MLB Player News

Phillips took a no-decision Monday against the Phillies, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out five.

Phillips contained a formidable Philadelphia lineup Monday, settling down for four shutout innings after serving up a two-run home run to Bryce Harper in the opening frame. The Marlins continue to have fairly quick hooks for the 28-year-old right-hander, who hasn't reached the 80-pitch threshold in any of his five starts in July. Phillips will bring a 3.52 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and an alarming 63:38 K:BB over 84.1 innings into his next scheduled outing in New York against the last-place Mets.

Varland secured the save Monday against the Nationals, allowing no runs on one hit and one walk in the ninth inning. He struck out two.

Washington got the potential tying and go-ahead runs on base Monday, but Varland ultimately slammed the door for his fourth consecutive scoreless outing. The hard-throwing right-hander has been sublime since usurping Jeff Hoffman as Toronto's closer, successfully converting all 22 of his save opportunities this year. Through 53 innings, Varland boasts a 1.02 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 72:14 K:BB to establish a strong grip on the closing gig.

The Nationals optioned Alvarez to Triple-A Rochester following Monday's 3-2 loss to Toronto. He allowed one earned run on four hits and three walks while striking out three across 4.1 innings in bulk relief.

Alvarez put together a strong performance out of the bullpen, managing to keep his club in the ballgame after opener Eddy Yean allowed a pair of runs. However, the left-hander didn't show enough to keep his place on the big-league roster. Jake Irvin (shoulder) is nearing a return from the 60-day injured list and could slot into the fifth spot in the rotation the next time Alvarez's turn comes up.

Garcia was credited with the save in Monday's 8-5 win over Detroit, when he struck out two batters in a scoreless ninth inning.

Garcia was tagged with a blown save in three of his four outings prior to Monday's game, but he managed to get the job done in Detroit on 17 pitches (10 strikes) with two punchouts. Given the number of opportunities he's had since the All-Star break, Garcia could be the Orioles' preferred option at closer over Andrew Kittredge and Tyler Wells in the absence of both Ryan Helsley (elbow) and Felix Bautista (shoulder).

Waguespack, who tossed two scoreless innings of relief with two strikeouts Monday against the Orioles, now has a 1.47 ERA across 18.1 innings this season.

Waguespack allowed an earned run in his last appearance before Monday, but prior to that, he had rattled off 10 straight scoreless outings. The righty did not pitch in the majors in 2025, and he had a 5.40 ERA in limited action in 2024, so it remains to be seen if he can maintain his current form. As it stands, Waguespack is starting to earn some degree of trust within Detroit's bullpen, and his role could increase accordingly.

Leiter will undergo surgery Tuesday to address a right hip impingement and is expected to miss the remainder of the season, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Leiter landed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to the injury, which he'll opt to treat with a procedure rather than rest and rehab. The 35-year-old righty will close out the season with a 4.28 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, five holds and four saves across 33.2 innings.

Mantiply (knee) has resumed throwing bullpen sessions, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Mantiply is working his way back from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, which he underwent in June. The lefty reliever remains without a timetable, but he should have a chance to make it back sometime in August if all goes well.

Garcia (elbow/neck/biceps) has been pulled off his rehab assignment and will be examined by a doctor for possible thoracic outlet syndrome, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

It's the third time this season that Garcia has had to be yanked off his rehab assignment, as he continues to deal with nerve issues related to his biceps and neck. Garcia has not made an appearance for the Blue Jays in 2026 and is slated to reach free agency after the season.

The Cubs selected Wantz's contract from Triple-A Iowa on Monday.

Wantz will provide the Chicago bullpen with a fresh arm capable of covering multiple frames after the Cubs needed three relievers to handle the final four innings of Sunday's 8-7 loss to the Pirates. The 30-year-old righty made one appearance in the big leagues with the Rays earlier in 2026 but has otherwise spent the entire season at the Triple-A level, where he's produced a 5.63 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 49:26 K:BB over 48 innings.

Petersen is still dealing with soreness in his right forearm after being struck by a comebacker during his relief appearance in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Padres, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Petersen avoided any structural damage to his forearm but the resulting bruise is still presenting some discomfort for the right-hander. The Marlins are treating him as day-to-day and could look to stay away from him in the first game or two of their series with the Phillies this week.