MLB Player News

Hernaiz was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Hernaiz was optioned at the end of August after playing in 20 games in his return from the 60-day injured list. He now rejoins the big-league club after posting an .836 OPS in Triple-A since then. In a corresponding move, Ryan Noda was optioned to Double-A Midland.

Topa (knee/elbow) said Tuesday that he feels ready to return after making two rehab appearances with Triple-A St. Paul, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Topa allowed three runs in the first of those outings before bouncing back with two strikeouts in a scoreless frame in the second appearance. He's been out all season, first while recovering from a torn patellar tendon in his left knee and more recently due to right elbow inflammation. While Topa appears healthy now, it's unclear how eager the Twins would be to throw him into action during the final week of the season when they're pushing for a playoff spot.

Lorenzen (hamstring) will be reinstated from the 15-day injured list to start Wednesday against the Nationals, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander has been out since late August due to a hamstring strain but will rejoin Kansas City's rotation after a pair of rehab outings. Lorenzen had a limit workload in both rehab appearances and will likely have some limitations Wednesday, which will be his final start of the regular season.

Paddack (forearm) threw a live batting practice session Monday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Paddack is slated to throw again Thursday before the Twins make a decision on whether to activate him from the 15-day injured list. He's been sidelined since late July with a right forearm strain and would surely return as a reliever, if he does make it back later this week or during the postseason.

Brieske earned the save in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over the Rays, allowing one run on one hit over two innings. He struck out three.

Brieske hadn't allowed an earned run in 12.2 innings before he gave up a solo homer to Brandon Lowe with two outs in the ninth Tuesday. However, Brieske rebounded to strike out Josh Lowe for the final out, securing his first save in 2024. The 26-year-old right-hander has earned a higher-leverage role with the Tigers down the stretch. Brieske's ERA now sits at 3.68 with a 1.32 WHIP and 68:30 K:BB through 63.2 innings this season.

Manager Rocco Baldelli said Tuesday that Kepler (knee/hip) isn't expected to return from the injured list before the end of the regular season, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

The 31-year-old landed on the shelf in early September due to knee tendinitis, and he received a cortisone injection for hip soreness last week. The Twins are currently one game back of the final American League wild-card spot, and it's possible Kepler could return at some point during the playoffs should they punch their ticket and go on an October run.

The Blue Jays recalled Lucas from Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday.

Lucas was claimed off waivers last month and will be making his Blue Jays debut when/if he gets into a game. The lefty reliever holds a 9.22 ERA and 15:9 K:BB over 13.2 innings from 2023-24 during his brief time at the major-league level.

The Blue Jays optioned Pop to their spring training complex on Tuesday.

He's being sent to the team's spring training facility because Triple-A Buffalo's season is over. Pop will be replaced on the roster and in the bullpen by Easton Lucas.

Skubal (18-4) earned the win Tuesday over Tampa Bay, allowing two hits and one walk over seven scoreless innings. He struck out seven.

Skubal's now earned wins in six of his last nine outings -- he's only allowed more than two earned runs once in that span while posting a 1.94 ERA across 55.2 innings. Skubal, the current Cy Young frontrunner in the American League, will carry a 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 228:35 K:BB into his final regular-season start, likely to come this weekend at home against the White Sox.

Ruiz (wrist) underwent right knee arthroscopic surgery Tuesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

A patella tendon debridement and a chondroplasty procedure were performed on the knee. Ruiz -- who had already been ruled out for the season with a left wrist strain -- will rehab this offseason in hopes of being ready in time for spring training. The 25-year-old played 29 games for the Athletics this season, producing a .652 OPS with two homers and five steals.