MLB Player News

Diaz was removed from Thursday's game against the Yankees in the fourth inning after being hit on the right forearm by a pitch, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Diaz initially remained in the game after being hit by a Marcus Stroman offering in the top of the first inning, but he was removed for a pinch hitter the next time his spot in the order game up. The designated hitter's name has come up in trade rumors, but Topkin hears that Diaz's removal was related to injury and not a trade. The Rays should have more on his condition after the game.

Simpson was removed from Thursday's game against the Yankees due to an apparent left hand injury, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

After grounding out to end the top of the third inning, Simpson was having issues with his hand while making his way into the outfield. He was pulled after a visit from the Rays' training staff, and the team will now likely take a closer look at him to determine if he's dealing with any structural damage. He can be considered day-to-day for now.

The Phillies traded Mendez to the Twins on Thursday alongside right-handed pitcher Geremy Villoria in exchange for Harrison Bader, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Mendez has spent all of 2025 with the Phillies' Double-A affiliate, where he slashed .290/.374/.434 with eight homers, 46 RBI and 44 runs scored through 349 plate appearances. The 21-year-old outfielder will likely head to Double-A Wichita upon joining his new organization and could receive a promotion to Triple-A St. Paul before the end of the year.

The White Sox reinstated Noda (quadriceps) from the injured list Thursday and optioned him to Triple-A Charlotte.

Noda had been on the shelf since July 7 with a right quad strain, though he had been on a rehab assignment with Charlotte for the past week. During his assignment, the 29-year-old went 2-for-19 with a home run, two RBI, four runs scored and eight strikeouts. He'll stay put in Triple-A now that he's fully healthy, and the White Sox will move forward with Miguel Vargas as their main first baseman.

Gil (lat) is on track to return from the 60-day injured list to start Sunday's game against the Marlins in Miami, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone previously said Tuesday that Gil was on track to make his 2025 MLB debut this weekend if he made it out of his final rehab start without issue, and the right-hander was able to do just that. During his fourth rehab appearance Tuesday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Gil built up to 75 pitches while striking out seven batters and yielding one earned run on three hits and one walk. The Yankees aren't likely to push Gil far past the 90-pitch mark Sunday, but the reigning American League Rookie of the Year should be capable of working deep enough into the start to qualify for a win. Gil has been on the shelf all season after he was diagnosed with a high-grade right lat strain in early March.

The Tigers acquired Finnegan from the Nationals on Thursday in exchange for Josh Randall and R.J. Sales, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Finnegan has notched 20 saves for the Nationals this season, collecting a 4.38 ERA and 32:14 K:BB over 39 innings along the way. He is unlikely to unseat Will Vest as the Tigers' primary closer option, but Finnegan will give manager A.J. Hinch another late-inning option. With Finnegan no longer around, Jose Ferrer could be the current favorite for saves in the Nationals' bullpen.

Kochanowicz is slated to start Sunday's game against the White Sox in Anaheim.

Kochanowicz had an unceremonious return to the Los Angeles rotation after being called up from Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday, taking a loss to the Rangers after giving up two unearned runs on one hit and a season-high six walks over 4.2 innings. Though he now owns an ugly 5.75 ERA and 1.62 WHIP over 98.2 innings with the big club this season, Kochanowicz will get at least one more chance to prove that he's worthy of a spot in the Angels rotation.

Dominguez struck out two in a perfect eighth inning to record a hold in Wednesday's win over the Orioles.

Facing the team that traded him away between the games of Tuesday's doubleheader, Dominguez got some immediate revenge by fanning Tyler O'Neill and Jordan Westburg to protect a 9-8 lead. The veteran righty has a 1.21 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 32:10 K:BB through 22.1 innings since the beginning of June, and he'll be one of the top setup options for Toronto's stretch run in front of closer Jeff Hoffman.

Loperfido (thumb) went 3-for-5 with a run scored in Wednesday's win over the Orioles.

Getting the start in right field and batting leadoff against right-hander Dean Kremer, Loperfido proved the thumb issue he picked up during Tuesday's twin bill wasn't a serious concern. The 26-year-old outfielder has produced four multi-hit performances in his last eight games, a stretch in which he's batting .500 (12-for-24) with two solo home runs, a steal and two additional runs scored. The Blue Jays could have a logjam in the outfield once Daulton Varsho (hamstring) comes off the injured this weekend with Loperfido, Nathan Lukes, Davis Schneider and Myles Straw all making contributions at the plate.

Lukes went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run in Wednesday's win over the Orioles.

The 31-year-old outfielder had the biggest hit of the afternoon, taking Yennier Cano deep in the seventh inning as he pinch hit for Leo Jimenez before staying in the game to play right field. Lukes has nine homers on the season, but four of them have come in the last eight contests, a stretch in which he's driven in nine runs. Despite his recent display of power, Lukes could get squeezed for playing time when Daulton Varsho (hamstring) comes off the IL this weekend.