MLB Player News

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.

Taylor (bicep) moved his rehab assignment to Triple-A Omaha on Sunday and made a one-inning appearance against Toledo, allowing one earned run on two hits and one walk.

Taylor moved his rehab to Triple-A after he gave up one unearned run across three innings over his three appearances at Double-A Northwest Arkansas. The lefty reliever has been on the shelf all season while recovering from a left bicep nerve injury, but he looks poised to make his 2024 debut for the Royals at some point over the final two weeks of the campaign.

Santos (biceps) fired two-thirds scoreless innings in Triple-A Tacoma's loss to Oklahoma City on Sunday, issuing two walks and recording a strikeout.

Santos made his second rehab appearance in three days for the Rainiers and bounced back from having allowed a run over two-thirds of an inning in Friday's outing. The right-hander threw another 18 pitches Sunday, although only seven landed for strikes. Santos has exhibited control issues in each of his last two appearances, but from a workload standpoint, he certainly seems to be ready for activation.

Kittredge (4-5) allowed one run on two hits and a walk while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Sunday versus the Blue Jays.

This outing brought an end to Kittredge's 11.2-inning scoreless streak, a span in which he logged three wins and three holds. He's mostly been able to limit any struggles this season to two or three outings at a time, which has helped him remain a steady setup man for a Cardinals team that is often in tight games. Kittredge is now at a 2.97 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 61:20 K:BB, one save and 33 holds over 63.2 innings.

The Rays optioned Sulser to Triple-A Durham on Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Sulser hasn't allowed a run in 11.2 innings with the Rays, but he has minor-league options remaining and that works against him. Colin Poche (shoulder) has returned from the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move.

The Rays activated Poche (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Poche has been out all month with left shoulder inflammation but will skip a rehab assignment and go directly back into the big-league bullpen. The left-hander could be in the mix for saves down the stretch as part of an unsettled Tampa Bay closer situation.

Karinchak (shoulder) began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Columbus on Sept. 6 and has struck out seven batters over 4.2 innings across five appearances while giving up two earned runs on two hits and five walks.

Karinchak has been on the injured list all season after reporting shoulder fatigue in spring training and being slow to recover from the issue and return to form. While working out at the Guardians' facility in Arizona in August, Karinchak seemed to turn a corner with his rehab program and was given the green light to report to Triple-A earlier this month. His results have been uneven thus far, but manager Stephen Vogt hasn't dismissed the possibility of Karinchak being an option out of the big-league bullpen before the regular season ends Sept. 29, per MLB.com.

Sims (lat) walked two and recorded a strikeout in one-third of an inning in his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Worcester on Sunday.

Sims is three weeks removed from going on the 15-day injured list with a right lat strain, but he's ramping up in the minors and could be ready to rejoin the Boston bullpen by the end of the week. The right-hander has struggled with Boston since being acquired at the trade deadline, allowing nine runs with a 7:7 K:BB over 10 innings.

Ellard pitched the ninth inning and earned a save against Oakland on Sunday. He struck out one and allowed a solo homer.

Ellard coughed up a solo shot to Shea Langeliers but still escaped with his first career save. The White Sox continue to spread ninth-inning work around the bullpen when a rare save opportunity presents itself. With Jordan Leasure (shoulder) still on the injured list, no active pitcher on the roster has multiple saves this season. Ellard owns a 3.06 ERA with a 22:8 K:BB through 18 MLB appearances.