MLB Player News

Joyce (shoulder) averaged 100.2 mph with his fastball in a one-inning rehab appearance in the Arizona Complex League on Thursday, Taylor Blake Ward of TheSportingTribune.com reports.

Joyce's fastball topped out at 102.3 mph, and he's now thrown 2.2 innings since resuming his rehab assignment following a setback in May. The hard-throwing right-hander was placed on the injured list just ahead of Opening Day and has yet to pitch in a big-league game this season. If all goes well, Joyce could potentially rejoin the Angels' bullpen later this month.

Lucchesi signed a contract with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball on Thursday.

Lucchesi posted a 13.50 ERA in five outings with the Angels earlier this season and logged a 3.24 ERA and 45:13 K:BB across 33.1 frames with Triple-A Salt Lake. The lefty is likely to get a chance in the Marines' rotation.

The Cubs released Wright on Sunday.

Wright inked a minor-league contract with the Cubs back in February but never made an appearance in the organization. It's unclear what's prevented the right-hander from taking the mound this season, but he has a lengthy history of past shoulder problems. Wright hasn't pitched in the majors since 2023.

Woodford elected to become a free agent Wednesday.

Woodford passed through waivers after being booted off the Cubs' 40-man roster, but he'll look for a gig elsewhere rather than accepting an outright assignment to the minors. The righty holds a 7.46 ERA and 1.82 WHIP across 25.1 innings in the majors this season between the Cubs and Brewers.

The Cubs released Hendriks on Thursday.

Hendriks tossed four scoreless innings with a 5:1 K:BB at Triple-A Iowa, so he might have exercised an opt-out clause in his minor-league contract. The veteran reliever logged a 6.59 ERA and 12:7 K:BB over 13.2 frames last season with the Red Sox.

Mullins is not in the lineup for the first game of Friday's doubleheader versus the Red Sox.

With lefty Jake Bennett slated to toe the rubber for the Red Sox, Mullins will begin the festivities on the bench. Jonny DeLuca will patrol center field for the Rays.

Caminero (hand) will start at third base and bat third in the first game of Friday's doubleheader against the Red Sox.

Caminero had to leave Tuesday's All-Star Game after being hit on the left hand by a pitch, but X-rays came back negative and he's ready to roll for the beginning of the second half. The 23-year-old heads into the unofficial second half in a tie for fourth in MLB with 28 home runs.

Bummer opted out of his minor-league contract with the Cubs on Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

After being released by Atlanta in May following a 7.63 ERA in 19 appearances, Bummer allowed four runs with a 3:2 K:BB over four innings with Triple-A Iowa. The southpaw has the ability to negotiate with other teams, though it's possible he already has a deal in place somewhere.

Acuna's (hamstring) rehab assignment was transferred to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday.

Acuna went 1-for-7 with a grand slam in three rehab games at the rookie-level Florida Complex League and will now test things out against a higher level of competition. He was used in the designated hitter slot for all three contests in the FCL, and it's unclear when Acuna will be worked back into things in right field. Atlanta has not revealed a target date for Acuna's return to the active roster, but it should happen soon.

The Rays recalled Englert from Triple-A Durham on Friday and will have him start or pitch in bulk relief in the second game of their doubleheader versus the Red Sox, Ryan Bass of Rays.tv reports.

Tampa Bay designated Englert as the 27th man for the twin bill, so he'll likely be returned to Durham after the doubleheader is completed. The 26-year-old has made two starts and 11 relief appearances for Tampa Bay this season, logging a 3.82 ERA and 28:7 K:BB over 30.2 innings.