MLB Player News

Simpson will start a bullpen game Wednesday against the Phillies, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Washington will lean on its bullpen to get through Wednesday's series finale in an effort to buy some extra rest for Cade Cavalli, who has already pitched 164.2 innings this year. Simpson will take the mound to begin the game despite coughing up three runs without recording an out in his last appearance, and he'll likely remain in the game for a few frames before turning things over to another reliever.

Tolman earned the save in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Phillies after tossing a scoreless ninth inning.

Tolman didn't record a strikeout, but he also didn't issue a hit nor a walk, needing only 13 pitches (eight strikes) to close out the win for Washington. He has logged three saves (in four chances) over his last six outings, and with Orlando Ribalta (forearm) on the 15-day injured list, Tolman and Jack Sinclair both appear to be in the mix for save opportunities over the last couple of weeks of the regular season.

The Marlins recalled Blalock from Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday.

With Pete Fairbanks (hand) landing on the injured list Tuesday, the Marlins will bring Blalock back up from Triple-A to fill the void in their bullpen. The 25-year-old has given up two earned runs in six MLB innings this season but carries a 5.56 ERA and 1.48 WHIP through 110 frames in the minors.

The Marlins placed Fairbanks on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with right median nerve irritation.

Fairbanks has already landed on the injured list twice this season due to nerve issues in his right hand, and his third will cause his season to come to an early end. The 32-year-old picked up 19 saves while struggling to a 6.31 ERA and 1.35 WHIP over 41.1 innings during his first year with the Marlins. Calvin Faucher and Michael Petersen will both be candidates to work as Miami's closer during the season's final weeks.

Holman will remain at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, as Kyle Backhus was recalled to replace Jesus Luzardo (shoulder) on the Phillies' active roster.

The Phillies originally announced that they recalled Holman from Triple-A as a corresponding move for Luzardo landing on the IL, but the team later decided to promote Backhus instead. Holman owns a 3.60 ERA and 1.17 WHIP at the Triple-A level this season and gave up five unearned runs during his lone outing with the Phillies.

Interim manager Chad Tracy said Tuesday that Slaten (elbow) will not return from the injured list this season, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Slaten received a PRP injection to address degenerative changes in his flexor mass, and the recovery time will extend past the end of the season. He'll close the book on 2026 with a 4.60 ERA and 1.37 WHIP to go with a 39:8 K:BB across 31.1 innings. He also recorded a career-high 17 holds.

Manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday that the Cubs have shut down Miller's (elbow) rehab, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Miller has been on the shelf all season while working his way back from the second Tommy John procedure of his career, but the Cubs no longer believe it's worth pushing him to join the team's bullpen before the end of the year. The 35-year-old will now look to get healthy for the start of the 2027 campaign and provide stability to a Chicago bullpen that hasn't been very reliable this season.

Philadelphia recalled Backhus from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday.

Backhus will make his fourth stint with the big-league club after being called up Tuesday. In 21 appearances this season, the 28-year-old owns a 4.95 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 20:6 K:BB over 20 innings. Philadelphia sent Jesus Luzardo (shoulder) to the injured list, opening a roster spot for Backhus.

Colorado optioned Castano to Triple-A Albuquerque on Tuesday.

Castano made five appearances with the big-league club after being called up Sept. 1. Over 6.2 innings, the 28-year-old posted a 2.70 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 4:3 K:BB. The Rockies reinstated Kyle Freeland (neck), leading to the team's removal of Castano from the active roster.

The Phillies recalled Holman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday.

Holman was sent down to Triple-A on Sunday, but he'll reverse course and rejoin Philadelphia's bullpen as Jesus Luzardo (shoulder) moves to the injured list. Holman gave up five unearned runs while recording one out during his season debut Saturday and will likely be reserved for low-leverage situations.