Mikolas on the active roster after the latter was placed on the paternity list in a corresponding move. Through 20 relief appearances with the Cardinals this year, Bowman has logged a 5.75 ERA and 1.62 WHIP.

Hader will not be suspended or fined in regards to offensive social media posts from years past.

Multiple instances of offensive tweets from Hader's social media account resurfaced during his appearance in the All-Star Game on Tuesday. The reliever spoke to the press following the exhibition, apologizing for his comments and stating that he would accept whatever punishment came his way. Though Hader escaped the incident without any major consequences, he will need to undergo sensitivity training and participate in the MLB's diversity program.