MLB Player News

Smith is being evaluated after exiting a rehab appearance with Triple-A Toledo on Thursday with right shoulder/lat discomfort, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Smith was making his second rehab appearance after missing nearly two months with right shoulder inflammation, so it's a worrisome setback. More should be known about the reliever's condition in the coming days.

Lord (side) will throw a live batting practice session Wednesday, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Lord is nearly ready to face hitters after missing the past two-plus weeks with left side tightness. He could be ready for a rehab appearance after that. Lord is tracking toward a return in early August if all goes well.

The Phillies will call up Keller from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to either start or pitch in bulk relief Saturday against the Yankees, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Keller inked a minor-league contract with the Phillies in May and has logged a 2.23 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 38:11 K:BB in 36.1 innings over eight starts for Lehigh Valley. The 32-year-old will be making his major-league debut Saturday after seven seasons in the minors and one in Japan.

The Guardians optioned Dion to Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Dion logged three appearances during his most recent stint with the big club, yielding two runs with a 7:0 K:BB over 4.1 innings. He'll be replaced on the roster by Tim Herrin (elbow), who is back from the injured list.

The Guardians activated Herrin (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Friday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Herrin required only a minimum absence while working his way back from a left elbow contusion. He'll slide back into a left-handed setup role.

The Phillies moved Keller (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Friday.

Keller suffered a brutal blow July 16, tearing his UCL just eight days after returning from the injured list with a forearm injury. The 30-year-old will now officially miss the rest of the 2026 season and potentially the 2027 season if he elects to get surgery to repair his UCL. The Phillies selected Payton Henry's contract from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take over Keller's spot on the 40-man roster.

The Royals optioned Morgan to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

Morgan will make his way back to Triple-A after spending two weeks with the big-league club. The 30-year-old made just two appearances since being recalled July 10 with Kansas City. The Royals demoted Morgan to make room for Nate Pearson on the active roster.

The Orioles recalled Walker from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday.

The 31-year-old acted as the 27th man during Wednesday's doubleheader against Boston before being returned to Triple-A, but Walker hasn't actually pitched in a big-league game since June 30. With Norfolk, the left-hander has posted a 3.73 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 34:10 K:BB in 31.1 innings.

The Cubs outrighted Pomeranz to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.

Pomeranz cleared waivers after being booted from the Cubs' 40-man roster. The veteran southpaw has the ability to elect free agency, though it's unclear what his intentions are. Pomeranz holds a 5.59 ERA and 17:16 K:BB over 29 innings this season in the majors.

The Pirates optioned Murdock to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

Murdock was up as the 27th man for Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Yankees, but he did not make an appearance. The big right-hander has collected a 3.24 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 26:5 K:BB in 16.2 innings for Indianapolis in 2026.