MLB Player News

Hanifee will serve as the Tigers' opener during Thursday's game against the Mariners.

Hanifee has allowed two earned runs in four innings since having his contract selected from Triple-A on Aug. 1, and he'll now make his first MLB start after pitching the ninth inning of Wednesday's contest. The 26-year-old righty worked primarily as a starter throughout his minor-league career up until this season and is still capable of pitching multiple innings, but he will likely be pulled after a frame or two Thursday for Kenta Maeda, who is expected to pitch in bulk relief.

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

The 26-year-old righty will be squeezed out of the big-league bullpen as Richard Lovelady (forearm) returns from the injured list. Bigge has given up just one earned run in 7.1 MLB innings this season, and he has not been scored upon in four frames since joining the Rays.

The Rays activated Lovelady (forearm) from the 15-day injured list Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lovelady has been on the sidelines since early June with a flexor strain, but he's been cleared to return after making 11 rehab appearances, the last six of which were scoreless. Hunter Bigge has been sent down in a corresponding move.

The Blue Jays selected Nance's contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Nance was just acquired from the Padres for cash considerations Wednesday and a day later has been added to the major-league roster. The 33-year-old had been at Triple-A El Paso all season, posting a 4.05 ERA and 35:8 K:BB over 33.1 innings. Nance -- who last appeared in the majors during 2022 -- could be sent back down once Genesis Cabrera returns from paternity leave.

The Blue Jays placed Cabrera on the paternity list Thursday.

Cabrera will be allowed to miss up to three games as he spends time with his expanding family. Tommy Nance was selected from Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move to replenish Toronto's bullpen depth.

The Rockies recalled Pint from Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday.

Pint allowed two earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning during his lone MLB appearance June 29, and he has since posted a 3.00 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 12 innings with the Isotopes. He'll now be called upon to provide additional depth to Colorado's bullpen, taking the roster spot of Ryan Feltner (shoulder).

Woodford made appearances out of the Pittsburgh bullpen Sunday against the Diamondbacks and Tuesday against the Padres, giving up four earned runs on four hits and no walks while striking out two over 3.2 innings.

After calling Woodford up from Triple-A Indianapolis on July 30, the Pirates turned to the right-hander to make a spot start against the Astros a day later. He gave up three unearned runs over five innings in a no-decision versus Houston, but the outing wasn't enough for Woodford to stick around in the rotation. Woodford will likely be deployed in mop-up situations or lower-leverage spots out of the bullpen while he's with the Pirates.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said that Garrett (elbow) will rejoin the Mets in Seattle on Friday and should be activated from the 15-day injured list at some point during the weekend, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Though the Mets may not activate Garrett on Friday, he's on the cusp of returning to the New York bullpen. The 31-year-old righty has been on the shelf since July 10 due to elbow inflammation after giving up three earned runs in two-thirds of an inning during his last appearance.

Smith (3-0) earned the win Wednesday over the Blue Jays, striking out two over a perfect inning.

Smith has maintained a 2.31 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 15:2 K:BB over 11.2 innings since he first joined the Orioles' big-league roster in mid-July. The right-hander has provided some stability to address one of Baltimore's weak spots. Smith has also picked up two holds since the start of August, which suggests he's moving up the leverage ladder. For the season, he has a 3.70 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 38:11 K:BB over 41.1 innings between Baltimore and Miami, but it's clear he's more comfortable with his current team than he was with his previous one.

The Pirates selected Heller's contract from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Heller has been torched for 12 runs (11 earned) over just two innings in two appearances with the Pirates this season. He's put up great numbers this season at Indianapolis, however, with a 3.55 ERA and 55:13 K:BB in 33 frames. He'll get another chance with Pittsburgh in a middle-relief role.