MLB Player News

Clevinger was released by the Pirates on Thursday, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

After turning in a 4.74 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 24.2 innings at Triple-A Indianapolis, Clevinger elected to activate his release clause and will now seek out another opportunity in the open market. The 35-year-old has made just 12 appearances in the big leagues since 2024 and is unlikely to attract more than a minor-league deal at this stage in his career.

Mlodzinski will start Friday's game against the Mets, Jose Negron of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Mlodzinski is getting another opportunity to start for the Pirates after Mitch Keller (arm) went down with a season-ending injury. Although each of Mlodzinski's last 14 appearances have come in relief, he has covered multiple innings in all of those outings, including going three shutout frames in each of his last two trips to the hill. He threw 47 pitches in his last appearance Aug. 1, so Mlodzinski should be handle around 60 pitches Friday.

The Cardinals outrighted Hence to the rookie-level Florida Complex League on Thursday.

It's a bit of a surprise that the former top prospect passed through waivers unclaimed, even after holding a 6.64 ERA and 1.84 WHIP through 20.1 innings this season at Triple-A Memphis. Hence is likely being sent to the FCL in order to work on his mechanics in a less pressurized setting.

Natera secured the save against the Orioles on Thursday, allowing no runs on one hit and no walks in 1.1 innings. He struck out two.

The departure of Kirby Yates to Pittsburgh at the trade deadline has since opened up ninth-inning work for the Angels. Natera appears to be firmly in the mix alongside Ben Joyce, having been scored upon just one time in his past 11 outings while tallying multiple punchouts on eight occasions during that span. Natera is now 2-for-2 in save opportunities, boasting a 2.16 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 38:10 K:BB with four holds across 25 innings.

Hernandez re-signed Tuesday with Atlanta on a minor-league contract.

Hernandez elected free agency earlier in the week after being removed from Atlanta's 40-man roster and clearing waivers, but he quickly found his way back to the organization. The right-hander saw his first big-league action since 2024 back in July, making two appearances out of the Atlanta bullpen and giving up one earned run across six innings.

Burke secured the save against the Athletics on Thursday, allowing two runs on two hits and no walks in the ninth inning. He struck out one.

Closer Emilio Pagan was likely unavailable Thursday after working each of the past two days, so the Reds turned elsewhere with a three-run advantage. Burke, who has operated primarily as a setup man, was called upon and needed every bit of the 6-3 lead he was granted, serving up a two-run shot to Brian Serven before closing it out. The southpaw is now 2-for-2 in save chances this season, holding a 2.73 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 51:31 K:BB with 13 holds over 56 innings.

Barnett (1-2) took the loss against the Reds on Thursday, allowing five runs on five hits and three walks in 4.1 innings. He struck out seven.

Barnett was inefficient Thursday, landing just 47 of his 82 pitches for strikes, and he served up three home runs in hitter-friendly Cincinnati. The right-hander did fan a season-high seven, but he'll likely need to do a better job of keeping the ball in the yard if he wants to remain in the Athletics' rotation. Barnett appears close to being able to handle a traditional starter's workload after initially working in bulk relief upon his promotion in late July, but his 5.56 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 36:17 K:BB over 34 innings may not leave him with much streaming appeal against the Rays his next time out.

The Reds released Daniel on July 29.

Daniel made three appearances in the big leagues with Atlanta in 2025, but after signing a minor-league contract with the Reds in January, he's pitched exclusively at Triple-A Louisville during the current season. The Reds elected to move on from the 29-year-old righty after he submitted a 4.71 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 93:38 K:BB in 93.2 innings over his 19 appearances (18 starts).

The Royals claimed Little off waivers from the Cubs on Thursday and optioned him to Triple-A Omaha.

Little lost his spot on Chicago's 40-man roster in the flurry of moves following Monday's trade deadline, but he'll reclaim a roster spot upon joining the Royals organization. He'll begin his tenure with the Royals organization at Triple-A, where he's logged a 5.70 ERA and 1.81 WHIP over 23.2 innings this season.

Kimbrel cleared waivers Thursday and elected to become a free agent, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Kimbrel passed through waivers unclaimed after being booted off the Rays' 40-man roster, but he'll become a free agent rather than accept an outright assignment. The veteran reliever holds a 4.81 ERA and 32:16 K:BB over 33.2 innings in the majors this season, and it seems likely he would have to take a minor-league contract if he wants to continue pitching in 2026.