MLB Player News

Smith parted ways with the Twins on Friday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Smith had an opt-out clause in his minor-league deal and decided to exercise it after not being called up. In his first season back from a second Tommy John surgery, Smith has posted a 4.74 ERA and 19:9 K:BB across 24.2 innings of work with Triple-A St. Paul.

Strzelecki parted ways with the Yankees on Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Strzelecki exercised an opt-out clause in his minor-league contract and is now a free agent. The 31-year-old reliever has collected a 4.81 ERA and 29:5 K:BB over 24.1 frames at the Triple-A level this season. He has not pitched in the majors since 2024.

The Blue Jays recalled Little from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday.

Little made the Opening Day roster but was sent down in early April after getting rocked for 11 runs (10 earned) over his first 3.2 innings. The 29-year-old appeared to get on track at Buffalo, authoring a 2.31 ERA and 32:19 K:BB across 23.1 frames. Little give the Blue Jays a second lefty in the bullpen alongside Mason Fluharty.

The Blue Jays optioned Dallas to Triple-A Buffalo on Friday.

Dallas was just recalled Wednesday and did not make an appearance during his time with the big club. He's being replaced on the roster and in the bullpen by Brendon Little.

Bachar will serve as the Marlins' opener in a bullpen game Friday against the Giants, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Rather than calling up a starter from the minors after Janson Junk (shin) joined Eury Perez (thigh) on the injured list May 31, the Marlins have been going with bullpen days when the fifth spot in the rotation has come around. Bachar will pick up his fourth start in that time, but he hasn't worked more than three innings in any of those outings. Dax Fulton, who threw 39 pitches Tuesday against the Phillies, might be called upon to work bulk relief behind Bachar.

Minter retired the only two batters he faced Thursday to record his first hold of the season in a win over the Phillies.

Entering the game with one on and one out in the seventh inning and the Mets ahead 6-3, Minter fired seven of eight pitches for strikes as he got Justin Crawford and Kyle Schwarber to fly out. Minter has been outstanding since making a belated season debut in late May after recovering from last summer's lat surgery, posting a 0.00 ERA, 0.63 WHIP and 7:1 K:BB over eight innings and nine appearances. The 32-year-old should continue to work as one of the primary left-handed setup men for closer Devin Williams.

The Rangers outrighted Otanez to Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

Otanez cleared waivers after being designated for assignment and will remain in the organization as relief depth. The 28-year-old holds a 6.15 ERA, 1.72 WHIP and 37:25 K:BB in 26.1 innings this season with Round Rock.

Johnson (0-2) took the loss against the Athletics on Thursday, allowing five runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out two batters over five innings.

Johnson was called up from Double-A Rocket City to make his first big-league appearance since May 19. Things quickly soured for the right-hander, as he gave up five runs -- four of which came via the long ball -- in the first inning. Johnson was at least able to settle down from there and didn't give up another run while holding the A's to just one hit over the course of his remaining four frames, but the first-inning damage was more than enough to saddle him with the loss on a day when him team's offense couldn't push across any runs. The Angels' rotation recently lost Jack Kochanowicz (elbow) for the year and Grayson Rodriguez (back) for at least 15 days, but the team hasn't clarified if Johnson is going to get additional starts or if another hurler will get a look instead.

Williams earned the save Thursday against the Phillies, allowing a run on two hits and a walk while striking out one over one inning.

Williams was called upon to protect a three-run lead in the ninth inning and ultimately got the job done despite some late traffic. He allowed a run on a Justin Crawford RBI single and put additional runners on base, but the right-hander avoided a bigger rally and secured his 11th save of the season. While the overall numbers remain underwhelming, Williams has pitched much better of late, posting scoreless outings in 16 of his last 18 appearances. He owns a 5.18 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 38:15 K:BB across 24.1 innings with just one blown save on the year.

Manaea did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Phillies, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and one walk while striking out five over 5.1 innings.

Making just his second start of the season, the veteran left-hander threw 63 of his 95 pitches for strikes and generated an impressive 16 whiffs. Philadelphia plated runs in the first, third and fourth innings, with the final run coming home following a throwing error by A.J. Ewing. In four games working as a bulk reliever or starter, Manaea has pitched to a 3.10 ERA and 18:3 K:BB across 20.1 innings. It appears likely that Manaea will remain in the rotation moving forward, with his next scheduled start set to come at home against the Cubs.