MLB Player News

Cruz (oblique) is scheduled to throw a live bullpen session with Double-A Somerset on Sunday, Peter Sblendorio of the New York Daily News reports.

Cruz has been on the injured list since June 30 due to a severe left oblique strain. He began throwing bullpen sessions in late July and has shown enough progress to advance to facing hitters. Since Cruz's absence has already lasted over a month, he'll likely need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before he's ready to rejoin the Yankees. Nonetheless, a return before the end of August is feasible.

The Diamondbacks optioned Kelly to Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Kelly pitched 1.2 scoreless innings over two appearances during his stint with the D-backs, but a need for fresh arms will cause him to head back to Triple-A in favor of Juan Burgos. Kelly owns a 5.82 ERA and 1.71 WHIP through 85 innings at Reno this season, but his strong MLB outings could keep him in consideration for a return to Arizona at some point.

The Diamondbacks recalled Burgos from Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Since joining the Diamondbacks organization via the Eugenio Suarez trade, Burgos has given up two earned runs over 3.1 innings at Triple-A Reno. He'll now join Arizona's bullpen for the first time to provide a fresh middle-relief arm, taking the place of Casey Kelly.

The Athletics recalled Harris from Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday.

With Luis Severino (oblique) headed for the IL, Harris will return to the big club to provide the team with extra bullpen depth while the A's work out who will take the open rotation spot. The 28-year-old southpaw owns a 4.35 ERA through 41.1 innings in the majors this season and will likely be limited to middle-relief duties.

The Padres optioned Reynolds to Triple-A El Paso on Saturday.

The 27-year-old righty will lose his place on the big-league pitching staff due to Michael King (shoulder) returning from the injured list Saturday. Reynolds carries a 5.55 ERA and 1.32 WHIP through 24.1 innings in the majors this season but remains an option to return to San Diego down the stretch whenever the Friars need a fresh bullpen arm.

Garrett will open Saturday's game against the Brewers, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Garrett will move out of his traditional high-leverage relief role to pitch the first inning of Saturday's contest, marking his first career start in the majors. The 32-year-old righty sports a 2.51 ERA and 1.16 WHIP through 46.2 innings on the year and will likely make it through just one inning before handing the game over to Frankie Montas for bulk-relief work.

Brasier allowed two runs on three hits across an inning of relief in Friday's 5-0 loss to the Cardinals. He struck out two.

Brasier allowed at least one run in a third straight appearance, and over his last five outings, he's allowed a total of eight earned runs. Before the rough patch, the veteran righty had a 0.93 ERA for the season, but that's climbed to 3.91. Brasier should still see some important innings out of Chicago's bullpen moving forward, though he won't get save opportunities with Daniel Palencia emerging as the team's closer. New acquisitions Taylor Rogers and Andrew Kittredge also figure to see more high-leverage work than Brasier, which limits the latter's fantasy appeal.

The Marlins recalled Zuber from Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday.

Zuber will join the Marlins for the first time since being claimed off waivers in early July to replace Anthony Bender (paternity). Zuber, 30, gave up two runs in two innings during his time with the Mets but has turned in a 3.60 ERA and 1.10 WHIP through 10 innings at Jacksonville.

The Marlins placed Bender on the paternity list Saturday.

Bender will be allowed to spend three days away from the team while he spends time with his expanding family. Tyler Zuber was recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville in a corresponding move to fill the open spot in Miami's bullpen.

Brash struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his second save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Rays.

Andres Munoz had worked Wednesday and Thursday, so Brash got the call for the save opportunity and mowed down Tampa Bay's 2-3-4 hitters on 19 pitches (10 strikes). Brash missed the first month-plus of the season while completing his recovery from a hybrid Tommy John surgery/internal brace procedure on his elbow performed in May 2024, but since getting back on the mound he's been almost untouchable, posting a 1.20 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 34:12 K:BB over 30 innings. Munoz's numbers are also elite as the team's closer, but Brash's presence gives the M's perhaps the best high-leverage duo in the league.