MLB Player News

The Pirates activated Nicolas from the bereavement list Friday.

Nicolas has rejoined the team after taking a temporary leave. Pittsburgh optioned Cam Sanders to Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move. Nicolas has a 5.14 ERA in 28 innings out of the bullpen with the Pirates this season.

Davis is not in the lineup for Friday's contest against the Brewers.

It will be Joey Bart doing the catching for Friday's series opener. Davis is 1-for-17 with 10 strikeouts over his last five games.

Devanney is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Brewers.

Devanney had drawn four straight starts at third base, but he'll take a seat for Friday's series opener. Jared Triolo is at the hot corner for the Pirates, while Nick Gonzales will play shortstop and Nick Yorke will handle second base.

Mendez has a 7.88 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 22:14 K:BB in 16 innings across four starts for Double-A San Antonio.

In a system that has been ravaged by trades, Mendez is one of the most talented prospects remaining, despite his poor results since getting promoted to Double-A on Aug. 1. The skinny 6-foot-2 righty's fastball regularly touches triple digits and he has one of the best sliders in the minors, but poor control may push him to relief eventually. Mendez, who turned 23 in July, logged a 1.32 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 70:24 K:BB in 61.1 innings at High-A Fort Wayne earlier this season.

Stewart is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Mets.

Stewart started two straight games upon his promotion Monday but has now been out of the lineup for two straight tilts, though he did appear as a pinch hitter Wednesday. Spencer Steer is handling first base in Friday's series opener.

The Brewers recalled Rodriguez from Triple-A Nashville.

The 23-year-old will join the big-league club for the first time since Aug. 24, with Nick Mears (back) headed for the IL. Rodriguez has a 3.86 ERA in 67.2 innings with Nashville, but he's yielded seven runs and a 5:6 K:BB across 6.1 innings with the Brewers.

The Brewers placed Mears on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to Sept. 2, due to back tightness.

Mears hasn't pitched since he allowed three runs in one inning against the Phillies on Monday, and it's now known he's been dealing with a back injury. The 28-year-old joins Trevor Megill (elbow), Grant Anderson (ankle) and DL Hall (oblique) as Brewers relievers on the 15-day injured list. Milwaukee recalled Carlos Rodriguez from Triple-A Nashville in a corresponding move.

The Mets optioned Senger to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.

Senger will lose his spot on the active roster Friday with Francisco Alvarez (finger) being activated from the 10-day injured list. Since being called up Aug. 19, Senger went 4-for-23 (.174) with four RBI and two runs scored.

The Reds optioned Banfield to Triple-A Louisville on Friday.

Banfield served as the backup catcher behind Jose Trevino while Tyler Stephenson (thumb) was shelved. With Stephenson back in the fold, Banfield will return to Louisville.

The Reds activated Stephenson (thumb) from the 10-day injured list Friday.

Stephenson fractured his left thumb three weeks ago but has made a quick recovery and rejoins the Reds' active roster as they push for a playoff spot. The 29-year-old backstop will serve as the club's primary catcher down the stretch, with Jose Trevino moving back to an active No. 2 catcher role.