The Pirates optioned Holderman to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Holderman will end up as the odd man out of Pittsburgh's bullpen following Justin Lawrence's (elbow) return from the injured list. Holderman has taken a massive step back this year, posting a 7.01 ERA through 25.2 innings in the big leagues after logging a 3.16 ERA in 2024. Despite his performance, he remains a candidate to return to Pittsburgh if/when the Bucs need bullpen depth for their final stretch of games.

The Pirates reinstated Lawrence (elbow) from the 60-day injured list Friday.

Elbow inflammation has kept Lawrence on the injured list since late April, but after more than four months on the shelf, the 30-year-old has been cleared to help out the Pirates for the final stage of the regular season. Lawrence was off to a strong start before getting hurt, posting a 0.79 ERA in 11.1 frames, but he struggled during his rehab assignment while surrendering seven earned runs in 7.1 innings. He'll likely be limited to middle relief upon rejoining Pittsburgh's bullpen. Meanwhile, the Pirates will send Colin Holderman to Triple-A Indianapolis to clear a roster spot.

The Cardinals optioned Raquet to Triple-A Memphis on Friday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Raquet was unscored upon in his first two major-league appearances this week, but he'll now head back to Memphis. John King (back) has returned from the 15-day injured list to take Raquet's roster spot.

The Cardinals activated King (back) from the 15-day injured list Friday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

King hasn't made an appearance for the Cardinals since late July, as he's dealt with an oblique strain and more recently a mid-back strain. The lefty has been deemed ready to return after making one rehab appearance with Double-A Springfield.

Mears (back) threw a 17-pitch bullpen Friday, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Friday's session marked Mears' first time throwing off a mound since being placed on the injured list in early September due to back tightness. The 28-year-old is scheduled to throw another bullpen Sunday. He's eligible for reinstatement Wednesday.

The Phillies placed Alvarado on the 15-day injured list with a left forearm strain Friday.

The move is retroactive to Sept. 11. Taking Alvarado's place on the 26-man roster is Walker Buehler, who had his contract selected from Triple-A Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move. Alvarado owns a 3.81 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 32:7 K:BB across 26 innings out of the Philly bullpen this season.

The Phillies will place Alvarado on the 15-day injured list prior to Friday's game against the Royals due to an undisclosed injury, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

It's unclear what injury he's dealing with, but Alvarado last pitched Wednesday against the Mets, giving up a solo home run in one inning of work. He will be eligible for activation for the final series of the regular season, but it's possible Alvarado's season is over, particularly since he's ineligible for the postseason roster after his PED suspension.

Palencia (shoulder) played catch Friday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

It's the first time he's thrown since he suffered a right shoulder strain Sunday and landed on the 15-day injured list Monday. It's a good sign that he's already playing catch, and the Cubs will map out a rehab plan for Palencia based on how he comes out of Friday's throwing session. Palencia will be eligible to return Sept. 23, but it's too soon to know whether he has a chance to be back by that date. Andrew Kittredge has the lone save for the Cubs since Palencia went down, and Brad Keller is also expected to be in the mix to close games.

Atlanta recalled Stratton from Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday.

Stratton will fill the spot of Daysbel Hernandez (shoulder) on the active roster. In 9.2 innings of relief with Atlanta, Stratton has a 1.86 ERA and a 7:2 K:BB. He's posted a 1.59 ERA in 11.1 innings with Gwinnett as well.

Atlanta placed Hernandez on the 15-day injured list Friday with right shoulder inflammation.

Hernandez hasn't pitched in nearly a week, but he allowed three runs while recording just two outs in that outing. He will be eligible for activation during the final week of the season, but given the nature of the injury, Hernandez's 2025 campaign could be over.