MLB Player News

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.

Reds manager David Bell said Tuesday that McLain (shoulder/rib) is still undergoing tests to determine the cause of the pain in his side, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

McLain encountered a roadblock in his recovery from left shoulder surgery when he went down with a stress reaction in his rib cage earlier this month. He had resumed baseball activities but evidently at some point was shut down again. Bell noted that the testing McLain is going through is nearly finished and the infielder could resume swinging a bat again soon. There could still be time for McLain to make it back before the end of the season, but he can't afford any more setbacks.

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

He'll absorb the roster spot vacated by Julian Merryweather (knee), who went on the 15-day injured list. Thompson, 29, has posted a 3.50 ERA and 26:10 K:BB over 18 innings during his time with the big club in 2024.

The Cubs placed Merryweather on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to right knee tendinitis, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

It's unclear when the injury first surfaced, but Merryweather surrendered four runs over one inning during his last appearance Sunday in Miami. The right-hander is without a clear timeline for his return but will be eligible to rejoin the active roster during the second week of September.