MLB Player News

Hjerpe will remain on a starter's schedule for the Cardinals down the stretch and is currently penciled in to serve in a piggyback role with Kyle Leahy, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Hjerpe made his major-league debut last week in Colorado, striking out six over four perfect innings out of the bullpen behind Leahy. The lefty remains on the active roster but will not be available out of the bullpen in between his scripted appearances. A good close to the 2026 season could enhance Hjerpe's chances of breaking camp next year as a member of the Cardinals' rotation.

Atlanta placed Elder on the 15-day injured list Wednesday due to arthroscopic right knee surgery.

Elder had his knee scoped Tuesday and will miss the remainder of the regular season, though he's aiming to be available at some point during the playoffs. If he does return for the postseason, it would likely be in a relief role. The right-hander has posted a 4.11 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 121:49 K:BB over 149 innings covering 26 starts for Atlanta this season.

Atlanta activated Lopez (knee) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Lopez will rejoin Atlanta's rotation with a start Wednesday against the Rays. The right-hander has been shelved since late July with left knee inflammation, but he pitched well on a rehab assignment, collecting a 2.57 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 11:3 K:BB in 14 innings. Lopez threw 93 pitches in his last rehab outing, so he should be prepared to handle a normal workload versus Tampa Bay.

Atlanta designated Hernandez for assignment Wednesday.

Hernandez threw two innings and 49 pitches in Tuesday's loss to the Rays, so he's being sent out in favor of a fresh bullpen arm. Bailey Falter will grab Hernandez's roster spot.

Atlanta selected Falter's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

Falter was acquired from the Royals at the trade deadline and allowed just one unearned run with an 11:2 K:BB over 10.2 innings with Gwinnett. The lefty will likely be used in middle relief in Atlanta.

Walston (1-0) earned the win Tuesday against the Royals after allowing one unearned run while walking three and striking out two over two innings in relief.

Walston entered for the 10th with Arizona ahead 3-2 and surrendered the tying run, though it was unearned due to the automatic runner. The left-hander returned for the 11th after the Diamondbacks regained the lead and closed out the 5-3 victory with a scoreless frame. This was Walston's second appearance following Tommy John surgery, as he was activated Sept. 1.

Burnes didn't factor into the decision Tuesday against the Royals after allowing two hits and two walks while striking out two over three scoreless innings.

Burnes made his long-awaited 2026 debut after completing his recovery from Tommy John surgery and immediately delivered three scoreless frames. The right-hander threw 35 of 57 pitches for strikes and worked around traffic without allowing Kansas City to capitalize, finishing his outing by striking out Salvador Perez with a runner at second. It was Burnes' first major-league appearance in 15 months, and Arizona ultimately prevailed 5-3 in 11 innings. Burnes should make his next start next week against the Marlins.

Horwitz went 3-for-5 with three RBI in Tuesday's 9-3 win over the White Sox.

Horwitz was unstoppable at the plate and contributed three of the Pirates' nine runs. He's been slumping in recent days, however, as he's hitting just .222 with a .522 OPS since the beginning of September.

Clarke was promoted from High-A Peoria to Double-A Springfield on Wednesday.

Peoria's season is over, so Clarke will log some more work in Springfield before their season wraps up. The left-hander earned the promotion after putting up a 3.44 ERA and 27:9 K:BB over 18.1 innings covering five starts with Peoria. Clarke has thrown only 25.2 innings this season after coming back from surgery to address an aneurysm in his left arm, so he's a candidate to continue building up his workload in the Arizona Fall League or another setting.

Chandler (7-9) earned the win Tuesday against the White Sox after allowing two runs on four hits while striking out eight over six innings. He didn't issue a walk.

Chandler received a five-run cushion before taking the mound and dominated early, retiring the first 12 hitters he faced while recording seven strikeouts over the first four innings. Chicago finally broke through on Braden Montgomery's RBI single in the fifth before Kyle Teel homered in the sixth. Chandler still completed six innings and lowered his ERA to 4.25. His next start is projected to come over the weekend against the Cubs.