MLB Player News

The Mets designated Short for assignment Thursday.

Short was selected to the active roster Friday to provide some extra infield depth during the final weekend before the All-Star break, but he'll now lose his spot to make room for Marcus Semien's (hip) return from the IL. Short went 0-for-6 with a walk during his three-game stint with the Mets and is likely to spend most of the second half working as organizational depth in the minor leagues.

The Mets reinstated Semien (hip) from the injured list Thursday.

Semien has been shelved by a Grade 3 hip flexor strain since June 25, but after going 2-for-3 with a three-run homer during a rehab game Sunday, he's been cleared to return to the active roster before Thursday's second-half opener against Philadelphia -- well ahead of his initial 4-to-6-week timeline. The 35-year-old figures to reclaim his role as New York's primary second baseman now that he's healthy, though the Mets will keep him on the bench Thursday while Brett Baty starts at the keystone. Zack Short was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Pirates acquired Hassell from the Nationals on Thursday in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later.

Hassell was just outrighted off the Nationals' 40-man roster earlier this week, and now he's on the move to a new organization. The 24-year-old outfielder has slashed just .215/.304/.289 over 63 games this season at Triple-A Rochester after sporting a .223/.257/.315 slash line in 70 major-league games in 2025.

The Diamondbacks will recall Locklear from Triple-A Reno prior to Friday's game versus the Cardinals, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

He will absorb the roster spot vacated by Tommy Troy (shoulder), who was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday. Locklear missed the first month-plus of the season while continuing his recovery from left shoulder and left elbow surgeries, but he's been swinging a red-hot bat at Reno in July, going 19-for-43 (.442) with five homers in 11 games. He could see regular playing time between first base and/or designated hitter.

Glasnow (back) threw a bullpen session this past weekend, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Glasnow's recovery from lower-back spasms has dragged on much more than anticipated, but a return to throwing off the bump is a big step. He has not pitched in a game since early May, so Glasnow will require multiple rehab starts whenever he is cleared for a rehab assignment. The Dodgers' primary objective is to have Glasnow healthy for the postseason, so expect them to continue slow-playing the right-hander.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said recently that while he "certainly" expects Smith (neck) to play again this season, he has "no idea" when it will happen, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Smith has been sidelined for more than a month with a lingering neck issue. He has been hitting and throwing but seems unable to get over the hump with the injury, as there's no timeline for when he will be ready for a rehab assignment. The Dodgers will enter the second half with an 11.5-game lead in the National League West, so they can afford to take their time with Smith.

Acuna (hamstring) belted a grand slam and drew a pair of walks in Thursday's rehab game in the rookie-level Florida Complex League.

It was the third rehab contest for Acuna, who went 0-for-6 in his first two games. He has yet to play the outfield, as Atlanta is bringing Acuna along slowly as he works his way back from his second injured-list stint this season caused by a left hamstring strain. If Acuna is activated for the beginning of the second half, Atlanta could initially use him only at DH.

The Reds have agreed to terms with Burns on a seven-year, $105 million contract extension, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

The deal will begin in 2027 and run through 2033 and is a major-league record for a pitcher with less than four years of service time. Burns made his first All-Star team in 2026, carrying a 2.54 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 118:37 K:BB over 102.2 frames across 18 starts into the break. The right-hander boasts a 30.8 percent strikeout rate in 31 career appearances (26 starts) at the big-league level.

Hughes will start Friday's game versus the Reds in Colorado, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Hughes pitched well in his first major-league start last week, striking out seven while limiting the Dodgers to three runs across six innings. That showing has earned Hughes at least one additional start, though he should be avoided for fantasy purposes with the outing against the Reds coming at Coors Field.

Sugano (back) is expected to rejoin the Rockies' rotation with a start Saturday against the Reds, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Sugano has missed the last two weeks of action with back spasms. He has not made any rehab starts, but the Rockies appear ready to re-insert the right-hander into their rotation this weekend. With a lack of rehab outings, Sugano's pitch count could be relatively limited Saturday versus Cincinnati.