Sterner struck out the side in a perfect inning during Wednesday's 7-0 win over the Tigers.

Sterner retired the side on strikeouts in the eighth inning Wednesday, the first time this season he's done so in order. The right-hander has been sharp in August, posting a 1.98 ERA and 0.59 WHIP across 13.2 innings in 11 appearances.

Cruz (shoulder) threw a light bullpen Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Cruz took a step forward in his rehab for right shoulder tendinitis, throwing a short bullpen session of 15 to 20 pitches. The right-hander had previously been limited to flat-ground work from about 75 feet, so this progression is encouraging. While the Royals haven't provided a firm timeline, a late-season return remains on the table.

Harvey (groin) completed a light bullpen session Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Harvey took another step forward in his recovery from the Grade 2 right adductor strain that has sidelined him since Aug. 11. He threw a short bullpen session of about 15 to 20 pitches, and while it wasn't a full workload, simply getting back on the mound is an encouraging sign in the right-hander's quest to return before season's end. Harvey's 2025 season has been marred by injuries, but he's delivered when available by tossing 12 scoreless appearances.

Guerrero (elbow) began a rehab assignment with High-A Greenville on Tuesday and worked around three walks and one hit in a scoreless inning in his first appearance.

The one-inning outing marked Guerrero's first appearance at any level since June 27, as he's been on the shelf for two months while recovering from a right elbow strain. Guerrero is expected to eventually shift his rehab assignment to Triple-A Worcester, and once he gets a few more minor-league appearances under his belt, he could re-emerge as an option for Boston's bullpen.

The Red Sox optioned Moran to Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

Moran will head back to Worcester as the Red Sox open up a spot in the bullpen for Justin Slaten (shoulder), who was reinstated from the injured list. After being recalled from Triple-A on Tuesday, Moran didn't make any relief appearances during his two-day stint with the big club.

The Red Sox activated Slaten (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list Thursday, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

Slaten is finally ready to rejoin the Boston bullpen after missing the past three months with right shoulder inflammation. The 27-year-old should eventually return to a setup role for the Red Sox, but he'll likely be eased into such situations following a long layoff.

Montero tossed 2.2 scoreless innings of relief in Wednesday's 7-0 loss to the Athletics. He walked one batter and struck out four.

After starter Casey Mize was tagged for five runs in just 3.1 innings, Montero came on and gave the Tigers some valuable long relief. It was the veteran righty's longest outing of the season, and he's now covered two or more innings four times this year. Montero has been fairly effective in Detroit since coming over before the trade deadline, posting a 3.48 ERA and 1.06 WHIP across 10.1 innings with his new team.

Slaten (shoulder) is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list ahead of Thursday's series finale in Baltimore, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Slaten hasn't pitched in the majors since late May, when he was placed on the injured list with what was initially described as right shoulder inflammation. He later learned that his transverse process was pressing against nerves, causing soreness. Slaten looks to be healthy again after tossing three scoreless innings across three rehab appearances at Triple-A Worcester, and he could eventually move back into a setup role for Boston. Slaten posted a 3.47 ERA with four holds, three saves and a .171 batting average against in 24 appearances for Boston prior to landing on the shelf.

Thompson (shoulder) is scheduled to throw Friday after pitching a scoreless inning for Triple-A Reno on Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

The outing Tuesday was the first game appearance of a rehab assignment for Thompson. Following a live batting practice and a sim game, Tuesday's appearance was expected to be his final step before activation; however, the report indicates Friday's throwing session is the only confirmed next step in the process. The Diamondbacks may be waiting for September when rosters can be expanded be to 28 players (14 pitchers).

Mlodzinski didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Cardinals, allowing one run on three hits and three walks with four strikeouts across three innings.

Mlodzinski drew his 11th start of the season, though he threw just 46 pitches before handing the ball off to Bubba Chandler. Mlodzinski has been excellent in August, owning a 2.04 ERA and a 22:6 K:BB across 17.2 innings spanning seven appearances. Unless the Pirates look to give a starter an additional day of rest or move to a six-man rotation, Mlodzinski should move back to his typical relief role.