MLB Player News

The Diamondbacks recalled McGough from Triple-A Reno on Monday.

McGough last appeared for the big club Aug. 10 against the Phillies, during which he pitched two scoreless innings while allowing one walk. The 34-year-old reliever has a 6.83 ERA and 1.62 WHIP across 29 major-league innings this season, but those numbers are down to a 3.22 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 36.1 frames in Triple-A. McGough will bolster the Diamondbacks' bullpen for the upcoming road series against the Rockies.

The Tigers optioned Vanasco to Triple-A Toledo on Monday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

A spot on the active roster needed to be cleared for Reese Olson (shoulder), who was activated from the 15-day injured list to start Monday's game versus the Royals. Vanasco had made two scoreless appearances out of the bullpen since joining the Tigers earlier this month.

Payamps was able to play catch Monday, one day after exiting an appearance versus the Diamondbacks with right forearm tightness, Jack Stern of Brewer Fanatic reports.

The Brewers have yet to decide whether Payamps will be available for Monday's game against the Phillies, but it's a good sign that he's already throwing again. Payamps boasts a 1.15 ERA since the beginning of August, having allowed an earned run in just one of 18 appearances over that stretch.

The Rockies optioned Bird to Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday.

The transaction frees a roster spot for the return of Antonio Senzatela (elbow), who is back from the 60-day injured list to make his season debut Monday against the Diamondbacks. Bird holds a 4.95 ERA and ugly 28:25 K:BB over 36.1 frames with the big club in 2024.

Holmes will start Tuesday's game against the Reds in Cincinnati, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Atlanta will bring Holmes back from the bullpen to fill the rotation spot vacated by Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder), who was placed on the 15-day injured list last Wednesday. Holmes has previously made four starts for Atlanta, but he's worked exclusively in relief for the past month and hasn't covered more than two innings or 33 pitches in any of his last eight appearances. With that in mind, Holmes will likely be on a restricted pitch count Tuesday and could struggle to reach the five innings he would need to qualify for a win.

Rodriguez (elbow) threw 30-pitch bullpen sessions at Oracle Park on Thursday and Sunday, MLB.com reports.

After being placed on the 15-day injured list Aug. 15 with a right elbow flexor strain, Rodriguez was shut down for two weeks before he was cleared to begin a throwing program Sept. 3. He looks to be building up his pitch count through side sessions and should soon be ready to face hitters before likely heading out on a brief minor-league rehab assignment. Rodriguez could make it back from the IL during the final week of the regular season.

The Twins designated Dobnak for assignment Monday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Cole Irvin, who has been claimed off waivers. Dobnak made it back to the majors briefly in 2024 for the first time since 2021, allowing five runs over 7.2 frames covering four relief appearances. Given his $2.25 million salary, Dobnak is a good bet to pass through waivers unclaimed.

Harvey (back) resumed playing catch last week but remains without a clear timeline for returning from the 15-day injured list, MLB.com reports.

After landing on the IL on Aug. 10 with mid-back tightness, Harvey was cleared to resume throwing off a mound three weeks later, but he was shut down from throwing for a week after he didn't respond as well as hoped to the bullpen session. The Royals haven't indicated that Harvey has experienced any setbacks since he started playing catch, but it's unclear if he'll be ready to get back on the mound in the coming days. Before being deactivated, Harvey had accrued a 4.44 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 55:16 K:BB across 50.2 innings while notching two wins, one save and 28 holds in 49 relief appearances between the Royals and Nationals on the season.

Smith recently resumed throwing bullpen sessions, but he's still experiencing back tightness and is without a clear timeline for a return from the 15-day injured list, MLB.com reports.

Smith had been contending with back issues for several weeks before the Royals placed him on the IL on Aug. 26. Though it's encouraging that Smith hasn't been shut down from throwing, he'll likely need the soreness in his back to subside a bit more before the Royals are comfortable bringing him back. It's unclear if Smith has a legitimate chance at being activated before the regular season ends Sept. 29.

Moreta (elbow) is throwing from 60 feet, MLB.com reports.

Moreta underwent Tommy John surgery in mid-March, with this marking his first activity since. He is projected to return in June of 2025.