MLB Player News

Bednar gave up a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his 23rd save of the season in a 2-0 win over the Cubs. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

The veteran closer hadn't pitched since Tuesday after working four games in five days, and the breather seemed to do Bednar some good. Despite his recent heavy workload he hasn't blown a save since May 17, converting 13 straight chances while posting a 1.00 ERA, 0.70 WHIP and 30:7 K:BB in 27 innings during that stretch. The Yankees are likely to add bullpen reinforcements at the trade deadline, but Bednar's job seems very secure.

The Dodgers selected Irvin's contract from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

With Brock Stewart (shoulder) headed for the injured list, Irvin will come up from the minors to fill the void in the Dodgers' pitching staff. The 32-year-old lefty hasn't appeared in an MLB game since 2024, but he owns a 3.49 ERA and 1.55 WHIP through 98 innings at Oklahoma City. He's worked exclusively as a starter in the minors this year but is likely to take on a long-relief role with the big club.

The Dodgers placed Stewart on the 15-day injured list Friday with a shoulder injury, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Manager Dave Roberts said that he believes Stewart's absence will be short term, though the right-hander will receive an MRI on Saturday to confirm he isn't dealing with a serious issue. Cole Irvin will come up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill the opening in Los Angeles' bullpen.

Vest underwent elbow surgery Wednesday and will also undergo hip surgery, which will result in the 31-year-old reliever missing the rest of the 2026 season, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Vest was placed on the 15-day injured list July 1 with what was initially diagnosed as right elbow inflammation. However, further tests revealed a stress fracture in the right elbow that required surgery, and with a hip procedure on tap, the veteran reliever will be sidelined for the rest of the 2026 campaign. Vest will end his season with a 6.08 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, seven holds, two saves (in seven chances) and a 27:10 K:BB across 26.2 innings.

Vargas (lat) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday and is nearing a rehab assignment, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Vargas opened the season on the injured list due to a right lat strain, an injury severe enough for him to transfer to the 60-day IL in early April. However, it looks like he's close to making his 2026 major-league debut. If all goes well with his bullpen session and upcoming rehab assignment, Vargas could rejoin the Mariners in mid-August.

The Tigers designated Granillo for assignment Friday.

By designating Granillo for assignment and placing Matt Vierling (groin) on the 10-day injured list, the Tigers opened up the necessary spots on the 26- and 40-man rosters for 21-year-old outfielder Max Clark, who will make his major-league debut Friday against the Athletics. Granillo was claimed off waivers by the Tigers on July 11 and allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two across 3.2 innings with Toledo.

The Tigers optioned Hanifee to Triple-A Toledo on Friday.

The move corresponds with the Tigers recalling southpaw Enmanuel De Jesus from Toledo. Hanifee appeared in seven games out of the Tigers' bullpen after being recalled by the team following the All-Star break. In that seven-game span, he allowed four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two batters across 6.2 innings.

The Tigers recalled De Jesus from Triple-A Toledo on Friday.

De Jesus has spent the last month in Triple-A, but he'll return to the majors in a move that corresponds with Brenan Hanifee being optioned to Toledo. De Jesus has appeared in 22 major-league games this season and has a 3.98 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over 31.2 innings.

Martinez (elbow) is expected to begin a rehab assignment at Single-A Visalia next week, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Martinez has been on the injured list all season while working his way back from Tommy John surgery. He's been cleared to face hitters for the past two weeks, and he's scheduled to pitch in a simulated game at the team's spring training complex this weekend before joining one of Arizona's minor-league affiliates. The 25-year-old righty will likely require an extended rehab assignment after spending more than a year on the shelf, but he could still make it back to the D-backs' bullpen before the end of August.

Cano agreed to a two-year, $7.5 milion contract extension with the Orioles on Friday.

The extension covers Cano's final two arbitration years for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, with the Orioles having a $10 million club option for 2029, per Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. Cano has been a key piece to the Orioles' bullpen and is in the midst of a career year. He has a 2.21 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, eight holds and a 31:8 K:BB across 36.2 innings this season.