MLB Player News

Wolf's contract was selected as expected Saturday ahead of his major-league debut against the Tigers.

Wolf, a fourth-round pick in the 2021 Draft, doesn't come with a ton of prospect pedigree, but he does come with strong numbers at the Double-A level this season. In 17 starts, he owns a 3.39 ERA, striking out 31.3 percent of opposing batters while walking just 6.0 percent. The 6-foot-7 sidearmer will skip Triple-A altogether, though it remains to be seen if his funk and deception will continue to outweigh the fact that his fastball sits below 90 mph.

Winans' contract was selected by Atlanta on Saturday ahead of his scheduled start against Milwaukee.

The 27-year-old righty will be making his big-league debut after recording a 2.81 ERA in 18 appearances (13 starts) for Triple-A Gwinnett this season. Since becoming a starter ahead of last season, he's produced above-average groundball rates and avoided walks, but his 22.8 percent strikeout rate is nothing special. He may only be up for one start before returning to the minors once Max Fried (forearm) is ready to rejoin the rotation.

Pfaadt was recalled by the Diamondbacks on Saturday to start against the Reds.

Pfaadt has failed to turn his prospect pedigree into big-league success thus far, struggling to a 9.82 ERA in six starts. He's only managed to strike out 17.2 percent of opposing batters, well below the 27.1 percent strikeout rate he owns for Triple-A Reno this season. Him figuring out how to put big-league hitters away could be crucial to the Diamondbacks' playoff hopes, as the team now finds itself in the thick of the wild-card race after falling back to the pack following a hot start. Justin Martinez was optioned to clear space on the roster.

Smyly will be available out of the bullpen for Saturday's game against the Cardinals, with Michael Fulmer set to open, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

The Cubs haven't officially indicated that Smyly will handle the bulk innings, but considering that he's on turn to start and that Fulmer isn't likely to thrown more than an inning or two after appearing in relief Friday, it seems likely. Smyly has had his moments this season, taking a perfect game into the eighth inning against the Dodgers back in April, but he's stumbled to a 9.87 ERA over his last four starts, so it's no surprise he's lost his manager's confidence.

Lively didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 9-6 win over the Diamondbacks, giving up three runs on four hits and two walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out six.

The journeyman right-hander came up one out short of collecting his fifth win of the season, getting the hook after 76 pitches (49 strikes) following a two-out RBI triple by Ketel Marte that shrunk Cincinnati's lead to one run. Lively hasn't thrown more than 80 pitches in any of his last four starts as manager David Bell has him on a short leash -- while he has a solid 3.44 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 18:8 K:BB through 18.1 innings over that stretch, he's completed five innings only once and has zero wins, putting a firm cap on his fantasy utility. Lively is next set to take the mound on the road next week in Milwaukee.

Henry (5-3) took the loss Friday, giving up four runs (three earned) on four hits and four walks over 4.1 innings as the Diamondbacks fell 9-6 to the Reds. He struck out two and also hit two batters with pitches.

Some shaky defense by Geraldo Perdomo did him no favors, but Henry created plenty of problems for himself, as he tossed only 47 of 88 pitches for strikes before getting the hook. The southpaw has issued four free passes in two of his last three outings, and since the beginning of June he's posted a 4.29 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 33:18 K:BB through 42 innings. Henry will look for a better result in his next start, likely to come at home next week against the Cardinals.

Suarez (2-5) took the loss Friday, giving up four runs on eight hits and two walks over five innings as the Phillies fell 6-5 to the Guardians. He struck out five and also threw two wild pitches.

Cleveland had runners in scoring position in four of the five frames Suarez worked, and the southpaw mostly wasn't able to wiggle off the hook. He's lost three straight decisions in his four July outings, stumbling to a 6.14 ERA and 17:12 K:BB through 22 innings on the month. Suarez will try to get back on track in his next start, which is likely to come at home next week against the Orioles.

Lugo (4-4) earned the win Friday, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks over six innings against the Tigers. He struck out seven.

Lugo tied his season high with seven strikeouts, a mark he set April 2, and recorded his first win since May 3. Since returning from the injured list June 20, the right-hander has pitched fairly well, posting a 3.24 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 33:5 K:BB over six appearances (33.1 innings). Lugo's next start is lined up for a home matchup against the Pirates.

Freeland (shoulder) is throwing another bullpen session Saturday, MLB.com reports.

Freeland threw a 40-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and will continue to ramp up activity. Assuming there are no setbacks, he's hoping to return to the team's rotation next weekend in a series against the Athletics.

Oviedo (3-11) allowed five runs on three hits and three walks while striking out four over four innings to take the loss Friday versus the Angels.

Oviedo got through the first three innings with little trouble, but the Angels got to him the second time through the order. The right-hander has had trouble with the long ball lately, giving up eight homers across his last six starts and taking the loss in five of those outings. He's at a 4.77 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 101:46 K:BB through 111.1 innings over 20 starts this season. Oviedo's projected for a road start in San Diego next week.