MLB Player News

The Blue Jays recalled Pop from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday.

The trade of Yimi Garcia to the Mariners on Friday cleared a spot in the Blue Jays' bullpen, so Pop will come up from the minors to fill the opening. The 27-year-old righty owns a 5.90 ERA and 1.41 WHIP through 29 innings in the majors this season, and he'll likely be limited to middle relief while in Toronto. Jonatan Clase was optioned to Buffalo in a corresponding move.

Verlander (neck) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

It will be Verlander's third time on a mound as he recovers from a neck issue, with his first coming just before the All-Star break. The 41-year-old was stretched out to 40 pitches in his last bullpen and could be one or two more sessions away from the next stage in his recovery, whether that's a rehab assignment or an immediate return to the Houston rotation.

The Blue Jays optioned Clase to Triple-A Buffalo on Friday.

He was acquired by Toronto on Friday as part of the package for Yimi Garcia, and the 22-year-old Clase will now return to Triple-A to begin his tenure with the Blue Jays organization. He has slashed .274/.373/.483 with 10 homers and 34 RBI through 280 plate appearances in the minors this season and could earn a spot in Toronto's outfield later in the year, especially if the Jays finally part ways with Kevin Kiermaier. Zach Pop was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Stanton (hamstring) is aiming to return for Monday's series opener against the Phillies, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Stanton has been on the injured list since June 23 due to a left hamstring strain. He hasn't been sent on a rehab assignment, but the 34-year-old slugger still appears poised to join the Yankees following a weekend series against the Red Sox. Stanton was slashing .304/.377/.551 with five home runs and 16 RBI in June before going on the IL.

Garcia (elbow) threw a bullpen session Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Garcia completed a 15-pitch bullpen Saturday and was able to jump up to 35 pitches in Friday's session. The right-hander could progress to facing live hitters soon before beginning what's expected to be a lengthy rehab assignment.

The Orioles designated Nittoli for assignment Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Nittoli will lose his spot on the Orioles' roster following the acquisition of Zach Eflin in a trade with Tampa Bay on Friday. The 33-year-old Nittoli has been a reliable option out of the bullpen this season, posting 1.50 ERA through 12 innings between the Athletics and Orioles, making it likely another team claims him off waivers.

The Rays acquired Horvath, Jackson Baumeister and Matthew Etzel from the Orioles on Friday in exchange for starting pitcher Zach Eflin, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Horvath was selected 53rd overall by the Orioles in the 2023 First-Year Player Draft and got his first taste of professional action last year with a 1.058 OPS in 22 games across rookie ball, Single-A Delmarva and High-A Aberdeen. The 22-year-old is back at the High-A level this year and has a .232/.328/.417 slash line in 71 games.

Baumeister and minor-league outfielders Matthew Etzel and Mac Horvath were acquired by the Rays from the Orioles on Friday in exchange for starting pitcher Zach Eflin, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Baumeister was selected 63rd overall in the 2023 First-Year Player Draft by Baltimore and will now make his way to Tampa Bay. The 22-year-old right-hander has pitched at the High-A level this season in his first year of professional action and has a 3.18 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 91:43 K:BB across 70.2 innings.

The Blue Jays acquired Clase and catcher Jacob Sharp from the Mariners on Friday in exchange for Yimi Garcia, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Clase, 22, has turned in a .452 OPS in 19 games with the Mariners this season but has slashed .274/.373/.483 with 10 home runs and 26 stolen bases at Triple-A Tacoma. He's capable of playing all three outfield spots and will be under team control for several years.

Naylor is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Phillies.

Naylor started the previous 10 games but will sit Friday after he went 5-for-34 with one extra-base hit during that stretch. Jhonkensy Noel will start at first base against Philadelphia lefty Cristopher Sanchez.