MLB Player News

The Rockies recalled Kauffmann from Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday.

Jake Bird is scheduled to serve as the Rockies' opening pitcher in Monday's game against the Nationals, but Kauffmann will most likely work in bulk relief behind him, given that he's capable of covering multiple innings and is the freshest arm in the Colorado bullpen. The right-hander has produced an inflated 10.19 ERA and 2.04 WHIP with eight strikeouts in 17.2 innings over five appearances (three starts) with the big-league club in 2023. Kauffmann will likely be in line for a short-term stay with the Rockies.

Smith (1-2) took the loss against the Astros on Sunday, allowing an earned run on a solo home run over 1.2 innings. He also issued a walk and hit a batter.

Smith paid for his one mistake, a slider that Mauricio Dubon blasted 404 feet to left center for a go-ahead homer in the ninth. Smith has now allowed at least one earned run in five straight appearances, another rough patch in a season that's seen him pitch to a 6.59 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 1.3 HR/9 while also posting an unsightly 1.29 K/BB across 13.2 innings.

The Red Sox optioned Garza to Triple-A Worcester, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Garza was up with Boston for just two days and made his lone relief appearance in Saturday's 8-6 win over the Mets. He recorded two outs in that appearance while giving up three earned runs on three hits.

The Red Sox optioned Walter to Triple-A Worcester on Monday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

After being called up from Worcester on July 4, Walter worked exclusively as a reliever for Boston, covering eight innings over five appearances while allowing three runs (two earned) on 11 hits and one walk. He'll likely get stretched back out and transition into a starting role as he returns to Worcester.

Rodriguez was designated for assignment Monday.

Atlanta needed to free up a spot on their 40-man roster for Taylor Hearn. Rodriguez has made a total of three appearances in the majors this season between Atlanta and Minnesota but has spent most of the year at the Triple-A level. He'll now go through the waiver process.

Baumann (7-0) walked two and struck out two without allowing a hit over 2.2 scoreless innings to earn the win over the Rays on Sunday.

Baumann has allowed just one unearned run over his last 11.2 innings, collecting three wins, a hold and a blown save in 10 appearances in that span. He's also posted a 12:9 K:BB in that stretch, but the elevated walk rate has yet to come back to haunt him. He's at a 3.49 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 52:28 K:BB through 49 innings this season, emerging as a reliable multi-inning option for manager Brandon Hyde.

Herrin (1-1) allowed three runs (two earned) on a hit and a walk while striking out two over one-plus innings to take the loss Sunday versus the Phillies.

Herrin kept the game close in the ninth inning, but after the Guardians tied it, he struggled when he came out for the 10th. Trevor Stephan couldn't contain the Phillies' rally either, and Herrin ended up with his first loss of the campaign. Herrin is now at a 5.55 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 28:11 K:BB with a hold and a blown save through 24.1 innings this season. The Guardians used a bullpen game Sunday, which likely explains why the southpaw was pitching in the late innings when he typically works much earlier in games.

Luetge was designated for assignment by Atlanta on Monday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The team needed to clear a spot on the 40-man and 26-man rosters for the addition of Pierce Johnson. It's the second time since late May that Luetge has been removed from the 40-man roster. If he clears waivers, he has the ability to elect free agency.

Alexander (6-1) allowed two runs on two hits over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Sunday. He did not walk or strike out a batter.

Alexander was the opener for the second time this season, but it ended up being a poor outing for the southpaw, as he gave up multiple runs for the first time since April 29. He's emerged as a somewhat high-leverage option for the Giants this season, logging seven holds and one save over 32 appearances, though he's far from challenging Camilo Doval for the closer role. Alexander now has a 3.62 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB through 27.1 innings and should return to his usual role going forward.

Atlanta acquired Hearn from the Rangers on Monday in exchange for cash considerations, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Hearn holds a 5.11 ERA over 92 appearances -- 25 starts -- at the major-league level, although he's spent most of 2023 at Triple-A Round Rock. He has minor-league options remaining, but he looks set to report to the big-league club right away as he joins a new organization.