MLB Player News

Smith (shoulder) resumed a rehab assignment with High-A Brooklyn on Sunday, tossing a scoreless inning, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Smith was close to being activated earlier this month before experiencing a setback. He's back on the comeback trail now, though, and is expected to return in about a week after making a couple more rehab appearances.

Atlanta recalled Martinez from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Martinez will provide additional outfield depth with Ronald Acuna (knee) going down. The 28-year-old has slashed .265/.337/.394 with three homers and 14 stolen bases with Gwinnett this season. He can play all three outfield spots.

Wendle was designated for assignment by Atlanta on Monday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Wendle inked a major-league contract with Atlanta last Friday after being released by the Mets, but he didn't see any action during his brief time with his new club. He should clear waivers and figures to become a free agent again.

Atlanta placed Acuna (knee) on the 10-day injured list Monday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Acuna suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during Sunday's 8-1 win in Pittsburgh and will undergo season-ending surgery in the coming days. He missed the second half of the 2021 season due to a torn ACL in his other knee and is now slated for another lengthy absence. Jarred Kelenic and Adam Duvall will likely be in line for additional at-bats in the corner outfield with Acuna out, though Atlanta could seek help from outside the organization.

Atlanta activated Murphy (oblique) from the 10-day injured list Monday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Murphy missed more than eight weeks with a Grade 1 left oblique strain but is finally ready to rejoin Atlanta's lineup. He looked sharp during a four-game rehab stint with Triple-A Gwinnett, batting .278 with two home runs. Murphy will probably be eased back into primary catcher duties for Atlanta, as the club is keeping Chadwick Tromp around as a third catcher behind Murphy and Travis d'Arnaud for the time being. He is starting Monday's game, batting fifth against Mitchell Parker and the Nationals.

Musgrove did not factor into the decision in Sunday's win over the Yankees, allowing one run on six hits and no walks while striking out five over 5.1 innings.

Musgrove blanked the Yankees through five before Juan Soto finally opened up the scoring with a one-out RBI double in the sixth that prompted Musgrove's exit after 87 pitches. Despite remaining winless since April 21, Sunday's start was an encouraging showing and one of Musgrove's best starts in what's been a tough season for him so far. The 31-year-old will carry a 5.66 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 44:15 K:BB (49.1 innings) into a road start against the Royals this weekend.

Suarez picked up the save in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Yankees, striking out two while allowing one run on two hits in 1.1 innings.

Suarez came in with two runners on and two out in the eighth to face Aaron Judge and bested him with a strikeout. He returned for the ninth and started off by allowing a home run to Alex Verdugo but was able to get the job done from there. The home run was the first run Suarez has given up since March 28. He continues to be one of the most dominant closers in baseball this year, as he's now tied for third with 15 saves and owns a 0.76 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 23:5 K:BB in 23.2 innings.

Brzykcy (elbow) began a rehab assignment Wednesday in the rookie-level Florida Complex League, striking out two and allowing one run on one hit and no walks in a one-inning start.

Brzykcy is nearing the finish line in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in April 2023. Prior to suffering the major elbow injury, Brzykcy flashed enough promise as a reliever in the minors for the Nationals to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft this past winter and add him to the 40-man roster. He'll likely need a few more rehab outings in lower levels of the minors to ramp back up before he's activated from Double-A Harrisburg's 60-day injured list, but the hard-throwing righty could eventually settle at Triple-A Rochester or even in the big-league bullpen later this season if he's quickly able to recapture his pre-injury form.

Walston did not factor into the decision in Sunday's loss to the Marlins. He tossed 4.2 scoreless innings while allowing just four hits and a walk and striking out four.

Walston kept the Marlins' bats at bay and looked sharp in his first MLB start. He struck out a pair in the opening frame and was able to shut down the minimal scoring opportunities against him. Walston also pounded the zone, throwing 46 of his 65 pitches for strikes while garnering eight whiffs on the afternoon. Manager Torey Lovullo has not yet indicated whether Walston will get another start or not. If he does, the 23-year-old lefty would line up to face the Mets in New York this weekend. He now has nine strikeouts over his first 8.1 big league innings.

Double-A Harrisburg placed Henry on its 7-day injured list May 9 with an unspecified injury.

Harrisburg deactivated Henry a week after he gave up three runs over a three-inning start versus Altoona on May 2. The 24-year-old right-hander was protected from the Rule 5 Draft over the winter and possesses a spot on the Nationals' 40-man roster, but he doesn't appear especially close to making his MLB debut. Henry turned in a 3.95 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 13:9 K:BB in 13.2 innings across his five starts for Harrisburg prior to landing on the IL.