MLB Player News

The Cardinals recalled O'Brien from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

O'Brien made the Cardinals' Opening Day roster but suffered a flexor strain in his first appearance and missed the remainder of the first half. He has pitched well since resurfacing at Memphis, posting a 1.35 ERA and 9:5 K:BB over 13.1 innings, to earn another look with the big club.

The Cardinals designated Armstrong for assignment Tuesday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Armstrong was acquired from the Rays in the Dylan Carlson trade and has pitched well with a 2.84 ERA and 12:2 K:BB over 12.2 innings. The Cardinals are likely hoping the right-hander gets claimed so they can clear a bit of salary. Riley O'Brien will replace Armstrong on the roster and in the bullpen.

The Reds recalled Hinds from Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday.

Hinds takes Stuart Fairchild's (thumb) spot on the active roster as Fairchild hits the IL. Hinds hasn't been with the Reds since July 24 after going 12-for-40 (.316) with five homers during his first MLB stint. Though Fairchild served as Cincinnati's backup center fielder, all 10 of Hinds' big-league starts came in right field and it's unclear where the Reds intend to use the 23-year-old.

Taylor will start in center field and bat eighth in Tuesday's game versus the Cubs.

Taylor was placed on outright waivers Sunday, but he went unclaimed and will remain on the Pirates' active roster for the time being. Oneil Cruz's move to center field for Pittsburgh is imminent, but he will serve as the designated hitter for the second game in a row Tuesday while Taylor patrols center field.

The Reds placed Fairchild on the 10-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to Aug. 26, with a left thumb sprain.

It's unclear when Fairchild sustained the injury, but the sprained thumb will force him to the injured list. Rece Hinds was recalled from Triple-A Louisville to provide some depth in the outfield while TJ Friedl continues to start most games in center field.

Harris (hand) will start in center field and bat sixth in Tuesday's game in Minnesota.

Harris exited Sunday's game versus the Nationals after being hit by a pitch and didn't start Monday, but he entered that contest off the bench and is feeling well enough to start Tuesday's game. He's down in the No. 6 spot in the lineup while Whit Merrifield hits leadoff, although that could be just a temporary setup.

The Cubs recalled Palencia from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Palencia hasn't pitched well during his time with the big club this season, collecting a 6.55 ERA and 12:8 K:BB over 11 innings. Jack Neely was sent down in a corresponding move.

The Cubs optioned Neely to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Neely was roughed up for six runs over four innings during his brief first stint in the majors. He'll be replaced on the roster and in the bullpen by Daniel Palencia.

Reds manager David Bell said Tuesday that Fraley (knee) is on track to return from the 10-day injured list when first eligible Saturday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Fraley was placed on the IL last week with a right knee sprain, but Bell indicated the outfielder was given a pain-killing injection, which has helped. He's expected to resume hitting soon and be back in the Reds' lineup this weekend.

Reds manager David Bell said Tuesday that Candelario is still feeling pain in his fractured left great toe, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

It's not a surprise to hear considering he's just a week removed from landing on the 10-day injured list, but it emphasizes that Candelario is not close to a return. The Reds presumably won't allow him to resume baseball activities until he's pain-free, and after that he'll need a little time to get ramped back up.