MLB Player News

Atlanta designated Hernandez for assignment Saturday.

Hernandez pitched three innings Friday to record the first save of his career, but he'll now be pushed out of Atlanta's bullpen to make room for a fresh arm in the form of James Karinchak. Hernandez has now allowed just one run in six big-league innings this year, but he still carries a 5.03 ERA across his MLB career.

Atlanta recalled Karinchak from Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

Karinchak has given up just two earned runs in 9.2 innings with the big club this season, and he'll now return to Atlanta to take on a middle-relief role. He'll replace Elieser Hernandez, who was designated for assignment.

The Cardinals optioned Svanson to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

After giving up seven runs (six earned) in 3.2 innings following the All-Star break, Svanson will lose his place in St. Louis' bullpen to make room for the arrival of Quinn Mathews. Svanson owns a 7.27 ERA through 43.1 frames this season -- a sharp decline from his 1.94 ERA in 2025 -- but could still return to the majors if he rights the ship in Triple-A.

The Cardinals designated Hence for assignment Saturday.

Hence will lose his place on the 40-man roster to make room for Quinn Mathews, who was called up to start Saturday's game against Toronto. Hence has spent the entire season at Triple-A Memphis and owns a 6.64 ERA and 1.84 WHIP through 20.1 innings.

Baez went 3-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored in Friday's 13-1 win over the Athletics.

The 33-year-old didn't deliver any extra-base hits but went 2-for-4 with runners in scoring position to contribute to the blowout victory. Baez has been productive since returning from a three-month absence due to an ankle sprain earlier this week, as he's gone 8-for-14 with a double, five RBI and five runs scored in three games.

The Cardinals selected Mathews' contract from Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

After posting a 3.13 ERA and 1.14 WHIP through 92 innings at Memphis, Mathews will make his MLB debut Saturday against a Blue Jays lineup that's put up just a .642 OPS since the All-Star break. His promotion gives the Cardinals six starters in their rotation, though the 25-year-old could claim a permanent spot with the big club if St. Louis trades away another starter before the deadline Monday. Matt Svanson was optioned to Triple-A Memphis to make room for Mathews on the active roster, and Tink Hence was DFA'd to clear a 40-man spot.

Chaparro went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Friday's loss to Atlanta.

The 27-year-old replaced Luis Garcia (knee) in the seventh inning and took Elieser Hernandez deep in the ninth. Chaparro is up to six homers in the majors this season, and five of them have come in 10 games since the All-Star break, a stretch in which he's batting .360 (9-for-25) with two doubles, eight runs and 13 RBI. Garcia's name was already showing up in trade rumors, and if he's removed from the picture at first base either due to injury or being dealt, Chaparro could get more consistent playing time over the final weeks of the season.

Springs (3-11) took the loss Friday versus the Tigers, allowing two runs on four hits and five walks over four innings in a 13-1 defeat. He struck out two.

Springs exited his previous start last weekend due to hip discomfort, but he was able to make his next turn through the rotation. The left-hander didn't show much command Friday, as he set a season high in walks while throwing just 44 of 86 pitches for strikes. Springs has surrendered at least one home run in five straight starts and has a 9.13 ERA, 1.90 WHIP and 15:20 K:BB over 23.2 innings during that stretch. His 11 losses this season tie him with Tanner Bibee for the most in the majors.

Madden (1-0) earned the win in Friday's 13-1 victory against the Athletics. He allowed two hits and two walks while striking out two over three scoreless innings.

The Tigers scratched Casey Mize from Friday's start with the trade deadline looming and instead went with a bullpen game. Tyler Holton served as the opener, and Madden followed with three scoreless frames of bulk relief. The right-hander rejoined the Tigers on July 21 after spending just over a month at Triple-A Toledo, and he's pitched well since returning to the majors with a 0.90 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 10:7 K:BB across 10 innings (four appearances).

Benge went 3-for-4 with a double in Friday's loss to the Marlins.

The Mets managed just seven hits total on the night, so Benge's big night didn't lead to any offense, but the rookie outfielder continues to build momentum. He's banged out seven knocks in the last four games, and over 50 contests since the beginning of June he's produced a .280/.338/.435 slash line with seven homers, eight steals, 20 RBI and 27 runs.