MLB Player News

Cruz will serve as the Reds' opening pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Athletics, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Cruz has turned in a 5.30 ERA and 1.41 WHIP through 52.2 innings this season, and he'll now be called upon to make his first start of the campaign in what will likely be a bullpen game for Cincinnati. Only seven of Cruz's 61 appearances have lasted more than an inning, so he'll presumably be taken out of the game after recording the first three outs.

Finnegan earned the save in Tuesday's 4-2 victory over the Yankees, allowing a run on three hits and no walks over 1.1 innings with no strikeouts.

The Washington closer entered the eighth with two outs and a runner on third and escaped cleanly thanks to a Giancarlo Stanton groundout. However, the ninth started ominously for Finnegan, as he yielded a leadoff double to Jazz Chisholm but managed to finish the game, laboring through 24 pitches in the inning. Despite struggling with a 7.30 ERA across 12.1 innings since the All-Star break, Finnegan remains cemented as the Nationals closer while the team is out of playoff position and eyeing 2025.

Junis did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's 5-4 loss to the Athletics, striking out three across four perfect innings.

With multiple Reds starters on the shelf, Junis earned his first start since April 2 and cruised through four frames while generating eight whiffs on 43 pitches. Although the 31-year-old hasn't reached 50 pitches in an appearance this season, he owns a 3.19 ERA and 1.02 WHIP and tentatively lines up to face the Brewers on Sunday.

Warren was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday, Amy Gutierrez of the Giants' official site.

Warren's last stint in the bigs was in 2023 for the Angels before undergoing Tommy John surgery. After signing with the Giants in February, he has recovered and spent the 2024 campaign with Triple-A Sacramento, where he has a 4.95 ERA overall. However, the 28-year-old has not allowed an earned run in his last eight outings and boasts a 1.54 ERA since July 14. In a corresponding move, Jordan Hicks was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.

The Cardinals recalled O'Brien from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

O'Brien made the Cardinals' Opening Day roster but suffered a flexor strain in his first appearance and missed the remainder of the first half. He has pitched well since resurfacing at Memphis, posting a 1.35 ERA and 9:5 K:BB over 13.1 innings, to earn another look with the big club.

The Cardinals designated Armstrong for assignment Tuesday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Armstrong was acquired from the Rays in the Dylan Carlson trade and has pitched well with a 2.84 ERA and 12:2 K:BB over 12.2 innings. The Cardinals are likely hoping the right-hander gets claimed so they can clear a bit of salary. Riley O'Brien will replace Armstrong on the roster and in the bullpen.

The Cubs recalled Palencia from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Palencia hasn't pitched well during his time with the big club this season, collecting a 6.55 ERA and 12:8 K:BB over 11 innings. Jack Neely was sent down in a corresponding move.

The Cubs optioned Neely to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Neely was roughed up for six runs over four innings during his brief first stint in the majors. He'll be replaced on the roster and in the bullpen by Daniel Palencia.

The Cubs recalled Thompson from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

He'll absorb the roster spot vacated by Julian Merryweather (knee), who went on the 15-day injured list. Thompson, 29, has posted a 3.50 ERA and 26:10 K:BB over 18 innings during his time with the big club in 2024.

The Cubs placed Merryweather on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to right knee tendinitis, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

It's unclear when the injury first surfaced, but Merryweather surrendered four runs over one inning during his last appearance Sunday in Miami. The right-hander is without a clear timeline for his return but will be eligible to rejoin the active roster during the second week of September.