MLB Player News

The Dodgers placed Smith on the 10-day injured list Thursday, retroactive to Monday, due to neck inflammation.

Smith has missed the Dodgers' last four games because of his injured neck, and manager Dave Roberts confirmed Wednesday that the All-Star backstop would require an IL stint and ramp-up period before returning to action. Dalton Rushing will fill in behind the plate most days while Smith is out, and Chuckie Robinson will join the big club from Triple-A to work as the backup catcher.

Emerson (back) will start at shortstop and bat ninth in Thursday's contest in Baltimore.

Emerson was held out of the Mariners' lineup for each of the previous three contests as be battled back spasms, but he's feeling well enough to give it a go in Thursday's series finale. The rookie infielder is sporting an elevated 30.4 percent strikeout rate in his first 19 major-league games but has gone deep four times.

The Guardians optioned Heuer to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Heuer has given up four earned runs in just 5.1 innings since coming up from Triple-A on May 25, and his struggles will now officially cost him his spot in the Guardians' bullpen. His replacement will be announced ahead of Friday's series opener against Detroit.

The Mariners designated Gonzalez for assignment Thursday.

Gonzalez was added to the Mariners' bullpen Wednesday, but he'll now lose his spot after giving up four earned runs over two innings against the Orioles. Michael Rucker was selected to the active roster in a corresponding move.

The Mariners selected Rucker's contract from Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday.

Rucker will return to the majors for the first time since 2023 after posting a 1.59 ERA and 1.62 WHIP through 22.2 innings at Tacoma. He'll take the place of Domingo Gonzalez, who was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Yankees activated Chivilli (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Thursday and optioned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Chivilli has put his shoulder issue behind him, but he will remain at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he began a rehab assignment Wednesday. The 23-year-old made two relief appearances for the Yankees earlier this season, allowing one run with a 3:3 K:BB over 2.1 innings.

The Brewers returned Priester (shoulder) from his rehab assignment in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League on Thursday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Priester has struggled to gain any sort of momentum during his rehab outings, posting a 21.60 ERA in 10 innings across six appearances between Triple-A Nashville and High-A Wisconsin, and more recently allowing four earned runs on three hits and seven walks across six innings between two starts in rookie ball. The Brewers haven't outlined what Priester's next steps will be now that his rehab assignment has been paused, but he doesn't appear to be anywhere near a return to Milwaukee's rotation.

The Brewers signed Richardson to a minor-league contract Thursday, Jim Goulart of BrewerFanatic.com reports.

Richardson elected free agency last week after being booted off the Reds' 40-man roster. The 26-year-old holds a career 6.67 ERA and 46:39 K:BB over 56.2 innings covering parts of four seasons at the major-league level. Richardson will report to the Brewers' Arizona Complex League affiliate for now but should move up to Triple-A Nashville soon.

The Pirates recalled Valdez from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

Valdez went 2-for-16 with a pair of home runs during an earlier stint in the big leagues this season. The Pirates could give Valdez regular chances in the outfield while they deal with the fallout of the Oneil Cruz's absence due to a hand injury. Valdez, 22, has slashed .255/.388/.526 with 13 home runs across 237 plate appearances with Indianapolis this season.

The Pirates optioned Wendzel to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

Wendzel was just promoted earlier this week and went 0-for-4 at the dish in his only start. He's being replaced on the active roster by Esmerlyn Valdez.