MLB Player News

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.

Rodriguez (elbow) began a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Florida Complex League on Thursday, giving up a solo home run and striking out three in one inning.

Rodriguez served up a home run to the first batter he faced since last August's flexor surgery, but he then rebounded to fan the next three hitters. The 29-year-old will need several rehab outings as he preps for a return to the Rays' bullpen. Rodriguez posted a 2.12 ERA and 59:17 K:BB over 68 innings the last two seasons for Tampa Bay, so he could provide a nice boost to the relief corps if he can regain his pre-surgery form.

The Marlins optioned Brzykcy to Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Brzykcy made one scoreless appearance during his most recent stint in the majors. He's heading back to the minors in order to free up a roster spot for the return of John King (ankle) from the injured list.

The Marlins activated King (ankle) from the 15-day injured list Thursday.

King required just a minimum absence with a sprained left ankle. He did not go out on a rehab assignment, as the Marlins were satisfied with how King looked throwing to live hitters this week. The lefty reliever holds a 2.48 ERA and 30:10 K:BB across 40 innings this season with six wins, four holds and a save in 40 appearances.

Finnegan earned the save Thursday against the Royals, recording the final two outs in a 4-3 victory.

With Kenley Jansen unavailable after pitching three of the previous four days, Drew Sommers got the initial call in the ninth but was pulled after allowing a walk and a single. Finnegan entered with two runners on and one out and needed just two pitches to induce a game-ending double play from Salvador Perez, earning his second save of the season and first since April 30. While the veteran right-hander owns a respectable 2.36 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP and 35:25 K:BB across 45.2 innings, he has struggled to protect leads this season, getting charged with six blown saves.

Dobnak did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Tigers, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out three over five scoreless innings.

Dobnak delivered another effective outing, throwing 50 of 76 pitches for strikes while limiting Detroit to just six hard-hit balls. He generated 10 whiffs on 34 swings despite finishing with only three strikeouts. The veteran right-hander has allowed one run over his last 15 innings and owns a 1.42 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 10:9 K:BB across four appearances since being recalled July 1. With Stephen Kolek (forearm) having been transferred to the 60-day injured list, Dobnak appears to have a clear path to remaining a part of the rotation.

Way will serve as the Royals' opening pitcher Friday against the Tigers, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

Way will make his first major-league start after posting a 3.22 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with 21 strikeouts over 22.1 innings in 18 appearances with the Royals so far this season. The right-hander will likely be limited to no more than two innings on the mound, and southpaw Noah Cameron is expected to pitch in the contest in some capacity after Way's departure.

Pfaadt (5-1) earned the win Thursday against the Cardinals, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out one over six innings.

Pfaadt got off on the wrong foot Thursday, surrendering four consecutive hits to open the game, which led to two St. Louis runs in the first inning. He settled in from there, blanking the Cardinals over the next five frames while allowing just three more hits. The right-hander has won each of his five starts since re-joining the rotation in late June, posting a 2.33 ERA with a 14:3 K:BB across 27 innings during that stretch. For the season, Pfaadt owns a 4.43 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 45:20 K:BB over 65 innings. He's lined up to make his next start on the road against the Pirates.

Holmes (fibula) surrendered two earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out two batters across 2.1 innings in a rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday.

Holmes was expected to pitch three frames in his first minor-league rehab outing since suffering a fractured right fibula in mid-May, and he fell two outs short of the goal. The right-hander had a tough time finding the strike zone at times, tossing only 28 of his 51 total pitches for strikes. Holmes will require at least one more rehab start before being activated from the 60-day injured list.